Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Noah squinted at the essay in front of him. No matter how many times he read the words on the page, he couldn’t figure out what point the student was trying to make. It was the end of the school year, and while some students were focused on maintaining or improving their grades, it was obvious some of them had a bad case of summeritis. He was ready for a break from it all.
His phone vibrate in his pocket. He answered when he saw it was Rachel calling. “Please tell me you’re calling to say you’re stopping by with coffee.”
“Better.” Rachel’s smile carried through her voice. “How would Eli feel about a sleepover with his favorite aunt tonight?”
“I’m not sure Megan’s up for sleepovers right now,” Noah teased. The Garrett family had been such a blessing since he’d moved back to town. One thing he’d wished he could provide for his son was a big family, which would never happen since both he and Jenna were only children. Luckily, Rachel and Megan became his honorary aunts the first time Eli met them. He set down his pen, actually focusing on the conversation now. “And it’s a school night.”
“Very funny, jerk. And I’ll make sure he does his homework and gets to bed on time.” A pause, then, “Come on, Noah. When’s the last time you had an evening to yourself? To just be Noah, not Dad or Mr. Thompson?”
The question hit closer to home than he’d expected. Between work, the house repairs, and being a single parent, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d just…existed. Unless you counted stolen moments with Luke, which were becoming increasingly precious and rare.
“I don’t know…” But even as he protested, Noah imagined an evening without responsibilities. Maybe even a proper date with Luke, dinner somewhere other than the house, followed by a quiet night with Luke in his arms. The few nights they’d stolen together when they first became intimate felt like a distant memory.
Maybe if you told Eli how much you like Luke, you could spend more nights together. The thought had been niggling at the back of his mind for the past few weeks, but he hadn’t found a good time to have what felt like a super serious talk with his son.
And maybe part of him was scared of Eli’s reaction. He and Jenna had talked about the future inevitability of introducing him to people they were dating, but that had seemed much easier when it was abstract and not the present situation.
“You’re overthinking.” Rachel’s voice gentled. “Eli will have a blast. And maybe someone else would appreciate having your undivided attention for once?”
Heat crept up Noah’s neck. “Has Luke been talking to you?”
“Nope. But I have eyes. The two of you both focus so much on Eli when you’re together. It’s about time you had a night just for the grown-ups, don’t you think?”
Noah’s fingers moved before he could second-guess himself, pulling up his messages with Luke.
Rachel offered to take Eli tonight. Dinner?
Give me a time and place. I’m there.
Something warm unfurled in Noah’s chest at Luke’s eagerness. Rachel was right. If they were going to make a relationship work, they needed to figure out how to have quality time without Eli. He loved his son more than anything, but it wasn’t fair to Luke to expect him to easily accept that Eli was always there with them.
“All right,” he told Rachel. “But only if you’re sure it’s not an imposition.”
“Oh, please. Hell, I might even call Meg and ask if she wants to send her girls over.” Rachel’s smile was evident in her voice. “I’ll pick him up at your place on my way home from work. Hopefully, that’ll give you time to get ready for your date.”
“Thanks, Rachel. Really.” He tucked the essays he had left to grade into a manilla folder. With the prospect of a date that would hopefully end with reacquainting himself with Luke’s body, Noah was too keyed up to work.
And he had to talk to Eli. The time for sheltering him from their relationship needed to end.
“Anytime.” She paused, then added softly, “I’m happy for you, you know. Both of you. Eli too. You make a cute family.”
Noah’s throat felt tight as he ended the call. He responded to Luke’s message.
Brew & Barrel at 7? Unless you’d rather go somewhere else?
Perfect. I’ll pick you up, might even bring you flowers.
Noah shook his head and laughed. The playfulness that had once irritated him now endeared him. Not only that, but Noah found he wasn’t taking everything as seriously as he usually did, which wasn’t a bad thing. He tapped out a quick response.
Just remember, I’ll only put out for roses.
Noah watched Eli through the rearview mirror as they headed home, trying to find the right words. His son stared out the window, humming along to the radio and occasionally providing commentary about things they passed.
“Hey, buddy,” Noah started, then paused. How did you explain to a six-year-old that you were dating someone? That you were falling in love with someone who wasn’t his mom? That the person fixing their house had become so much more? “Can we talk about something important?”
“Am I in trouble?” Eli’s reflection showed his brow furrowing. “Because I already told Milo I was sorry about the juice box incident.”
Noah pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. Eli was usually a sweet kid, but sometimes that made him an easy target. Earlier in the week, he’d reached his limit with one of his classmates and reacted by aiming his juice box in Milo’s direction and squeezing it.
“No, we already talked about that.” Noah couldn’t help smiling. “Actually, I wanted to talk about Mr. Luke.”
