“Umm … sure, I can do that. That sounds nice.” I put my laptop to sleep and push up from my desk with a little grunt. He takes a step into the room as though to assist me, but I wave him off.
“I’m fine, Noah, it just takes a little more effort to lug myself around these days.”
He frowns. “Maybe we shouldn’t then.”
“No, no, you heard what Doctor Lee said, walking is good.”
“I know, but … I don’t want you to over-exert yourself.”
“It’s all good,” I say, reaching for the hoodie slung over my chair, “promise.”
He nods, but his frown still remains. “Is that all you’re wearing? Where’s your jacket?”
I shrug. “I don’t usually bring one when I’m just coming down the back steps and straight through the kitchen.”
“Well, you’ll need one for our walk. Give me the keys and I’ll run up and grab you one.”
“Is that really necessary? It’s October. I can handle a little fall weather.”
“It’s theendof October, and yes, it is. I don’t want you to get a chill.”
I roll my eyes, but inside I’m a riot of heart flutters and gooey goodness. I love how much he cares even if it sometimes scares me a little too.
Noah raises an eyebrow expectantly and holds out his hand.
“It’s unlocked,” I admit, trying to keep my voice mild because I know he’s not going to like that. He takes his previously out stretched hand and swipes it wearily down his face. The sound of it rubbing over his light stubble causes a shiver to run down my spine, but I shake it off, bracing myself for the lecture that I know is coming.
He lets out a deep sigh and then meets my gaze. “We’re going to talk about that, but not today. Today we’re going to have a nice walk and enjoy each other’s company while we admire the changing leaves.”
That … almost sounds romantic.
And crap, I like it.Who am I?
“Okay,” I say, a little breathless.
He nods, then spins on his heel and disappears back through the kitchen. I stand there for a moment, confused at his quick departure, before I realize that he’s indeed gone upstairs to get me a jacket. What follows is a big production, bundling me into not only a coat but also a hat and scarf. I put up a fight for appearance’s sake, but again, I secretly love it.
Finally, he hands me my keys, and with a chiding look announces, “I locked it.”
Noah trails me through to the front of the café but stops me with a hand on my shoulder before I can make my way beyond the cash register. I glance back questioningly, and he asks, “Shouldn’t we get hot chocolate?”
I grin back at him. “Why Noah, you know me so well.”
“I’d like to think I’m getting there,” he gives a half-smile.
“And you’re not going to comment on my sugar intake?”
“I wouldn’t dare get in the way of you and your cravings, Luce.”
“Hmmm,” I hum, impressed. “You’re learning.”
He just winks and places our order with Lisa, one of my part-timers manning the counter.
???
We make our way down Main Street and weave past the waterfront park and then the marina, sipping our hot chocolates and throwing out baby names. It’s a perfect morning and every time I cast a glance in his direction Noah is smiling down at me like I’m the center of his universe.
It’s messing with me because I reallywantto be that.
