Hearts Ablaze (Hearts On Fire Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

get here so we can find out if anything else is going on, but for right now I’m okay. Thank you, Noah. I know I can be really hot and cold with you, but I’m just trying to figure out how to deal with all this. It’s not something I ever thought I’d have to deal with.” I can feel the damn tears welling up in my eyes. I am so sick of crying.
    Noah reaches out and cups my cheek in his rough, callused palm, giving me a small smile. Using his thumb, he brushes a tear off my cheek.“It’s okay, sweetheart. I understand. Not what you’re going through, but I understand the emotions behind what you’re feeling. I told you I wanted to be there for you. I’m not asking you to marry me and sail off into the sunset. I just want you to know that if you ever need to talk to someone, or scream and hit something, or hell, cry until your eyes are swollen shut, I’m here for you. I told you I wanted to be friends, and I mean it.”
    “Noah…” I don’t even know what to say, so I lean over and wrap my arms around his neck. He immediately enfolds me in his, hugging me tight. I let him hold me for just a moment and then I release him.
    “Well, I should get back, but thank you for coming, Noah. I really appreciate it. I’m sure my dad did too.”
    “Not a problem, Aubrey. Will you let me know what his doctor says?”
    “Yeah, of course. I’ll text you later.”
    He leans down and kisses my temple, then smiles and walks away. I’m left standing there trying to understand what’s happening. I hardly know him, yet he came all this way just to check in on my dad, someone he doesn’t even know. And he’s offering to be just my friend. Noah seems to be one of the most genuine people I’ve met. I think he really cares.
     
    ***
     
    Later, we receive the news that the chemo isn’t working. The tumor hasn’t shrunk at all, so they want to start a more aggressive round of chemo. They tell my dad this is his final option, but to be prepared for the worst. As soon as they leave the room, my mom breaks down sobbing. I can feel the backs of my eyes burning, but I hold the tears in. This is a nightmare, but I’m never going to be able to get out of it. My dad is dying. They may be able to slow it down and delay the inevitable, but he is dying. And there’s nothing we can do.
    After making sure my parents are all set, I head home. I texted Kennedy before I left that I need my best friend tonight, so I know she’s there waiting for me. I slowly trudge up the stairs and open our front door.
    “Kenni! I’m home!” I shout as I step into the living room, pulling off my boots and throwing them next to the front door.
    Kennedy comes walking out of my bedroom, a small smile on her face.
    “Hey, girl. So, uh, you have a visitor. I had him wait in your room because I didn’t know how you’d feel about his visit.”
    I immediately assume Noah is stalking me now and has somehow found my address, but it’s Landon who steps out of my bedroom.
    “Landon. What are you doing here?” I see Kennedy point at him and then back at me before heading to her room. She’s giving us some alone time before I talk to her.
    “Hey, sis. I’m sorry I haven’t spoken to any of you in a couple weeks. I’ve been such a dick, and I am so sorry. That wasn’t fair, and I know that.” He’s fighting his emotions, I can tell. His blue eyes are bloodshot and watery, and his brown hair looks like he’s been running his hands through it.
    “It wasn’t fair to Dad, Landon. I’m a big girl and can take care of myself, but it’s not fair to put him and Mom through your bullshit. I get it, Land. This fucking sucks, and you don’t even know the half of it. You haven’t been here these last couple weeks. Where have you been, anyway? It’s like you just went completely off the grid.”
    “I just holed up in my apartment, shut my cell phone off. I needed some time to come to terms with Dad being sick. I didn’t know how to act, what to do. I don’t