Eli perked up immediately. “Is he coming over tonight? Can we work on my 4-H project? He said?—”
“Not tonight.” Noah took a deep breath. “Actually, Aunt Rachel invited you for a sleepover. And I thought maybe I could have dinner with Luke. Just the two of us.”
Silence filled the car. Noah forced himself to focus on driving, giving Eli time to process. Finally, his son asked, “Like a date?”
“Yeah.” Noah’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. Damn. That had been easier than he’d expected. “Like a date. How would you feel about that?”
More silence. Then, “Tommy says boys can’t date boys. But Aunt Megan says love is love. And you and Mom still love each other, but not like married love anymore.” Eli’s face scrunched up in thought. “Is it like that? Do you love Mr. Luke different from how you love Mom?”
Noah’s chest tightened at his son’s attempt to understand. “Yeah, buddy. Different kinds of love are okay. Your mom and I will always love you, and we’ll always care about each other. But sometimes grown-ups find new kinds of love. New people to care about. And going on a date with someone doesn’t necessarily mean you love them.”
“Oh.” Eli considered this. “But you could love Mr. Luke, right? I think it would be awesome if you married him, and then me and Livy would really be cousins, and I’d get to have two dads!”
“Whoa, buddy.” Noah forced himself to breathe. “We’re not thinking about anything like that yet. Luke and I are just getting to know each other better. Seeing if we make each other happy.”
“He makes you smile a lot.” Eli’s observation was matter-of-fact. “And he fixed my room and teaches me stuff. That’s good, right?”
“Yeah.” Noah’s throat felt tight. “That’s really good.”
Eli was quiet for another moment, then asked, “Can I still call him Uncle Luke sometimes? Emma and Livy do.”
Noah nearly missed their turn, caught off guard by the question. “We should probably ask him how he feels about that. But I think he likes it.”
“Okay.” Eli went back to staring out the window, apparently satisfied. Then, “Dad?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m glad you picked Mr. Luke to date. He’s way nicer than Mason’s stepmom. She helps out in our class, and she’s scary.”
Noah laughed, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. “Thanks, buddy. I’m glad you think so.”
They pulled into their driveway, where a stack of lumber awaited weekend projects. Evidence of Luke’s presence in their lives was everywhere—the repaired porch railing, the fresh paint on the window trim, the batting tee set up in the backyard.
As they headed inside, Eli asked, “Can I help you pick out clothes for your date? Mom says you need help sometimes.”
“Oh really?” Noah ruffled his son’s hair, heart full of love for this amazing kid who took everything in stride. “And what else does Mom say about my fashion choices?”
“That you dress like an old man.” Eli’s grin was impish. “But Mr. Luke doesn’t seem to mind.”
No, Noah thought as he followed his son upstairs, Luke didn’t mind at all. In fact, if the appreciative looks he got when wearing certain shirts were any indication, Luke rather liked the way he dressed.
“Stop messing around,” Eli commanded from his perch on Noah’s bed. How seriously Eli was taking helping him get ready for tonight’s date eased Noah’s nerves. “Your hair looks good like it is.”
Noah forced his hands away from his carefully styled hair. “Since when are you the fashion expert?”
“Since forever.” Eli bounced slightly, making the bed creak. “Mom says I get my good taste from her.”
His choices for school attire said otherwise, but Noah loved his son’s confidence. Maybe it was a case of selective fashion sense.
“Is that so?” Noah adjusted his blue button-down—the one Luke had once commented made his the gold flecks in his brown eyes pop. “And what does your mom say about my taste?”
“I told you, she said you dress like an old man.” Eli’s grin was infectious. “But Mr. Luke looks at you like you’re super handsome anyway.”
Heat crept up Noah’s neck. Leave it to his six-year-old to be more observant than half the adults in his life. Before he could respond, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it!” Eli grabbed his backpack, already thundering down the stairs. “Come on, Dad! Mr. Luke’s going to be here soon!”
Noah followed at a more sedate pace, finding Rachel in the entryway. She took in his appearance with a knowing smile. “Well, well. Someone cleans up nice.”
“Aunt Rachel!” Eli tugged at her sleeve. “Dad’s nervous about his date. But I told him Mr. Luke already thinks he’s handsome.”
Rachel’s laugh was warm. “Out of the mouths of babes.” She squeezed Noah’s arm. “Have fun tonight. We’ve got everything covered here.”
“You sure?” Noah helped Eli with his jacket. “He has a math worksheet to finish and needs to practice his spelling words. And he’s got a book in his backpack that he can read to you from. But if you can’t?—”
“Dad.” Eli sighed heavily. “I know what I need to do. And if I get it done quick, Aunt Rachel said we can watch a movie and have ice cream before bedtime.”
“That’s right.” Rachel shepherded Eli toward the door. “And your dad needs to quit stalling. Luke will be here soon.”
Noah knelt to hug Eli goodbye. “Be good for Aunt Rachel, okay?”
