11
Jett
It is close to ten when everyone finally leaves. Between swearing to Reece that I’m a fully functional and capable adult and convincing McKenna I don’t need her to stay the night—again, I’m a big kid now—I am pooped.
Sleep sounds amazing, yet my brain is currently bouncing around roughly eight different scenarios in my head. All of them include a ruggedly handsome mechanic that happens to live next door.
Noah left before everyone else, claiming he had to get up early in the morning. Who knows, maybe he does. All I know is I didn’t want him to leave, which is messed up, because I don’t even know the guy. Not past the few conversations we’ve had.
And I should be heartbroken. I think.
Instead, I can’t get his brown eyes, scruffy beard, and dirty ball cap out of my internal video player. I want this guy. Like want , want. That’s not a feeling I’m accustomed to.
I mean, I was attracted to Joey, but never have I ever literally felt heat build just from a few looks. Then McKenna told me he’d noticed when I zoned out while asking me a question earlier, so he made sure to have my attention before asking a second time without getting irritated. I know from experience how rare it is to find a guy not fazed by that.
Granted, it was only once. But maybe he could always be like that? I don’t want to get my hopes up.
Crap .
I need to get up and do something before my thoughts consume the rest of my night. Picking up my phone and touching the screen to activate it, I realize it is already after one in the morning.
Double crap . How did I lose three hours? I’ll be lucky to snag five hours of sleep at this rate. Not the worst I’ve ever done, but I need to get back into a routine—or I guess build a new one. New town, new me.
Isn’t that how this is supposed to work?
***
By the time I fell asleep, it was almost three, so the alarm that goes off at seven has me cursing and hitting snooze. Twice. It isn’t until a text comes through from my mom that I shoot up in bed. What the heck does she want? We haven’t spoken since the night I ended up doing shots at Riley’s.
I scroll through my contacts and tap Reece’s number, nibbling on my thumbnail as I wait for him to answer.
“Yeah?” he asks in answer. His voice is gruff, and only then does it tickle my thoughts that he’s likely already stacking hay or something this morning. I bypass a hello as well and jump right into my reason for calling.
“Do you know why Mom wants me to call her?”
“Jett? What are you going on about?”
“Mom. She texted me. Told me to call her. Why?”
He sighs—a pretty regular occurrence around me. “I don’t know why she texted you, Jett, but she probably just wants to talk. You haven’t exactly made it easy on her.”
A groan slips past my lips as I fling myself back against my pillows. “She always wants to know too much.”
“She loves you and wants to make sure you are doing okay, sis. Give her a call.”
My thumb hits the red button on the screen seconds before the impulse to toss my phone across the room wins out. Toss may not accurately convey the level of force involved. Luckily, the screen lands face-up and doesn’t shatter. The last thing I need is to add replacing a broken phone to the to-do list.
I swing my legs out from under the covers, resting my bare feet on the cool wood floor. My head sinks forward into my hands, elbows on my thighs as my breaths come out in shaky bursts.
Damn it.
I shouldn’t have been so snappy with Reece. It was immature to hang up on him, but I know better than to call him back right now. My chest is tight at the thought of adding an extra layer of worry to his day, so I send off a text.
He leaves my message on read almost immediately. I need to get up and get moving. Otherwise, the thoughts in my head will consume my morning. I quickly slip into some sweatpants and an oversize tee before walking into my kitchen, where the to-do list McKenna and I put together last night sits next to a bottle of water and my morning vitamin regiment.
I laugh at the last one. McKenna must’ve added it after I’d walked off.
After the struggle of trying to decide if I am going to get fixed up today or just go as I am, I choose the latter. Sweats and messy bun (remember, not cute) it is. I triple check to ensure I have my phone, wallet, and keys in hand before locking the door and making my way down to the sidewalk to take in the sunny small town morning.
I want to try out the bakery, because Reece raves about it, but there’s so many people inside that I end up hovering outside the door for longer than intended.
“The door won’t bite, you know.”
I jump at the unfamiliar voice behind me and realize I’m pretty much blocking the entrance to the shop. “Sorry,” I mumble before stepping aside and taking in the petite woman. And I do mean petite, even to my five-foot-four frame.
“You’re Jett, right? Reece’s sister?”
“How did you—”
“Right, I’m Kelsey. Jace’s twin.” She extends her hand in greeting, the cheeriest smile lighting her face. Are people actually this happy in the morning? And functional?
“Twin?” I realize how short my responses are, but my brain is short-circuiting.
She continues to smile as if this is completely normal conversation and says, “I know. He’s a giant, and I’m barely five feet tall. He stole the height, but I stole the brains. We share the looks.” She grins again. “Well, come on then. Let’s go get you a good ol’ Havenwood welcome coffee.”
This girl literally drags me through the door, her hand gripping my forearm, and I am at a complete loss at how to react.
Do I turn and bolt?
