Noah dragged a hand over his face. ‘Okay, new rule. No climbing anything that isn’t a ladder. Deal?’
She brightened. ‘Does that mean you’ll help me?’
‘Well, I’m afraid that if I don’t, you’ll end up breaking a bone or, I don’t know, sticking your finger in a power socket.’
Beth tilted her head and grimaced. ‘Why would I do that?’
He laughed, then seemed to realise she hadn’t understood the joke. ‘I just meant that you broke one of the golden safety rules. Didn’t your dad ever teach you not to climb on unstable objects?’
‘No.’ She looked away, the ease with which she’d conversed with Noah until now vanishing in an instant. ‘He died when I was five.’
A beat of silence passed between them.
‘Bloody hell, I’m sorry, Beth. I didn’t mean—’
‘It’s okay,’ she assured him. Because she really,really, didn’t want to have this discussion. With him or anyone. ‘So do you know of someone who might be able to help?’
He studied her a moment longer, then cleared his throat. ‘Well, I do, but a boom in the construction industry means there’s a serious shortage of trades. Everyone’s booked out months in advance.’
Her heart sank. ‘I really can’t wait that long. Do you have any other ideas?’
Crossing his arms, he leaned back in his seat and frowned. ‘I could free up some time to help. Dad’s just hired Caleb, so I think I can make it work.’
‘Did I hear my name?’ Caleb strolled over with Ellie.
‘Yeah. I just finished telling Beth about that time you got so drunk you climbed a tree and started hooting like an owl, hoping to impress a girl.’
Ellie snorted and Beth mashed her lips together, trying to contain her laughter.
‘Dude,why?’ Caleb glared at Noah then shook his head. ‘Not true, Beth, not true.’ He inched forward, appearing to rethink his denial. ‘Unless that’s something that might actually impress you?’
Beth couldn’t control it. Her laughter bubbled up inside her, danced over her tongue and rang out over the green.
‘Yes!’ Caleb pumped a triumphant fist in the air. ‘Sucked in, Brennan! I don’t get embarrassed. You should know that by now.’
Noah stood and clapped him on the shoulder. ‘Yeah, you got me there, buddy. Good job.’
‘All right,’ Caleb declared as he reached into a wooden box that sat beside the bench, then held aloft the little white ball he pulled out. ‘It’s time to kick some Brennan butt!’
Taking Noah’s place beside Beth, Ellie leaned closer. ‘So is he going to help?’
‘Yeah, he just needs to make sure he can spare the time away from work.’
Ellie nodded, but Beth didn’t miss the tiny crease that formed between her brows.
‘What? You didn’t think he would?’
‘Well, I knew he’dwantto help, but his dad’s been sick, so I wasn’t sure whether he’d have the time.’ Ellie shrugged. ‘Uncle Mick must be feeling better.’
Beth’s jaw dropped. ‘How could you let me ask?’ she hissed. ‘He probably felt obliged to say yes.’
‘Relax.’ Ellie grinned and linked their arms together. ‘If Noah didn’t have the time, he would’ve been honest with you. Besides, he does so much for his family, especially lately, and he never takes time out for himself. It was his decision to make.’
‘Except, he’s not doing this for himself, he’s doing it for me.’
‘Is he?’ A mischievous glint sparked in Ellie’s eye.
Beth stared at her, speechless, and an odd feeling settled in her belly.
