CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Vanessa
I was finally forced to leave my room when it was clear my stomach wasn't going to stop growling and demanding that I feed it.
By the time I made it down the stairs and into the kitchen, I found Nolen at the sink, washing the dishes.
"You don't have to do that. I have a dishwasher."
"It's fine. I needed something to keep me busy."
Guilt gnawed at my already empty stomach. I had selfishly hid in my room after a nice evening with Nolen because I was too consumed with finding out who B. Feather was.
"Is that French toast I smell?" My mouth was watering at the thought of French toast.
"It is. I made plenty, so dig in."
I uncovered the plate on the island and found that they were still warm.
"It's almost eleven o'clock. How are these still warm?"
"I made some fresh when I heard you moving around upstairs. I figured you haven't eaten since last night and were probably starving."
Damn this man for being so thoughtful. At this rate I was going to be falling in love in no time.
You don't have time for love.
The little voice in my head reminded me. And it was right. I absolutely didn't have time for love, at the moment, which really sucked because I could easily see myself falling for Nolen.
"Has anyone ever told you how sweet you are?"
Nolen snickered. "I don't think anyone has ever said that."
How was that possible? There had to be someone in his past who appreciated his level of generosity. I had only known him for a few short months, and even I could see it.
Nolen handed me a plate, fork, and the syrup. Only further showing how kind he was.
"So no long-term girlfriend who told you that?"
Was I fishing about his past? Absolutely.
Did I care if he noticed? Not at all.
"A little hard to have someone in my life full-time when I was married to the Marines."
Oh right. Valerie had mentioned that all the guys at Willow Creek Security had retired from the Marines before they moved to town.
"Plenty of people in the military get married."
"I'm sure they do, but it just never worked out for me. I could never find a woman who understood my need to leave on a whim when called upon."
That made sense. It was a little sad, but it made sense.
"And now? You've been in the States for some time."
Yup I was definitely fishing and not even hiding it.
"I guess I haven't found anyone worth my time just yet."
