Simple. Professional. So why did Noah’s pulse quicken as he read the words? This was getting ridiculous.
“Earth to Noah.” Sarah appeared in his doorway, carrying two cups of coffee. “You looked like you could use this.”
“You’re a lifesaver.” He accepted the cup gratefully, trying to ignore how his phone seemed to burn in his pocket. “Though I’m pretty sure the teacher’s lounge coffee isn’t technically classified as a controlled substance.”
“Hence why I made a coffee run on my way back from Tabatha’s appointment with Dr. Channing.” She settled into one of the student desks, eyeing him over the rim of her cup. “So, how’d the contractor visit go? You said he was coming back over the weekend to drop off the official diagnosis?”
“Yeah, he stopped by Friday night, giving me the whole weekend to wonder what in the hell I’ve gotten myself into.” Noah took a long sip, buying time. “He’s…thorough.”
“Mm-hmm.” Sarah’s knowing look made him squirm. “And?”
“And what?”
“And how are you handling having someone else in your space? Someone who’s probably going to be around a lot, workingclosely with you, maybe even—” It was hard to keep from squirming under her laser-focused stare. They hadn’t been particularly close when they were younger, but as adults, they’d become fast friends more than simply coworkers. That was why he had to be careful what he said around her.
“It’s fine,” Noah interrupted. “He’s professional. Good with Eli. Knows what he’s doing.”
“I notice you didn’t mention how he looks in a tool belt.” She wiggled her eyebrows and let out a heavy sigh. Being married apparently didn’t keep her from appreciating good-looking men. And he supposed her husband couldn’t complain too much if she was checking out gay guys since they didn’t pose a threat to his marriage.
Coffee went down the wrong way, and Noah spent several undignified moments coughing. “That’s not…I didn’t…”
“Honey.” Sarah’s voice gentled. “It’s okay to notice things. To feel things.”
“I don’t…” Noah set his coffee down before he could choke again. Sarah was too damned perceptive. Or maybe he’d been lying to himself his entire life. He groaned as he imagined finally admitting he was confused by the way he couldn’t stop thinking about Luke and having those he was closest to look at him like he was slow on the uptake. “It’s not like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like anything.” He stood, needing to move. “He’s just helping with the house. That’s all.”
Sarah watched him pace, her expression thoughtful. “You know, when Jack and I first started dating, I spent three monthsconvinced I was just appreciating his big brain. I didn’t want to fall madly in love with him, but he eventually wore me down.”
“This is different.”
“Is it?” She gathered her things, pausing at the door. “Just…be honest with yourself, Noah. Maybe the reason you and Jenna felt more like friends than lovers was because she wasn’t actually your type. Not that you’d know it looking around now, but Maple Hill hasn’t always been the most LGBT-accepting place in the world. Hell, I’m not sure we even had half the language we do now to describe sexuality and identity. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay to explore it.”
“There’s nothing to explore.” But the words felt hollow, like the water-damaged walls of his house. He gathered the stack of papers that apparently wouldn’t be graded before his next class, shoving them into his messenger bag. “I need to prep for next period.”
“Sure.” Sarah’s knowing smile followed him back to his desk. “But maybe think about why you’re so defensive about something that’s ‘nothing.’”
Noah pulled up his lesson plans, determined to focus on work. But his mind kept drifting to last week—to strong hands, to patient explanations of complex repairs, to how Luke’s smile seemed to light up even the darkest corners of the house. His traitorous mind couldn’t help itself. Something about Luke’s damned hands filled Noah’s head with thoughts of all the other things he could do with them. To him.
“Dammit,” he muttered, reaching for his phone. The message still waited, casual and professional.
Just checking in. I swear I’m not trying to be pushy, but we have a big order coming in later this week, and I figured I could add whatever I need for the first project at your place.
It didn’t take long before another message came through.
Unless you’ve decided to go a different route.
His fingers hovered over the keyboard. Did Luke seriously think Noah wasn’t going to hire him? The quote he’d given was appallingly low. Noah would’ve been a fool to put things off long enough for Luke to realize how badly he’d undervalued his work.
Sorry, I can’t answer when I’m in class. I have to set a good example for my students. Are you available tonight? I have a pan of lasagna ready to put in the oven, and I’m sure there’s enough for you to join us. We could talk over dinner?
He hit send before he could overthink it, then immediately wished he could take it back. Was that too eager? Too casual? Should he have suggested a specific time?
His phone buzzed again.
A historic home AND carbs? How could I possibly refuse? Can bring some samples, show you options for the kitchen cabinets.
