Kanton.
I SLEPT LIKE SHIT, and not because of the sofa that was subbing as my bed for the week. It was actually pretty cozy. My issue was the woman who had totally consumed my thoughts. Instead of doing as she suggested and changing the linen on the pillow, I retrieved a blanket and tossed both on the sofa before searching her kitchen for something to calm my nerves and possibly help me sleep.
I lucked up and found a bottle of tequila, which wasn’t my favorite but would have to do, so I grabbed a glass, poured a shot, and then tossed it back.
After one more, my shoulders relaxed enough for me to try to get some sleep. I returned to the living room and got situated on the sofa with her pillow beneath my head. I folded an arm and tucked it behind me, allowing my other hand to rest on my chest.
That hand found its way to my abs and inched lower with each breath I inhaled. The light scent of coconut and berries clinging to her pillow had my mind traveling to places it had no business venturing, with my hand moving farther south until I realized where I was.
Needless to say, I didn’t get much rest, setting the stage for a grumpy day. Not to mention, I was in dire need of caffeine, and the only thing Noel had that remotely resembled coffee was some French vanilla and caramel macchiato pods, which didn’t classify as coffee, in my opinion. At present, I was stepping off the elevator in search of a very strong brew and maybe halfway decent breakfast.
“Good morning, Lewis, right?”
“Good morning, and you got it.” He smiled widely after I stepped to the concierge’s station. Lewis wore khaki slacks, a navy blazer, and a crisp white shirt as the day before. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly groomed, giving him a clean-cut and professional look. Lewis was a man after my own heart who apparently took his job seriously.
“I was wondering if you could direct me to a good cup of coffee and breakfast. Any suggestions?”
“Sure, sure . . .” He smiled, nodding. “If you don’t feel like battling the cold, there’s a restaurant in the building on the second floor. Pretty decent food, but too commercialized if you ask me. A few blocks up that way, there’s a place a little less appealing regarding décor, but the food is top-tier. It’s called Hanna Mae’s, and I suggest the Hero’s Breakfast. A big ol’stack, cheese eggs, and sausage. If that’s not your thing, you can go the healthy route. They’ve got that too, but the coffee’s strong, and the service is great.”
“Sounds like just what I need.” I nodded as my stomach approved. “Do they offer carryout service as well?”
He frowned a bit but nodded. “You don’t plan on eating there? Food is much better when it’s hot off the grill.”
“I agree, and no, I plan on dining in, but I figured I might bring something back for Noel. You know if she dines there much?” I tried since he seemed very familiar with her. He might know if she frequented the place because it was close by.
Lewis frowned at me and then inadvertently looked past me toward the elevators. “She’s still here?”
“She is.”
“Interesting. I thought since you were renting her place, she worked everything out and got home to her family.”
“Not exactly. I’m sure that was the intention, but she’s still here.”
“Interesting,” he stated again before rolling his shoulders back. “And you’re staying there, in her place, with her, for how long?”
“The weekend and first part of the week.”
“She’s okay with that? I don’t know much about the Shared Space thing, but I didn’t assume it meant actually sharing space with strangers. Only the place.”
I grinned and nodded. “Typically, that’s how it works, but there was a bit of a mix-up, and my reservation never got canceled.”
“And she offered to let you stay?” The look he gave was accusing and protective, as if trying to gauge how agreeable Noel was to the situation. I wouldn’t give him all the details, but I would ease his mind because Lewis was apparently worried. That, however, made sense, considering he had an affinity for Noel based on the warning of his appreciation of her.
“She did. We’ve found a way to make it work.”
“Interesting.”
Damn, he really liked that word.
“Lewis, I assure you, I am not a threat to Ms. Anderson . . .”
“You definitely are not.” He rolled his shoulders back again, offering me a warning look that screamed there would be consequences if I decided to change my stance on causing Noel harm. I almost laughed at the idea of Lewis launching a vicious attack, but I respected the guy for making sure I knew he would try.
“Understood, but again, I’m here on business. That’s my only goal. Noel and I have agreed to coexist while I’m in town. You can rest assured there won’t be any issues. I give you my word.”
He eyed me skeptically for a long moment before offering his hand. I accepted, and we shook, sealing a gentleman’s agreement. “Enjoy your stay then, and I suppose I should be more concerned about you than her?”
“Pardon?”
