Chapter 19

Noah knew he’d have a great explanation, but he didn’t want to hear it. He couldn’t hear anything except the finality in his words.

“Then there’s really not anything else to say, is there?”

“Are you going to disappear off the face of the Earth again? No calls? No letters? Because I don’t think there will be anything to salvage between us if you do that a second time.”

“Do you hate me now?”

Lucas slowly shook his head.

“Then I’ll call you when I get back.”

“What about your father? Does he know your leaving?”

Noah rolled his eyes. “Even if he knew, do you think he’d care?”

“You came out here for a reason,” Luke pointed out.

“He had his chance to talk to me. Maybe it’ll be easier if I leave and he just starts sending letters again.”

“Maybe.”

Noah took a step toward him, closing the gap between them, but not quite putting himself in touching distance. “Can I…”

“What?”

“Can I just…kiss you good-bye?”