“I will.” Eli squeezed tight, then whispered, “Have fun on your date, Dad. Tell Mr. Luke I said hi.”
Noah’s throat felt tight as he watched them leave. The house seemed suddenly quiet, empty in a way it hadn’t since they’d moved in. But for once, the silence felt like possibility rather than loneliness.
His phone buzzed.
On my way. Hope you’re ready for the best first date ever.
That’s a pretty big promise. I hope you can deliver.
Noah smiled, warmth spreading through his chest. Yeah, he was ready. Ready for whatever came next.
Luke’s knock was different tonight—hesitant, almost shy. Noah opened the door to find him holding a single red rose, his usual confident grin softened by nervousness.
“I know you said roses plural,” Luke said, offering the flower. “But I figured quality over quantity?”
Noah accepted the rose, warmth spreading through his chest at the gesture. “It’s perfect.” He caught Luke’s hand, tugging him inside. “I wasn’t aware you owned anything other than your work boots and stained jeans.”
“Hey, I clean up okay.” Luke gestured at his dark jeans and charcoal button-down. The shirt pulled just right across his shoulders, and Noah had to force himself to maintain eye contact. “Though if you’re into the tool belt and boots, I’m sure we could arrange something…”
“Later.” Noah set the rose in a glass of water, hyperaware of Luke’s presence behind him. When Luke stuffed his hands in the pockets of Noah’s pants, Noah considered suggesting they stay in. They could survive on cold sandwiches and chips, right? He whimpered when Luke kissed the hollow beneath his ear. “Right now, I believe you promised me dinner?”
The drive to Brew & Barrel was comfortable, filled with easy conversation about their days. But underlying the familiar rhythm was a current of anticipation. This wasn’t grabbing a quick bite between repairs or sharing dinner while Eli did homework. This was intentional. A date.
The parking lot was busy but not packed when they arrived. Through the windows, Noah could see the usual mix of locals and tourists that kept the place running. Jules spotted them as they entered, their knowing smile warming as they grabbed menus.
“Your usual booth?” they asked Luke, already leading the way. Noah wondered how often Luke was here that he had a usual booth. It struck Noah that as much time as they spent together, he didn’t really know much about Luke’s life before they reconnected.
“Perfect.” Luke’s hand found the small of Noah’s back as they wove through tables. The casual touch sent sparks along Noah’s spine. It felt like a proclamation that they were together. The squared set of Luke’s shoulders practically dared anyone to say something. Noah hoped that one day, he’d feel that same confidence.
They settled into their booth, knees brushing under the table. Noah studied Luke’s face in the dim lighting, noting how his usual easy confidence had softened into something more vulnerable.
“So,” Luke said, fiddling with his menu. “First official date. I know I told you it was going to be the best first date ever, but I have a confession to make. I don’t really do the dating thing.”
“You’re doing a great job so far.” Noah reached across the table, stilling Luke’s restless hands with his own. He brushed his thumb over the side of Luke’s. “And this is unfamiliar territory for both of us. I’ve never been on a first date with a man before. But I’m pretty sure no matter what happens, we’ll be just fine since we seem to be doing things backward.”
Luke’s smile reached his eyes, warming them to honey-gold. Noah’s words seemed to ease something in Luke, and he relaxed into his seat. Noah stared at their joined hands, gently rubbing Luke’s thumb with his own. “Sorry, I know it’s stupid to be nervous.”
“Not stupid at all,” Noah assured him. “I just hope you won’t think I’m easy for putting out on the first date.”
Luke leaned closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “We both know I’ll be the one begging for you to fuck me the second we walk through the door. I’ve missed your cock.”
“Oh, is that all you keep me around for?” Noah teased. His heart raced and his skin tingled as he imagined spreading Luke out in the middle of the bed, reacquainting himself with his partner’s body.
“Nah, I figure if I keep putting out for you, you’ll let me do more around the house. I know we have a lot of the critical repairs done, but there’s so much more we could do to bring that old girl back to life.” Luke’s gaze held on Noah’s lips. “Fuck, maybe we should have just ordered pizza or something. Not being able to kiss you right now is killing me.”
Jules appeared with their drinks—beer for Luke, wine for Noah. “Ready to order, or do you need a minute?”
“Actually…” Luke glanced at Noah, something mischievous in his expression. “Should we be adventurous tonight?”
“Surprise us,” Noah told Jules. “But make it something worthy of a first date.”
As Jules moved away, Luke’s thumb traced patterns on Noah’s palm. “Look at you, living dangerously.”
“Well,” Noah said softly, “sometimes you have to take a risk.”
Luke’s breath caught, and something electric passed between them. Because they weren’t just talking about dinner choices anymore. This was about them, about choosing to build something together, about letting themselves want more than stolen moments and careful distance.