Page 7 of Keeping Noelle

“Come on. Let’s go eat,” he says, and I nod, pulling away from him.

I change into a warmer sweater, pull on my boots, and then follow him downstairs. He holds my coat out for me, and I grin as I slide my arms into the sleeves.

“Thanks.”

He nods, and we head outside. It’s been snowing off and on all day, and I grip the railing as I head down the icy front porch steps.

“I’ll have to shovel tomorrow once it’s stopped snowing,” he says, and I nod.

“I can help.”

“That’s’—”

“Oh!” I gasp as I slip on the last step, and Ansel reacts quickly, reaching out and pulling me into his chest.

My hands land on his chest, and we stare at each other in surprise for a heartbeat. Ansel’s eyes heat, and my mouth goes dry at the look in their hazel depths. The wind whips hischestnut hair around his face, and my fingers itch to reach up and smooth it back into place.

“Thanks,” I whisper softly.

“Anytime,” he says just as quietly.

Staring at him, I can’t help but wonder if maybe it’s possible that he has feelings for me, too. Could he like me? Could he love me like I love him?

He’s probably just looking out for me like he always does,I tell myself.

“Let’s go eat.”

I nod, and he holds my hand as we head over to his truck. He opens the passenger door for me, and I hop in and buckle up while he starts the truck and blasts the heat.

“So, tell me everything that I missed in the last four years,” he says, and I blow out a big breath.

“Well, Lilliana and Foster finally ended up together,” I start.

“About damn time.”

“I know, right? His twin, Ford, is married to her best friend, Cameron, now too.”

He nods, and I try to think of what else to say.

“They closed down The Yum Yum Tree.”

“What!?”

“I know. I was devastated.”

“What else?” He asks and I chew on my bottom lip.

“I don’t know. I wrote or texted or told you all of the other stuff already,” I admit.

We pull into Toasty Buns, and we both hop out.

“Careful,” Ansel says, reaching for my hand, and I let him hold it as we head for the door. As we go, I can’t help but wish that he loved me too. As more than just a friend.

FIVE

Ansel

“Have you told her yet?”Huxley asks me, and I sigh.

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