Page 38 of Nolan

Ash and I follow him back to the slab area, keeping a safe distance as the cement truck backs up to the site. I've never seen concrete being poured before, and I'm surprised by how fascinating it is, or maybe it's just fascinating to watch Nolan work.

He's transformed again, his voice commanding as he directs his crew. The muscles in his arms flex as he adjusts the chute, helping guide the flow of concrete. His tattoos move along with the muscles. It's mesmerizing. His t-shirt clings to his back,damp with sweat, and I find myself mesmerized by the breadth of his shoulders, the confidence in his stance.

"Daddy's strong," Ash says, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Yes, he is," I agree, not just referring to his physical strength.

The homeowners arrive as the pour is finishing up. An older couple, they stand at the edge of the property, pointing and discussing something on a blueprint. Nolan notices them immediately and waves them over, his smile professional but warm.

"Mr. and Mrs. Davies," he calls out, pulling off his work gloves. "Perfect timing. We're just finishing up the slab pour. We'll start stamping the pattern here in a few minutes."

As they approach, I feel suddenly self-conscious. We haven't exactly made our relationship public yet, and I'm not sure how Nolan wants to handle this.

"I'd like you to meet someone," Nolan says, wrapping an arm around my waist and drawing me forward. "This is Annabelle, my girlfriend, and you already know my daughter, Ashlynn."

Girlfriend. The word sends a thrill through me.

"Lovely to meet you," Mrs. Davies says, shaking my hand. "Nolan's told us so much about you both."

"Has he now?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at him.

He just shrugs, a mischievous grin playing at his lips.

After showing the Davies around and explaining the next phases, Nolan walks us back to my car. Ash runs ahead, chasing a butterfly that's caught her attention.

"Girlfriend, huh?" I say, nudging him with my shoulder. "Is that my title now?"

He stops walking, turning to face me fully. His eyes are serious, searching mine. "It's always been your title," he says, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "You just didn't know it yet."

My breath catches. It's amazing how, after everything we've shared these past few weeks, he can still make me feel like a teenager with her first crush.

"There's something I want to ask you," he says, his voice lower now. He glances over to make sure Ash is still occupied with her butterfly chase. "We've done a lot of things together now, family meals, work visits, movie nights after Ash is asleep..."

"Mmm, and other things," I add with a suggestive smile, enjoying the way his ears redden at the reminder of our more private activities.

"Yes, those too," he laughs, then grows serious again. "But there's one thing we haven't done yet. Something I'd really like to do with you."

I'm intrigued. "What's that?"

"Let me take you on a date," he says, his eyes hopeful. "A real date. Just you and me. Dinner, maybe a movie or bowling. Something normal people do when they're falling for each other."

My heart swells. "We're not exactly normal people, though, are we?" I tease, but my voice is soft.

"No," he agrees. "We're better." He leans down to kiss me, a gentle press of his lips against mine that still manages to set my entire body tingling.

"So?" he asks when he pulls away. "Will you go out with me, Annabelle?"

As if he needs to ask. As if there's any universe where I'd say no to this man.

"Yes," I breathe against his lips. "I'd love to."

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Nolan

"You look...different," Abel says, narrowing his eyes at me as I check my reflection in the hallway mirror.

"Different how?" I ask, smoothing down my button-up shirt for the hundredth time. It's navy blue, Annabelle's favorite color on me. Not that I chose it for that reason or anything.

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