“She’s upstairs working in one of the guest rooms. Rafe’s in his office.” Ash shook his head. “I’m headed up to see if they want to come down for dinner.”
Like me, Rafe had been avoiding Noelle, I suspected for the same reason.
Rafe distrusted the world, and the attraction I’d seen between him and Noelle created a conflict I understood since I felt the same way.
A roar whooshed on the other side of the metal door that led to the alley behind the club.
“What the hell?” Ash shoved past me and pushed open the door.
A wall of white blasted into the room.
“Fuck.” Ash pulled on the door, but the howling wind ripped it from his hands and sent it crashing backward.
I stalked into the swirling snow and grabbed the door with both hands.
The wind tore at my jacket and slammed icy particles into my face and neck.
I bared my teeth at the raging storm and backed into the storage room, slamming and locking the door.
“What happened?” Noelle’s soft voice reached me despite the angry wind outside.
I turned, my gaze finding her in an instant.
She wore black yoga pants and a long, red sweater that ended mid-thigh.
Her dark red curls fell around her shoulders, framing her beautiful round face.
Her lips pulled into a frown, and I had a sudden urge to kiss her again.
Ash handed me a towel and mimed wiping his face. “Storm’s here. Hope you weren’t planning on going anywhere.”
Rafe walked down the stairs behind Noelle.
He stopped near the windows and peered out. “Latest report says it could last several days.”
“Guess we’ll have to figure out a way to keep ourselves entertained.” Ash rubbed his palms together. “Noelle, how do you feel about poker?”
Her gaze flitted from Ash to me and back to Ash. “Poker? About the same as I do pool. I’ve never played.”
“Well that’s a tragedy.” Ash held out a hand. “Come on, I’ll teach you how to play. Everyone should at least understand the basics of the game.”
He cupped her elbow.
The two of them walked to the nearest high table.
Ash pulled a deck of cards from his back pocket, stuck a piece of candy in his mouth, and shuffled the cards while talking animatedly.
Noelle leaned in, cupping her chin in her palm with her elbow on the table.
She’d sat that way at the bar the night she arrived.
It made her approachable, and when she leaned in, I knew Ash felt like she hung onto his every word.
Maybe she did.
I’d watched her interview others in the club over the last few days.
Something about her put them at ease, and I distrusted anyone who made everyone feel seen and heard.
