London Prep: Book Two

by Dodd, Jillian

  But I see him visibly drop his shoulders, and I know he’s giving in to me.

  “Come on. It will be fun,” I say, not giving him a chance to change his mind. I grab on to his arm, pulling him into my room.

  “This is so exciting,” Naomi says, bringing her hands together in front of her like she’s a mad scientist.

  I push Noah onto my bed, climbing next to him before tucking my feet under my butt.

  “Can you grab a clip from the desk?” I ask Naomi.

  “A clip?” Noah asks, looking up at me, frightened.

  “For your hair.” I roll my eyes at him, grabbing the face mask.

  Naomi throws me the clip, and I pull Noah’s hair back, so it’s off his face.

  “You gave in so easily,” Naomi says, sitting back down on the side of the bed.

  I stick my finger into the face mask, getting a dollop and spreading it across his cheek.

  Noah glances up to Naomi. “I’ve learned it’s better to give in to Mallory than deal with her mood if you don’t,” he says as I hand Naomi the mask.

  She dips her finger in, running it across his other cheek.

  I smirk, feeling a slight amount of accomplishment at his statement.

  “Has Noah Williams been broken?” Naomi laughs, handing me back the mask.

  “Oh, stop,” I interject, not liking how that sounds. “I think we’ve just embraced our differences and learned to live happily under the same roof.”

  Noah’s eyes connect with mine, and his lips pull at the corner, his eyes creasing. “Yeah, something like that.”

  “I’m going to go wash this off,” Naomi says, eyeing her green fingers. “You can finish him up.”

  Naomi stands up, slipping out of my room and into the bathroom.

  I finish putting on Noah’s face mask, making sure not to miss any piece of his creamy skin.

  “It actually smells nice,” he comments, looking up at me.

  “I was surprised too,” I admit.

  I take in his perfectly shaped eyebrows, my finger making its way across his forehead, down his cheek, and around his mouth.

  My gaze follows my finger, lingering on his lips.

  “Finished.” I smile.

  “How do I look?” Noah asks, sitting up, as Naomi comes back into the bedroom.

  We both look him over, taking in his clipped-back hair, green face, and shirtless torso.

  Naomi and I burst out laughing.

  “Gorgeous, obviously,” I answer, covering my mouth, trying to compose myself.

  Noah looks slightly offended, but he just nods his head. “Shouldn’t have asked,” he mumbles, standing up.

  “Do you guys want to watch a movie? We have to let the face mask sit for a bit,” Naomi says.

  “Yeah, that sounds fun,” I say.

  I look over to Noah, wondering if he’s going to join us or stay on his game.

  “All right. I’ve got to go log out though,” Noah says, rubbing the back of his neck.

  “Perfect.” I grin.

  Naomi and I shuffle downstairs, switching on the television. She curls up onto the couch, slipping underneath a blanket.

  “You look cozy.” I smile at her.

  “This is so nice. I never get the house to myself,” she comments, glancing around. “Where are Noah’s parents anyway?”

  “They’re at a work dinner. It was actually kind of fun, seeing them dressed up before they left.”

  “Aww,” she coos as I sit down onto the couch next to her. “Speaking of romance, I saw you and Harry together today in Geography.”

  I look over at her, wondering where she’s going with this. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah.” She nods. “I’ve been watching you two.”

  “You’ve been watching us?” I repeat.

  Naomi nods again. “Clearly, Olivia will glance over at you two and come back snarling or rolling her eyes. Sometimes, she even flares her nostrils too, which is actually quite funny.” She giggles. “But she never really looks at you two. Like, to figure out what’s between you. Anyway, I looked over today, and it was so obvious.”

  “What was?” I ask.

  “You love him.”

  “Love?” I cough out, trying to catch my breath.

  “I think you love him,” she repeats.

  She looks at me like she’s curious as to what my response is going to be.

  But at the same time, she’s looking at me like I don’t have a clue.

  And apparently, she does.

  “I really care about Harry,” I admit. “But love? That’s a big deal.”

