Page 21 of Prove Me Wrong
Gran leans against the bench, daydreaming about her departed husband, no doubt. I see the daze in the way she gazes at the wall, her lips curling upwards, and a twinge of jealousy lines my stomach seeing her this way.
“Those two were as thick as thieves. You know, I would catch Joe sneaking over there some nights with beers. He thought he was being smart, but I knew. It was to watch sports with Noah and his friend. They still get together every Wednesday night.”
I sniff a laugh. “That sounds like Grandad, making friends with everyone.”
Gran nods, sipping on her coffee.
My phone vibrates on the bench at the same moment I swallow another mouthful. Our eyes snap to the name. Mum. I make no move to answer it, and eventually it stops ringing, the silent vibrations cutting out.
“Still not talking with her?”
Peering up at Gran through thick lashes, I shake my head, not wanting to talk about her right now.
Gran hums and leans down, kissing my forehead. “Whenever you’re ready, dear. She deserves to know what happened to you.”
Guilt sweeps through me like hot, sticky bile, but I push it away.
I’m not ready yet.
Chapter Eight
MIA
Standing in Noah's organised kitchen, the sweet smell of instant coffee and eggs hits my nose. I glance around at the modern stainless-steel appliances and white cabinets. The last time I visited Barrenridge, this house was dilapidated and one bad storm away from falling over. Now, it’s newly renovated. The scent of fresh paint lingers faintly as I stand on the other side of the stone island bench.
I take in the framed car racing posters hanging on the walls, the few plants colouring the house—I think they're fake—and the recently mowed lawn out the back bathed in morning sunlight. There are even some chairs outside surrounding a fire pit that looks similar to the one Grandad built in their backyard.
Hovering beside the bench, my anxiety flicks to life once more like a candle being lit. I hardly slept last night because all I could think about was how today would go. If I were competent enough to watch Jade. If Noah would respect my boundaries or try to take advantage of me.
I’m not sure if he looks at me like I am anything. I could just be convenient for him, as his new neighbour, and someone his daughter seems to gravitate towards. A man as attractive and kind as Noah could get anyone, and I doubt he’d want someone as screwed up as I am.
I shouldn’t even be thinking about this. I'm here to work, not think about how handsome my neighbour is. I need to kill these thoughts—smother them deep into the pit of my stomach— because they're toxic and will only bring on more pain that I know I won’t be able to endure.
Cleaning up Jade’s breakfast, I walk around the island to where Jade sits in her highchair, waiting to be picked up. Large green eyes widen, and her tiny hands reach out towards me, wriggling as a deep smile gleans her freckled cheeks.
Sliding my hands under her arms, I pull Jade out of the chair and onto my waist, messy hands smearing my forearm. Jade gives a soft giggle, and I already fear I’ve grown a soft spot for the adorable toddler.
Noah’s gaze blazes the back of me like a laser beam, causing my spine to stiffen. “There are wipes here to clean Jade’s hands, otherwise you’ll dirty up your clothes.” His honeyed voice speaks up from behind.
“Thank you,” I let out softly.
Turning, I catch his apple eyes moving over me, and a blush heats my cheeks. They sweep over the light grey tee beneath my cut-off denim overalls. I feel exposed, despite the material hiding half of my thighs. I never wear clothing that highlights my leaner body and flat chest. I don’t ever want to give a man a reason to look at me, and hiding my figure helps.
Gaze rising, his pupils bore into mine for a long beat before flicking away. My spine tingles with how he’s looking at me. Not like he wants to devour me, or see what’s underneath, but more like he’s impressed with my clothing choice. It makes my insides fizzle like a bath bomb.
Noah goes back drying the plastic plate and adds it to the pile of clean dishes.
Grabbing a wipe from the packet, I clean off Jade’s sticky fingers and mouth before throwing it away. She runs her hands over my neck andhair, lips parted as if she’s entirely captivated by me. Noah’s hand touches my shoulder.
Blanching slightly, I spin to face him. A frown flashes for an instant before it’s replaced with composure. “She already likes you a lot.” His warm tone makes my pulse jolt.
I swallow lightly, looking at Jade's shimmering eyes, and the corners of my mouth lift. They twinkle a little as she glances between Noah and me, like they’re filled with stardust and childlike devotion. “I think we are going to have a lot of fun together.”
“I don’t doubt that. You should see the way she screams when I have to drop her off at Jump Start in the morning. She can’t stand being there, and I can’t tell if it’s from the other kids, the staff, or just the place as a whole.”
My eyebrows pull together as I look back down at his daughter. “Are they not nice there?”
Noah shrugs. “The staff are qualified and gentle with her. I just think Jade doesn’t like being away from me.” He rubs the back of his neck before looking back into my eyes. “Not that I really enjoy being away from her, but my workplace is far too toxic and dangerous for her to be hanging around. I don’t think Damon would mind, but there’s no way I’d let her be there. If she got hurt or anything…” His hand drops, and I stifle a smile, realising how much Noah likes to talk. It’s either because he’s nervous around me or just trying to fill in the silence. Part of me hopes it’s the latter.The other part, not so much…
