Page 23 of Connected By Souls

“No, we wouldn’t want that.” I go to her driver’s door and open it for her.

Climbing inside, she starts the engine as I shut the door. She rolls down the window. “See you tomorrow for the railing?”

“I’ll be there.” We wave goodbye as she backs up and heads back to the library. I watch until her vehicle disappears before I turn and go back inside the hardware store.

ChapterTwelve

Emma

I wakeup with the sun the next morning. I slept like a baby last night after a full day of work, not getting home until almost eight. The fall and winter programs are coming along nicely for the kids. We have a lot planned on the calendar to bring in more community events.

I wait for my coffee to brew as I think about my encounter with Noah yesterday at the hardware store. He said he was waiting for me to process my emotions. He can read me like a book, knowing I’m struggling with my heart and mind.

If my feelings are this intense in the beginning, I can’t imagine what they’d be like if I let him all the way in. I know the harder I fall for him, the harder it’ll be if I ever lose him, and I can’t go back to that darkness again. Ever.

Grabbing my mug, I take my coffee to the deck and watch the sun fill the sky with colors. I’m absorbed in the view when I notice a runner on the beach. I can’t make out the features from this far away, but I know that body even from a distance. A dog runs alongside him, confirming that it’s Noah. Wishing I had binoculars to get a better view, I sip my coffee. I quickly dismiss that idea because only stalkers and psychos spy on people. God, this man has me wanting to be a crazy person just so I can sneak a peak at him.

Hearing my phone ring, I answer it while keeping my eyes on Noah. “Hello?”

“I didn’t wake you did I? I wanted to call before I went to school,” I hear Skye say.

“No, I’ve been up for a while.” I watch Noah as he runs further down the beach.

“What are you doing? You seem distracted.”

“I’m trying to figure out if you still qualify as a stalker if you’re constantly watching someone but aren’t using binoculars.” I continue to watch him until I can’t see him anymore. Sighing, I sit back in my chair.

“What?” Skye laughs. “Who are you watching?”

“Never mind. There’s just someone that looks familiar to me, and I still can’t place it. It’s driving me crazy. How are you doing?” I ask, wanting to change the subject. I’m still not ready to talk to Skye about Noah. I need more time to try and figure out what is going on first.

“I was just calling to let you know that Cole and I bought our tickets last night. We’ll be there the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I’m so excited!” She squeals into the phone.

“You did?” I sit up and squeal with her. “I’m so excited too! I can’t wait for you guys to see this place. We’re going to have so much fun. Plus, I miss you so much, both of you.”

“We miss you too. I hope your little town is ready for us.”

“They won’t know what hit them.” I grin into the phone.

I go inside and refill my mug. We talk for a few more minutes before Skye has to leave for work. I want to start painting the master bath today before work, so I throw on an old pair of cutoff jean shorts and a white t-shirt. I comb my hair and put it into a messy bun to keep it out of the way.

I step outside on the front porch to get the paint supplies and stop dead in my tracks. Noah must have started on the deck while I was getting ready. He’s dressed in faded work jeans and boots. His white t-shirt is drenched in sweat as he takes apart the old railing. Standing there and unable to move, he looks over at me and smiles.

“Hey, good morning. I hope I didn’t wake you.” He walks up to me.

I shake my head. “No, I was up early. I was just about to start painting the master bathroom and needed the supplies out here.”

Lifting his shirt, he wipes the sweat off his face. My gaze lowers to his toned abs. His jeans ride low on his hips as I lick my lips. Oh God, did I just lick my lips? I hear him laugh as he drops his shirt. Mortified, I meet his eyes, seeing the amusement in them. “You’re really going to have to stop looking at me like that if you want me to behave. I always thought I was a patient man, but with you, I have to dig real deep to find it.” His eyes have changed from amusement to something much more heated.

Taking a deep breath, I tear my gaze away. “I’ll just grab these supplies and get started.” I walk over and take what I need.

Chuckling, he shakes his head before returning to the railing to continue working on it. “Have fun painting.” He gives me a wicked grin.

“Have fun working on the porch.” I walk quickly back inside. I hear him laugh as I close the door.Have fun working on the porch?Seriously, what in the hell is wrong with me? He makes me unable to even have a normal conversation. I head to the master bath, where I can keep busy before saying anything else that’s stupid.

Two hours later, I get to a stopping point. I wrap my brush in plastic to keep it wet and close the paint can lid. I can do the second coat later tonight if I’m up to it. Walking back to the kitchen, I see the wind chime I bought lying there.

Grabbing the kitchen bar stool, I decide to hang it real quick before I forget again. I walk to the back deck and set the stool down. I climb up on the stool so I’m standing and reach up on my tip toes to try and get to the hook. I lean a little more. I’m barely able to touch it, so I stretch even further.

---