Noah lifted her off her feet. “It’s only just started.”
“Still the best.”
Noah’s laughter washed over her skin, making her smile, but when his lips pressed against the sensitive skin of her neck, she had to bite back a heady sigh.
“Let’s eat.”
He led her to a large room with multiple tables. The sign above the door readSTUDIO. From the shelves around the room, it looked like this was a do-all room. Paintings dried, brightly colored pottery of different sorts sat side by side, and a few sculptures littered the floor, some as large as Grace.
One of the tables was covered in a soft yellow tablecloth, a vase of daisies in the center. There were two wineglasses, several silver warming trays, and candles burning.
“How?” She could only stare at him.
Noah shrugged. “I had some help.”
She was so blown away, she forgot to censor herself. “How am I supposed to not fall for you?”
He grinned. “Is that the goal?”
She tilted her head from side to side, pretending to weigh the question. “A little bit of falling would be okay.”
He stepped closer. “Good thing.”
“But too much seems unwise.”
Closer. “Who’s to say how much is too much?”
Grace took a deep breath. “I’d like to escape with my heart unscathed,” she whispered.
Both of his hands came to her face, framing it, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks. “I’m afraid there’s no guarantees there, Gracie. But I can tell you it’s not my intention to hurt you.”
God. This was too much for a first date. She suspected that the feeling running around like a wild animal in her chest was the kind of thing that made a woman run off with a boy she loved at seventeen.Like Tammy.Or a full-grown woman move in with a man after only three weeks.This is different. You’re going in with your eyes wide open.Said every person who had their heart broken.
“Don’t overthink it, Gracie. Let’s just enjoy each other.”
She could do that. Hadn’t she already told herself that? She could enjoy him without losing herself. She didn’t even wantforever yet. But as his mouth found hers, she lost her train of thought, her convictions, and her mind. All she could do wasfeel.
When he pulled back, she gave in to his suggestion. “Let’s eat. I’m starving. What’s the plan after this?”
Noah gestured to a stool, waited until she sat before he lifted the lids off the silver domes. “We paint. I’ve heard it’s a great way to get out some energy or frustration. Like, say, an annoying neighbor who’s been a bit of a pain?”
“I’d say you’ve more than made up for it and I’ve had a few moments of my own.”
She eyed the delicious foods—an assortment of all of her favorites. “I love everything here.”
He arched his brows. “You don’t say?”
She’d bet anything that he’d asked Rosie. Which made the gesture even sweeter. She loaded some rice onto a piece of naan, and took a bite.
“Want some wine?”
She nodded because her mouth was full. When she finished, she took a sip of the wine he offered, gesturing to him with her glass. “Tell me something you’ve never told anyone.”
His smile told her he knew she was just turning his words back on him. “Pretty sure I already did that today when I told you about Josh.”
The memory made her laugh all over again. “That was a great story. Tell me something else. From when you were young.”
He used a fork to spear some ultrathin pieces of steak. “When I was fourteen, that showStar Searchcame back on. Do you remember it? I made a video of me rapping and sent it in.”
