Chapter 161: Out of control

NOAH

Emma and Deacon didn't stay very long after that-big surprise. Emma wore this pinched, uptight expression, and as soon as Deacon wandered back to the porch, glancing at both of us cautiously, she grabbed his hand and told him that she was ready to leave.

But she got in one more parting shot before she took off.

"Noah, I love you." She laid her slim, cool hands on either side of my face, staring into my eyes. "You really are my best friend, and I don't want that to change. But look at what you're doing. Look at the choices you're making, the life you're leading. It's a mess. It's not you. If Angela could see-" She broke off, either because of her own emotion or because she saw the pain in my eyes. "Noah, she wouldn't recognize you. I barely do. So please, please, sweetie, do me a favor and slow down. Think about all of this." She'd tiptoed up to kiss my cheek. "And don't forget to call me, because I miss you."

I patted her back, mumbled something that I hoped sounded convinc