Page 49 of A Lifetime of Afters
The girls looked back and forth between us in an attempt to discern the truth.
Looping my arm through his elbow, I thanked the girls and led him away.
Dipping his head toward me, he smiled, “Thanks for the rescue. I can’t imagine a fairer damsel for the job.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” I assured him.
“You owe me now,” he said warmly, patting my hand at his elbow.
I raised my eyebrows in surprise. “You mean you owe me.”
“No,” he shook his head with a smirk. “If those girls talk the way I think they will, you just killed my love life.”
I laughed and slapped a hand over my mouth. “My gosh, you’re right!” I pretended to study him. “I think you’ll be okay. Anyways, Sage Ridge’s ovaries could use a break.”
“Sage Ridge’s what?” he leaned down, his eyes alight.
“You’re a kindergarten teacher. The way you look? Ovaries. Exploding everywhere.” I demonstrated with my hands. “If this rumor circulates, just think of all the single moms who won’t be bringing you casseroles.”
“You’ve rescued me twice,” he determined.
I nodded firmly. “I have.” I scanned the area for Hawk and Harley. “Do you remember Harley?”
“Harley?” he pondered. “She the little bitty thing you used to hang out with?”
“Yes!”
“Is she still tiny?”
I smirked. “Only in the right places.”
He chuckled. “Noelle, how I missed your humor. Tell me you're not married,” he demanded. “Or engaged. Or otherwise tied up.”
“I am indeed tied up,” I quipped.
I couldn’t deny his attention was a welcome balm. Except for the fact it drew my attention to my growing insecurity about Hawkley keeping us a secret.
“You have any inclination to disentangle yourself?”
Grinning up at him, I chirped, “Not a one!”
“And who is the lucky bastard?” He looked around. “Is he here?”
“Um,” I stalled for time. “I’m not sure…”
Thankfully, Harley grabbed my hand and spun me around. Looking over my shoulder, she stared up at Daire, her pretty mouth hanging open. “Is this the guy?” she stage-whispered. Badly.
“No,” I hushed her, then turned to Daire. “Daire, you remember Harley? Harley, Daire is Max’s friend from college. He stayed with us a million years ago when we were young and fresh.”
“You both look plenty fresh,” Daire replied. His mouth twitched as he surreptitiously took Harley in.
I could not tell what he thought of her, but when Paul stomped up, teasing Harley about her dress, there was no mistaking his irritation.
Now that fine man would be worthy of Harley, at least on the outside. I’d have to get to know him again to see if the inside lived up to the promise of his looks.
I smoothed my emerald green dress over my hips. With tight sleeves and a plunging neckline, the silky wraparound flowed over my hips, and flared gently to my knees. With my silver stilettos and my mother’s pear-shaped diamond pendant that I wore only on the most special of occasions, I was ready for Hawk’s and my debut.
It wasn’t until we sat down to dinner that Hawk arrived. Apologizing for being late, he assured everyone that he had no intentions of holding dinner up any further. Greeting people as he made his way down the table, I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for him to get to me.
