#2 When the Moon Turns Red

Evie

I didn’t know what I expected Noah to be like, but it wasn’t this. I was surprised to see him show up at the club. I knew it was a set up by Molly. There was no way this was a coincidence. I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to trust him or not, but I decided that one drink couldn’t hurt; especially since Molly had ditched me, again.

“My brothers are all older than me.” I said. I wasn’t sure why I was telling Noah about my brothers or anything about my personal life, for that matter. But, here I was, in the dimly lit bar, spilling my guts to Noah Landry.

“Ah, I have a baby sister too.” Noah smiled at me.

“Are you calling me a baby?” I said defensively. Noah’s smile vanished,

“No, no. I just mean that I have a younger sister who has to put up with three older brothers, too.” He said quickly. I wasn’t sure why I got so much enjoyment out of teasing Noah, but it came so easily that I couldn’t help myself. It was like he was trying way too hard to impress me, but I had no idea why.

“Technically I have two older brothers and a twin. But, he’s five minutes older than me and never lets me forget it.” I shrugged.

“Wow, having a twin must have been interesting growing up.” Noah said. I laughed at him,

“Yeah, you could say that.” I looked out across the dance floor, spotting Molly still going strong with some random guy she just met.

“Did you want to dance?” Noah asked me suddenly. I shook my head,

“No, not even a little bit.” I said. Noah sighed, looking relieved,

“Me either.” He smiled again. I couldn’t help but get lost in his eyes when he smiled. He grinned so wide that the little dimples on his cheeks popped out and his dark olive-colored eyes sparkled. I didn’t realize I was staring until Noah cleared his throat and brought me back to reality.

“I hope you’ll consider coming to the bonfire tomorrow night.” Noah said.

“Another one?” I said in surprise.

“It’s fall in Lafayette, we have a bonfire every weekend.” He shrugged.

“I’m not sure, last weekend was enough excitement for me.” I said.

“I promise that, that won’t happen again.” Noah sighed. He actually seemed concerned with what I thought about him and genuine about making up for the fight.

“Why do you care so much about what I think?” I asked honestly. Noah looked taken aback by my candor.

“I don’t want you to be afraid of me.” He answered. When he looked at me I felt a fire deep inside my chest ignite, a warmth that I had never felt before. I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not, yet. Every inch of my body was telling me to trust him, to give in. My brain was the only logical part of me left.

“I should go.” I said, standing up and grabbing my jacket. I had the sudden urge for some fresh air. Noah stood up with me.

“You’re always running away.” He said, almost sadly.

“I can only handle social interaction in small doses.” I teased.

“At least let me walk you to your car. You shouldn’t be out there alone.” Noah offered. I nodded,

“That would be nice, thank you.” I said. Noah lead the way through the bar and held open the door for me.

I paused when I stepped outside to pull on my jacket. I felt Noah come up behind me and hold my jacket up, helping me into it. His fingers brushed across my scarred shoulder and I shivered as the same sparks I felt at the guest house covered my skin.

“Thanks.” I mumbled, feeling his breath on the back of my neck and sensing his closeness. I stepped away and Noah appeared at my side.

“I hope you come tomorrow.” He said again, opening up my car door.

“I’ll think about it.” I promised him.

“It was really good to see you again, Evie, or whatever your name is.” Noah’s voice had grown husky as he leaned over the door and towards me.

“It’s just Evie,” I said defiantly. He smirked at me and wiggled his eyebrows. Two can play hardball.

“I know you and Molly set this up, I just can’t figure out why.” I surprised him by saying.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He grinned, winking at me. I shook my head at him, pulling the car door shut from under his arm.

I drove home thinking about Noah’s intoxicating eyes and the overwhelming feelings they gave me. I had only felt anything close to this once before, and I nearly died then. I wasn’t sure I could survive these feelings again.

I spent the entire next day arguing with myself about going to the party. Mostly, I was trying to decide if I wanted to fight what I felt for Noah or just go with it. Molly texted me first thing in the morning, begging me to come. I had no idea why she wanted me there considering she’ll probably just ditch me like she always does. That girl is going to drink herself into a whole lot of bad decisions.

“Screw it.” I said to myself. Grabbing my keys and heading for the car. I asked myself what I was doing the entire drive there.

By the time I pulled into the parking area, I still wasn’t sure that I made the right decision. I grumbled at myself for thinking this was a good idea. I was contemplating going back home when there was a knock on my window. I looked up to see Sawyer waving at me with a stupid grin on his face. I opened the door and stepped out of the car.

“Look who decided to show up.” Sawyer said.

“How are you?” I asked, inspecting his face for any bruising. I was surprised to find nothing.

“Oh, I’m fine, really. Noah and I exchange blows at least once a week.” He joked.

“So everyone keeps telling me.” I mumbled.

“Come on, let’s head to the beach. Noah will be happy you came.” Sawyer led me through the cars.

“Why?” I asked.

“Huh?” Sawyer seemed distracted.

“Why would Noah be happy to see me?” I asked again.

“Oh, he just didn’t want to think that he scared you off for good after the last time.” He shrugged.

“Why does everyone care so much about what I think of Noah?” I was starting to get the impression that I was being set up and I wasn’t a fan of the idea.

“Maybe we see something that you don’t.” Sawyer winked.

“Well cut it out, I’m not interested in getting involved with anyone.” I grumbled. Sawyer rolled his eyes at me,

“You have got to learn to live a little, Evie.” He sounded like my mother. We reached the ledge and Sawyer jumped over it.

“Uh a little help.” I complained as Sawyer kept walking across the beach.

“Allow me.” I felt my expression change to annoyance as a familiar voice approached me from the side.

“Noah.” I grumbled, watching as Sawyer retreated.

“It’s good to see you too.” Noah chuckled, reaching up and placing his hands around my waist.

“Hey!” I whined as he lifted me off the ground and placed me on the sand.

“Sorry, I thought you needed some help.” Noah said, removing his hands slowly.

“I didn’t need you to do it for me.” I groaned, tugging at my shirt which had scrunched up and revealed my stomach.