Page 89 of A Hard Habit to Break

ClamClam meowed impatiently, breaking the spell. Rachel stepped back, a rush of heat flushing her cheeks.

They continued on in charged silence until they reached the plunge pool.

She squeezed Noah’s hand. “Let’s not go inside. Not yet.”

“What do you have in mind instead of sleep?” Noah asked with a lopsided grin. Gosh, he was gorgeous, even when he frustrated her to the point of insanity.

Rachel slipped off her boots, shed her jeans and shirt, and waded into the cool, clear water. One look at Noah’s appreciative gaze and she immediately decided hours tangled up with him were worth the under-eye circles.

“Showing up at the redevelopment meeting looking like you’re thoroughly sexed is brilliant. I love a smart woman,” Noah said with a chuckle. He settled onto a water-worn rock, content to watch her. “I think you’re part water nymph.”

Rachel splashed the water with her toes, relishing its silky caress. “Maybe you’ll be the one who’ll look ravished at the podium.” She laughed. “Remember our first time?”

“How could I forget? You screamed so loud, I thought a banshee had gotten you.”

She shot him a mock glare. “I did not scream.”

“Oh, you most certainly did,” Noah said, eyes twinklingwith mischief. “I thought you might run off, so I held on to you for hours… until I knew I had to get you home before our dads came looking for us.”

Rachel rolled her eyes, fighting a smile. “My hero. Always there to save the day.”

Noah’s expression softened. “I’ll always fight for you, Rachel Lydia Johnson.”

Her full name, spoken so tenderly, made her breath catch. She waded back to shore, pulse quickening as Noah rose to meet her.

“Rachel,” he began, reaching for her hand. “These past few days… you being back here… It’s been everything.”

She nodded, not trusting her voice. A bird trilled sweetly in a nearby tree.

Noah looked off into the distance. Rachel waited for the words he held inside. He had been the same as a kid, slow to share how he felt, giving her trickles rather than a downpour.

“I know… I hurt you, that’s why you left. I was young and stupid to even suggest you forgo college to get married. We had a plan, and I, like a fool, blindsided you with a proposal. I deserved what happened next. But I never stopped thinking we could be each other’s future. You coming home… to a man you could be proud of, who could provide for you, was part of my plan. That’s in jeopardy, you understand?”

“Noah, I want to have your six, be the one who shelters you. How can I be the woman I want to be for me, for you… if you won’t tell me what’s happened? I’ll listen without judgment.” Rachel’s heart raced, hope warring with the fear of being hurt again. Would he choose the job, whatever Pete’s plan was, over her? “Noah, just tell—”

But before she could finish, he pulled her close. “I know you’re worried. Don’t be. Have faith in me.”

“I do.” But a nagging voice in the back of her mind whispered caution. “Noah, I—” Rachel hesitated, searching for the right words. “I trust you. But—”

“No buts, Six. You trusted me before—”

“I still do, but with Pete,” she muttered, feeling vulnerable beyond her bare flesh. “I get it. He was there when I wasn’t. Have you ever considered why he’s always there, lurking? Picking up what you left behind?” Abbie Hinesberry from high school and Cheyenne’s face flashed in her mind. “And I know you’re holding something back from me. That there’s more to the story about your job, and you don’t believe I can handle it.”

Pain flashed in Noah’s eyes, there and gone so quickly she almost missed it. He took a steadying breath.

“You’re right,” he said quietly. “There is something I haven’t told you. Something that could change everything. But I swear to you, Rachel—I won’t hurt you. Even with Pete, you can trust me. Can’t you?”

Rachel’s stomach clenched with dread. “Spill it, Noah. What did he discuss with you?” she whispered.

Noah shook his head. “I want make captain one day. Maybe even a fire chief for the entire county. But this committee chair position is political. If I mess this up, make the wrong decision, then there’s no way to put myself in a better position to win.”

“Win what? You’re an excellent leader and you’re next in line,” Rachel said, totally confused by Noah’s half-explanation.

“That’s true, but it’s not simple math when politics are at play, okay? I need a little more time to figure out a plan for all parties. After the council meeting. I’ll give you more details. I promise.”

She wanted to shake him until all the dust spilled out. But the raw vulnerability in his eyes stopped her.

“Okay,” Rachel said softly. “You have one more day to stall.”