Noel bit back a smile. Sometimes Holly was too smart. “Yes, it’s all right. How’s Nicholas?”
The baby’s hungry wail bellowed overhead and Noel’s breasts tightened.
Dan’s craggy face broke into a broad grin. The change was like a blow to her abdomen. Longing filled her. His brown eyes twinkled with merriment and she wanted to laugh with him. Stunned by her racing pulse, Noel wondered if she’d ever be able to breathe normally.
“Sounds like another call for the waitress.”
“W-what?”
“The gentleman in the balcony is trying to get your attention.” Dan waved at the ceiling. Noel hurried to the stairs.
“He needs to nurse,” she mumbled.
“You have time. I’ll feed Little Miss Sunshine here while Eddy clears the tables and washes up. By then you can bring Nick down and set up for dinner.”
Holly giggled. She set down the empty glass and grabbed the sides of the stool to keep from falling off. When another hungry yell started Noel’s milk flowing, she fled through the door before the telltale stain soaked through her sweater.
When Noel descended with Nicholas, the air smelled of detergent and disinfectant. A low murmur of voices came from an area behind the kitchen. A wide door she hadn’t noticed stood open in the tiny hall. The hall continued to the rear, past another door, to an exit.
“How do I make it work?” Holly’s eager question came from inside.
“Press this button.”
A low mooing ensued, followed by laughter. Noel halted in the doorway. Her daughter knelt on the carpeted floor of a sparsely furnished room. Holly held a narrow box decorated with a row of colorful animal pictures in her hand. When Dan pointed a forefinger at the pink pig, she jabbed the button underneath and the box emitted a distinct oink, oink.
Holly giggled and Noel’s eyes prickled with tears. Dan had a sweet touch with children. Holly bounced to her feet.
“Look, Mommy, look. Dan had this and he says I can play with it whenever I want, so long’s I put everything back when I’m done. He don’t have kids, but he has lots of toys.”
Holly flipped open the top of a huge toy box. The yard-wide interior was stuffed. It reminded Noel of the one in her grandparents’ house. Full to the brim with lovingly gathered toys.
“What in the world?” Noel exclaimed.
Dan shrugged, throwing his hands into the air. “It’s kind of hard to explain. Some of my customers have children. Their parents like to eat out, but if the kids act up, it’s not any fun. So I started keeping a few things.”
“That looks like more than a few.” She wanted to press her fingers to his cheeks and kiss him.
“Yeah, well.” He glanced around as if confused. “It does seem like more every day.”
Like the upstairs, this room revealed Dan’s personality. The beige carpeting was thick and soft, newly laid. Several white-painted shelves lined the back wall, with a dozen children’s books piled haphazardly along their length. A folded playpen leaned precariously against the side of a cane-bottomed rocker. A red plastic milk carton held comic books and a basketball.
In one corner sat an oak teacher’s desk with a computer and several file baskets. She walked over and trailed her fingers over the keyboard. The stacked bills showed Dan used this area for business.
“Is this the room you meant when you said the children could stay here while I worked?” Noel leaned against the leather chair. The upholstery smelled like Dan, and she took a deep breath.
“Yeah. I know it isn’t much, but...” He shrugged.
“But this is wonderful.” She gave him what she meant to be a quick hug, but her arms stayed around his waist as their gazes met and held. He smelled good, like fresh air, healthy male, and soap.
His eyes gleamed as he slowly leaned forward. She had plenty of time to move away, but she waited. His lips lightly touched hers. His felt warm and soft. They teased her for an endless moment until he lifted his head.
“I’d better set up that playpen for Nick and leave you to settle them in.” His voice was rough and deep. She dropped her arms, unsure what she had expected.
She couldn’t stop watching him as he moved around the room.
When he stopped at her side, Noel put her hand on his arm. His body heat surrounded her and she inhaled his familiar male scent. Unable to help herself, she stroked his muscular forearm.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “Thank you.”
His chocolate gaze poured over her. “You’re very welcome,” he murmured. He was gone before she could thank him again.