His smile expanded the expanse of his face before he offered, “Surviving a Noel Christmas. That woman lives and breathes the holidays, and since she’s not going home to spend it with her family, I can imagine she will set up right here in her apartment. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen a tree come through yet. Maybe I missed it.”
“A tree?”
“Yep, the biggest, fullest tree you could ever imagine. It’s her thing. She does that even though she’s usually not here.”
Interesting.
Now, I was the one using the word. That explained the plastic bins of ornaments and lights, but there was no tree . . . which had me thinking.
“You said if I needed anything, you could assist, right?”
“I surely did. What can I do for you?”
“I’d like to get a tree for Noel. Would you be able to handle that?”
Lewis frowned a bit, shaking his head. “The lots are likely all sold out. Not much left to choose since we’re so close to the day.”
“The stores are usually stocked quite nicely. Cost is not an issue. You can get the biggest they have.”
“Artificial?” His eyes went wide before he quickly shook his head. “No can do.”
“Why not?” My brows pinched.
“You want to get an artificial tree for Noel Anderson?”
“Considering this is last minute, I think that would work, and she should appreciate the gesture.”
Lewis smiled and shrugged. “If that’s what you want, then sure, I’ll take care of it. I can have one delivered within the hour, I’m sure. There’s a place nearby.”
“Perfect.” I reached into my back pocket and removed my wallet and a business card. “My number’s on there. Let me know the cost, and I’ll make sure it’s covered.”
He accepted the card. “I’ll get you a tab started with the concierge instead of billing what you need to the apartment. You can leave a card on file or cover the cost when your stay with us is up. They offer carryout service as well.”
“Sounds good.” We shook on it, and then I pointed toward the door. “A few blocks up that way, correct?”
“You got it. Hanna Mae’s. Tell them Lewis sent you, and they’ll take good care of you.”
I tipped my head. “Appreciate you, Lewis.” I paused briefly. “Oh, and don’t forget, the biggest tree you can find.”
One that won’t fit in her bedroom, so she’ll have to enjoy it in the living room . . . with me.
“Will do.”
I left him there, but I was unsure why I wanted to give Noel Christmas when Christmas was one of my least favorite holidays. Somehow, knowing she enjoyed it made me open to enjoying it with her. There was no other reason why I was allowing myself to be distracted by a woman when I needed to be laser-focused on finding a way to get to Brighton to close the biggest deal of my life.
However, the thought of making this woman smile was my new motivation. So far, the only emotions I’d experienced with Noel were agitation, defeat, and a tiny hint of lust, which I also shared. The challenge of making her smile simply for my own enjoyment was the reason I was offering up limitless funds to punch a tree and on my way to grab breakfast for a woman I barely knew.
Noel, Noel, what the hell am I getting myself into with you?
Half an hour later, I was back at the apartment, electing to get my food to go as well since I wanted to ensure I was there when the tree arrived. I walked into the unit, placing our breakfast on the counter before I went to offer an invitation for Noel to join me.
Once I approached the door, I heard the light hum of voices and assumed she was awake since the TV was on. After a few light knocks, I was blessed with the visual of those alluring eyes and, much to my dismay, she was covered in red and green plaid pants that were far too slouchy and an oversized crewneck fleece shirt that had me grinning when I read the print. Dear Santa, before I explain, how much do you know?
“Yes . . .?”
My eyes shot up to meet hers, and my smile challenged the frown on her face.
“Good morning . . .”
“Questionable,” she muttered. “Did you need something?”
“Not much of a morning person, are we?”
“Usually I am, but given the situation . . .” Her eyes narrowed on me, and I chuckled.
“I’d like to offer a truce. I bought us breakfast.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“No, I didn’t, but I figured it’s the least I can do since I’ve inconvenienced you for the week, albeit not really my fault.”
“And there it is. If this is your idea of a truce, you might want to revisit the definition.”
“I’m well aware of the definition. I have breakfast from Hanna Mae’s. Lewis suggested the Hero, so I got that for both of us. Why don’t you come join me?”
“You’re friends with Lewis now?” Her eyes narrowed again.
“Maybe not friends but acquaintances. He pretty much threatened me if I did you any harm and then suggested your favorite breakfast spot, so I’d say that counts for something.”
Her eyes lit up, and she smiled. “He threatened you?”
“In a matter of speaking, yes. The guy seems to be quite fond of you.”
“That’s because he and I are friends.” She shrugged.
“I noticed, so how about it? You joining me, or what?”