  “It really isn’t though,” she disagrees.

  “How could I love him? I’ve known him for a week and a half,” I say, shaking my head.

  Because she’s sounding crazy.

  “You’re upset,” she starts, tilting her head. “Interesting. I thought you might be embarrassed. But not upset.”

  “I’m not upset,” I force out. “I just … I don’t want to give off the wrong impression. Or move too quickly. Love is a big deal, you know. Or at least, it should be. I don’t want to be one of those girls who falls in love with every guy who takes her on a date.”

  “Trust me, that’s more my personality than yours.” Naomi laughs.

  I glance up at her, instantly feeling bad.

  “I didn’t mean that—” I start, but she interrupts me.

  “I know. I’m not saying you’re in love with him. I’m just saying, I think you love him.”

  “Being in love versus loving someone are really different though,” I comment.

  “They are. I actually think loving someone is more important.”

  “Really?” I ask.

  Naomi nods. “I think it’s easy to fall in love. It’s fun and romantic. And when things are going right, everything pushes you toward it. A good boyfriend should make it easy to fall in love with him. He brings you flowers and chocolates. Treats you right and takes you on nice dates. He kisses you like there isn’t anyone else in the world. But that’s the thing; it’s all pretty and perfect. And then, secretly, he actually likes someone else, too, or he just thinks he can get in your pants once he’s infiltrated your heart.”

  I look Naomi over. “It sounds like you’re talking from experience.”

  She nods her head. “Boys will always want in your heart because they think it will get them into your pants. And usually, it does. But enough about that. I think loving someone and not being in love with them is even better. Because you love your mum. Or your friend. And you see them happy and sad. You get into fights and make up. You really love them for who they are, knowing everything. It isn’t perfect.”

  “So, do you want a boyfriend who you love or one who you’re in love with?”

  “Ideally both.” Naomi grins. “But my point is, just because you love Harry, it shouldn’t freak you out.”

  “You say I love Harry,” I correct. “I haven’t said that yet.”

  “You don’t have to. And anyway, I’m not sure it even matters.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, feeling more and more confused by Naomi’s words.

  She smiles at me but doesn’t answer my question. Instead, she grabs the remote and starts flipping through channels.

  “Anything good on?” Noah asks, coming downstairs before going into the kitchen.

  And I’m sort of grateful for the interruption.

  “I haven’t found anything yet,” Naomi says.

  “I’m going to make us some popcorn.” I get up off the couch.

  I walk into the kitchen, looking down at my bunny slippers. Noah is bent down with his head in the fridge.

  “Helen said she made dinner before she left,” I comment, realizing he’s probably hungry. “Or there’s leftover pizza.”

  “I’ll leave the pizza for you two,” he says, pulling out a casserole.

  I nod, feeling like my stomach is on a roller coaster.

  I move to the cupboard and take out the popcorn.

&n
bsp; “What’s up?” Noah whispers at my side, looking down at me with concern.

  I look up at him, not sure what to say.

  So, I just shrug.

  He pulls me into a quick hug, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Why don’t you go sit down? I’ll make the popcorn.”

  “Really?”

  He nods. “You want it with chocolate on top, yeah?”

  I nod, still in his arms. I hug him back, feeling a little better.

  “Noah’s making us popcorn,” I call out to Naomi.

  “Yuuum. Bring the pizza in too,” she says back.

  Noah hands me the pizza box with a warm smile before ushering me back into the living room. I set the box down onto the coffee table and then curl up on the couch with Naomi.

  “Find anything yet?”

  “Are you okay with a romance?” she asks.

  “Definitely.” I grin. “But we should wash our faces first.”

  “Good thinking,” she agrees.

  We clean off our faces and then start the movie, getting settled. Noah brings in the popcorn and sits down on the couch with us.

  “This is delicious,” Naomi gushes, shoving another bite into her mouth.

  “It is,” I agree.

  Noah dips his hand into the bowl, finding a piece drenched in chocolate and bringing it to his lips.

