Page 50 of The Workaholic Down the Hall

“I think I'm just going to sneak out the back way. Will you tell the others I'm sorry not to get to spend more time with them?”

May gave me a full-body hug. “I think you should stay, sweetie. Remind Noah what he's been missing.”

“I love you. But I need to go home.”

She released me and gave me a light shove toward the door. “I'll let everyone know you weren't feeling well.”

“Thanks.”

My coat was in the front hall, which would require me to walk through the living room and past Noah's family, so I hurried outside without it. The cold November wind whipped against me, but the baby growing inside me kept me warm. Even outside, I could smell Nora's chili. It mixed with the crisp, clean air of the mountains, and I wished I'd made myself a bowl to take with me. I waddled to the car and got into the driver's seat. My belly was so big, I could barely reach the steering wheel around it, but I managed.

The wheel was icy cold. I turned the key in the ignition and turned the heat to high, even though it probably wouldn't kick in until I'd pulled down my own driveway. I yanked my sleeves down over my hands as far as I could, so that the cold of the steering wheel didn't burn my fingers, and pulled out of the driveway.

Luckily, I made it home without seeing Noah's car. Looking forward to the warmth of my home and to curling up on the couch for a mid-afternoon nap, I hurried inside.

I toed off my shoes and went straight to the couch, where I plopped down and pulled a blanket over me. Closing my eyes, I sighed, ready for the oblivion of sleep.

Except sleep wouldn't come and my eyes popped open of their own accord. I was dying to know what the family meeting was about and I was on edge just knowing Noah was in town. He was in town and it was highly probable I wouldn't see him at all.

A sharp knock had me rising to my feet and my heart beating faster. My first thought was of Noah and I almost tripped over my own feet getting to the door. Before I turned the knob, I took in three deep breaths and plastered a stoic expression on my features. He could only hurt me if I allowed him to. He could only break my heart if I gave it to him. I had no intention of giving him anything.

Oscar waited on the porch holding two pizza boxes. I bit back my disappointment, both that he wasn't Noah and that I hadn't managed to feel anything other than sisterly toward the kind and attentive man.

“Hi, Oscar.” I stepped to the side and gestured him inside. “Come on in.”

He smiled and walked in, closing the door behind him. “May called and said you might need food and a friendly distraction.”

“She was right.” My stomach growled as the scent of the cheesy goodness in his hands wafted my way. “You and whatever food you choose to bring are always welcome here.”

He set the pizzas on the coffee table. “I'll get plates. You sit and relax.”

In no mood to argue, I sat. He returned a moment later with plates and napkins. He handed me a plate with two slices, covered in mushrooms, pepperoni, and olives, just like I liked it, and got a slice of ham and sausage for himself.

We ate in companionable silence. He was a good man, he always showed up when I needed something even though he had a business to run, and he loved kids. “I wish I was attracted to you,” I said. I set my empty plate on the coffee table and leaned back, propping my swollen feet next to it.

“Thanks,” he said with a wince. “You just reminded me why I come over here, the necessary downsizing of my ego.”

I grinned. “You aren't attracted to me either and you know it.”

He grimaced. “Not even a little bit. Which is unfortunate, because the dating pool around here is not huge.”

“Really? It's a small town, but there's got to be someone for you. You probably just haven't found her, yet.”

He shrugged. “Maybe. I've spent so much time and energy focused on getting my degree and opening my business, I haven't focused on dating and I'm ready. I'm ready to meet the love of my life.”

I laughed. “Really? The love of your life? That's ambitious.”

He smiled. “What's up with you? Why did May send me over here?”

“Noah's in town, but he's not here to see me. He's having some secret meeting with his family.”

“Idiot.”

“He's not an idiot. He's just not the right guy for me, at least not as far as he's concerned.”

“He's an idiot if that's true, and he's an asshole for not being open and upfront with you. Whether the two of you are a couple of not, you and your daughter are a part of that family now.”

I waved a hand. “I don't want to talk about it. I'd rather not even think about it.”

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