Page 12 of Prove Me Wrong (The Sunburnt Hearts #5)
Noah’s green eyes narrow onto mine, a smirk curling the corner of his mouth. “I get the feeling like you’re really talented, but you downplay your skills to be very average. Would I be right?”
My mouth opens, causing Noah to chuckle. Tongue poking the side of my cheek, I can’t fight a grin from consuming my face. “Fine. I might be slightly better than average,” I disclose, causing him to laugh harder .
“I knew it. But piano sounds like it’s hard to learn, especially if you have fat fingers like I do.”
“You definitely don’t have fat fingers,” I say with a shake of my head.
His smile broadens to show off his dimples that make my pulse jump.
“You’ve checked out my hands, Grey?” Eyes flaring, my blood simmers as Noah simply chuckles.
“I’m kidding. I just think I am better suited to cars than musical instruments.
But I would love to hear you play sometime if you’ll let me listen. ”
My chest warms as I bite my lip. “Okay,” I murmur, looking back down at Jade, her fingers are playing with the silver necklace around my neck. Bright green eyes stare at it, mesmerised by the tiny teal flower that hangs down the centre.
“All right, princess. I should get going.” Noah plucks Jade from my side to kiss her cheeks. His daughter giggles as I follow them back down the staircase and into the kitchen. “I’ve written down the address for the mechanic and doctor if you need them. What’s your number? I’ll add it to my phone.”
I recite my phone number, and Noah types it in, shooting me a text for me to save his contact details. Noah sits Jade on the edge of the bench, and he kisses her some more. My fingers toy with my lip, hiding my smile as I watch the two of them.
“I’ll see you tonight. Be good, princess,” Noah mutters before picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder.
“What time will you be back?”
He looks at me, and the air in my lungs stills for a second. “Around five.”
Nodding, I grab Jade after Noah cuddles her one last time before walking towards the door. Jade goes to grab his top, but I pull her back. Her bottom lip juts out as tears fill her eyes. I pull her into my chest as she starts sobbing.
Noah looks between us, a small crease deepening between his brows. “She might take a bit to adjust, but thank you for doing this, Grey.”
I smile and nod. “Of course, thirty-four,” I murmur.
I catch the corner of Noah's mouth lifting before he closes the door between us.
“Rawr,” I growl. Jade giggles as my hands force the stuffed lion to stomp around with the other animals on the living room floor.
Her little laugh fills the quiet space, and I smile at how easily amused Jade is.
She’s so lovable and well-mannered. I can see why Noah adores her now.
From her large, round apple eyes to the tiny freckles dotting her button nose, and her light blonde hair that curls at the ends.
I think I have already fallen in love with her from the eight hours I’ve spent with her… alone.
“Your turn.” I pass the stuffed toy to her. Jade’s eyes don’t move from mine as she lets the smallest roar out.
I think my heart just swelled and burst. It’s the most adorable sound I’ve ever heard in my life. I’d bottle it up if I could.
“Exactly. Lion’s roar because they’re really big cats,” I explain to her. “They’re big and strong and the kings of the planes. Do you like lions?”
She nods her little head, grabbing her elephant toy. I glance at the clock on the wall .
“Little lady, I need to start making your dinner. Your dad will be home soon.”
She looks at me with innocent eyes, and I pick her, pulling her into my chest. My fingers tickle her sides, and she laughs out vibrantly.
“Do you want to keep playing with your toys while I make your food? I won’t be long.”
She sucks on her top lip before reaching for a stuffed giraffe. I put her down in her play area and kiss her forehead before walking into the kitchen to heat up her food.
Placing it down on the highchair tray, I grab Jade and buckle her in.
Tiny hands immediately grab at the mashed-up vegetables, and she smears them on her tongue and mouth.
I giggle at the sight. Deciding I should prepare something for Noah when he returns, I peer into the fridge.
He didn’t tell me that I needed to cook for him, but I thought it would be nice since I’m here.
I wouldn’t want him to have to come home and do it himself.
