“Hel-lo.” A roguish stranger with short, black hair and gray eyes smiled down at her. The guy looked taller than Noel, and unlike her neighbor, he actually seemed to enjoy seeing her there on the doorstep.
“Um, hi. I’msorry to intrude. I just wanted to drop off some cookies for Noel and see how the baby was doing.”
“Come on in. I’m Deacon.”
She flushed. “I’m Addy. Here.” She handed him the cookies and let him tug her into the entryway. He closed the door behind her, and she gaped at the interior.
The black ceramic floor of the entry melded into dark brown hardwoods throughout the open floorplan. She spared a glance for Noel, who was arguing with a giant of a man over a spacious kitchen island. Knowing she’d likely never get another look at the inside of the house, she quickly took it all in. The leather furniture, crafted wooden built-ins, and landscaped paintings on the walls left an impression. She felt gauche and uncultured by comparison.
No wonder Noel had seemed to lookthrough her the few times they’d met. He probably thought he was better than her because he had more money. A look at his house made her think he definitely outclassed her—money-wise at least.
Heck, her house had bits of her childhood artwork on the walls. Family photographs and cute-but-homey décor gave the house a warm feel. Nothing sophisticated or richy-rich, not like this place.
She tried to ignore not feeling good enough to breathe Noel’s air—You’re more than your paycheck, Addy, so much more—and glanced around for the baby.
“Where’s the little guy?” she asked.
“Noel Junior?” Deacon said with a grin.
“Still not funny,” Noel growled from her right.
She couldn’t help being startled. She hadn’t heard or seen him move. “Are you doing okaywith the baby?”
He nodded. “It took minimal research to figure out how to care for an infant. He’s high maintenance, but not too difficult to handle.”Not like you, his gaze seemed to say.
“Noel, my man.” Deacon’s eyes gleamed with mirth. “Addy brought cookies. I think I’m in love.”
Addy did her best not to blush, but Deacon’s flattery soothed that part of her that worriedshe’d never be enough for a man. Her pathetic dating life aside, being friends with Solene would be hard on any woman’s self-confidence. How easy to pale in her beautiful friend’s shadow.
“I didn’t mean to disturb you,” she said to Noel.
He didn’t seem pleased to see her in his home. She swallowed a sigh. Time to forget about Noel and focus on getting a life of her own, away frommen who didn’t like her. “Is your son doing okay?”
The giant by the kitchen island laughed and sauntered over. “Little Noel is good.”
“Shut it, Hammer,” Noel said, his voice cold enough to freeze hell over.
The large one named Hammer ignored him. “Addy, is it?” He took a cookie from the plate. “Oh man. Chocolate chip. My favorite.” He gently drew her with him into the livingarea. “Thanks. The little guy is fine.” He nodded down to the blanket on the floor, where Noel Jr. rocked on all fours and gurgled.
She melted and knelt by him. “Oh my goodness. You are too cute.” She smiled at him, enchanted when he smiled back at her.Someday I’ll have a baby of my own. A husband, a big family with the works: kids and pets and love.
She stroked the baby’s darkhair and sighed. Time to stop daydreaming about her mystery neighbor and get on with her life. The baby seemed fine. Noel had guests. Time to go.
She stood and found him right beside her. Off balance, she took a step back and nearly tripped over a large bouncy ball. But Noel caught her and frowned down at her.
His large hand remained on her waist and sent tingles up and down herspine.
“I guess I’ll head home now.” Her face felt hot. Geez. This guy turned her inside out. It was more than time to go. “Enjoy the cookies.”
He still hadn’t let go.
“Noel?”
Jesus.Not only did the woman turn him on just by breathing, she could bake too. The cookies Hammer and Deacon were wolfing down smelled delicious. But not as good as her.
“Saveme a few,” he ordered, unable to look away from a blushing Addy.
“You can let me go now, Noel. I’m not going to fall.”
