A Shot at Love

A Shot Too Far

"And that's why I need you ladies to sign this." I exhale sharply, slapping the stack of papers and a pen onto the smooth, glossy surface of the patio table.

We're sitting outside at Urth Caffé, the sun shining down as a gentle Southern California breeze rustles the iconic palm trees above us. It's the kind of day that's made for mimosas, avocado toast, and—apparently—asking your best girlfriends to sign NDAs to keep your secret relationship under wraps.

Priya doesn't hesitate for a second. With effortless grace, she signs her name on the dotted line, adjusting the soft cashmere sweater slipping off her shoulder as she does. "Say less, honey. You know your secret's safe with me," her lips curl into a smile as she shoots me a playful wink.

Olivia leans in, her silky walnut-brown hair gleaming in the sunlight spilling across the table. "Kingston! I am shocked this was all going on, and you didn't tell me?" she shakes her head, eyes wide with mock disbelief. "Now it all makes sense why Justin lost his damn mind last night!" A giggle bubbles up as she grabs the pen from Priya, signing the NDA with a quick twirl.

"Don't remind me. Last night is officially filed away in the never-to-be-spoken-of-again box," I say with a wry grin, shaking my head.

My gaze flicks to Darcy, and she meets it instantly, her expression unreadable. Darcy is a newer friend from Babes Night In, but we clicked instantly. Her energy is electric, the kind of vibe that pulls you in and makes you want to be around her. I really like her. I just hope she says yes.

Darcy presses her lips together, then slowly pushes her sunglasses onto her head, where they settle in her wild, fire-engine red hair. She grips the NDA, turning it over in her hands, and gives it a careful once-over. I hold my breath, eyes locked on her, waiting for her verdict.

"This is the best tea I've heard in years! Obvi, I'm in!" Darcy announces, her raspy voice brimming with excitement. She stirs her brown sugar latte, and a sigh of relief escapes me.

Oh yeah, we are so back.

A ping vibrates my phone, and I glance down to see a new notification at the top of the screen. I tap it open.

Payment Received: River East sent you $250 on Venmo.

Coffee for you and the girls, on me. Miss you, baby.

I can't help but smile, my heart lifting at the thought. Noah's always thinking of me, even in the little moments. Sure, $250 is way too much for coffee, but I've learned to accept that he's a man who doesn't play small.

"What's with that secret smile?" Priya asks, pulling me back to reality.

I set my phone down, heat flooding my face. "Noah just Venmo'd me. He said coffee for us is on him."

"I need me a man like Noah!" Darcy exclaims, taking another sip of her iced latte. "How much does a billionaire think coffee costs for a small squad of girlfriends?"

I roll my eyes playfully, my cheeks turning even pinker. "$250," I whisper, barely able to believe it myself.

Darcy grins, clearly impressed. "I like his style, and I like his moves. He is a keeper for sure!"

I bite my lip, then blurt it out before I can stop myself. "He asked me to move in with him last night." I watch their faces closely, anxiety twisting in my stomach as I wait for their reactions. "What are your thoughts?"

Olivia's expression shifts, turning serious. "Don't you think it's kind of soon for that, babe?"

I pause, contemplating her words. "Yes and no. I can't really explain it, Liv. I've never felt so at home with someone before." A smile tugs at my lips, and I can't help but feel the familiar spark that always comes when I think of Noah. "It's like I can't even remember my life before him—and honestly, I wouldn't want to. If I moved in, I'd keep my place, but... the thought of waking up to him every morning? Very tempting."