Chapter 43
‘Oops! I think he’s pissed off,’ Bella murmured as she shifted slightly away from Noah.
‘He’s always pissed off,’ Noah replied. They pulled back and shared a smile.
The starlight cast everything in a silvered sheen, and Bella was content, for a long moment, to look into Noah’s eyes.
The kiss had softened them, and in the low light his pupils were larger, merging into the deep brown of his irises.
She ached to run a hand over his cheek and into his silky dark brown hair again, but she paused.
This was only a first kiss, and they shared the living space.
Was she ready for another kiss, knowing where it might lead?
‘It’s all right,’ Noah said gently. ‘I’m not going to leap on you, I promise.’
Bella smiled. ‘Was the look on my face that obvious?’
‘Let’s just say I’d win hands down if we ever played poker!’
‘Well, are you all right with another kiss?’
In response, Noah moved nearer to her and she felt the gentle caress of his lips once more.
This time, she increased the pressure, exploring his mouth and combing her fingers through his hair, feeling him push into her touch as she stroked the back of his neck.
Noah’s hand, tentative at first, mirrored the gesture, until the gap that Monty had occupied between them had been well and truly closed.
‘I don’t think we’re going to see any shooting stars if we carry on doing this,’ Noah murmured.
‘I’m seeing plenty,’ Bella teased between kisses. ‘If you’re not, then I’m not doing this right!’
‘Oh, you’re absolutely doing it right,’ Noah echoed. ‘And please do carry on.’
By the time they came up for air, the rest of the tea in their mugs was cold, and they still hadn’t seen any Perseids.
Bella glanced at Noah’s watch. ‘Yikes,’ she said.
‘I’m not usually one to bang on about late nights, but I need to open the sanctuary in, er, seven and a half hours’ time, so I’d better get to bed. ’
Noah looked appalled. ‘Don’t you ever stop working?’
‘Unlike you, I can’t afford to be a person of leisure at the weekends,’ Bella replied. ‘Mollie depends on me.’
‘I know,’ Noah sighed. ‘She really ought to take on more staff.’
‘It’s an expense she can’t afford. And money’s getting tighter. We need to sort out a fundraiser, but we’re both flat out working and neither of us has the headspace.’
‘Then it’s about time I met with her and brainstormed some solutions.’
Noah’s thoughtful expression made Bella smile. ‘I thought your interest in Lower Brambleton only extended to this cottage? I can’t see you sticking around long once it’s sold.’
‘I used to think that,’ Noah said quietly. ‘But something seems to have changed my mind.’ He looked her deeply in the eyes. ‘I can’t think what that is.’
‘Steady on!’ Bella often joked to hide other emotions, and she’d been jolted enough by the kiss. ‘Shall we take this slowly? Neither of us is in a position to make it more serious than a few kisses right now.’
‘I’m more than happy with a few kisses,’ Noah said, leaning forward again, ‘but if there are a few more going begging…’ He touched her lips playfully with his own.
‘I think we’d better call it a night, don’t you?’ Bella gently pulled away from him and leaned down to pick up their mugs. ‘The residents of Purrfect Paws won’t be too pleased if they don’t get their breakfast on time tomorrow.’
Noah stood up. ‘You’re right, of course.’ He smiled down at her and took the mugs from her. ‘I’ve got these. You get to bed. You can be first in the bathroom.’
‘Thanks.’ Bella smiled back at him. ‘Goodnight, Noah.’
‘Goodnight, Bella. Sweet dreams.’
Bella headed indoors and up the stairs. As she brushed her teeth, she couldn’t help thinking about how, when she went to bed, Noah would be on the other side of her bedroom wall. It simultaneously felt like the widest divide in the world, and the narrowest.