Chapter Twenty-One
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Annabelle
S neaking around with Nolan really does it for me. Ash and I have had lunch with him three times in the past week, going out to the job sites and visiting him. This wasn't something I'd ever thought I'd be a part of, and I love it. Seeing him hot, sweaty, and in control of his crew.
Today is no different. The sun beats down on the construction site as Ash and I make our way through the maze of equipment and materials. She's clutching her little lunch box in one hand and mine in the other, practically skipping with excitement.
"Daddy." she squeals when she spots Nolan directing his crew near a freshly prepared slab.
He turns at the sound of her voice, and the transformation on his face is immediate, from stern boss to doting father in the blink of an eye. My heart flutters as he waves us over, his smile growing when his eyes meet mine.
"My favorite girls," he says, kneeling down to scoop Ash into his arms before planting a quick kiss on my cheek. It's chaste, appropriate for the workplace, but the heat of his lips lingers on my skin.
I hand him the lunch I packed, turkey and Swiss on sourdough, and he leads us to a makeshift break area where he's set up a small table and chairs under a pop-up tent.
"Perfect timing," he says, glancing at his watch. "We're about to pour the foundation. Want to watch?"
Ash claps her hands in excitement. "Yes please. Daddy makes cool stuff."
"That he does," I say, unable to keep the pride from my voice.
We settle in at the table and unwrap our lunches while the crew prepares for the pour. I can't help but watch Nolan as he moves between bites of his sandwich and checking his phone, answering texts from suppliers and subcontractors. Even during lunch, he's working.
"Sorry," he apologizes, setting his phone down for what must be the tenth time. "The concrete mix delivery for the Thompson project is delayed, and I need to,"
"Don't apologize," I interrupt, reaching across to touch his hand. "I love seeing you in your element."
His eyes soften, and he turns his palm up to catch my fingers in his. "This is my element," he says quietly, gesturing to Ash and me. He leans in, kissing me on the lips. "This right here."
The foreman calls out that they're ready, and Nolan reluctantly releases my hand. "Duty calls," he says with a wink.
Ash and I follow him back to the slab area, keeping a safe distance as the cement truck backs up to the site. I've never seen concrete being poured before, and I'm surprised by how fascinating it is, or maybe it's just fascinating to watch Nolan work.
He's transformed again, his voice commanding as he directs his crew. The muscles in his arms flex as he adjusts the chute, helping guide the flow of concrete. His tattoos move along with the muscles. It's mesmerizing. His t-shirt clings to his back, damp with sweat, and I find myself mesmerized by the breadth of his shoulders, the confidence in his stance.
"Daddy's strong," Ash says, her eyes wide with admiration.
"Yes, he is," I agree, not just referring to his physical strength.
The homeowners arrive as the pour is finishing up. An older couple, they stand at the edge of the property, pointing and discussing something on a blueprint. Nolan notices them immediately and waves them over, his smile professional but warm.
"Mr. and Mrs. Davies," he calls out, pulling off his work gloves. "Perfect timing. We're just finishing up the slab pour. We'll start stamping the pattern here in a few minutes."
As they approach, I feel suddenly self-conscious. We haven't exactly made our relationship public yet, and I'm not sure how Nolan wants to handle this.
"I'd like you to meet someone," Nolan says, wrapping an arm around my waist and drawing me forward. "This is Annabelle, my girlfriend, and you already know my daughter, Ashlynn."
Girlfriend . The word sends a thrill through me.
"Lovely to meet you," Mrs. Davies says, shaking my hand. "Nolan's told us so much about you both."
"Has he now?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at him.
He just shrugs, a mischievous grin playing at his lips.
After showing the Davies around and explaining the next phases, Nolan walks us back to my car. Ash runs ahead, chasing a butterfly that's caught her attention.
"Girlfriend, huh?" I say, nudging him with my shoulder. "Is that my title now?"
He stops walking, turning to face me fully. His eyes are serious, searching mine. "It's always been your title," he says, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "You just didn't know it yet."
My breath catches. It's amazing how, after everything we've shared these past few weeks, he can still make me feel like a teenager with her first crush.
"There's something I want to ask you," he says, his voice lower now. He glances over to make sure Ash is still occupied with her butterfly chase. "We've done a lot of things together now, family meals, work visits, movie nights after Ash is asleep..."
"Mmm, and other things," I add with a suggestive smile, enjoying the way his ears redden at the reminder of our more private activities.
"Yes, those too," he laughs, then grows serious again. "But there's one thing we haven't done yet. Something I'd really like to do with you."
I'm intrigued. "What's that?"
"Let me take you on a date," he says, his eyes hopeful. "A real date. Just you and me. Dinner, maybe a movie or bowling. Something normal people do when they're falling for each other."
My heart swells. "We're not exactly normal people, though, are we?" I tease, but my voice is soft.
"No," he agrees. "We're better." He leans down to kiss me, a gentle press of his lips against mine that still manages to set my entire body tingling.
"So?" he asks when he pulls away. "Will you go out with me, Annabelle?"
As if he needs to ask. As if there's any universe where I'd say no to this man.
"Yes," I breathe against his lips. "I'd love to."