Page 54 of Stick Side
Melody lifted his offering to her lips. She allowed her eyes to flutter closed, the better to appreciate its delicate flavor notes.
When she opened her eyes, she flicked her gaze over to Nolan. “It’s just as good as I remember. Thank you.”
His answering smile was open and warm. It was definitely the type of look a girl could get used to having directed her way.
“It looks like I’m going to be pretty slammed with work for the next few weeks,” Nolan said. “More than I realized since I saw the revised schedule yesterday. I thought it was less likely to seem like a brushoff if I told you in person.” Nolan drummed his fingers against the top of her desk. “Because I really would like to take you out again,” he shared. “Even if it takes me a few weeks to clear my schedule enough to fit in a date.”
Melody gulped. Should she say no? Did she even want to? She didn’t want to string him along when she knew she had feelings for Ben, but the truth was that she liked Nolan, too.
And if Ben only had lukewarm feelings toward her, was it wrong to see where things might go with Nolan? Her feelings for Nolan were pretty friendly so far, but maybe that would change as they got to know each other. She already knew enough about him to know he was the material of which dream guys were made. What was left to be seen was whether or not he could ever beherdream guy.
Melody shored up her courage and nodded. “I think I’d like that.”
Nolan visibly released the breath he’d been holding. The easy smile that seemed to be his default expression returned. As he swung his arms forward and back in gentle arcs, Melody couldn’t help but wonder if he could be any more of the quintessential boy-next-door.
“Great,” Nolan said in response to her assent. “And you won’t read anything into it if it takes a few weeks before I can pin down an actual date? I won’t have my next schedule until then.”
“No worries,” Melody stated. “I get it.” And she really did. Having done a co-op stint at a hospital, she understood how staffsickness, vacation, and the understaffing that was becoming all too commonplace across the country could wreak havoc with staff scheduling.
“Thanks,” Nolan said with a grateful smile. “My schedule is usually predictable, but some months are like this. And what am I going to do? Not work when it would leave a sick kid without care?”
Nolan’s expression left her with no doubt that no children would be left wanting. Not on his watch.
Melody’s esteem for him kicked up a notch. There was no doubt about it. Nolan Rogers was a good man and one she couldn’t help but want to get to know better.
“Don’t even worry about it,” Melody reinforced. “I get it. And I respect your priorities.”
Nolan surveyed her with thoughtful eyes. “You really are incredible,” he marveled. “Thanks for understanding.”
“Of course,” Melody answered, meaning it.
Nolan scuffed his foot against the floor. “I better get going if I’m going to see my grandpa before heading into work, but I’m glad I got to see you,” he said.
“Me, too,” Melody agreed. “And thanks again for the tea.” She extended her cup in smiling cheers before bringing it up to her mouth and wrapping her lips around the rim.
Nolan returned her smile before tapping on her door and taking his leave.
“Damn, girl,” Samantha gushed when Nolan was out of earshot. “Where are you finding these guys? First Benjamin Logan and now this guy? Hot, hot, HOT.” She mimed panting and fanning her face.
Melody’s lips quirked up at her colleague’s theatrics. She couldn’t deny that Ben and Nolan were both incredibly appealing men. Fanning was definitely warranted.
Melody just hoped she knew what she was doing. She’d always heard that all was fair in love and war, but she sure hoped not to sustain any war wounds. Her heart was still recovering from Jeremy’s betrayal. Or should she call it his desertion? Didn’t matter. She wasn’t sure how her heart would handle another assault.
Chapter 25
Melody
Melodyhummedaseriesof happy notes as she opened the iron gate leading to her parents’ Bucktown home. There was just something about coming home, as it were, that helped to settle her spirit and set everything to rights.
She sauntered up the porch stairs and pushed through the front door without knocking.
“Hello,” she called as she shut the door behind her.
It was her custom to join her parents for a few hours on Saturday morning and possibly share brunch, which meant she was expected unless she specifically told them she wasn’t planning on stopping by. Still, she thought it polite to announce her presence and not catch anyone unaware.
“In the kitchen, honey,” her dad called back.
She toed off her boots, arranging them neatly on the shoe rack, before following her father’s voice to the back of the house.
