“Sunday, is there something you’re not telling me?”
She has secrets in her every word. I can feel it.
“No. You ready?” She looks down and away.
I can’t do much besides let her hide her unspoken truths and play along.
“I’ve never gotten my nails done before.” Yet another thing I haven’t done.
“Girl, are you serious?” So much shock.
“Um, yeah.”
“Get your butt out of this car now, and let’s go!”
She and I go inside and get cozy in the chairs as new understanding settles between us.
“So, Noah, where are you from?” Sunday asks as someone brings us waters.
“Seattle. I just moved here the day before I started working for you guys.” The bubbles in the tub tickle my feet.
“That’s a big move. How are you liking it here?” She leafs through a magazine that she doesn’t appear to really be paying any attention to.
“So far, so good. My roommates are great, but you already know that. I’m enjoying the freedom of being out on my own, and of course, work is good, too.”
“Yeah, Maddy said even Benson has warmed up to you. That’s huge. The guy still barely even talks to me, and I’ve known him for years.”
“How did you and Madison meet?”
“We met through her sister.” Her happy tone changes.
“Oh, I didn’t even know Madison had a sister.”
“She sure does, no matter how hard I try to forget it.”
“Oh.” I feel like I’ve stumbled onto a sore subject. “Do you not get along with her?”
“We have a rather long history together, and, yeah, I’d rather not get into it. Let’s not ruin a perfectly good girls’ day.”
“Okay, so tell me how you and Brazen met. I’m sure that isn’t a bad memory.”
“The little punk dumped sand over my head! I had the stuff down my underwear.”
I can’t help but laugh. I can picture the two of them as little kids in a sandbox.
Sunday and I continue to chat while we get our toes done. Our conversation from then on out is mostly light.
One thing is certain: I’m a new fan of pedicures. The woman’s strong hands kneading the muscles on my leg help to keep me settled. Maybe, one day, Sunday and I could make this a normal part of our routine.
Once the pampering is over, Sunday drives us back to the office. Brazen must still be off at the work site because he isn’t here. Inside, she and I work quietly together with only the sounds of papers being shuffled and the click, click, click of typing to fill the silence. It isn’t awkward or uncomfortable though. I’m feeling good after my outing with her.
I think Sunday will be a good friend.
Brazen
The delivery keeps me away from the office for most of the day. My hands work on the scheduled task, but Noah and Sunday are never far from my mind. When the last of the lumber is put away, I can’t get back quick enough. I’m practically tripping over my feet now to get inside.
Sunday is working at her desk, and Noah, at hers. Nothing looks out of the ordinary. The two girls work in harmony but without any chatter.
Why aren’t they talking?
Neither girl even addresses me now that I’m inside.
“Um. Hey.”
Each looks up as if they are just noticing my arrival.
In unison, they say, “Hello,” but then go back to their work.
My best friend and the girl I want to pursue aren’t giving me the time of day. Did this somehow blow up in my face? I sit at my desk, more than a little confused.
“Where did you two go this morning?” I attempt to pry at least a little information out of them.
“We went and got pedicures.” Sunday stands, picks up a file folder, and walks it over to my desk.
I check to make sure Noah isn’t watching us and then narrow my eyes on Sunday. My best friend gives nothing away as she stares blankly at me.
“Did you have fun?” I ask.
“Sure did,” Sunday answers.
I stretch my neck and look around Sunday to our assistant. “Noah, did you have fun?”
“I did. Sunday is a better boss than you. She took me to play hooky.”
“Yeah, tyrant.” My business partner sticks her tongue out at me before going back to her desk.
The lack of information is killing me, and the workday is almost over. Sunday stole all my time with Noah. As I’m thinking it, she begins to pack up her things. Sunday smirks at me behind her, obviously already aware of what’s going through my mind. When Noah gets up, I do, too.
“I’m finished for the day,” she tells me.
“I’ll walk you out,” I say, already moving.
Once we’re alone, I don’t waste any time. “Do you have plans tonight?”
“Nothing particularly important, no.”
She leans away, and I step closer.
“I’d like to take you to dinner.”
“Are you asking?” With some attitude, she brushes her hair over her shoulder.
“Well, yeah.” Wasn’t that obvious? “Noah, can I take you to dinner?”
She holds everything in and doesn’t show a single tell about the answer to my question, letting me grow uncomfortable while I wait for her response. I’d even go as far as to say she’s enjoying keeping me guessing.
“Sure, I guess I could eat.”
She lets me off the hook, and, damn, am I relieved.
“Great. Come on, let’s go.” I take her by surprise when I grab her hand.
“Now?” Her fingers relax in mine.
“Yeah, now. When else?” In my excitement, I walk a little too quickly for her pace.
“Pedicures and dinner. Boy, I lucked out in the boss department, huh?”
She takes bigger steps, and I slow my speed.
“We’ve never had an employee before. Maybe we’re still learning the whole boss thing.” Especially since I just asked her out. That definitely isn’t boss-like behavior.
“You won’t hear me complain about it. I’m starving.” She leaps with a skip in her step.