****
The watery winter sun had faded to a pale orb when Dan eased open the kitchen door and leaned down to fill the empty dish with scraps. From the alley’s shadows came the scrabble of claws on the pavement, but the skinny pup stopped well beyond his reach.
He hoped it would venture closer, but it didn’t. Sighing, he retreated inside. Looking out the window, he watched the dog creep forward to wolf down the meal.
“Poor thing. Why don’t you bring it in?” Despite his increased awareness he hadn’t heard Noel enter the kitchen. As she peered out the steamy window at the skinny dog gobbling down the scraps of meat, her shoulder brushed his, sending a shock of desire through him.
“He’s a stray.” His arm twitched at the memory of holding her, kissing those rosy lips. He inhaled. He’d been right. Her hair smelled of wildflowers and sunshine. He ached to slide his arm around her waist. She’d changed her blue sweater for another one that sent his temperature soaring. He coughed and cleared his throat.
“All the more reason to offer him a home.” She frowned at Dan before she eased away. Like a magnet unable to resist her pull, he inched closer.
“Boy, it’s clear you’re a city woman. Animals that are abandoned go feral, wild, in order to survive. Bringing that pup in would be like offering space to a coyote.”
“Then why are you putting food out for it?” She lifted her chin, bringing her lips into perfect position for a kiss. His neck almost broke as he resisted.
“’Cause it’s going to waste anyway.” Dan huffed out a breath before he ran his hand through his hair. Kissing her again would be a mistake. “Better than throwing it into the garbage can.”
“You have a soft streak wider than the Mississippi River. No use trying to hide it.” Noel bit back a smile.
When her hand lifted and she brushed his messed hair into place his knees almost buckled. Her topaz eyes widened when static snapped between them, and she snatched her fingers away. “I’m sorry,” she cried.
“Don’t be.” Dan grabbed her hand and studied it for a long moment before he pressed a kiss to her palm. “I liked it.”
Her lips trembled as he folded her fingers over the spot.
“The children are both settled in for the time being,” she squeaked, and cleared her throat. “Maybe you’ll show me anything special I should do to set up before the next rush.”
“Eddy did it.” He sat on the edge of the nearest table and drew her between his legs.
“But that’s my job.” Her gaze flew to his face and he felt her tremble. A rosy blush colored her cheeks.
“Look, Noel, we have a routine here. Whoever has the time helps out. This time Eddy had a few minutes to spare. Tomorrow he might need you to give him a break. It all works out.”
“I don’t know.” When Noel bit her lower lip, Dan’s gaze dropped to her mouth.
Her throat dried. She knew how his mouth would feel if he kissed her again. Only this time she wanted more. Harder, deeper. Her stomach gave a quick flip and she swallowed as her thighs clenched. She had two children but couldn’t remember when a man’s simple touch had affected her like this.
“What don’t you know?”
Confused by his question, Noel hesitated. She had to stop this silly fantasy. She glanced down and realized how close she stood to him. Encased in denim, his muscular thighs filled her with longing.
“Oh. Oh, yes. The last place I
worked, you kept going until you finished. But you didn’t get paid for extra hours.”
“Like I said, it’s different around here. People help out.” His hands stroked her arms and she ached to be pressed to his chest. “In fact, I need to pick up a couple items from the hardware store. It’ll take about ten minutes. Can you keep an eye on things?”
“Of course.” Noel grabbed at a chance for a break from all these unfamiliar feelings. She moved behind the counter. It was nice to be trusted. “I can pour coffee with the best of them.”
A few minutes after Dan left, someone rapped at the kitchen door and she hurried to open it.
Clutching a stack of egg cartons she could barely see over, a sturdily built woman called, “Hoped to get here earlier. Darn snow is drifting over the road.”
“Let me help you,” Noel said and took the top layer.
“Well, hello. You must be the new waitress. I’m Molly.” A wide smile appeared above the thick collar of her quilted coat. “Dan here? No? How about fetching some coffee while I put these in the cooler?”
