“On second thought,” I yelled, running smack into his hard back. I latched on to Noah’s coat.
His deep laughter vibrated through my body. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you. We vacationed right next door most of my life. This mountain can be a bit jarring at first. Then you get acclimated with your surroundings.” The wooden floors creaked under our feet.
I glanced at the weathered red cedar walls as we walked toward the back of the house. A shiver shot through me.
“Feels like we’re standing outside.”
“I’ll start a fire for you before I leave. Do you have a kerosene heater?”
“No.”
“You need one. The fireplace will keep the front of the house warm, but you won’t feel the heat in the bedroom.
I took in the first drafty, dingy bedroom. The bed didn’t scream, you’ll have sweet dreams.
Noah flipped on the bathroom light. “Whoa, you can probably take showers.”
He pointed to the shower stall in the corner. “But that bathtub has seen better days.”
“Great, this is just what I need. I’ll have to hire someone to renovate. This is ruining my Christmas. I guess I’ll check into a hotel, get my interviews done, then head back home for the holiday.”
I slouched against the door frame, pondering on how my day turned to shit.
He stared at the ceiling and exhaled. “You and Christmas.”
“Yes, me and Christmas. My mother’s favorite holiday until the day she died.”
Noah’s forehead creased and his jaw slacked.
I shook my head and stalked toward the front door.
“Hey.” He spun me around and our gazes locked.
His strong hands gripped my arms.
“Hope, I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” I sniffled.
“I appreciate you checking for murderers and animals.”
His gentle yet firm grip held me in place. “Listen, I’ll renovate your house.” His face softened.
I raised my hand. “No, you’re on vacation. I won’t add to your workaholic problem.”
Noah laughed. “Woman, hear me out. I have to renovate my cabin before I sell it.”
His green eyes held my attention. More like held me in some sort of trance.
“You’ll have to help with both renovations.”
So far it sounded like a great plan. But I’d have to work in his sexy presence daily. How long would it take before I wanted him to reupholster my pussy with his cock? Just because he was tall didn’t mean he had a nice size dick. He could be challenged in that department.
“Hope, are you listening?” His thick brown brows rose. “What do you think?”
My cheeks lifted. “I can do that.”
Noah released me. I immediately missed his touch. What was wrong with me? I didn’t even know this guy. One conversation didn’t make us besties.