7. Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Noah
"Don't judge me!" she fires back, eyes wide and beautiful.
I take in the cramped space, packed from floor to ceiling with school desks, small tables, stacked chairs, and countless totes overflowing with school supplies—books, tablets, crayons, pencils. Diapers, wipes, and cleaning supplies are crammed into every corner. My eyes struggle to absorb the sheer volume of it all.
When I glance at her, she's biting her lower lip, struggling to mask the uncertainty in her eyes.
"The space next to Just In Clay isn't ready," she says, her voice wavering slightly. "I'll move everything there as soon as the walls are painted, I promise."
"Lily," I begin softly, "it's okay."
"I know it's a lot, but I—" she starts, her voice tinged with worry.
"Lily," I say, turning to face her, "You're starting a new business—it's okay for things to be a little chaotic."
She glances around the cluttered room, taking a deep breath. "I couldn’t afford a storage space," she admits, "so I had to get creative."
"I'll move everything into the garage tomorrow," I say, my voice gentle but determined.
"No!" she exclaims, her eyes widening. "I can't ask you to do that."
"You don't have to ask. I'm offering." I step closer, wrapping my hands around her arms, my gaze locking onto hers. I search her eyes, silently pleading for her to accept my help, to let me be there for her.
"Why do you want to do this for me?" she asks, her eyes searching mine with a plea for an answer she might not be ready to hear.
"You need your space back, Lily," I say, concern lacing my voice. "You can hardly move around in here."
"I told you," she says, pulling away. "As soon as the space is painted, I'll move everything."
"Need I remind you that you're injured?" I reply, glancing down at her leg. "You won't be able to stand on a ladder until you're completely healed."
She looks at me, her expression thoughtful but still resistant to conceding my point.
"What do you want me to say?" she asks, her beautiful eyes pleading for understanding.
"Let me help you." My voice is hopeful.
I watch her struggle to maneuver on crutches to the side of the couch that’s still empty, her face etched with pain.
"I would offer you a seat," she laughs nervously, "but as you can see, space is a bit of a luxury around here right now."
I fold my arms and lean against the door, letting my gaze linger on the exquisite beauty of her face—the delicate dimple on her cheek and the striking blue of her eyes. As I study her, I can almost feel the weight of her fears, the depth of her hopes, and the fragility of her dreams tied to this new venture. At this moment, she looks so young and achingly vulnerable; all I want is to protect her from the world.
"I'd like to stay here tonight," she says softly, her eyes meeting mine. "I think I'll rest better in my own bed."
Wanting nothing more than to make her happy, I nod. "Okay, but I'll come by in the morning to help you return to the house."
"Do you want me to go with you to pick up Davey?"
"It's been a long day," I reply gently. "Why don't you relax and take it easy for the rest of the night?"
Relief floods her eyes, and she whispers, "Thank you."
I know I have to say good night, but the thought of leaving her feels unbearable. All I want is to hold her close, to keep her safe in my arms, and never let go.
"Okay, well, I guess I better go," I say, hesitating. "But if you need anything—anything at all—call me, no matter what time."
She offers a weak smile. "Okay."
"You promise?" I press, not wanting to leave without her reassurance.
"I promise," she whispers, her eyes holding mine a moment longer.
When she stands abruptly, I’m at her side instantly, gently holding her by the elbow.
"You don't have to get up," I say softly. "Lily, I don't want to leave you."
"I'll be fine," she replies, but her words do little to ease my worry.
Her nearness tugs at my heartstrings, her blue gaze so sweet and innocent it nearly breaks me. The scent of white lilies lingering in the air has been teasing my senses all day, intensifying the pull I feel toward her.
"Lily," I whisper, her name tasting like honey on my lips. I reach for her, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering as they find the crook of her neck. Her skin is soft and warm beneath my touch, igniting a powerful desire to kiss her that courses through me like wildfire.
"Yes," she murmurs as if reading my mind. "You can kiss me goodnight."
I lean down, my heart racing, and gently brush her lips with mine. The soft contact sends a spark of electricity coursing through me.
I open my eyes to find hers still closed. Unable to resist, I kiss her again, a featherlight touch that only deepens the yearning inside me.
When I pull away, she opens her eyes, revealing a blue as bright as the clearest summer sky. God, she's beautiful.
"Kiss me again, Noah. Kiss me like you mean it," she breathes, her voice a sweet whisper that stirs something within me.
