“Why?” I blurt without thinking. I mean, I’m not sure if Noah owns this house, but I can honestly say I loved it the moment we pulled onto the property last night.
I thought he’d have an apartment in town or some other kind of bachelor pad, but I was pleasantly surprised by the tree-covered lot and cute little house tucked into the middle of the woods that reminded me of something out of a storybook. And the inside is just as beautiful as the outside, with timeless fixtures and an open floorplan that would be perfect for entertaining or a growing family.
“Well, if he doesn’t get the job as detective in town, Franklin will be an easier commute for him to get into Nashville,” she says, and I look over at Noah.
“When will you know if you got the position?” I ask, and he meets my gaze.
“Next week.”
“They should have already told him.” She huffs. “I mean, no offense to the other guys who’ve applied, but none of them deserve it like Noah does.”
I nod because I’m sure she’s right.
“If it’s meant to be, it will happen.” Noah sighs as he picks up the sandwich he made for me and wraps it in a paper towel. “And I’m not moving unless you can find me at least three acres in Franklin for under five hundred thousand.”
“Since I paid that for my postage-stamp-sized lot, you know that’s never going to happen.”
“Then I guess I’m never moving,” he mutters to her while handing me my sandwich, his eyes locking with mine. “What time do you normally get home from work in the evenings?”
“It depends, but usually around five.”
“I’ll be at work when you get here.”
“Okay.”
“Let me see your phone,” he orders. I set my coffee down and dig through my bag for my cell, then hand it to him after unlocking the screen. A few seconds later, after he’s done doing whatever it is he’s doing, his phone on the counter begins to ring. “All right.” He hands my cell back to me. “I’ll send you a text with the code for the alarm and instructions on how to disarm it when you get back here tonight. Just make sure you arm it when you’re inside and locked in.”
“I will.” I place my phone back into my purse and grab my coffee. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Yeah.” He lifts his chin but doesn’t take his eyes off mine. I shift on my heels, then drop my gaze and step around him, glancing at Jennifer. “It was nice meeting you.”
“You too.” She smiles, then looks between Noah and me and shakes her head. “I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
I nod, figuring she’s right, then hustle out of the kitchen and walk down the hall and out the door. Once I’m in my car, I toss my purse onto the passenger seat, place my coffee in the cupholder, then grab my keys to start the engine. I stop when someone taps on my window. I turn my head and come face-to-face with Noah, noticing he’s holding the key and clicker for the garage door he left on the counter last night.
“Crap.” I shake my head and hit the button for the window to roll it down. “Sorry, I totally forgot.”
“You would have realized eventually.” He clips the clicker onto my visor, then hands me the key while locking his gaze with mine and asking softly, “Are you doing okay?”
“Yeah,” I whisper, not sure why that quietly asked question makes my throat tight, but it does.
“All right.” He stands back and taps the roof of my car. “I’ll see you tomorrow, babe.”
“See you tomorrow.” I muster up a smile, then hit the button for the garage, which sends the door up. I back out and do a three-point turn in the yard since there isn’t an actual driveway, then glance in the rearview mirror and notice he hasn’t moved from his position. And he doesn’t until I’m almost halfway down the road.
And darn it all, my stupid heart flutters in my chest because I know I’ll see him again tomorrow.
BRIDGETT
Hell No
Sitting on the floor in the laundry room, I giggle as Lola’s puppies—who I’ve named Coco, Louie, and Chanel—attempt to waddle around me with their eyes barely open. I had no idea they could get any cuter, but as they gain weight and become more active, they do. And if there was a way I could convince Noah to keep them all, I would. But he’s already told me he’s only keeping Chanel. A couple of people he works with are adopting the other two.
Hearing the back door that leads to the garage open, my nerves start to buzz. Today, both Noah and I have the day off, which means I can’t avoid him—something I’ve gotten very good at doing.
“You still in here with them?” He stops in the doorway and crosses his arms over his chest as he watches me, making me feel self-conscious, especially since the only thing I did today was brush my teeth and tie my hair up into a bun. It doesn’t help thathe looks ready to break hearts, even in sweats and a hoodie, with a backward ball cap on his head.
“I can’t help it. They are so cute.” I pick up the puppy closest to me and kiss the top of its furry head. “When I move out, I might just tuck one of them in my bag.” I smile as he laughs, then ask, “What were you doing outside?”