Do I let her drag me through the bakery where people are most definitely staring?
This is a small town gossip site—Jace said as much last night. I try to take a deep breath and prepare for whatever is to come.
As soon as we are past the throng of people inside the door, I start for the line, but Kelsey drags me further into the shop, all the way to the counter, where she hops behind it and starts fixing coffee like she owns the place.
“Whatcha like? Caramel? Mocha? White chocolate peppermint? We also have pumpkin. It’s delicious with a small squirt of whipped cream on top. Like eating pumpkin pie.”
“Um, I don’t really know. I usually do decaf caramel.”
“One salted caramel decaf latte coming right up.” As she sets to combining syrups and creamer and coffee, she continues to talk. “So, how do you like Havenwood? You getting used to the small town feel yet? I know Covington is still technically a small town, but when you have that many tourists coming in and out, it can’t have the same feel.”
“Um, no. It’s been good so far. I struggled to sleep last night, but it’s a new place, so… Has anyone ever told you you’re a little more energetic than most in the morning?”
She laughs. “That’s just a polite way of saying ‘Chill the hell out, Kels.’ But I get it. My twin tells me the same thing all the time, just not in so nice of wording.” She finishes putting a lid on my coffee and grabs a straw before handing both to me. “I’d love to spend some time with you once you get more settled. I’m usually here until I close up shop at two, and then most nights I either work at Riley’s or hang out there with my brother. Not many women in their twenties around here. The testosterone pool is definitely overtaking us.”
“Sure, I think I’d like that.”
“Perfection. Here’s my card. It has my cell on it. Feel free to text me whenever you want to get together and we’ll set something up.”
As I take it from her, I say, “I’ll shoot you a message now, because I’m likely to forget as soon as this card goes in my pocket.” As I create a new message with just my name and hit send, I add, “Can I also get one of whatever you suggest to eat?”
“Absolutely, doll.”
“Add it to my bill, Kels,” a voice says behind me. That voice.
I turn around to find Noah sidling up next to the counter and note that the crowd has thinned more than a little as I’ve stood here talking with Kelsey. Kelsey waves a hand at him.
“It’s on the house, sweet cheeks. So is yours. The normal?”
He nods. “Yes ma’am.”
Once Kelsey is busy facing the back counter, Noah slips a twenty into the tip jar and winks, a finger over his smiling lips to signal me not to tell the petite sight behind the counter.
“So, how was your first night here?”
“Rough, but I rarely sleep great in new locations for the first night or two.”
“I get that. I don’t sleep well whenever I travel for work.”
“You travel? For elevators?”
He nods. “Occasionally, I’ll head up to Augusta or right over the state line into South Carolina, depending on what jobs need doing.”
“Huh. Did not figure an elevator guy traveled. I guess I just assumed there was enough work around here.”
“There is, technically. But going out of town generates higher pay, since it is a different region. I don’t do it as much now that I have Sadie, but in my early career days, I took every opportunity.”
“Makes sense.”
Kelsey hands Noah his drink and gives each of us a bag of goodies, a knowing look in her eyes. “You two are cute.”
“Oh, it’s nothing like that,” I stammer, trying to explain, but Kelsey keeps that dang smile ever present.
“Mhmm.”
Noah chuckles. “Nothing going on, Kels. She’s my new neighbor. That’s all.”
Even though it’s true, his words cause a pang in my chest. It shouldn’t, but it does. This man is sexy and thoughtful and spent the day just helping me yesterday, even though he had nothing to gain. Hell, Reece iced him out all day, and I know I didn’t do much better—for different reasons, but still.
We turn to leave the little bakery on Main Street, and he holds the door for me and says, “Walk with me?”
Instead of answering, I just follow as he turns down a side street and leads us to a small park on the backside of the building we were just in. I check my phone and realize it’s already nine, so I don’t have all that much time. I say as much to Noah as we sit at a picnic table near a kids’ play area.
“Already trying to ditch me, eh?”
I shake my head vehemently. “No, I just have this thing over at, um, with Kristen that McKenna helped me schedule, and I’m more than a little paranoid about missing it.”
“McKenna do everything for you?”
I shrug, glancing off to the playground. The conversation with McKenna and Reece a few weeks ago is still on repeat in my head.
“Hey,” Noah says, gently lifting my chin with a calloused finger so that I have no choice but to meet his gaze. “Remember, judgment free.”
“It’s stupid.”
“Nothing you say or do could ever be stupid.”
I give him a look, because he clearly doesn’t know me well enough to assume that I don’t say or do stupid stuff all the time.
“McKenna does my scheduling and to-do lists for me, because I’m incapable of remembering, and I get overwhelmed if I have too much to get done.”
He raises his hands in a gesture suggesting he’s appeasing me, removing his grip on my chin. “I maintain my statement. I’ve already told you I like everything I’ve seen, chaos. Nothing about what you just said sounded stupid to me.”
