How to Love Your Neighbour(53)
“Of course. If you’d listened to me when we walked in, we’d already be ringing up our purchases. Now come on.” She took his arm, her eyes scanning the wide array of couches for the one she’d researched. He’d balked at the warehouse stop, but Grace figured the rich stayed rich by taking advantage of a good deal.
“This one,” she said. She stopped in front of a large, heather-gray sectional. It was a thing of beauty, with its chaise longue style, its thick, firm cushions, and its sleek microfiber fabric.
Noah rubbed his hands together. “Let’s see.”
“One second, please,” Grace said. She crossed her arms over her chest, the strap of her purse shifting.
Noah stared at her, waiting.
“I get two secrets for that one. Your lack of faith was not only disturbing but hurtful.” She couldn’t keep the teasing out of her tone. If they were going to be friends, she could drop her shield. Sure, she was attracted to him, but she could stay within the friend zone while still admiring him. Nothing wrong with that. Or the knowledge that this was one of the best days she’d ever had.
Noah stepped closer, and despite the fact that they were in a ten-thousand-square-foot warehouse full of couches, Grace felt like the world shrank down to about two feet of breathing room.
“That’s fair.” He dipped his head. She felt the wash of his breath over her skin, making it prickle with excitement she shouldn’t acknowledge. “I like to eat ice cream in bed while I’m watching television.”
The image that created was hot enough to melt ice cream. Grace twisted her lips into a skeptical pout. “That’s a weak secret.”
“No way. No one knows that. That’s quality, baby.”
She laughed at his expression and tone. “Fine. One more.”
His breathing shallowed and his gaze locked on her mouth. “This is the most fun I’ve had with a woman.”
Grace sucked in air, the room in her chest restricting to an uncomfortable degree. Damn.
Stepping back, she clapped her hands loudly—one hard slap of her palms. “Okay. Let’s try this thing out.” She broke eye contact to sink into the couch. This one didn’t swallow her whole, but Noah’s words had already done that more than the last couch, anyway.
He sat down next to her, leaned back, letting his arms stretch along the back. “It’s a good one. You know what you’re doing, Gracie.” He winced. “Sorry.”
Looking at him, she shared a secret of her own. “I don’t mind when you call me that.”
They held each other’s gaze as they sat there. They both felt it: the pull between them. The electricity fizzled when the sales guy strolled up, pointing both index fingers at them.
“You’ve found the one.”
His words sank into the depths of Grace’s soul. Holy. Shit. Glancing over at Noah, she saw he’d felt the ripple effect of the innocent phrase. The subtle shake of his head was enough to ground her in the moment, remind her of the future. She jumped up.
“Yes. We’d like to order this along with the oversize chair that matches it. I’d also like to order two wingback chairs in this color.”
The sales guy’s gaze widened almost comically. “Yes, ma’am. Let me get the paperwork.”
Noah stood beside her; they both watched him go. “Grace.”
“Don’t. This is the biggest opportunity of my life, Noah. I’m not getting lost in feelings that won’t lead anywhere.”
“Hey.” She didn’t miss the undertone of hurt in his gaze.
She looked up at him, unfounded hurt ricocheting through her body. “Do you even want to be anyone’s ‘the one’?”
He swallowed, and her chest ached as he shook his head. “But if I did . . .”
“Don’t.” She held up a hand, following the sales guy so she could find a way to breathe again.
The tone shifted as they chose three bedroom sets, two televisions, and a variety of decorative pieces. Noah nodded approval at each of her choices. There were no more questions or exchanging secrets. The tension sucked. As they settled into a booth, a couple of hours past their intended lunchtime, she vowed to put them back on solid footing. Like adults.
The waitress took their orders of two Cokes, nachos and flatbread to share. The quiet atmosphere of the pub settled some of her nervousness. They both spoke at the same time.
Noah gestured to her then picked up his Coke. “You go first.”
Good. Then she could get the words off her chest and maybe breathe again. “What you said about being friends? I want that. Today has been awesome. I can’t remember one I’ve enjoyed more and not just because I was spending your money.” She waited for his smile but it was half its usual size. “Obviously, we’re attracted but there are too many reasons not to go there. The moment in the store was my fault. I’m sorry. I do want to find the one. But not yet. Not until I’m entirely sure of who I am. I promised myself I would never let a man change the direction of my life. I want one, eventually, who will add to it. Enhance it. I don’t ever want my heart to dictate my choices.” Because if it did, she’d be sitting in Noah’s lap or curled up with him on that awesome couch they’d just bought.
He seemed to measure her words before he spoke. “That seems wrong. I mean, I get what you said and you’re right. We can’t act on anything. I don’t want things to be uncomfortable between us. I like you a lot, Grace. I’ve never imagined having a woman in my life long-term but I can’t imagine not knowing you. I don’t honestly think I’m built for forever. Not as a partner. But as a friend? I’m loyal as hell. When I tell someone they have my word, I mean it. I do my best not to disappoint the people I care about. It’s part of why I stayed with my father’s company for so long. We can both admit there’s something between us. But we can be in charge of the direction.”