His tender concern had brought tears to her eyes. Telling herself not to act the fool, she wiped her face.
“Juice first to raise your blood sugar fast,” Noah said, appearing at her side again.
He handed her a large glass and sat surprisingly close beside her. He said nothing but watched as she drank, his gaze full of concern. It was kind of sweet.
She had to remind herself there was no point in thinking of what could have been.
Each swallow of the orange juice raised Caitlyn’s energy. By the time she finished half the glass, Noah had removed the wrapper from a cheese stick.
“Have you been talking to Eve about my blood sugar problem?” she asked.
“No,” he said, his expression confused as he handed her the cheese.
“Then how do you know so much about handling low blood sugar?” She bit off the end.
“Son of a doctor.” Noah pointed to himself, wearing aduhexpression. “‘Twas quite the reaction you had last night. I’m sorry I pushed you into tasting that jalapeño ice cream.”
“It’s not your fault. With my being so sick lately, I’ve had to be careful about what I eat.” She gave a soft laugh. “But seriously, how could either of us have known I’d be allergic tojalapeños? That was just the worst bad luck. Par for the course for me, though.”
“Ah, now, don’t you be putting yourself down, Caitie dear.”
Caitie dear.His adorably stern expression softened her willpower. She reached up to smooth the crease between his brows. He captured her hand and gently pressed a kiss to her palm.
It was like Noah’s lips were connected to a power source, sending a zap of electricity through her nerves. The thrill of attraction rushed from her hand into the rest of her. Noah’s gaze shifted to her mouth and back up to her eyes, as though asking her permission. Tokissher? Another jolt raced through Caitlyn. Had the orange juice sweetened her breath enough? She gave the smallest of nods. One corner of his mouth quirked up, and he leaned in.
“You two are up early,” Zoe called, skipping down the staircase.
Caitlyn and Noah leaned back. She fumbled to keep from dropping the glass, and he jumped to his feet.
“Well, I’m that glad you’re feeling better now, Caitie. Morning, Zoe.” Noah didn’t look at either of them but jogged to the stairs and went up them two at a time.
“Are yousureyou were sick?” Zoe took Noah’s place on the couch and peered at Caitlyn. “Because that sure looked like you two were about to kiss. And, see, your lips are swollen.”
Caitlyn let her head rest against the couch back, exhausted. “No, we haven’t been kissing.” And it was all Zoe’s fault they hadn’t. Caitlyn held up her still-puffy hands. “I had an allergic reaction to something, probably the jalapeños. Noah heard me puking my guts out and came to help.”
“Oh.” Zoe’s expression had gone from expectant to disappointed and settled on worried. “Are you all right?”
“Yes.” As Caitlyn explained. “He got me some food, but I think I’ll be better once I’ve gotten more sleep.”
“I’m sure, but I likedmyversion of your night much better,” Zoe said, her tone matter-of-fact. “You have great chemistry. I can totally ship you two.”
“We could never have a relationship,” Caitlyn said with a disgusted snort. “He’s BFFs with Keven.”
“Oh. Yeah. That restraining order you have on him would make going on double dates a little awkward.” Zoe’s expression, which had been thoughtful, now turned concerned. “It’s too bad Noah can’t see what a jerk Keven is.”
A discreet cough came from the top of the stairs, and they both glanced up. Finn. Caitlyn winced. How much of that had he heard? She couldn’t face him.
“I had a bad night. Since it’s Sunday, and we don’t really have anything formal planned, I’m going to bed.” Caitlyn dragged herself up the stairs.
11
It was almost noon before Noah woke. He hadn’t meant to sleep so long. What a surprising and exhausting night. All this time, he’d thought Caitie was the enemy of his friend, which had made her Noah’s enemy too. Then he’d nearlykissedher this morning—and she’d wanted him to. It’d been clear on her face.
What if Zoe hadn’t interrupted them? He’d have done it for sure. And then what? Would she have expected their renewed friendship to become more?
Didhe?
Noah had to be logical about it. He’d heard one story about Caitie, but he was finding it harder every day to believe it of her. Who was the real Caitlyn Hahn? The sweet colleen who’d caught his eye two years ago, when he’d first come to America, the one he’d been well on the way to falling in love with?
