Chapter Twenty-Four #2
He listened to Captain Novak explain how their battalion leadership had received an anonymous call from a concerned citizen regarding Noah’s lack of leadership on the redevelopment committee.
It seemed his familiar relationship with a particular pro-bono architect reflected poorly on his judgment and his ability to focus on the needs of the fire service and its constituents.
Apparently, his actions were viewed as a second strike, the first being his friendship with the mayor.
Noah cut the call, slamming the receiver down on his innocent night table. The contents jumped, but nothing broke.
“Who was that?”
“My boss,” he replied absently, his brain struggling to process his precipitous slip. “Called from the station.”
Rachel brushed her shoulder against his. She wrapped one arm around his broad back before lowering her head to his shoulder. She might as well have wrapped it around his heart. He’d do anything to have this woman. And no, she’d know he was a loser.
“You’re the only man I’ve ever met who smiles from his heart.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I know when you’re hurting, Noah.”
Of course, she figured it out. The woman can calculate load-bearing capacity in her head.
Obviously, she’d dealt with her share of workplace politics as a Black woman in a field dominated by white males.
He was dating a beautiful genius who was now his professional liability.
This was either really bad or a twisted romantic comedy novel.
But this worry belonged to him. No need to drag Rachel down, too. So he plastered on a smile. He took one of her hands in his, interlocking their fingers. “You’re here… with me.” Lifting their joined hands, he raised them, pressing a kiss to hers. “I’m good.”
She ran her fingers up his back and through the hairs at his nape.
Slow and steady, she kneaded the muscles, working the knots into submission.
Noah’s shoulders relaxed from twelve o’clock to nine, the tension bled from his stiff muscles.
An audible whoosh of stale air exited his lungs.
Dang, it felt good to have her caring for him.
“What’s going on?” Rachel sucked in a breath, but she didn’t release it. He caught the telltale sign of her heightened anxiety at the change in his mood.
“Someone… filed a complaint on me. The captain is concerned that I’m distracted when it comes to the committee… A lot is riding on my successfully negotiating the needs of the fire service within the grant guidelines.”
“Okay,” she said slowly. “And you’re actually doing that.
By working with existing structures with solid foundations, plumbing, and electrical systems in place, you’re saving the county millions of dollars.
The old mill and the outbuildings mean fire, rescue, and law enforcement will have shared resources and training spaces under one roof.
Plus, affordable housing with retail shops and the library close by.
The town hall can be renovated for the mayor.
The high school’s bones are perfect for the clinic…
It’s just one big box, with little box offices inside.
Thanks to your knowledge about building codes and exits, we know the old pharmacy is the best place for an expanded post office. ”
“Six… don’t worry. I got this.”
“But you’re doing the work. They’re coming after you because of me, right?”
It was clear she’d overheard the bits of the conversation and understood the accusations. But she didn’t understand the full implications if he appeared compromised. Did he want her to? He could jeopardize his professional standing, the career he dreamed of with his PawPaw.
“I’m going to find out,” he said, standing to his feet.
Rachel rose to her knees. “I’ll be ready in ten.”
“You’re staying here.”
“No,” Rachel said, moving to stand. Noah caught her around the waist, plastering her bare hip to his side.
“Stay here. Please,” Noah crooned. When Rachel’s expression slipped from happy to questioning, he felt like a heel. “This place looks good on you. Don’t you want to poke around in my drawers, maybe… search my medicine cabinet?”
“Aw, I can do that with you here.”
“I have to go, but I’ll be back as soon as Noahly possible.”
“Is that your way of saying, humanly possible?”
“Sweetheart, there’s nothing human about how bad I want to get lost inside you.”
Yeah, he just invited her to be a part of his life, but he didn’t want her to witness this. He wasn’t sure what he had to do to win, but now that he had her here, in his home, in his arms, there was no way he would have the promotion ripped away from him.
“Oh,” she cooed, her cheeks heating a new shade of crimson. “In that case, I’ll keep it warm for you.”
Quick as lightning, Noah scooped her off the bed, tossing her nude form over his shoulder, and exited the bedroom.
“Hey,” she protested, but took advantage of her upside-down position to squeeze his bottom. “Where are you taking me?”
Noah chuckled. “As much as I’m tempted to buddy-tape us together for the rest of my life, I have a surprise for you.”
“You could just use your words.”
Descending the stairs, he walked through the great room, not stopping till they reached the far bedroom, the one he kept locked.
Noah eased Rachel down his body, slow and laborious, until she got the hint that he wouldn’t squander an opportunity.
When their eyes met, he held her still, waiting.
To her credit, she didn’t hesitate to press her mouth to his, and Noah, well, he spread around her, a wildfire of hard kisses, long legs hugging his waist, and a soft center melting against him.
“You sure you want to leave?” Rachel moaned, licking a moist trail down his neck.
“Want?” He panted. “I want to build a moat and dare anyone to cross into my territory. But”—he circled one hand around the calf she had locked at the center of his back—“duty calls.”
Rachel dropped her feet, albeit with a serious pouty face, to the floor. “Way to make me feel bad for putting my sexual fantasies ahead of fire prevention.”
Noah reached above the doorframe, fished for the key, and unlocked the door. He stood back and pointed inside. “Go on in.”
For a second, neither of them moved. Natural light floated through transom windows above the telescope sliding doors. The frameless glass overlooked the deck with an unobstructed view of the tranquil plunge pool. Rachel’s gaze landed on the ergonomic lounger centered in the room.
“What is that?” she whispered.
“This room gets the most natural light. I thought… it might be a nice workspace for you.” He looked at the bookcases he’d built along the left wall, the paint and easel set in the corner, breath held.
Did she like the space he’d designed? This was either romantic or restraining-order territory.
After that phone call, he really needed this to be romantic.
“Noah…” Her voice broke, pupils dilated and eyes unblinking.
“Yeah?”
“I love you so hard right now. Serious business, you actually custom-designed and decorated a space that’s perfect for me.”
While she stared at the charcoal prints and iron shelf sculptures, Noah cozied up to his woman and wrapped her in a bear hug. “You could order a drafting table, if you want.”
“Of course, I do. I love it, Noah. I really do.”
“And I love you, Six. Always have. Always will.”
“You better.” She sniffled. “This room is basically foreplay for architects. Now I want to cry and jump your hot-guy bones again.”
“I need to go. Do not change your mind.”
“No way. I’m so keeping the engine hot for you.” She breathed in. “Go… before I ugly cry, ’cause this is the best gift ever.”
He kissed her cheek and swatted her bottom. “Have fun. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”
“I’ll work on renderings for the Thursday committee meeting here, and then I’ll head to the farm to check on Benji’s progress with the wedding lights. Pick me up and we can come home together.”
Noah had waited sixteen years to hear those words.
Nothing could blow his love high. He had the woman of his dreams naked in his house, promising to keep things “hot,” and he had to leave to deal with workplace drama.
His decision was either very professional and would bode well for his predicament, or very stupid.
Probably both.
Either way, with Rachel taken care of, Noah buried the man in love in exchange for the fierce competitor. The time to activate the game-day strategy to crush the naysayers was fast approaching.