“Good. I know just the place.”
Noah and I get into my truck, and I drive toward the best little seafood place on this side of Florida. Gulf Harbor is right on the water, and the sand is just feet from the tables. It’s perfect for our first date.
When we arrive, I open the truck door for Noah. Again, I take her hand, and this time, it doesn’t take her by surprise. Inside, I tip the host to give us their best table with some privacy without Noah noticing me doing so. Once we’re seated, I get a little hung up on what to do next.
“I guess I should have asked if you liked seafood.” Fuck, is there anything besides creatures from the sea on this menu?
“I do, yeah. I’ve never been to such a nice place. Just about the only seafood I’ve had came in a box from a drive-through window.”
This place is fairly casual. It’s the setting that makes it great.
“Get whatever you like.”
The waiter takes our orders and then leaves us alone. The candle on the table burns strong, and the scent coming from the breadbasket smells delicious.
“Thanks. So, tell me about you,” Noah says.
“What do you want to know?” It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to know someone new, and lately, my life hasn’t been about me. It’s as if I’ve almost forgotten how to talk about myself.
“I want to know about Brazen—the person, not the boss. Tell me whatever that is.” Her finger wipes the condensation off her water glass.
“That’s a tall order. Um, I don’t know. Let’s see. I grew up here in Bay Town with my mom. She and I are really close. I guess it’s cheesy, but she’s always been my inspiration for everything. I work hard for me, but it’s always been about her, too. It’s important for me to make her proud.”
“I don’t see how she couldn’t be proud of you. In fact, without ever having met her, I�
�m sure she is. Does she still live here?”
“She does, not too far from work.” It’s been a while since I’ve seen her. Well, a while for us—a few weeks. I need to remember to stop by her house. Things have just been so busy.
“That’s really nice. It must be awesome to be so close with her.” Noah picks up a piece of bread while she speaks, and steam lifts from the basket.
“Are your parents back in—”
“So, you surf, right? You must surf if you’ve lived here your whole life.”
Okay, so I guess talking about her parents is off the table.
“I surf, yeah. When I was growing up, it was pretty much part of my everyday routine. Sunday would have to pull me from the water before school to keep us from being late. Now, there is a lot less time for it, but I still get out on the water when I can.”
“Will you teach me?” The bread that she so carefully picked sits, untouched, on her plate.
“I’d love that.” The image of Noah on my board is one that I like. “What about you? What are you interested in other than art?”
“I’m still figuring that out.” She bites her lip after her shy words.
“What do you mean?”
“When I moved here, it was really the first opportunity I’d had to discover who I was outside of where I came from. I want to try new things and discover that I love them or hate them. I never want to say that I’m scared or not interested in something before I’ve had the chance to try it.”
Noah pulled away when I started to mention her parents. I have a feeling she’d do the same if I focused on the where-she-came-from part. So, instead, I move forward with where she’s going.
“Are we talking about hobbies like Frisbee in the park or cliff diving?”
“Sure.” She nods enthusiastically.
“Sure?”
“I’ve never done either, but maybe I’ll try both someday.”
“I didn’t peg you for an adrenaline junkie.” An easy rhythm settles between us as I enjoy finally hearing a little bit about her.
“I had this coloring book when I was about ten, and other kids would always get on me because I didn’t want to stay in the lines. But why would you want to do the drawing that everyone else could do when you could take it and make it your own?”
“So, you’re saying you’ve always been a daring little rebel?”
She shakes her head, but I don’t miss that her eyes light up, too.
“I prefer to think of it as being curious.”
I’m curious, too—more than curious about her.
Dinner comes, and we eat, laughing and talking the whole time.
An amazing time.
Inside the cab of my truck, I feel like a young kid nervous about the end of the night.
Once we’re parked outside her house, I take a deep breath before getting out and going around to open her door for her. After helping her down, I take her hand and walk her to her door.
This is it.
Right here, on her porch. This is where everything will change.
“Thanks for coming tonight.” I take her other hand, so I’m holding both.
“I had fun. Best seafood I have ever had.”
“Yeah, and how was the company?” I thought only women fished for compliments. I guess not because that’s exactly what I’m doing.
“The company was my favorite part.” Noah doesn’t look so shy or innocent as she takes a tiny step closer and tilts her chin up a bit.
Our eyes lock.
No words. Just us.
“If you hug me again, I might throw something at you.” She squeezes my hand as she breaks the silence between us.
Not this time.
I lean in, and Noah pulls closer.
We’re connected. We’re in sync. We’re about to have our first kiss.
“Noah!”
Damn it!
She stumbles back, and we both turn to the door, which is now open with Benson standing there, watching us. I doubt he even knows what he interrupted.
“Where have you been?” He grabs her arm, and our hands disconnect. “It isn’t safe out here. Get inside!”
“What are you talking about, Benson? What’s going on?”
“I heard about an outbreak of Zika in the area. You’re too young to become infertile, especially hanging around with men who look like him.” Without giving me eye contact, he points my way, dragging a rather unwilling Noah closer to the house.
