Falling for the Bad Brother//A Noah Flynn Story

Chapter 4

Ashley's POV

The next morning, I woke up with a pounding headache and a throat that felt like sandpaper. Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed and grabbed my phone from the dresser. Six messages blinked on the screen—two from Dad, one from Elle, Lee, and two from Noah. I opened Dad's message first.

From: Dad - 7:39 a.m.
Hey sweetie. I checked on you this morning, and you were still out cold. You had a fever, so I called the school and told them you're sick. Left some medicine on the counter. Feel better, okay?

To: Dad - 8:25 a.m.
Thanks, Dad. I'll take the meds. See you later.

Next, I opened Elle's texts.

From: Elle - 8:20 a.m.
Hey, Noah, Lee, and I are looking for you. Text me when you get to school.

From: Elle - 8:21 a.m.
Never mind, Dad said you're sick. I'll grab your assignments. Rest up, love you!

To: Elle - 8:26 a.m.
Thanks, Elle. See you later. Love you too.

Lee's message was next.

From: Lee - 8:15 a.m.
Hey girly, when are you getting to school? We're already here, waiting for you.

To: Lee - 8:27 a.m.
Sorry, Lee. Not feeling great today. Catch you later.

Then, finally, Noah's.

From: Noah - 8:20 a.m.
Hey babe, where are you? School starts in ten minutes.

From: Noah - 8:23 a.m.
Never mind. Just heard you're sick. I'll come by with some soup during lunch. Feel better. <3

A smile tugged at my lips as I texted him back.

To: Noah - 8:31 a.m.
Soup sounds perfect. Can't wait to see you. <3

I tossed my phone onto the bed and rummaged through my closet for something comfortable. After a quick shower, I dried my hair, applied a little mascara and spritzed some perfume—just enough to feel human. My phone pinged as I was heading out.

From: Noah
Chicken noodle soup, your favorite. See you soon, babe.

With a grin, I pocketed my phone and headed to the kitchen. I grabbed eggs and bacon from the fridge, throwing them in separate pans while flipping on the TV. Nothing but boring news. I switched to cartoons and zoned out as I ate, letting the noise fill the quiet house. After breakfast, I took the medicine Dad left and lounged around, trying to get some laundry and homework done.

By noon, Noah arrived, knocking lightly before I let him in.

"Hey, babe," he said, stepping inside with a warm smile.

"Thanks for coming," I said, smiling back.

"How're you feeling?" He kissed my forehead, concern softening his voice as he made his way to the kitchen.

"A bit better, but my throat still feels like I swallowed glass," I admitted, following behind him.

"Good thing I brought you soup." Noah held up the bowl proudly, like he'd just won a prize.

"You're the best," I said, beaming.

"Also... I might've skipped breakfast, so I brought myself something too. Thought we could eat together." He pulled out a sandwich for himself.

"Always forgetting something, aren't you?" I teased, shaking my head.

He cocked an eyebrow. "What was that?"

"Nothing," I said, trying to suppress a smile.

"Oh no, I heard something," he challenged, grinning as he put my soup in the microwave.

"I didn't say anything," I insisted, feeling my cheeks flush.

"You sure about that?" He leaned in playfully.

"Yes!" I shot back, eyes wide, and we both laughed.

After a few minutes, he set my steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup in front of me. I wasted no time digging in, the warmth soothing my sore throat.

"So, have you guys come up with an idea for the carnival yet?" he asked, sitting down beside me with his sandwich.

"Yeah, we're thinking of doing a kissing booth," I said between bites. "But we're not sure who's going to work it. We might ask the cheerleaders and some football players."

Noah paused, his sandwich halfway to his mouth. "I could help."

I blinked, surprised. "Wait, what? You want to work the kissing booth?"

"Yeah, if it helps. I mean, if you're okay with it... since, you know, we're dating now." His voice slowed on the last part, and I could see his hesitation.

The thought of him kissing other girls twisted something inside me. I frowned, realizing how weird that would be. "On second thought... maybe that's not the best idea."

"Yeah, you're right. Bad idea." Noah nodded, finishing his sandwich. "But I'll still help you find people for it."

I smiled. "That sounds better."

He caught my eye, and we shared a quiet moment before his face broke into a grin. "What?"

"You're changing," I said, chuckling. "You never used to like helping with anything."

"That's true. But for you? I'll help with anything," he said, his hand resting gently on mine.

"Alright, cheesy," I laughed, pulling my hand away playfully. "But seriously, thanks."

"I should probably head back to school," Noah said, checking his watch and standing up.

"Yeah, okay," I said, gathering our dishes and heading to the sink.

I walked him to the door, holding it open as he got on his bike.

"Do you want me to come by after school?" he asked, pausing.

"If you want to," I said, leaning against the doorframe.

"I'll see you later then," he said, smiling as he leaned in and kissed me softly.

I placed my hand on his shoulder, the warmth of the moment lingering as he pulled away.

"See you soon," I whispered.

After Noah rode off, I stood in the doorway for a moment, letting the crisp afternoon air brush against my face. The soft thrum of his bike slowly faded, leaving behind a peaceful stillness. I closed the door and leaned against it, feeling the warmth of his kiss still lingering on my lips.

I glanced at the clock—only a few more hours until school ended. I had time to rest before Noah came back. The house felt unusually quiet without the usual hum of activity. Normally, I'd be racing through my day, but now the slow, lazy pace felt foreign. It wasn't bad, though—just different.

Deciding to make the most of it, I grabbed a blanket from the living room and curled up on the couch. The cartoons still played in the background, though I wasn't really paying attention. Instead, I scrolled through my phone, half-heartedly replying to messages and checking social media.

Every now and then, my mind wandered back to Noah. How things had changed between us so quickly—it was almost dizzying. I smiled at the thought of him offering to help with the carnival, of how he was slowly opening up, showing me a side of him I hadn't seen before.

As I drifted off into a light sleep, thoughts of him lingered, comforting and warm, like the soup he'd brought me. Noah had become something I didn't know I needed—steady, kind, and surprising in the best ways.