When August Ends(8)

He took the glass. “Well, I’m perfectly capable of walking into the house to get a drink, so you didn’t have to do that, but thanks.”

I shrugged. “You’re welcome. It’s the least I can do.”

I turned to stare at Kira, trying to give her a hint that her presence wasn’t welcome.

She couldn’t have cared less about me. Her eyes were fixed on Noah’s ass as he climbed back up the ladder.

“You’ve hit the tenant jackpot with Noah here, Heather.”

I shot daggers at her. “I know, right?”

“Are you heading to work?” she asked.

“Yeah. But I’m not in a rush. Don’t have to be there for another hour.” I crossed my arms.

I was totally late for work, but no way was I leaving until skankface was gone. She suddenly seemed to pick up on my vibe.

She turned to Noah. “Well, think about dinner, Noah. I’d love to have you, and I know the boys would love to meet you, too. Any night that’s good for you works for me. You know where to find me for a hot meal and a cold beer.”

Sure. That’s all she’s offering.

Noah barely looked over at her as he continued to paint. “Thanks.”

I was happy that he seemed noncommittal and uninterested about the whole thing. But the summer was long, and like my mother said…if a woman throws herself at a man enough, he’ll eventually give in. It wasn’t like there were a ton of options around here.

The mere thought of them together made my stomach sick.

She nodded once. “Good seeing you, Heather.”

“You, too.”

After she was out of earshot, I said, “She’s making a play for you with that dinner invitation.”

Noah continued painting and didn’t look at me. “You don’t say…”

“She’s trouble. You don’t want to get involved with her.”

“How is it any of your business?”

“It’s not. But consider it a friendly warning. I know her. She’s with a different guy every week. She’s only out for one thing.”

He stopped for a moment, looked down, and smirked. “Perfect, then.”

A rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins. “You don’t mean that.”

Waving the roller at me, he said, “Is that why you came over here pretending to care about my thirst? Because you saw her talking to me?”

“No,” I lied.

“Come on, Heather. I’ve been out here all day. If you were concerned about my hydration, you would’ve come a lot sooner. You came out here to stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“I’m just looking out for you.”

“Why? You don’t even know me.”

I attempted to answer. “Because…”

I had no good reason to give. There was no way I could admit the truth—that I was jealous because she might have a chance with him because she was older and less emotionally high maintenance than me.

“I’d better go. I’m…I’m late for work.”

I’d started to walk away when he called out from behind me.

“Thought you said you didn’t have to work for another hour.”

I turned around and glared at him.

He shook his head, laughing.

He’s laughing at me.

Again.

Great. It seemed Noah was either scolding me or laughing at me. There was no middle ground.

The only way to handle this and keep my pride in check was to continue walking away, which was exactly what I did.

***

Jack Foley’s Pub is known for its burgers, local beer selections, and pool tables. While not the fanciest of places, it’s a popular joint around the lake. Especially in the summer, Jack Foley’s is a happening place any night of the week.

Despite its brisk pace, my shift this evening had been uneventful until about 9PM when I looked toward the corner of the room and spotted him.

What’s Noah doing here?

Looking all broody and mad, he stared right at me. Still ticked off that he’d called me out on my behavior earlier, I refused to acknowledge him.

No way was I going to serve him.

“Can you handle table nine in the corner?” I asked my friend and co-waitress Marlene.

“Why?”

“That guy is my tenant, and I don’t want to talk to him right now.”

She turned around to look at him. “Jesus.”

“I know.”

“Why the heck are you avoiding him?”

“I made a fool of myself earlier. It’s a long story.”

“He’s hot as hell, Heather.” She bit her lip. “I’d be glad to service him.”

“I asked if you would serve him, not service him.”

I watched as she waltzed over to Noah and said a few words, only to return a minute later.

“He asked if you could take his order.”

Shit.

When I glanced over, he was looking straight at me.

With a sigh, I walked over and made sure to match his cold demeanor. “What can I get you?”

“Shouldn’t you be a little more cordial to your customers?”

“Not when I know the customer is here to chastise me.”