“You sure you want me to? If I accept, we’re breaking the rules of our agreement.”
“We are, but I will make concessions for now.”
“Right,” she muttered as I walked away. I didn’t bother looking behind me but secretly hoped she’d accept the offer. She did. Instead of finding our way to the small table near her kitchen, she hopped on the counter near the carryout bag and removed both containers.
One she extended my way, and the other she opened in her lap after I accepted. I watched her eyes slowly close as she inhaled the aroma of the hearty breakfast. She smiled widely, sending her hand back into the to-go bag to retrieve the two sets of plastic utensils, offering up one to me before she ripped open the other, mumbling a short blessing before diving right into her food.
No shame in this one.
I turned toward the counter, grinning with pleasure at how happy a simple breakfast made her, in turn, weaving happiness into my chest as I ripped open my utensils and then my own container. When I turned back toward Noel, I caught her unabashedly swallowing a mouthful.
“Good?” I questioned, motioning toward the plastic container in her lap.
“See for yourself,” she offered, shoving a chunk of fluffy golden pancakes into her mouth.
I did, and good Lord, I see why she was humming approvingly as she enjoyed her meal. The buttery soft pancakes melted against my tongue in a melody of maple syrup and brown sugar.
“This is heaven.”
“Sure is. Now, you see why Lewis suggested it. Thanks for this, by the way.” She spoke through a mouthful, which, instead of turning me off, had me chuckling at how much she was enjoying her food to the point of not caring that doing so in such an uncouth manner might seem less appealing.
I was curious to the point of desperation of wanting more of Noel, her secrets, the untold stories, hell, anything which had me asking, “He mentioned you usually go home for Christmas?”
She paused briefly but kept her eyes on her food while stabbing at a fluff of scrambled eggs. “I do.”
“Yet, you’re still here. Why?” Her eyes shot over to mine finally, and I quickly added, “I’m only asking because you rented your place, which means you intended not to be here. What changed?”
“I got sick . . .”
My eyes narrowed, and she rolled hers. “Just a cold. You don’t need to contact the CDC. It was pretty average, but I couldn’t go home.”
“Colds don’t usually prevent people from traveling. Especially not average colds.”
She nodded in agreement. “My dad had cancer.” I was about to speak, but she quickly added, “He’s in remission, but his system is still recovering. They both said it would be fine for me to be there, but it’s my dad, you know? I didn’t want to risk his health just because I wanted to be home for Christmas.”
My heart clenched with the thought of being in the same position. Sure, I had a conflicted relationship with both my parents, but I loved them dearly and couldn’t imagine losing either. The stress of the possibility had to be heavy for anyone.
“I’m glad he’s on the mend and hate that you missed the holiday with them.”
“Thank you.” She smiled softly. “What about you? You’re here instead of with your family?”
I nodded. “The deal I’m trying to close could potentially be the best business opportunity I’ve ever brokered.”
“But what about your family? Won’t you miss them, and they you for the holiday?”
I stabbed at my pancakes and lifted a forkful, slowly chewing while I decided how to respond. Family was a touchy subject for me. People rarely understood my opposition with mine. Their first thought was you were rich, so how bad could it have been? Noel watched me intently, and for some reason, I wanted to offer her a sliver of truth, even if not the full scope.
“My mother will be too busy with her holiday production to worry about missing me, and my father will be too busy appeasing my mother while she orchestrates her holiday production. They’ll survive my not being there.”
“That sounds very complicated.”
“Because it is. The holidays are overrated, at least when it comes to my family. It’s more of a performance for a press release than a family gathering. Working through Christmas is much more favorable than what I’m missing.”
Her mouth dropped open before she slowly dragged those luscious lips back together, and I enjoyed the visual far too much. “The holidays are not overrated. That’s simply blasphemy. Christmas is my favorite time of the year.”
“So I’ve heard.” I smirked. She narrowed her eyes, and I added, “Lewis.”
“Right. I’m sure he filled you in on how much of a holiday enthusiast I am.”
“He did, but he only had great things to say. It seems you’re quite the crowd-pleaser here at your building. Your gifts are top-tier and very thoughtful.”
She smiled proudly, and it swelled my chest. “He did?”
“Christmas means a lot to you, huh?”
“It does. This will be the first time I won’t spend with my family.” Her shoulders slumped when reality gut punched her.
Right on cue, there was a knock at the door, and I pointed to the door with my plastic fork. “Maybe that will help.” I placed my food on the counter and stepped closer, taking hers from her lap and putting it on the counter. “Come on.”