I smile, recognizing the invitation from moments past. It’s a call that ignites a profound longing in me—a desperate need to show her just how much I truly mean it.
I kiss her with deliberate and unhurried intensity, savoring every moment. My lips move slowly, lazily, exploring hers with a thoroughness that brings our bodies closer until they meld together. I can feel the rhythm of her heartbeat syncing with mine, as if our hearts are beating as one. When I finally end the kiss, she sways slightly, her footing unsteady. She has surrendered herself entirely to my embrace, her entire being melting into the warmth and security of my arms.
"I have to go, Sweetheart."
"Don't leave," she says, her words both a sweet invitation and relentless torture because I know I can’t stay.
"I'll see you in the morning," I whisper into her ear. "Please try to get some rest and make sure you elevate your foot."
"Okay," she replies, offering a shy smile that tugs at my heart.
Reluctantly, I turn and head toward the door. As I glance back, the intensity of her gaze seems to reach out, pleading for me to stay.
I'm playing with fire, I think, walking out and closing the door behind me. The truth burns inside me, and no matter how risky this path might be, I can't escape the undeniable reality of my feelings. I’m in love with her.
***
After Lily moves into the main bedroom downstairs, we eat breakfast together, and then she and Davey go out to the garden. She relaxes on a bench, watching him play on the slide and explore the treehouse. I stand by the door and watch her with my son. "What am I going to do with you, Lily Cruz?" I ask myself. Her beauty takes my breath away, and the way she treats Davey captivates my heart more and more with each passing day.
I walk back inside and pick up the phone to call Jon. I update him on Lily's injury, and afterward, I ask that he arrange for a crew from his firm to paint the daycare. He immediately senses something is going on and makes it clear that we are tabling a sit-down conversation until his return. I might be forty years old, but Jon is still my big brother, and he has the power to put the fear of God in me if he so chooses. The bottom line is what I feel for Lily is not fleeting. I've fallen deeply in love with a woman young enough to be my child. The lines between right and wrong blur with every passing day, and the stakes grow higher. But no matter how hard I try to convince myself to step back, my heart refuses to let go. Sooner or later, I will have to defend my feelings and my decisions to Jon, Sharon, my son's mother, and Lily's father.
When I join Davey and Lily in the garden, she glances up at me. The sun’s rays illuminate her face, making her blue eyes sparkle like the morning sky. She smiles, and when the dimple on her cheek appears, I’m overcome with the urge to kiss it. God, how I want to kiss her. I smile back and sit beside her, feeling the undeniable connection we share.
"I heard you talking on the phone," she says, her voice curious. "Is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine," I reply, my gaze shifting to Davey, who's now engrossed with what looks like another reptilian critter at the edge of the garden. "I was talking to Jon. I filled him in on your accident. He was relieved to hear that you're okay."
"I don’t want them to worry about me," she says, her eyes filled with concern.
I gently reach for her hand. "You're here with me. They know you're safe, and I'll make sure you stay off your feet until you're better."
When she smiles, I add, “Having said that, Miss Cruz, a crew from Linder and Morgan will be at the daycare to paint the walls this afternoon."
"Nooo!" she exclaims, her eyes wide with surprise. "Noah, I can’t afford a painter, let alone a crew!"
"You can’t afford to postpone opening your daycare because of your injury. You can’t stand on that leg, and you can’t climb a ladder. Let me help you."
"I'll pay you back," she says, her tone serious and resolute.
"Jon and Sharon are taking care of it," I assure her gently. "You don’t owe me anything, and I’m certain they won’t take your money either."
Her attention shifts back to Davey, but mine stays fixed on her. "Once the paint is dry, we can move all the furniture and supplies from the guesthouse to the daycare."
"Okay," she whispers, her voice mixed with gratitude and something more profound. "Thank you, Noah. You have no idea how much this means to me."
"Lily," I start, my voice thick with hesitation, "about last night..."
"Please," she cuts in, her eyes pleading with mine, "don't say anything that will ruin what we shared."
"What did last night mean to you?" I ask, my heart pounding as I search her eyes, desperate for the truth.
Without a moment’s pause, she whispers, "It meant everything. Noah, you're all I ever think about."
I'm blown away by her sincerity and willingness to be so honest and vulnerable with me. I look away because I can't bear to be this close to her without touching her.
"It's okay," she murmurs, mistaking my silence for rejection. "You don't have to feel the same way."
