The three of us made our way into the kitchen to grab our lunches, then to the dining room to sit down. Nellie and Charlotte sat beside each other, and I sat down across from them. The pull to be near Nellie was difficult to ignore when she was right there. But I’d promised her we’d keep things professional between us, and I didn’t want her to regret taking this job. I had to keep telling myself she was here for the job, not me.
A few minutes later, Damien joined us. Easton was off today, and so were Rhonda and Denise.
Damien strolled over to Charlotte and pressed a kiss to her lips and sitting down across from her beside me.
“I texted your mom, the girls are having so much fun tobogganing with your dad.” Charlotte told him, holding up her phone so he could see the picture Mom must have texted her.
“If you guys want to head out after lunch, you can. We have two more checkouts to deal with.”
I was sure after watching Nellie with the Wallaces that she had checkouts covered, and if she didn’t, I’d be nearby to help.
Damien’s brow furrowed, and he sent me a distrustful look. I cocked a brow back at him, challenging. Did he think I was going to spread Nellie out on the desk and have my way with her? I mean, the idea of having my way with her again was enticing. If I wasn’t careful, I’d get myself worked up over the thought alone, but I wouldn’t do that when I’d promised not only my brothers I’d keep it professional, but Nellie too.
It bothered me that he thought I’d treat Nellie with anything less than the respect she deserved. I wasn’t used to feeling so bad about my previous reputation, or wishing I could change the narrative on it, but I found myself wishing I could do that.
Maybe my reputation had everything to do with Nellie’s reluctance toward me. The thought coiled around me like a dark shadow.
“What do you think, Nellie?” Charlotte asked our new employee, tilting her head.
“It’s up to you, I’m okay either way,” Nellie replied. She was careful not to look at me while she took a small bite of her pasta salad. I didn’t like that she avoided gazing at me; I wanted her eyes on me all the time.
“Hmm. Well, I do think you can handle those checkouts without me hovering over you. Besides, Noah’s right, Damien. It is quiet today, and we’re not supposed to get more snow until tomorrow.”
“Alright, sounds good.”
Damien and Charlotte left after they finished eating, and I tried to ignore the quiet tension that bloomed the moment Nellie and I were alone. I played it off, smiling and doing what I could to put her at ease.
We made it through the rest of the day without incident. The pull between us was a constant companion, and I didn’t know if it was due to my realizations or Nellie’s avoidance, but it sat heavily between us.
Finally, the workday was over. I felt like I was suffocating on all the things I knew I couldn’t address. Nellie wasn’t ready to hear it, and I didn’t want to push her or make her feel uncomfortable.
Nellie gathered her things while I locked up the back door, then we left through the front office, and I locked that too. I almost started walking her to her car, then realized that wasn’t a very boss-like thing to do.
“Well, have a good night.” I said, awkwardness sweeping over me as she paused, her gaze gliding to me. My hands itched to reach out and touch her, but I kept them at my side, sliding them into my coat pockets.
“You, too. See you later, Noah,” she smiled tentatively as she opened her door and climbed in.
I tried not to watch as she drove off.
Chapter Eleven
Nellie
* * *
Before I knew it, it was my unofficial weekend, and New Year’s Eve morning. I woke up around ten to a text from Sage, asking if I wanted to come by Tabitha’s and help set up for the New Year’s party.
Parker and Nix had taken the kids tobogganing to get them out of the house for a few hours so Tabitha and Sage could get everything ready. I’d been invited to join them, so I got up, ate some breakfast, then had a quick shower and dressed in my most comfortable pair of sweats. I’d get dressed and worry about my makeup closer to the party.
Tugging a baggy old college sweater over my head, I grabbed my phone and walked over to the house.
I rang the doorbell and waited a couple minutes until it swung open. Tabitha smiled at me; her dark hair piled in a messy bun. She led the way through the beautiful home, leading me to the open-concept kitchen and dining room at the back of the house.
Sage was sitting at the island, a cup of coffee in front of her. She was dressed similarly in comfortable clothes.
“What did you need my help with?” I asked, glancing around the immaculate kitchen. It seemed like everything was already good to go. The place sparkled from top to bottom. Christmas decorations were still up, along with a banner in the dining room that said, Happy New Year!
“Oh, we didn’t really need help,” Tabitha giggled.
