I mimed a pulling motion. “I got them out.” I rotated my arm, letting the firelight highlight the burns. “They all suffered more than I did.”
“I’m so sorry, Bishop.” Noelle leaned forward and kissed my arm. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. You’re a hero. You did what few people would. You put yourself at risk to save your friends.”
“They would have done the same for me.” We’d had each other’s backs throughout my entire military career. I still talked to them from time to time.
“I’ve never met anyone who was that selfless.” Noelle sighed and leaned into the curve of the chair. The move put us shoulder to shoulder when I leaned back. “Thank you for sharing your story with me.”
It was a stark reminder of why she was here. “I told that story for Noelle the woman, not Noelle the reporter.”
“I know. I won’t tell a soul.” She dragged a finger over her heart in an X.
I waited for the pity and the fear to take over her expression.
When I looked at her, I saw neither.
She leaned forward and brushed a kiss across my brow.
“What was that for?” I wasn’t complaining, just curious.
Her lips twitched. “That was for being the bravest man I know. For serving your country and sacrificing so much in the line of duty.”
The brush of her fingers over my buzzed scalp sent so many emotions through my body, I didn’t have a prayer of identifying them.
There were no words capable of expressing my thoughts, nothing I could say that covered the way she made me feel with her admiration.
I clasped her hand, giving her fingers a squeeze.
She did the same, her eyes growing damp. “You keep surprising me, Bishop. You all do.” She gave a trembling sigh. “I don’t understand what happened tonight or why Rafe allowed those people to think you cut the town’s power. But hearing your story proves that I’ve been right all along.”
“What do you mean?” I leaned toward her.
“Soup’s ready.” Colt clapped as he barged from the kitchen to the living area. “Good thing we have that industrial gas stove.”
Noelle made no move to stand.
She met my eyes and squeezed my fingers again. “You’re a good man, Bishop.”
I was a mess, but I appreciated her words.
People didn’t say things like that to me.
I never thought I needed them to, but things were different with Noelle.
I cared what she thought about me.
Standing, I helped her to her feet. “Don’t let anyone else hear you say that. I have a reputation to protect.”
She mimed zipping her lips. “Your secret is safe with me.”
It had better be.
I could only imagine what Rafe would do if Noelle blew our cover.
12
NOELLE
I sat and tried to enjoy the soup I’d helped cook.
