Monty blinked slowly at her and turned tail back to his spot under Jack’s old armchair.
Half an hour later, Bella was having to remind herself of her wise words to Monty. The more she talked to Noah, the more she began to realise that her early first impression of him – the so-called ‘weekend wanker’ – was all wrong. Admittedly, he seemed to have a taste for the expensive things in life, but he earned a large enough salary to be able to afford them. As the afternoon turned golden in the late summer sunshine, she was beginning to think that all the pep talks in the world weren’t going to stop her from fancying him.
‘So there I was, on my very first viewing for the new company, and when I pulled open the door of the walk-in wardrobe, this leather-studded corset and knickers fell out! I don’t know who was more embarrassed, me or the prospective buyer.’
Bella giggled. ‘What did you do?’
‘Got them out of there as soon as I could. Thankfully, I think they were so flummoxed by the undies coming out of the closet, they didn’t bat an eyelid about the mirrored ceiling in the master bedroom!’ Noah’s eyes twinkled mischievously. ‘I learned a valuable lesson that day, get to a house early and check out all potential trouble spots before the buyers arrive.’
‘So,’ Bella said mischievously, ‘how would you describe your own house? What might fall out of your cupboards that you wouldn’t want anyone to see?’
Noah burst out laughing. ‘Oh, I’m much too boring for that sort of thing.’ He looked at her, a teasing glint in his eye. ‘What do you imagine my place looks like?’
Bella paused. They’d got to know each other a little better over lunch, but what did she really know about Noah? She took a deep breath.
‘Well, I think you’re a bit of a neat freak, so there wouldn’t be anything out of place.’
Noah raised an eyebrow. ‘Go on.’
‘I think your kitchen’s much more modern than this one, and you’ve turned storage into an art form. I think you’ve got one of those fancy wine fridges under the counter, and I think you’d make everyone take their shoes off at the door.’
‘Hmmm… what else?’
Noah wasn’t giving her any indication of whether she was right or wrong, but his smile suggested he hadn’t taken offence.
‘No pets.’
‘Well, yes, but that’s more to do with the fact I live on the third floor! I don’t mind animals.’
‘Just as well, since you’re sharing custody of Monty.’ Bella grinned.
‘You make us sound like we’re co-parenting!’ Noah grinned back. They looked at each other for a moment, and Bella felt as though she was being assessed by that lingering, sexy brown-eyed gaze.
She cleared her throat. ‘How did I do?’
‘Not bad, but I don’t have a wine fridge.’
‘Shame. I can’t possibly come and stay with you, then!’
‘You’re welcome any time.’
Bella blushed. ‘I don’t get to London much.’
‘Maybe you should.’
Oh, God, she thought, that smile of his would get her into so much trouble if she let it…
‘Er, speaking of which, shouldn’t you be heading back there soon? Haven’t you got a fabulous job to get back to?’
Noah nodded. ‘I’m afraid so.’ He suddenly looked downcast. ‘I wish I didn’t. It’s so lovely being back in Grandpa’s house. It almost feels like…’ He shook his head. ‘Sorry. I’m being stupid.’
‘Feels like what?’ Bella asked gently.
Noah paused and Bella got the feeling he was struggling to articulate what he wanted to express. ‘It almost feels like he’s still here.’ He gave a short laugh. ‘It’s odd. All the times I popped down and it was only me in the house, I could feel it wasn’t the same, that he wasn’t here any more. But now Monty’s back, and now you’re living here, looking after him, it’s almost as if Grandpa’s here too, giving the nod that I did the right thing to bring Monty home.’ He shook his head and dropped his gaze to the empty plate in front of him. ‘That’s mad, isn’t it?’
‘I don’t think it’s mad.’ Before she could think twice, Bella reached a hand across the small kitchen table and squeezed Noah’s, where it lay. ‘I think it’s lovely. And I’m flattered that me being here makes you feel that way.’
As Noah lifted his eyes to meet hers, Bella felt something building between them again. This time, it wasn’t only the electric fizz of attraction, but something deeper, the seeds of a friendship. Their hands were still touching on the table, and Bella was reluctant to move hers. Noah’s, warm underneath, felt so right. As she looked at him, she could see his eyes flickering to her lips and back again, and his pupils getting bigger. He leaned towards her, and Bella began to lean in, too, suddenly wanting to meet him halfway.
