Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 185811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 929(@200wpm)___ 743(@250wpm)___ 619(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 185811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 929(@200wpm)___ 743(@250wpm)___ 619(@300wpm)
“You want some breakfast, babe?” Noah asks, and my stomach twists at his deep voice. Every time he’s called me babe in the past, it’s made my heart beat a little funny. Now, I know it’s just a nickname he’s probably given to dozens of women.
“I wish, but I don’t have time. I’m actually running late since I need to be at the office a little earlier today,” I lie as I straighten from petting Lola, then toss a smile in his direction but avoid eye contact. “Be back.” I head to my room to get dressed.
When I’m done, I grab my purse and phone and step into the living room to find Noah and the woman still in the kitchen. Since I can’t avoid them, I head their way. Both of their gazes come to me.
“I didn’t get to introduce myself the other day or this morning,” the woman says as soon as I step into the room. “I’m Jennifer. Noah and I used to be partners.” She holds out her hand, and I grab hold of it on instinct.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Bridgett. Noah and my brother are best friends. That’s why I’m here.” I add the last part, wanting to make sure she knows why I’m staying with her boyfriend.
“He mentioned that.” She glances over at him and smirks. “And just so you know, he and I aren’t together. He just enjoys torturing me with weekly workouts.”
Wait, what?
I clear my throat, and she gives me a knowing smile.
“Here,” Noah says as she lets my hand go. I drop my eyes to the black travel mug he’s holding toward me. “I made bacon. If you want, I’ll make a sandwich you can take with you.”
“Thank you.” I take the mug, feeling like the biggest kind of ass. “That’s not necessary. I’ll just get something to eat at a drive-thru on my way through town.”
“Bridgett, if a man offers to make you food, you accept,” Jennifer informs me, and I rub my lips together.
“I guess I could eat a bacon sandwich,” I say quietly, and she laughs while I hear Noah grunt. Taking my coffee with me, I step back toward the counter and set down my bag while Noah goes to the fridge and pulls out mayo and cheese.
“Did you call your brother last night?” he asks as he plops the stuff in his hand on the counter.
“I did. He said he would talk to the people he was renting from and figure out what’s going to happen, then let me know.”
“Sorry to hear about your place,” Jennifer says as she hops up onto one of the counters like she’s been here often and it’s something normal for her to do.
“Thanks.” I fiddle with the handle of the coffee mug I’m still clutching, and my eyes go to Noah. I watch his biceps flex as he slathers mayo on two pieces of bread.
“Noah mentioned you work for Bender and Sons,” she prompts, and I drag my gaze off Noah to look at her.
“I do.”
“You guys are building my girlfriend’s and my house.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, it’s in the new subdivision just outside of Franklin.” She takes a sip of coffee.
“That’s a beautiful area,” I say, knowing exactly what she’s talking about.
“It really is,” she agrees, then glances at Noah. “I keep telling this guy he needs to look into building over there.”
“Why?” I blurt without thinking. I mean, I’m not sure if Noah owns this house, but I can honestly say I loved it the moment we pulled onto the property last night.
I thought he’d have an apartment in town or some other kind of bachelor pad, but I was pleasantly surprised by the tree-covered lot and cute little house tucked into the middle of the woods that reminded me of something out of a storybook. And the inside is just as beautiful as the outside, with timeless fixtures and an open floorplan that would be perfect for entertaining or a growing family.
“Well, if he doesn’t get the job as detective in town, Franklin will be an easier commute for him to get into Nashville,” she says, and I look over at Noah.
“When will you know if you got the position?” I ask, and he meets my gaze.
“Next week.”
“They should have already told him.” She huffs. “I mean, no offense to the other guys who’ve applied, but none of them deserve it like Noah does.”
I nod because I’m sure she’s right.
“If it’s meant to be, it will happen.” Noah sighs as he picks up the sandwich he made for me and wraps it in a paper towel. “And I’m not moving unless you can find me at least three acres in Franklin for under five hundred thousand.”
“Since I paid that for my postage-stamp-sized lot, you know that’s never going to happen.”