Noel nodded after Molly bustled through the kitchen. Within minutes the eggs were put away and Molly settled like a nested hen at the counter. Her chapped hands cupped the mug to absorb the warmth.
“Nice to meet you, Noel. Pretty name. Heard that idiot Joe managed to hit your car. His brother will fix it right as rain, though.” Molly chattered between quick sips. After Noel refilled her cup, she gave a deep sigh and relaxed. “Been rushing all morning. The chickens don’t lay as many eggs when it’s cold, but a couple decided they wanted to set. Must be the heat lamps Dan installed. Dumb clucks don’t know spring is still too far away.”
Noel giggled. “I never raised chickens. It must be nice to have fresh eggs every day. Maybe I’ll get some when I get home.”
“It’s work. Took months for them to settle after we lost the farm, but thanks to Dan we still have our flocks. We’re leasing his coops until we can get back on our feet.” Molly gave a thumbs-up sign and her wide smile revealed a gap in her front teeth. “He’s a good man.”
Noel didn’t know what to say. She’d been on the receiving end of his generosity. Curiosity pursed her lips with personal questions.
“He’s running an errand. Do I need to pay for those?” She nodded before refilling Molly’s empty cup.
“Oh, no. The eggs are barter for rent. Works out for all of us. Ella will be dropping off milk tomorrow. She’s keepin’ her herd in his dairy barn.”
Noel’s eyes widened. “Must be a big place.”
“One of the biggest in the county before his parents passed. Dan claimed he wasn’t a farmer, when he made the barter agreement with us. Bought this bankrupt café and turned it around despite the town’s downturn.”
The kitchen door slammed, cutting off Molly’s chatter. Dan paused to hang his heavy coat on the hook.
“Hey Dan,” Molly called as she pushed off the stool. “Nice new waitress. Hope she stays for a while.”
Dan set a brown paper sack on the counter before he grinned at both women. “Noel’s going home for Christmas.”
“Too bad,” Molly mumbled through the scarf she wrapped over her chin. “See ya in a couple days.”
“She put the eggs in the cooler since I didn’t know where they should go. No other customers.” Noel returned Molly’s wave before she carried the used cup to the sink, avoiding Dan’s gaze.
Ernie poked his head around the corner. “I got the Santa suit out of the shed. It needs to be cleaned before the party.”
“Want coffee?” Dan waved at the pot.
“Naw.” His blue eyes twinkled as he nodded at Noel and then disappeared.
“I bet Molly talked your ear off,” Dan mumbled while he poured himself coffee. His eyes slid sideways at Noel as if waiting for her reaction before he leaned against the counter.
“She talked about eggs and hens mostly.”
Although curiosity chewed on her like a hungry mosquito, no man appreciated being gossiped about. “What’s in the bag?”
“Locks.” He dumped two door locks on the counter. “I figured you’d feel safer with me sleeping here if I gave you the keys from new locks.”
“I-I-I—” Noel stammered, while her pulse did a rumba. “I didn’t know you stayed here.”
Her mind filled with his broad shoulders propped on her pillow, the blanket barely covering what lay below his narrow waist.
“I’m sure Molly told you that big old farmhouse is full. I bed down in the back, behind the playroom. It helps to be close, since I open early.”
Noel glanced toward the hall before her heart gave another weird thump. “I didn’t realize.”
“Well, consider it a reminder that you need to be careful.” He grabbed the packages and preceded her upstairs.
After checking that both children were napping, Noel watched Dan change the lock. Her skin heated as his fingers moved over the various pieces. She nervously nibbled at her lower lip while she hovered over his shoulder. Dan might install a lock on the door, but he’d managed to free her long suppressed feelings, and that worried her.
Chapter Four
Noel found Dan’s routine to be easy to follow, but after two days she was glad the café was closed. She planned to sleep in.
Thanksgiving dawned with the bang and clatter of roasting pans. Noel followed the sound of Dan swearing downstairs. It was barely five and both children slept through the racket.
“I thought you were closed today,” she said. The dawn light glinted highlights off his dark brown hair. Her lips twitched when his heavy brows snapped together.