  Halfway through the movie, Naomi passes out after helping us finish most of the popcorn and all of the pizza.

  She’s snuggled up under the blanket, her head resting on a pillow.

  And she actually looks really comfortable.

  “I don’t think she could handle the chocolate,” Noah whispers to me, glancing between me and Naomi.

  “I don’t think she could either.” I smile.

  Helen and Gene return a short time later, and by the time the movie’s over, I can barely keep my eyes open.

  “Those slippers are mad,” Noah says as I get up off the couch, trying my best not to wake up Naomi.

  “I know,” I whisper back. “But she was excited.”

  We move into the kitchen, taking in the popcorn bowl and empty pizza box.

  “You know I was teasing about your pajamas earlier. Right?”

  I roll my eyes at him. “I know. But it doesn’t matter to me anyway. It’s not like I’m the biggest fan either. But it’s fun, having Naomi over.”

  Noah nods his head. “It’s kind of different, seeing you hang out with a girl.”

  “It’s probably shocking.” I laugh, realizing I’m always with him, Mohammad, and Harry.

  “A little,” he agrees, putting the pizza box in the recycling before coming over to stand in front of the sink with me.

  “I’m exhausted,” I say, the early morning and events of the day finally hitting me. I rest my head on Noah’s shoulder, mindlessly rinsing out the popcorn bowl.

  “Why don’t you wake up Naomi and head up to bed? I’ll clean out the bowl,” he says, running his hand down over my hair.

  The feeling is soothing, and I close my eyes.

  “You’re a dream,” I say. “Thanks.”

  I pull Noah into a hug, resting my head against his chest. His body is warm against mine, and it makes me want to fall asleep right here, standing up. He rests his chin on top of my head, his hands around my waist.

  “Night, Mal,” he says, pulling back.

  “Night, Noah.”

  Thursday, October 3rd

  Caught doing something.

  Too early

  I wake up to a soft knock on my door. Noah’s looking into my room, his eyes shifting between Naomi and me. I rub my eyes, wondering what he wants so early.

  Run, he mouths, nodding his head for me to come with him.

  He closes the door, the light from the hallway disappearing. It’s still dark out, and I glance over at Naomi, who is snoring softly in bed next to me.

  I sit up and look at the time.

  Ugh.

  I really don’t feel like running this morning.

  If anything, I feel like turning off my alarm altogether, skipping morning classes, and staying in my pajamas until noon.

  I look between Naomi and the door, trying to decide what I want to do. Naomi’s breathing is steady, and I’m tempted to lie back down in bed and fall asleep.

  But Noah’s waiting for me.

  I get out of bed as quietly as I can, write out a note for Naomi on a sticky note—Went running—and put it on the nightstand next to her, just in case she wakes up.

  I pull open my drawer, grabbing workout pants, a sports bra, and socks. Then, I pick up my shoes off the floor and leave my room.

  When I get into the hallway, Noah’s waiting for me.

  “Ready?” he asks.

  I glance over at him, not fully awake. “I’m going to need a minute to change,” I comment, walking into the bathroom.

  I brace myself for the lights, squinting as I flick on the switch.

  “Can I borrow a sweatshirt?” I ask, gathering my hair into a ponytail.

  “Sure.” Noah nods. He shifts away from the doorway, leaving me in the bathroom alone as he goes to his room.

  I brush my teeth and throw a little water on my face, patting it dry with a towel.

  “Here,” Noah says, handing me a soft, worn-in football sweatshirt.

  “Thanks.” I close the bathroom door, change out of my pajamas, and reopen the door. “All right, I guess I’m ready.”

  “Do you want a little coffee first?” Noah asks, following behind me as I move slowly down the stairs.

  I just nod my head, slipping into the kitchen.

  “Sit,” Noah says, pulling out a chair at the table for me.

  He moves quickly, turning on the kettle and adding instant coffee to a cup.

  “You’re tired this morning,” he comments, leaning against the counter.

