Page 19 of Duty and Desire

“Did you call your brother last night?” he asks as he plops the stuff in his hand on the counter.

“I did. He said he would talk to the people he was renting from and figure out what’s going to happen, then let me know.”

“Sorry to hear about your place,” Jennifer says as she hops up onto one of the counters like she’s been here often and it’s something normal for her to do.

“Thanks.” I fiddle with the handle of the coffee mug I’m still clutching, and my eyes go to Noah. I watch his biceps flex as he slathers mayo on two pieces of bread.

“Noah mentioned you work for Bender and Sons,” she prompts, and I drag my gaze off Noah to look at her.

“I do.”

“You guys are building my girlfriend’s and my house.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s in the new subdivision just outside of Franklin.” She takes a sip of coffee.

“That’s a beautiful area,” I say, knowing exactly what she’s talking about.

“It really is,” she agrees, then glances at Noah. “I keep telling this guy he needs to look into building over there.”

“Why?” I blurt without thinking. I mean, I’m not sure if Noah owns this house, but I can honestly say I loved it the moment we pulled onto the property last night.

I thought he’d have an apartment in town or some other kind of bachelor pad, but I was pleasantly surprised by the tree-covered lot and cute little house tucked into the middle of the woods that reminded me of something out of a storybook. And the inside is just as beautiful as the outside, with timeless fixtures and an open floorplan that would be perfect for entertaining or a growing family.

“Well, if he doesn’t get the job as detective in town, Franklin will be an easier commute for him to get into Nashville,” she says, and I look over at Noah.

“When will you know if you got the position?” I ask, and he meets my gaze.

“Next week.”

“They should have already told him.” She huffs. “I mean, no offense to the other guys who’ve applied, but none of them deserve it like Noah does.”

I nod because I’m sure she’s right.

“If it’s meant to be, it will happen.” Noah sighs as he picks up the sandwich he made for me and wraps it in a paper towel. “And I’m not moving unless you can find me at least three acres in Franklin for under five hundred thousand.”

“Since I paid that for my postage-stamp-sized lot, you know that’s never going to happen.”

“Then I guess I’m never moving,” he mutters to her while handing me my sandwich, his eyes locking with mine. “What time do you normally get home from work in the evenings?”

“It depends, but usually around five.”

“I’ll be at work when you get here.”

“Okay.”

“Let me see your phone,” he orders. I set my coffee down and dig through my bag for my cell, then hand it to him after unlocking the screen. A few seconds later, after he’s done doing whatever it is he’s doing, his phone on the counter begins to ring. “All right.” He hands my cell back to me. “I’ll send you a text with the code for the alarm and instructions on how to disarm it when you get back here tonight. Just make sure you arm it when you’re inside and locked in.”

“I will.” I place my phone back into my purse and grab my coffee. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” He lifts his chin but doesn’t take his eyes off mine. I shift on my heels, then drop my gaze and step around him, glancing at Jennifer. “It was nice meeting you.”

“You too.” She smiles, then looks between Noah and me and shakes her head. “I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

I nod, figuring she’s right, then hustle out of the kitchen and walk down the hall and out the door. Once I’m in my car, I toss my purse onto the passenger seat, place my coffee in the cupholder, then grab my keys to start the engine. I stop when someone taps on my window. I turn my head and come face-to-face with Noah, noticing he’s holding the key and clicker for the garage door he left on the counter last night.

“Crap.” I shake my head and hit the button for the window to roll it down. “Sorry, I totally forgot.”