AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He greeted her with a heart-stopping smile. She ignored the hunger in his eyes, sure it was reflected in her own eyes. That hunger led to destruction. She had to be strong and ignore how strong her own desire was.
“How’s it going, angel?” His voice was deep and gruff. It made her stomach do a few flip-flops.
She smiled back casually reminding herself she could not allow herself to believe in him again. She would only end up being disappointed. “A steady day. How about you?”
“Great. I have been busy all week with training, but I wanted to invite you to have dinner with me. We can go to Geno’s. I know you love their pizza.” He leaned against her counter. How many times had he come in here in the past with the same expression, expecting her to fall in with his wishes? She always had. Saying no had never occurred to her before. Her heart said yes, but her head said danger. She fought to keep her voice casual. They were friends. That was all. She kept any emotion out of her voice. “I would love to hear all about your new job but not tonight. I have been battling a migraine all day.”
He looked her over. She felt his eyes check out her pale pink skirt and her matching blouse. She had left a few buttons unbuttoned. She hated how her belly filled with heat and her nipples felt hard and needy, wanting his touch. All the lights in the store were off, but the sun was still bright, shining in through the windows. The radio was off, and it was silent. The sexual tension was thick.
“I will take a raincheck then. Want me to follow you home and make sure you’re okay?” He gave her a worried look. She had never been the type to get sick when she was dating him. He had caught a cold once, and he had been grumpy when she hadn’t caught it, too. She felt guilty about lying, but now she was starting to get a headache.
She grabbed her purse and walked with him toward the door. She needed to be away from him. He was like a drug she could not resist. He followed behind her, and she could feel the electricity between them as if it was a tangible thing you could touch.
“I’ll be okay. A nap will take care of it,” she assured him as she headed out and locked the door. He reached out and caressed her hair softly, and she wanted to melt against him. She loved when he just held her. It had made her feel like all was right with the world, but it hadn’t been. She had allowed herself to buy into the fantasy. She had to stand her ground she reminded herself for the thousandth time. She could not allow herself to be put in another position of getting hurt again. What if she didn’t have the strength to recover a second time? He had been back a week, and she was already battling her own emotions. It was too exhausting.
“If you get lonely call me,” he teased, kissing her forehead gently. She closed her eyes, savoring the feel of his lips on her skin. She yearned to have those lips on her mouth, but she made herself stay quiet.
She nodded in agreement and headed for her car. The streets were busy with people heading home for the evening. He walked her to her car and waved at Mr. Sanchez, who owned the hardware store next door. He was also closing up his store.
“Nice to see you back safe and sound, Chance,” Mr. Sanchez yelled out as he headed to his own car. Chance thanked him before looking back at Noelle.
“Tomorrow is my first day off. Will you have dinner with Mom and me? She wants to get to know you better.”
“Why? We’re just friends, Chance.” He had never invited her for dinner to his house before. She had picked him up once when his truck had been in the shop, but he never formally introduced her to his mom. Hopefully he didn’t know that Polly had visited her in the hospital. She felt the tension, and it made her headache worse. She rubbed her forehead.
“She knows I am trying to convince you to be more than my friend. I should have done this last year. For that, I am sorry.” He sounded remorseful but was it a case of a little too late? She wasn’t sure of anything anymore.
Noelle frowned, feeling conflicted on how to answer his simple invitation. “Chance—”
“Just say yes as my friend. No pressure.” His brown eyes were filled with sincerity.
She opened her mouth to make up an excuse, but she knew she needed to tell him about her pregnancy. Part of her wanted to delay it so she could have an excuse to keep in contact with him.
“Okay.” She gave in. She thought dinner at his house was better than being seen in town with him. The possibility of Carly showing up and making a scene still bothered her. She ignored the small voice in her head accusing her of wanting to spend any time with him.
“Six o’clock?” He looked happy with her answer.
She agreed, ignoring the excitement. This was not a date.
She would have Quinn close the store so she’d have time to get ready. He opened her car door for her, and she got in. She drove away from the store with mixed feelings.
Chapter 5
Noelle’s stomach fluttered with every step she took toward Polly’s cute, yellow house. The neighborhood was quiet and very shady, filled with many old trees. Polly planted colorful flowers along the walkway leading to the porch. Noelle took a deep breath and bravely walked up the steps. She knocked on the door, feeling her stomach do some flip-flops. She was feeling equal parts excitement and nervousness.
Chance answered the door, looking ha
ppy to see her. He had on a nice, short-sleeved, blue, dress shirt and khaki pants. She was glad now she had taken care with her appearance. Quinn assured her she looked good in her gold-and-white-polka-dot dress. A long gold chain added sparkle to her outfit. She had warned Noelle this could be a bad idea, but Noelle assured her she had control of the situation.
“You look beautiful, as always.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek and took a whiff. He placed a small tender kiss on her lips. “You also smell as exotic as I remember. Like roses.”
Noelle blushed and stepped into his home. He kept their fingers threaded together as if needing the contact with her. She should’ve pulled away, but it felt too good.
“Mmm. Something smells great.” Her eyes wandered around the living room. Everything looked unchanged. The house felt warm and cozy.
“I told Mom how crazy you were about mac ‘n cheese casserole. She also made fried chicken,” he announced. Noelle had no idea how to respond. This felt like more than friendship. A moment of panic almost made her head for the front door to escape.
Polly came out of the kitchen taking off her apron. Her gray hair was cut into a short, elegant bob. She had a wide smile on her face. “I am so glad to see you, Noelle. I love that dress.”