I roll my eyes at the nickname that I can’t seem to break him from using. I sip my coffee, moaning at the perfect blend of flavors. I almost miss the heated gaze in Noah’s eyes when I look up. He looks away as soon as he sees me watching him, but the faint blush coloring his cheeks gives him away. I sit back, my shoulders slumping in defeat.
“It’s really not a bright idea to pursue anything with me, Noah. You say you like my brand of crazy, but you haven’t seen the half of it.”
“Then let me,” he says, nearly interrupting me. “We’re neighbors. We can hold off on the first date thing for a bit. Let’s be friends. Get to know each other in a platonic way. And then I can prove to you that you are capable of giving us a try.”
“Prove that I’m capable?”
“Yeah. Sweetheart, I already know I’m more than willing and able to go the distance with you. But I’ll wait as long as you need.”
“Must be a screw loose for you, too.”
“Several. It’s a common trait among elevator mechanics. We’re also assholes.”
I can’t help but laugh, because this guy is anything but. “No way that’s true. You’re too sweet to be anything but a gentleman.”
“That’s because I like you, chaos. Ask any man I work with or for, and they’ll have a different story to tell. Hell, you can even ask Jace. There are days he hates me.” He grins.
“I think I’d have to see it to believe it.”
“I do my damnedest to keep my work life and personal life separate, so hopefully you never will.”
“You don’t sound like you enjoy the two different sides, so why do you do it? Act differently at work.”
“If you’ve ever been around the trades, you’d understand.”
“My dad’s a retired electrician.”
“Power ranger.” He snorts.
I roll my eyes at the jab.
“Elevators are far superior to any other trade. Pay, benefits, everything. So, it’s much more cutthroat. Tough to get in. Can’t take shit from anyone unless you’re willing to be under someone else’s boot.”
“That sounds miserable.”
“Maybe, but I am great at what I do and I enjoy it. I’ll deal with the negative to keep doing what I love.”
“Can definitely understand the passion aspect.”
“So, what do you do?”
A huff leaves me along with a shake of my head. “Lost my job a few weeks back.”
“That sucks, but it doesn’t answer my question.”
I shrug. “I was an assistant editor for a small firm. I had been with them since college.”
“Was it something you enjoyed?”
“I’m good at it.”
“Okay, but I asked if you enjoy it. Is it your passion?”
“I don’t think I ever want to work for someone else again.” I look at him sheepishly. “I’ve always wanted to open a multifaceted bookstore. Support indie authors and help get their books out there, you know? I’ve read so many over the years that just don’t gain enough of a following to become household names. They’re phenomenal, but the only reason I found them is because I search for indie reads. I’d offer my editing services on the side, independently. Hopefully, I’d be able to sell coffee and snacks as well.”
I shrug, studying my coffee cup. “I don’t know. I’ve never been great at handling my finances, so at this point I just need something that’ll pay the bills. My savings will only go so far, so I don’t think I’ll be trying to go out on my own any time soon.”
Instead of the incredulous look McKenna always gives me or the condescending glances my brother shoots my way any time I bring up my dream, Noah just…looks…at me. No judgment. No questioning whether I’m capable. No calling me crazy.
“You should do it.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Sure it is.”
“You sound like my dad.”
“He sounds like a smart guy. You know, aside from being an electrician and all.”
Shaking my head, I check my phone again and realize how quickly time has passed with Noah. If I sit here any longer, I’ll be late. “Shit, Noah, I have to go.”
“You have time. Kristen’s office is just a block over.”
I nod, even though I hadn’t realized how close this little park is to the town’s physicians building. As I stand and look around, trying to figure out how to get where I need to go, Noah stands with me, hooking his arm with mine. Butterflies stir in my stomach, but I shove the metaphorical creatures down. Now is not the time.
“I’ll walk you,” Noah says.
Too thankful since I’d probably get lost otherwise, I let Noah lead me, and sure enough, the building I need is just a short walk away.
“Do you like hockey?” he asks suddenly.
It feels like a trick of some sort, but I nod anyway. “Only Steele Valley Voltage, since they’re local. I haven’t really followed any other team.”
“I usually watch replays on Sundays since I don’t have the option to stay up late enough during the week. Or a live game depending on the schedule. Can I interest you in joining me this week? I’ll provide food and blankets?” He pulls me to a stop outside the doors to Dr. Kristen’s building.
“How’d you know I like blankets?” Anything soft, fuzzy, or cuddly is what this girl dreams of.
“You had about four boxes full when we unloaded yesterday.”
“Ah, that.”
“So, you’ll come?”
Silently wishing that is purposely a sexual innuendo but knowing it isn’t, I nod. Before I can turn away to step through the doors, he drops a kiss on my forehead.
“Later, chaos.”
Before I can process what just happened, he’s disappeared around the corner. I sigh and slip through the door, heading to Dr. Kristen’s receptionist.