  “I am. But after all the popcorn, chocolate, and pizza last night, I need the run.”

  “It wasn’t the healthiest,” Noah agrees. He takes the kettle off the stove before it sounds, pouring the hot water into the cup and handing it to me.

  “Thanks,” I mumble, letting the steam warm my face. I take a small sip and can’t help but smile. “So much better.”

  “You and your coffee.” Noah laughs. “You’re an addict.”

  “I know.”

  I grin at him, taking another sip. His chestnut hair is brushed through, and he has on a fitted long-sleeved shirt and joggers. His eyes are bright, and I can already tell he’s way more awake than me.

  “How are you such a morning person? It’s annoying.”

  “You’re a morning person, too, after a few coffees.”

  I roll my eyes. “Between you and Naomi, I’m beginning to feel like a morning monster.”

  “A morning monster?” Noah asks, tilting his head at me.

  “Mmhmm,” I say, taking another sip. “You look like you’re ready for a loungewear photo shoot, and Naomi is upstairs, asleep, looking like she’s an actual angel.”

  “What do you mean, a loungewear photo shoot?” Noah asks seriously, dropping his chin, glancing down at himself.

  “I mean, you look perfect this morning. Your hair is perfectly mussed, and you look clean and sporty. It’s frustrating,” I mumble. “And Naomi. All she’s missing is the halo. Seriously, her hands are tucked under her cheeks as we speak.”

  “You think I look perfect?” Noah asks, glancing at me as he sits down.

  “I think you missed the whole second half of my rant.”

  “You’re upset because I have good hair and Naomi sleeps like an angel? Am I missing anything?” Noah asks, putting his chin in his hand, resting his elbow on the table.

  I take another sip of coffee, trying to drown out his words.

  I wake up, looking like I’ve just been taken from the dead, while, apparently, everyone else in this house wakes up, looking like they’ve just arrived back from a long, restful vacation.

  “It’s not fair. Why does she get to look like
she could be in a mattress ad while I drool in my sleep?”

  “You do drool,” Noah says, weighing his head back and forth, obviously understanding my point.

  My mouth drops open at him. “You’re not supposed to agree with me,” I say defensively.

  “What am I supposed to say then?” Noah asks, his brown eyes sparkling with way too much wit this morning.

  “You’re supposed to say, Mallory, you don’t drool in your sleep. And even if you did on occasion, I’m sure no one would ever notice. And did I mention that you aren’t a morning monster at all? In fact, you yourself are an angel in the mornings. And if you didn’t know so, I’m telling you so now.”

  Noah just shrugs at me. “You drool in your sleep. What’s the big deal?”

  “Ugh,” I moan, covering my face with my hand.

  “It’s true though.” Noah laughs. “You slept through an entire movie on my chest, so I would know.”

  I look up at him, swallowing hard.

  “Feeling more awake?” he asks, his lips pulling at the corner as I set the coffee cup down onto the table.

  “Mmhmm,” I say, standing up.

  “All right. Let’s go then.”

  The cold morning air hits me instantly, causing a shiver to run through me.

  I jump up and down, trying to warm my muscles.

  “It’s freezing today,” I say, rubbing my arms.

  “It is colder than usual,” Noah admits.

  But when I look at him, I notice that he doesn’t seem bothered by it.

  He stretches out his legs, pressing the front of his foot against his butt before moving to the other leg.

  We’re slower than usual this morning, but we keep a consistent pace. As we make our way out of the Williams’ neighborhood and up to the park, I’m surprised to find it almost empty.

  Normally, there are a lot of people out.

  But not this morning.

  I think the rest of London decided to sleep in peacefully like Naomi, who is back at the house, curled up in a warm, happy ball.

  My chest pounds as Noah picks up the pace, but when I look over at him, he barely looks winded.

  “You’re a machine today,” I comment, trying to keep up.

  Noah’s eyes crease at the corners, his lips pulling into a smile. “I’m just running.” He says it like it’s no big deal, and to him, it probably isn’t.