Pregnancy? We can’t even kiss, for fuck’s sake.
He pulls Noah like someone comically being yanked off a stage.
“Ouch! Okay, Benson. I’m coming!” she yells at him. “Bye, Brazen! Thanks for dinner!” she says through the closing front door.
Well, fuck. I just got cockblocked by mosquitoes or some shit.
Brazen
I check the clock and drive faster.
Noah will be leaving the office at any minute, and I haven’t seen her all day.
I’ve been dying to claim her lips since Benson interrupted us on her porch.
Noah and her lips have even been running through my dreams.
My tires squeal a little as I pull into the office parking lot. The front door opens, and Noah steps outside. To my surprise, she doesn’t stop when she sees me. She strolls away down the sidewalk. Cursing my timing, I throw my truck into park and jump to the pavement.
“Noah!” I start to jog. “Hey, wait up!”
“Oh, hey, Brazen.” She lifts her purse strap higher on her shoulder but doesn’t stop walking.
I’m stuck between loving her legs, which are bare again today, or hating them because they are carrying her farther away.
“Where are you going?” I ask, trying to keep the annoyance from my tone.
Our date went great last night before our good-bye, didn’t it? Why the hell does she seem as if she can’t get away from me fast enough?
I walk beside her, meeting her brisk pace.
“To the center. I have another class tonight.”
Is she giving me the brush-off?
Stunned, I falter in my steps and come to a stop. Noah doesn’t even slow.
She does look back at me over her shoulder while biting her bottom lip. “Well, are you coming?” Her voice is sly, and her expression hints of wicked intentions.
She’s up to no good. It’s intoxicating on such an innocent girl. She doesn’t have to ask me twice before I’m hot on her heels again. Together, we walk the short distance to her class.
I’ve never really enjoyed sitting around, drawing, but it’s a whole new experience with Noah. At the center, she helps to set up my area once again but neglects to set up her own.
“I’ll be right back,” she tells me.
And I’m left scratching my head.
The instructor comes out but still no Noah.
I fiddle with the oil paints that she set up for me, keeping my attention on the door.
I’m still watching it as she comes back in … wearing a robe.
I attempt to control my reaction, but I’m positive that I fail when I have to practically pick my jaw up off the floor. The tube of green paint falls from my hand. With long strides, Noah walks onto the stage in the center of the room, never once breaking eye contact with me. I get the sense that she’s telling me something, and I am sure as fuck listening. She takes a deep breath and looks down for just a beat. Then, her chin lifts, her eyes rise to mine, and a coy smile spreads across her face as she slowly drops the robe to her feet.
I couldn’t look away even if there were a freight train barreling toward me.
It isn’t about her body or her naked skin.
My initial reaction is so much deeper than that.
Noah is wearing all her emotions on her flesh.
It’s complete honesty in its truest form, and somehow, it doesn’t even bother me that we’re in a roomful of people. They are inconsequential when it comes to what’s transpiring between us. Noah isn’t up there for them. She relaxe
s her shoulders and positions herself for the hour-long session, and I still haven’t cracked open a single color or touched any of the brushes set out for me.
Her body is the perfect picture of sensuality. Her right hand lightly touches her slender neck and draws attention to her delicate clavicle. Her left hand grazes her hip, accentuating her natural curves, and her ashy blonde hair falls in front of her shoulder, resting atop the swell of her breasts.
My eyes are drawn to her hardened nipples, the slope of her hip, and the length of her leg. Her eyes are glued to me as I take in the breathtaking view. Every other person in the class has already started while I’m dumbstruck by Noah’s beauty. A small giggle escapes her lips, and a tiny amount of my sense returns to my brain. Finally, I search through my paints and get started on capturing her image. As I do, her lips part, and she takes a deep inhale of air.
Something shifts, and the chemistry between us turns from sensual to erotic. With each sweep of paint on canvas, it’s as if my hands are on her body. I fight to hold on to my restraint in this room filled with people. Noah’s skin becomes flushed, and a fire burns behind her eyes. I push down a groan.
This girl. This woman is beyond compare. I couldn’t have dreamed up anything more visually stunning. I’d dare any man to try.
More importantly though is her heart.
It’s pure. And, in this room, while she bares herself to me, both physically and emotionally, our hearts beat in a rhythm that is our own.
I’m positive this girl will own me—body, heart, and soul.
The nude color on my canvas spreads easily as I work. Paint smears on my hands, and carelessly, it starts to coat my skin. Sweat develops above my brows, and the blood filling my body slowly floods to my cock until I have to hide my public indecency. Noah examines my every move with knowing eyes, and it becomes harder for her to stay posed.
Time moves at a halted pace as we share this moment with one another.
Those dresses that she wears, the ones I love, will never be teasingly sexy again. Now, those dresses will torment me in the best kind of way.
My reactions are dulled, and it takes me longer than it should to realize the hour is up and that the students around me are packing their things. A few girls gossip in hushed whispers as they pass me. There isn’t any part of me that cares that our emotions are not a secret within this room. I want the whole world to know how mesmerized I am by Noah’s bold stunt.
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