Page 61 of Coming Home

“Noah looks a little flushed, too,” Maura said. “Maybe it’s too hot in here.”

Smirking, Noah placed the cheeseboard back on the table. “I’ll be fine, mom.” He stood up and dusted off his hands. “Are the guys in the kitchen?”

“Except for Fitz. He’s hanging with the ladies.” Mom beamed at her sleeping pug grandbaby.

It was looking more likely that the four-legged variety would be the only grandchildren for her parents. At least for now. Elle and Clayton didn’t want kids and Nat… Well, she wanted them but wasn’t sure if Noah did. That was too soon of a thought to have let alone a conversation to have with him.

“It is a good spot to be in.” Noah stared at Fitz where he’d curled up on Nat’s lap.

Maybe someone else is jealous of a dog.

He turned toward the entryway. “I should probably go check on them.”

“Elle, what do yellow gardenias mean?” Nat asked, stopping Noah’s steps.

He twisted, facing her, a lopsided grin kicked across his face.

Their eyes locked, waiting for Elle to share the meaning behind the flowers he’d brought her. The idea of the flowers meaning more than just an apology never dawned on her until he brought flowers symbolizing long life for Mom’s birthday. Nat was dying to know not just what they meant but also, if he knew and had picked them specially for her because of that meaning.

Elle clicked her tongue. “They’re the flowers for secret crushes or love.”

Busted!Her eyebrow arched.

Bashful pride lit his face. Those blue eyes twinkled with playful mirth, like a kid getting caught stealing a cookie. “I’m going to go set the table since the other guys are cooking. Nat, you want to help?”

“Sure. Mom, you want the pudge monster?” Nat lifted a now perturbed Fitz.

“Don’t fat shame my grandbaby,” she cooed, taking Fitz, who nuzzled into her chest.

“Wash your hands. You’ve both been petting the dogs,” Maura called as they started to walk away.

Noah shook his head and rolled his eyes, mouthingmoms. His mom hadn’t stopped mothering him just because he was thirty-eight. Just another thing Nat and he had in common.

“Use the upstairs bathroom. The one downstairs is out of commission until the plumber comes tomorrow,” Mom shouted.

They ran up the steps to the bathroom. As soon as she slipped inside, he peeked down the stairs and ducked in after her. Keeping the door ajar to listen for footsteps, he pulled her into his arms.

“This is torture,” he breathed. “When I walked in, all I wanted to do was kiss you.”

She raised to her tiptoes, encircling the nape of his neck. “I was thinkingverynaughty things when you were petting Lizzie.”

His mouth quirked. “Yeah?” Those lips of his found hers in a savoring kiss.

Movement from downstairs halted their kisses.

Noah poked his head out the door. “It’s Lizzie,” he said, the tight muscles in his jaw relaxing.

Seconds later, the pit bull bounded into the small room. Her long tail slapped against the door frame and Noah as she pushed into the bathroom.

“Looks like your Owens ladies’ fan club is all present.”

“Ha!” he laughed, turning on the faucet for them to wash their hands.

“So, secret crush flowers?” She hip-checked him, lathering the lavender-scented soap on her hands.

“I told you I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time. I’ve wanted you…this…” he motioned between them with his wet, foamy hands. “…for a while. I know we’re still figuring this out, but whatever is happening between us, I want you to know that I’m in this.”

Her pulse ticked up.

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