“Where are we going?”
“To the door. I got something for you.”
She hadn’t moved yet, so I turned to face her again.
“What’s at the door?”
“A tree. When Lewis mentioned how much you loved Christmas, I realized you didn’t have one. It’s like you planned to . . .” I pointed to the plastic bins that still littered the living room. “. . . but something happened. I decided it was the least I could do.”
It took a minute for her brain to process and catch up, but when it did, she smiled beautifully, and my dick responded appropriately. “You got me a tree?”
“I did.”
“Seriously?” She was beaming like a child as she hopped off the counter and hurried to the door. The minute she swung it open, she found two gentlemen who I assumed worked for the property based on their matching pants and shirts standing there with a massive box between them . . . and that smile disappeared.
She looked at them, the box, and then swung her eyes back to me, pointing toward the hallway.
“What’s that?”
“A tree.”
“That’s not a tree.”
I approached, lowering my eyes to the tree box that clearly was a tree based on the stock photos displayed on both sides. “Yes, it is. See?” Confused, I pointed to the side of the box after catching the smug grins the men were sporting.
“I mean, it is a tree, but not a real one.”
Ahhh, now, that made sense. My mother made sure the main tree in our house, which was positioned in the foyer, was live. However, she still had several more strategically placed throughout our home, similar to this one.
“It’s a tree, Noel . . .”
“Is not. That’s . . .” She frowned and dramatically threw an arm out to the side. “. . . plastic and metal, which is unacceptable. A tree has a spirit, a soul, smells like pine, and it just feels good. That . . .” she offered even more dramatically again, pausing, “is not the same.”
“You don’t want it?” I asked in frustration. I was trying to do something nice, and here she was being unappreciative. This was precisely why I didn’t like Christmas. There was no real holiday cheer, even though people claimed to be all loving and ardent toward others.
Noel’s eyes slowly danced over my face, like she was attempting to soften the blow of what was coming. “I . . . it’s great . . . and I really appreciate you doing this for me, but that’s . . .”
“. . . not a real tree,” I murmured.
One of the men said, “We bringing it in or what? Lewis said she wasn’t going to want this thing. We should have listened.”
He warned me. I should have listened.
He knew that she had an affinity for real trees.
She carefully lifted her eyes to me because she didn’t want to be rude, but she also didn’t want the damn tree. I wanted her smile back, so I quickly shook my head. “No, you can take it back. Please apologize to Lewis and tell him to bill me for any inconvenience caused by returning that.”
“We got you covered, and, Noel,” one of them spoke, turning his attention to her. When she was focused on him, he continued. “Lewis said he called over to a tree lot. Their stock was limited, but they promised to hold the best of what they had for you as long as you can get there before they close tonight.”
“Aw, that’s perfect. Tell him I said thank you.”
What the fuck?
“Why didn’t he just tell me that in the first place?” I stated roughly through my annoyance.
The other guy shrugged as he leaned to lift the box upright to place it on the dolly off to the side. I hadn’t noticed it until now. Once they had it secured, he offered, “Said you were determined for him to order one instead. The biggest, most expensive they had. He was doing what you asked.”
What he knew she would hate. Maybe Lewis and I weren’t friends after all.
“Right.”
Once they were gone, I returned to the kitchen, grabbed what was left of my food, and settled on the sofa. I retrieved my laptop so that I could finish researching Brighton’s companies. I needed every single detail I could devour, not only about him but about the three competing firms that had found their way to the top of his list—a list I wasn’t blessed enough to be considered for. I decided it was best to shift my focus back to the reason why I was here.
“What are you doing?”
“Working.”
“Oh, well, thanks again for trying. I really appreciate it.”
“Did you now?” I lifted my eyes to hers and instantly regretted my foul mood. Yes, I was being every bit of an ass, but I was annoyed that I allowed this woman to affect me enough to have me purchasing trees instead of dumping my energy into closing the deal with Brighton. That wasn’t Noel’s fault; it was mine.
“I did. Regardless of whether you believe it . . .” She stood there staring, and when she realized I wasn’t going to cave, she retreated. “I, um, I guess I’ll leave you alone. Thanks again for breakfast too. I really appreciate it.”
I should have said something, but instead, I let her walk away, and as soon as I heard the soft click of her bedroom door, I threw my head back and closed my eyes.
What the fuck are you doing, Kanton?