“We are. I’m cooking turkey for a few friends. It’s kind of a tradition.” Her mouth dropped open when he lined up six turkeys on the counter and proceeded to fill each one with a different stuffing. Her teeth clicked when she closed her jaw.
“You must have been up for hours,” she said. “That’s enough for a crowd.”
Her heart swelled with admiration for his sharing. She wanted to grab him in a big hug. Her grandparents had invited friends over, too. It was a tradition she planned to continue when she returned home.
“I’m not sure how many. It’s gotten bigger.” He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “People need friends. Everyone brings a dish, so it’s potluck.”
“What can I do to help?” she asked before she tied an apron decorated with dancing elves over her sweater and jeans.
“Not much, unless you can bake a pie?” His lifted brows and wide brown eyes reminded her of his hopeful stray standing over the empty dish.
“I do a killer crust,” she exclaimed while mimicking rolling out a pie crust. Dan wasn’t the only one who appreciated the chance to contribute.
“Got everything for apple, pumpkin or mince,” Dan said before he laughed and waved at the cooler. “Take your pick.”
“Hey. My grandma taught me how to make those. We have time to do them all.”
****
Forty or fifty people crowded around the buffet while Christmas music blasted over the sound system. The first arrivals had hung evergreens and Christmas decorations from every surface.
At first Dan had been worried about Noel. Small-town people could be standoffish, and he didn’t want her feelings hurt.
Now a frown tightened his mouth, and he wanted to throw every unmarried male into the piled snow to cool off. They swarmed around Noel like bees on a fresh blossom.
A scarlet sweater painted color in Noel’s cheeks and laughter brightened her eyes. She grinned at him as she hefted Nicholas on her hip. His heart ached to hug her close after he returned her cheerful wave.
Clad as a believable Santa Claus, Ernie arrived to the shouts and cheers of the crowd. He carried a sack of wrapped gifts to a chair near the decorated tree in the corner.
“Hey, Dan, nice turnout. Seems to be more people than last year.” Ella punched him on the arm before she took another piece of apple pie. Skinny as a board, she was the direct opposite of Mol
ly. “This is great. Who brought it?”
“Noel can bake,” Dan said with a proud grin. He had no right to take pride in her skill, but he did.
“And you’re letting her get away?”
“That’s not up for discussion, Ella.” His stomach twisted with pain at the thought.
“You’re not getting any younger, Dan. Man needs a wife, family. A home filled with love. I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more.”
Dan’s face heated. When Noel appeared at his side, he turned to her with the feeling he’d escaped. Nicholas’ head was tucked into the side of her neck. He slept despite the noisy crowd.
“Joe’s brother found parts for my car. He remembered a junked Nash at the recycling center, and the fender and passenger door fit,” she exclaimed. Her face glowed and his spirits plummeted. Her feet did a little happy dance as she clutched his arm. “My promise to Holly will come true. We’ll be home for Christmas.”
Dan didn’t expect the painful punch to his chest. His hands fisted while he struggled not to grab her.
“That’s great. I expected old car parts to be the hardest part of the repair.”
“C’mon, Mommy,” Holly interrupted, and tugged at Noel’s hand, leading her and Dan to the merry Santa.
“Hello, Holly,” Santa said before he lifted her to his lap. His sparkling eyes met Noel’s gaze. “And what do you want for Christmas?”
Noel silently wondered if Santa could bring her a happy resolution. She needed to take her children home, yet she wanted more time to explore her growing feelings for Dan.
“I want a puppy,” Holly mumbled around her thumb. Before Noel could explain, Santa gave a brief nod.
“Well, that would be nice, but you’ll have to wait until you’re home. It wouldn’t be fair to a puppy to drive it across country.”
“That’s okay, then. You can bring it to Con-nec-ti-cut. We’ll be home for Christmas. My mom promised.”
Noel rocked Nicholas while she listened. Her babies would love the farm as much as she had. Her grandparents had given her a wonderful home after her parents died in a car accident. They’d never complained, although money was scarce.
Journey of the Magi Page 3