“You say that like you’ve offered something to him.”
“I teased him about having an ulterior motive for helping, and he didn’t take it very well. He snapped at me. He can’t take a joke. He’s all business. He thinks I’m jailbait and wants nothing to do with me. He thought I was a teenager when we first met. He treats me like one, too.”
“You seem disappointed.”
Laughing under my breath, I said, “I sort of am.”
“That’s crazy, Heather. The last person you should get involved with is someone just passing through town. You don’t know anything about this guy. He’s also too old for you.”
“I don’t know. He won’t tell me his age.” I chuckled.
“Well, I don’t care what he claims, no man does what he’s doing right now without an ulterior motive. You can’t expect me to believe my beautiful, blond daughter has nothing to do with it.”
She was getting on my nerves now. I could see why she might think that. But she hadn’t experienced what I had with Noah. I truly believed he wanted nothing to do with me, nor did I believe his intentions were anything but good.
“I know you’re conditioned to think all men are bad. Based on your personal experience of Dad abandoning us, I can’t even blame you. But that’s not the case all the time.”
Her expression darkened. “I’ve already lost one daughter. I can’t stand to lose another.”
She couldn’t be serious.
“How is Noah painting the boathouse going to put my life in jeopardy? Think about what you’re saying.”
“I didn’t mean he’d harm you physically. But I can’t afford to have you take off with some man.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re taking this too far. He came here to get away from the daily grind for a while. He likes to keep busy and knows we could use the help. There’s nothing more to it than that.”
She wouldn’t drop it. “I’m afraid there is. I might not be thinking clearly half of the time, but I’m not blind. You’re my daughter. I know you. I can see that look in your eyes. You’re smitten. Women do crazy things for men they’re smitten with. And men? They may tell you one thing, but they’re weak. If you keep throwing yourself at him, he will give in.”
I shrugged. “One can only hope.”
She rolled her eyes, none too pleased with my humor. “Just be careful.”
***
That evening, I was just about dressed and ready to leave for my shift at the restaurant when I noticed someone over at the boathouse talking to Noah while he worked.
My heart dropped.
It was Kira Shaw, our closest neighbor. Kira was in her early thirties and divorced. With long red hair and killer curves, she was very attractive. She also always seemed to be dating a different guy. In fact, I used to babysit her boys while she went out on some of her escapades. She was perpetually on the prowl and had no issue with bringing different men into her bedroom while her sons were home.
I knew right away she was making a play for Noah. And I didn’t like it one bit.
My pulse began to race. Sure, this jealousy was unfounded. I had no business getting involved, but I couldn’t help myself. I didn’t know much about Noah, but I knew he was intelligent, respectful, and seemed to be a decent human being. That was enough for me to know he deserved more than that washed-up skank in her ridiculously short shorts. She knew how to turn on the charm and could easily trick him. He wouldn’t know to stay away from her unless I warned him. Like my mother said, men are weak. I knew Kira was going to act fast, so I needed to do the same.
Under the guise of bringing him a cold drink—something I probably should have done hours ago—I filled a glass with ice water and marched over to the boathouse.
Perspiring, I interrupted them. “Thought you might be thirsty.”
Noah looked down at me from the ladder and wiped some sweat off his forehead before stepping down.
He took the glass. “Well, I’m perfectly capable of walking into the house to get a drink, so you didn’t have to do that, but thanks.”
I shrugged. “You’re welcome. It’s the least I can do.”
I turned to stare at Kira, trying to give her a hint that her presence wasn’t welcome.
She couldn’t have cared less about me. Her eyes were fixed on Noah’s ass as he climbed back up the ladder.
“You’ve hit the tenant jackpot with Noah here, Heather.”
I shot daggers at her. “I know, right?”
“Are you heading to work?” she asked.
“Yeah. But I’m not in a rush. Don’t have to be there for another hour.” I crossed my arms.
I was totally late for work, but no way was I leaving until skankface was gone. She suddenly seemed to pick up on my vibe.
She turned to Noah. “Well, think about dinner, Noah. I’d love to have you, and I know the boys would love to meet you, too. Any night that’s good for you works for me. You know where to find me for a hot meal and a cold beer.”
Sure. That’s all she’s offering.
Noah barely looked over at her as he continued to paint. “Thanks.”
I was happy that he seemed noncommittal and uninterested about the whole thing. But the summer was long, and like my mother said…if a woman throws herself at a man enough, he’ll eventually give in. It wasn’t like there were a ton of options around here.
The mere thought of them together made my stomach sick.
She nodded once. “Good seeing you, Heather.”
“You, too.”
After she was out of earshot, I said, “She’s making a play for you with that dinner invitation.”
Noah continued painting and didn’t look at me. “You don’t say…”
“She’s trouble. You don’t want to get involved with her.”
“How is it any of your business?”
“It’s not. But consider it a friendly warning. I know her. She’s with a different guy every week. She’s only out for one thing.”
He stopped for a moment, looked down, and smirked. “Perfect, then.”
A rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins. “You don’t mean that.”
Waving the roller at me, he said, “Is that why you came over here pretending to care about my thirst? Because you saw her talking to me?”
“No,” I lied.
“Come on, Heather. I’ve been out here all day. If you were concerned about my hydration, you would’ve come a lot sooner. You came out here to stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“I’m just looking out for you.”
“Why? You don’t even know me.”
I attempted to answer. “Because…”
I had no good reason to give. There was no way I could admit the truth—that I was jealous because she might have a chance with him because she was older and less emotionally high maintenance than me.
“I’d better go. I’m…I’m late for work.”
I’d started to walk away when he called out from behind me.
“Thought you said you didn’t have to work for another hour.”
I turned around and glared at him.
He shook his head, laughing.
He’s laughing at me.
Again.
Great. It seemed Noah was either scolding me or laughing at me. There was no middle ground.
The only way to handle this and keep my pride in check was to continue walking away, which was exactly what I did.
***
Jack Foley’s Pub is known for its burgers, local beer selections, and pool tables. While not the fanciest of places, it’s a popular joint around the lake. Especially in the summer, Jack Foley’s is a happening place any night of the week.
Despite its brisk pace, my shift this evening had been uneventful until about 9PM when I looked toward the corner of the room and spotted him.
What’s Noah doing here?
Looking all broody and mad, he stared right at me. Still ticked off that he’d called me out on my behavior earlier, I refused to acknowledge him.
No way was I going to serve him.
“Can you handle table nine in the corner?” I asked my friend and co-waitress Marlene.
“Why?”
“That guy is my tenant, and I don’t want to talk to him right now.”
She turned around to look at him. “Jesus.”
“I know.”
“Why the heck are you avoiding him?”
“I made a fool of myself earlier. It’s a long story.”