I turn back to her, my heart pounding. "Lily," I say, my voice full of longing, "would you like to go out with me?"
Now it's her turn to be speechless. She gazes at me, her eyes searching mine for so long that doubt begins to creep in. My heart tightens as I wonder if I've misread everything or if I’ve just made a huge mistake.
Then, her lips curve into a smile, her dimple appearing as she finally answers, "Yes."
"I want to kiss you," I admit, my gaze flickering to my son, who’s busy digging for worms at this very moment.
I return my gaze to Lily as we slowly lean into each other until our lips meet. The soft, sweet kiss that follows is brief but enough to send my heart soaring. In this moment, I know without a doubt that I love her—and that she loves me, too.
***
The daycare is freshly painted, and all the furniture and supplies are in place. Yesterday, we dedicated the day to cleaning, organizing, and setting up the space. Davey joined us and spent two hours next door at Just In Clay, happily painting a cup.
For five days, Lily and I exchange knowing glances over dinner, our hands intertwined in the garden when Davey isn’t watching. As we say goodnight at her bedroom door each night, I steal a tender kiss that lingers with an unspoken promise.
We postponed our date until her ankle healed, and tonight’s the night. After dropping Davey off at Patrick and Cara's, I walk to the guesthouse. It’s been almost eighteen years since my last date, not counting date nights with my ex, so I’m nervous as I knock on the door.
When my eyes meet hers, words completely fail me. She stands before me in a silk blouse the color of champagne, paired with a black skirt and sandals that highlight the elegance of her long legs. Her hair is swept up in a soft, twisted updo, with loose waves framing her face. She’s never used much makeup, and tonight is no different—just a hint of lip gloss and maybe a touch of mascara, allowing her flawless skin to shine naturally. I can’t resist leaning in to kiss her cheek as the scent of her perfume fills the air making my heart race.
"You look incredible," I say, completely captivated by her beauty.
"So do you," she replies, a soft smile playing on her lips as her blue eyes hold mine.
I take her to a restaurant with a stunning view of the Hudson River, where we’re immediately seated at an outdoor table. The evening is mild, and a cool breeze drifts by, adding a touch of romance to the moment. It’s the kind of night I know I’ll remember forever.
Our conversation flows effortlessly, with none of the awkward pauses that plague so many couples these days. I’m completely mesmerized by this woman—her laughter and quick wit could keep me captivated all day. She’s exceptionally intelligent, funny, and breathtakingly beautiful, making it impossible to look away.
Before we’re served dessert, a young woman approaches our table, to-go bag in hand. With fiery red hair, blue eyes, and a Marilyn Monroe vibe, she’s a striking reminder of the iconic beauty. I had the same thought when I met her years ago.
“Lily!” she says, her gaze shifting between Lily and me.
“Lisa!” Lily exclaims, standing to greet her with a warm hug. “When did you get back?”
“This morning," she replies, "I just wrapped up the Smith estate sale, and as promised, I set aside all the school supplies she had.”
“Thank you,” Lily says before turning her gaze to me. “Noah, this is my friend, Lisa. Lisa, this is Noah Linder.”
“Noah,” Lisa repeats, and I can see as the name and the face registers in her mind. “We met when you were here settling your mother’s estate. You're Mr. Linder's brother.”
“Yes, it’s nice to see you again,” I say, returning her smile.
“So, you two know each other?” Lily asks, curiosity in her voice.
“Lisa helped me with my mother’s estate sale in Florida,” I explain.
“You were in Boston at the time,” Lisa adds, addressing Lily.
“I couldn’t have done it without you,” I say to Lisa with genuine appreciation.
“You’re welcome,” Lisa replies warmly. "Honestly, it felt like a vacation. I had never been to Florida."
“Laila, Lisa, and I were roommates in Boston before Laila and Sam got married,” Lily explains.
"Fun times!" Lisa laughs. "Well, I’ll let you get back to your dinner. Lily, give me a call about those school supplies.”
“I will,” Lily promises, standing to hug her goodbye.
"It was nice seeing you again, Noah," Lisa says, shaking my hand and flashing a friendly smile before walking away.
After we finish dessert and leave the restaurant, I turn to Lily. "Do you want to go for a walk?" I ask.
“Yes,” she smiles, “How about along Dockside Park?”
As we begin our walk, I reach for her hand, feeling the warmth of her touch as we stroll together.