Page 24 of Connected By Souls

“What’re you doing?” Surprised, I yelp, losing my balance as strong hands catch me as I fall. I look up and see Noah looking down at me with a hard face. Is he mad? Regaining my balance, I get out of his hold.

“You scared the hell out of me. Why did you sneak up on me like that?” I grab the wind chime that I had dropped.

“I knocked to let you know I was done, and when no one answered, I came in and saw you through the back door. What in the hell were you thinking? You could have hurt yourself.” He runs his hands frustratingly through this hair.

“I was fine until you scared me.” I put my hands on my hips. “I know how to take care of myself.”

Sighing, he looks at me. “I know you can take care of yourself. I’m sorry if I scared you. Just please ask me to help you with stuff like that. I don’t want you to get hurt. Promise me?”

I hear the desperation in his voice and can tell I scared him. He’s probably right. I should’ve waited and asked for help or gotten a sturdy ladder. “I promise,” I sigh. Holding out the wind chime and smiling, I ask, “Will you hang this for me, please?”

Exhaling like he’d been holding his breath, his lips twitch, trying to suppress a smile. “I would be happy too. Let me get my small ladder from my truck. It’s way safer than this wobbly kitchen stool.” He picks up the stool and brings it back inside before returning with the ladder. He easily climbs and hangs the wind chime. “See, much safer.” He comes down and grins at me.

“Yes, I can see that now.” I try to hide my smile.

“Good.” He walks back inside with me. “Let me show you the porch.” We go out front to look at it. “I got it to match perfectly, and it’s sturdy now, so it’ll be safe to lean against.” He leans against it to prove his point.

“Wow, you did an amazing job. I can’t even tell that it’s not the original.” I run my hand along the smooth wood.

“I’m glad you like it.” He looks at the railing with pride.

“Are you sure I don’t owe you anything more money-wise? I feel like spending the day with you is not enough payment. You’ve helped me so much over the last week.”

“I’m getting exactly what I want, trust me.”

“If you’re sure.” I still don’t feel right about it.

“I’ve never been more sure in my life.” His eyes meet mine, and I know he’s telling the truth. Nodding, I watch him clean up his mess and put the tools in the back of his truck. “I need to get going. I have to get over to Mr. Harvey’s. He needs some help with his roof, and I told him I would be by this afternoon and again tomorrow morning. We’re in hurricane season now, and I want to make sure his roof is secure.”

“I need to take a shower and get ready for work anyway. Thank you again for the help.”

“You're welcome. Have a good day at work.” He grins at me as he opens the door to his truck.

“You too.” I smile back as he gets in and starts the engine. I watch him drive away before I run my hand along the railing again. Secretly happy that Noah has a hand in bringing my house back to life, I head inside to make some lunch and get ready for work.

* * *

Startled,I wake up early Thursday morning. My body is drenched in sweat. My heart is beating so fast it feels like it’s going to come out of my chest. Shaking, I run a hand through my damp hair. It’s been months since I’ve dreamt of my parents’ accident, but this time when I approach the wrecked car, Noah’s blue, vacant eyes are staring back at me.

Throwing back the covers and feeling like I’m going to get sick, I go to the bathroom to splash cold water on my face. Deep down, I know this is my biggest fear I’m struggling with right now, and it’s coming out in my dreams. Needing to make sure he’s all right, I text him, not caring that it’s early.

Emma

Sorry for texting so early. I just need to make sure you’re safe.

I hit send, praying I don’t come off as crazy. The dream was so real. For my own peace of mind, I need to make sure. He immediately responds.

Noah

I’m fine. Why? Is everything ok?

Emma

Just a bad dream. It was so real. I had to be sure. Sorry if I woke you.

Noah

I don’t care if you wake me. Are you sure you’re ok?

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