Page 35 of Fifty-Fifty

Of course it’d be him causin’ a ruckus.

“Need a ride?” his gruff voice asks, rollin’ over me in the most delicious way possible.

I debate for about two seconds before stridin’ over to the passenger side.

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. Just finished getting the paint.” He motions to the back seat.

Turning, my brows furrow when I find something unexpected in the cab.

“What’s that?” I ask, tiltin’ my chin toward the back seat while lookin’ at Noah.

He turns to see what I’m talkin’ ‘bout.

“Oh. I picked up a car seat at the store a couple days ago. After seeing how bummed Mac was to not go on a ride with me, I figured I better be prepared for next time. That okay?”

I lick my lips, feelin’ floored by his thoughtfulness.

He must sense my hesitation because he reaches across the console and places his hand on my knee. Squeezing softly, he continues, “Is that okay, Beau? If you want me to take it back or something...”

My eyes prick with tears before I take a deep breath, exhalin’ slowly.

Damn you, Noah. Why do you gotta be so damn thoughtful?

“Nah. It’s fine. Thank you. Mac would love to go for a ride one day.”

He stares at me for a second, makin’ me feel like I’m under a microscope. I guess my glassy eyes are enough to make him second guess himself. “You sure?”

I nod. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m sure.”

He squeezes my knee one more time before releasin’ his hold and grabbin’ the steerin’ wheel.

He’s wearin’ a black leather jacket over a soft cotton t-shirt and worn jeans. The ensemble is damn near lethal to my ovaries. And combinin’ that with his smell and his thoughtfulness from a moment before?

I know I’m a goner.

Tuggin’ my eyes away from the gorgeous man beside me, I take note of the bobble head glued to his dashboard. The sight brings a secret smile to my lips, givin’ me proof that he ain’t a god from the heavens. He’s just a regular guy who’s been blessed with better genes than any man should be.

“Something funny?” he asks as he glances in my direction.

I shake my head and decide to keep it to myself. He doesn’t need to know how fascinatin’ I find him.

He’s already cocky enough without my help.

* * *

We pull up to the inn a few minutes later and start grabbin’ gallons of paint and other supplies he’d just picked up.

This is gonna take a long time, but I’m excited to see the outcome.

After settin’ down an armful of supplies in the entryway, I say, “I’m gonna go change into somethin’ that can get dirty. I’ll be back in a minute, all right?”

He nods before slippin’ off his leather jacket and goes to hang it by the front door. My gaze zeroes in on the sleeves of his shirt and the way they hug his biceps. I can’t help but watch the way his tatted muscles flex as he reaches for the hook, makin’ my mouth water.

I ain’t been with many guys, and I definitely haven’t been around any that were as gorgeous as the one in front of me.

Shakin’ my head, I rush up the stairs as Harold and Betty’s words echo in my mind before Noah can catch me droolin’ at him like a starvin’ woman.

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