Finding some ingredients to put together, I start cooking everything when the door opens and shuts.
Nerves tingle up my spine as Noah rushes up to Jade, dumping his backpack on the floor and kissing her cheeks all over.
She squeals in delight. My cheeks pinch as I watch the two of them, making sure not to burn the chicken in the pan.
“Hi, princess. I missed you,” he murmurs, pecking her forehead.
“Daddy!” Jade squeals. I think I might pass out from how sweet she sounds.
He turns my way, and I quickly shove hair behind my ear and busy myself at the stove, like I wasn’t just watching the two of them interact.
“How was your day, Grey?” Noah stalks over, his golden hair fluffy and sweaty.
Grease streaks across his cheekbones and neck.
Apple eyes find mine, and I’m both nervous and settled at the same time, which is so damn confusing.
I try to shove it down inside like I usually do.
I don’t want to feel things for this man, so I have to swallow every stirring sensation inside me right now, even if it’s hard.
“Looks like you have it all together, and that smells delicious.”
My teeth sink down into my lip. “Jade was really good. She did cry a little when you left, but then we played outside, drew, read.” I offer him a small smile before continuing, “She napped for an hour and didn’t make too much of a mess.”
Noah’s eyes don’t move from mine as he leans casually against the bench, muscular arms crossed over his chest. Oil streaks his tee and forearms. A stirring starts deep in the pit of my stomach again that I try to smother like water on flames.
“You’re a natural at this, then.”
Running his hand through his blonde hair, I can’t stop myself from watching him. His broad frame, kind features and taller stature. My skin heats again, and I turn away.
“I don’t know if I’m natural, I just think your daughter is a well-behaved angel,” I huff out nervously.
Noah chuckles and uncrosses his strong arms. “Yeah, she is.” He moves closer to see what I’m cooking up for him. “You didn’t need to make me dinner, Grey.”
His scent fills my nose at his proximity, woodsy and metallic. “I don’t mind. And I wouldn’t want you to have to make it after coming home from work. I’m sure you’re tired.” The words come out shakier than I wanted.
He shrugs, gaze falling on me as I switch off the stove before his chicken burns.
“Not as tired as normal,” he admits. I can’t stop the way my chest blooms at his deeper tone. “I have to shower quickly to get rid of this sweat and oil. I’ll be back down in ten minutes if you don’t mind sticking around for a bit longer.”
“Of course I don’t,” I admit softly.
Nodding, Noah disappears upstairs. I smile at Jade, who is still shovelling potatoes into her mouth, when I hear the shower water running.
He comes back down less than ten minutes later when I am setting his plate of food down on the table.
Looking up, his hair is freshly washed and tousled with slight waves.
Water droplets fall down his temples and a light grey tee clings to his broad frame, displaying the logo of Reign Racing. He must have dozens of these shirts .
“Aren’t you going to join me, Grey?” His voice is deep as he stops a foot away from me.
Biting my bottom lip, I shake my head. “I wasn’t sure you’d want me to.” A crease deepens between his brows, and I speak up before he can. “And Gran would have already made me something. You know how much she loves to cook.”
Noah chuckles. “I have to admit that I do love it when June cooks me anything. But if you’re going to make me dinner, then you should stay to eat with me.” His smile falters slightly. “Only if you want to, though. I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
My throat works as I consider his offer for a moment. Apple eyes peer down into mine as Noah waits for me to say something. The fact that he doesn’t want to pressure me into something as simple as sitting down for a meal with him sends a flutter in my stomach.
Does he know how nervous he makes me? Can he hear how my pulse rattles when he’s close to me?
I clear my throat, murmuring, “I should be going. Gran will be expecting me home.”
Reaching for my bag, his words make me halt. “Thank you for helping me out with this, Grey. I have a feeling you’re going to love spending more time with Jade. ”
My gaze hits his, and my breath hitches. I nod. “You’re welcome, thirty-four.” I toss him a small smile, his dimples growing in response. “I’ll see you on Thursday.”
I leave before my pulse bursts from how fast it’s racing.