Forbidden Falls (Virgin River #9)(72)

“You can say that again. And he’s missing out on everything good. It doesn’t cost you anything to be nice.”

Noah chuckled. “Gramma Baldwin.”

“As a matter of fact.”

“What I’d like to understand is you, not him. Him, I get. But you, Ellie. You’ve had one bad break after another and it doesn’t seem to sour you on life. I’m not sure I know how you do that.”

She shrugged. “I think about what I have, and what has gone right. My kids top the list. Coming here is another perfect example. I hate the circumstances, losing my kids and all, but the town has worked out for me. And if I can just get the kids back, this will have been one of the best times.” She tipped her head and looked up at him. She smiled. “I could use more money, however. You’re a real cheapskate.”

“How much more?” he asked.

“Another two hundred a month would make a difference,” she said.

“Fine.”

“Fine?” she asked, lifting her arched brows.

“You’ve earned it. You were right—I didn’t believe you could get so much done. I’m impressed. You should be compensated for that. And I realize it’s still not enough, but when you work for a church, it’s not easy. Wait till we have a congregation and a board of elders running the show. They’ll come up with a budget and both our salaries will be hammered out based on what they can afford. In the beginning, it’s going to be bleak.”

“I won’t be here then,” she said.

“You might be,” he answered. “You’re doing a great job. There’s no reason to run off till you’ve thought it through and looked at all the options. At least if you’re here, among friends, Arnie will not be able to harass you. He can’t get anywhere. And you do have friends here now.”

“Noah, I have one room and two kids.”

“That’s now. You said you’d be comfortable in one room with them. And Jo Fitch likes having you around. Plus, you’ve somehow tamed Nick. And I’ll be honest with you, Ellie—I never thought I’d have such a versatile, energetic, efficient assistant in my life. You should keep the job awhile before you cut and run. Virgin River is a good place to raise your kids. It’s a safe place.”

“There are problems with this idea.”

“Like what?” he asked.

“Don’t I have to be a Presbyterian, to work full-time at the church?”

“No,” he said. “Not necessary. I’m the one with the calling, you’re working for a living. Is that what’s worrying you?”

“I can’t work for someone who wants to kiss me.”

“Oh, that. Well, I think we’re doing okay with that. Don’t you?”

“No,” she said, snuggling closer. “You’ve been behaving, but it’s right there, under the surface, I can feel it. You’re dying to do it again.”

He laughed. “I am.” He put his thumb and finger on her chin and turned her face up toward his. “But I’m not sure I even remember it right.” He touched her lips briefly with his. “Pah. Not that great. I can live without it.”

She laughed at him. “Funny. That was a decoy, which is the same as a lie, Your Worship.”

His eyes grew hot and he put his mouth over hers again, rocking against her lips, licking them open and penetrating with his tongue. She shifted slightly and put her arms around his neck, holding him close, her tongue joining his in play, and she heard him growl deep in his throat, pulling her across his lap, tight against him. And they kissed, and kissed and kissed. His hands roughly massaged her back, her hip, her leg; her fingers locked into his hair and she made a soft moaning sound.

Noah was lost. He could no more stop kissing her than move a mountain. He continued to devour her, groaning as she added her own sweet sounds, pulling at her mouth, drawing her closer, until finally, breathless, he broke away. He took a few breaths, his eyes pinched closed. “Whew, Ellie, I don’t know who taught you to kiss, but you don’t need any further instruction.”

“See, you like that too much,” she whispered. “We’re headed for trouble.”

He chuckled. “You don’t hate it, either, I could tell. I have some serious feelings happening here.”

“That’s another reason for me to leave,” she said. “I’m getting out of here before I totally fall for you and end up with a broken heart.”

“You don’t really like me that much. You call me names.”

“I tease. Don’t you know anything? Girls tease the boys they like. But before I run for my life, will you please help me get my kids back? Noah, I can’t live without my kids. I just can’t. It’s the one thing that could really break me. Do you get it? You could hurt me, but that could break me.”

It was like a brick in the head. There was so much more to her than lips, than his desire, than wanting and caring. She had a family, and this situation with her kids was serious business. He would have to be careful here. He ran a knuckle along her cheek. “Yes. I am going to help. Tomorrow, first thing, you go to see Brie with your tape. And now, I’m going to walk you home.”

“This is Virgin River, Noah. You don’t have to walk me home.”

“Your ex-husband is threatening you, promising to get even. I’m going to get you home, make sure you’re in safely, and there’s no discussion about it.”