Page 21 of Finding Home

Noah tapped his fingers on the table. “Mathew mentioned that you’re in town for a while.”

“Remember Elle is Coach Coates’s niece. She’s in town for Tobey’s wedding and Pete’s fiftieth birthday,” Carmen explained.

“I heard you’re staying at Clayton’s.” The corner of Noah’s mouth curled almost in accusation.

“I’m not stayingatClayton’s. Like, I’m not in his guest room but renting the Little Red Barn.”

“I’d bet he’d let you if you asked. Just that kind of guy… Always ready to help.”

Elle’s lips pursed at Mathew’s words. She wasn’t sure why Clayton doing something for her out of pure kindness instead of because of her caused a twinge in her chest. Open kindness shouldn’t be frowned at, but she was frowning.

That was who Clayton was, a nice man that helped others. The running invitations were just an extension of his do-gooder nature. The thought deflating something in Elle’s chest.

“What have you been up to, Noah?” Elle sipped her wine.

“Oh, bossman here owns this place,” Todd snarked, placing the cheeseboard and two glasses of red wine on the table.

“Bossman?” Noah’s eyebrow quirked. “You never call me Noah. It’s Wilson or some sort of nickname.”

“Save it for my performance review. Yell if you need anything.” Todd sauntered away.

“You own this place?”

“Yup.”

“It’s amazing. The vibe, the wine, and the cheese board.” Elle gestured around the space with a piece of gouda.

“Yeah. I can’t take credit. I’ve had a lot of support.”

“Don’t be so modest. This is your baby. Noah is Perry’s very own Mark Cuban, only minus the billions, basketball team, and TV show.” Mathew paused, with a pained look on his face.

Elle had no doubt that his sweet-smiled wife had kicked him underneath the table.

Undeterred, he continued, “He owns this place and the bakery. He’s also opening a brewery.”

“You are kind of a big deal.” Elle’s smile widened.

“Hardly.”

Elle nudged Noah with her shoulder. “Nothing wrong with celebrating your accomplishments. It doesn’t mean you don’t acknowledge the help from your team. They wouldn’t help you if you weren’t worth it.”

“Elle’s accomplished too. She’s an executive with Sloan-Whitney. They have hospitals and clinics across the country.” In an uncharacteristic move Carmen bragged.

They’re trying to Cupid us!Elle’s eyes narrowed, noticing Mathew mouthniceto his wife.

“Your turn to take a bow.” Noah winked.

Elle replied with a quick head bow.

Shortly after nine, the humid summer air their only companion, Elle strolled with Noah down the empty street. Teenaged Elle would have died, flattened by hormones exploding, from being alone with him. An ease settled inside her at his proximity.

“I’m just here. You really don’t need to walk me.” She pointed to her car down the street.

“It’s not a problem.” He placed a protective hand on her lower back, guiding her to the crosswalk. “So, what should I call you? I heard Mathew and Carmen call you Elle.”

“Elle. Most people here still call me Eleanor, but my friends call me Elle.”

“Elle it is.”

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