We weren’t within walking distance of anything. Noah drove the car to work, so isolation had become the norm. Even though engaging with people was difficult, I still craved company. I had never spent so much time alone before, and going ten or twelve hours a day without speaking to anyone was incredibly lonely.
I danced around the room.We haven’t been out on a date in forever!
While the shower ran in the adjacent bathroom, I combed my brown hair and styled it. The lengthy tresses fell past my shoulders, and because they sometimes got in my face, I clipped the hair back on both sides. After changing into a black shirt, I loosened the top button and wondered if today was a special occasion. Had he found a job closer to home?
Makeup? Check.But not too much.Jewelry? Definite check. A few silver chains with pendants, a citrine ring, and my beloved charm bracelet.
Once the shower stopped, Noah strolled in naked while towel drying his long hair. “Did you finish any puzzles in that book I left you?”
I hate puzzles.
“A few,” I replied from the vanity stool by the window.
“I know how you like to read.” After zipping up his pants, Noah doused himself in heavy cologne. Then he stood behind me and bent over until our eyes met in the mirror. “Aren’t you glad I took off early and made time for you?” He buttoned my top button.
I leaned away. “You’re dripping on me.”
He nipped my ear, making me giggle. “Put it up.”
“You don’t like my hair this way?”
“The ponytail suits you better. I can see your pretty face and slender neck.” He gave my hair a light tug in the back. “If you wear it up, I’ll give you a reward.”
I turned to look at him. “And what would that be?”
“Dessert.” His thin lips eased into a grin. “Chop-chop. They don’t serve lunch all day.” Noah searched the closet for a shirt while I removed the clips and combed my hair into a ponytail.
“What kind of dessert do they have where you’re taking me?”
“Whatever you want, baby.”
Before spraying perfume on my wrists, I moved my charm bracelet up my left arm so it wasn’t in the line of fire.
“Noah? Should I bring a shawl?” When he didn’t answer, I realized he’d left the room.
The only shoes I owned were a pair of black lace-up boots. They were comfortable, practical, and didn’t take up room in the closet. After slipping my feet into them, I tied the laces.
“Cecilia!”
The hairs on the back of my neck prickled from his strident call.
“Get in here.” His terse command was more frightening than the yelling.
When I entered the living area, I spotted him by the spare bedroom.
He pointed at the open door. “What the hell is this?”
Striding up to him, I replied, “Books.”
His jaw clenched. “From where?”
“They were delivered.”
Noah slammed the door. “Stop being evasive. You know I hate it when you lie.”
Mustering the courage to confess, I replied, “I told you about my father being a collector.”
“You mean a hoarder.”
