Page 23 of Prove Me Wrong
My chest warms as I bite my lip. “Okay,” I murmur, looking back down at Jade, her fingers are playing with the silver necklace around my neck. Bright green eyes stare at it, mesmerised by the tiny teal flower that hangs down the centre.
“All right, princess. I should get going.” Noah plucks Jade from my side to kiss her cheeks. His daughter giggles as I follow them back down the staircase and into the kitchen. “I’ve written down the address for the mechanic and doctor if you need them. What’s your number? I’ll add it to my phone.”
I recite my phone number, and Noah types it in, shooting me a text for me to save his contact details. Noah sits Jade on the edge of the bench, and he kisses her some more. My fingers toy with my lip, hiding my smile as I watch the two of them.
“I’ll see you tonight. Be good, princess,” Noah mutters before picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder.
“What time will you be back?”
He looks at me, and the air in my lungs stills for a second. “Around five.”
Nodding, I grab Jade after Noah cuddles her one last time before walking towards the door. Jade goes to grab his top, but I pull her back.Her bottom lip juts out as tears fill her eyes. I pull her into my chest as she starts sobbing.
Noah looks between us, a small crease deepening between his brows. “She might take a bit to adjust, but thank you for doing this, Grey.”
I smile and nod. “Of course, thirty-four,” I murmur.
I catch the corner of Noah's mouth lifting before he closes the door between us.
“Rawr,”I growl. Jade giggles as my hands force the stuffed lion to stomp around with the other animals on the living room floor.
Her little laugh fills the quiet space, and I smile at how easily amused Jade is. She’s so lovable and well-mannered. I can see why Noah adores her now. From her large, round apple eyes to the tiny freckles dotting her button nose, and her light blonde hair that curls at the ends. I think I have already fallen in love with her from the eight hours I’ve spent with her… alone.
“Your turn.” I pass the stuffed toy to her. Jade’s eyes don’t move from mine as she lets the smallest roar out.
I think my heart just swelled and burst. It’s the most adorable sound I’ve ever heard in my life. I’d bottle it up if I could.
“Exactly. Lion’s roar because they’re really big cats,” I explain to her. “They’re big and strong and the kings of the planes. Do you like lions?”
She nods her little head, grabbing her elephant toy. I glance at the clock on the wall.
“Little lady, I need to start making your dinner. Your dad will be home soon.”
She looks at me with innocent eyes, and I pick her, pulling her into my chest. My fingers tickle her sides, and she laughs out vibrantly.
“Do you want to keep playing with your toys while I make your food? I won’t be long.”
She sucks on her top lip before reaching for a stuffed giraffe. I put her down in her play area and kiss her forehead before walking into the kitchen to heat up her food.
Placing it down on the highchair tray, I grab Jade and buckle her in. Tiny hands immediately grab at the mashed-up vegetables, and she smears them on her tongue and mouth. I giggle at the sight. Deciding I should prepare something for Noah when he returns, I peer into the fridge. He didn’t tell me that I needed to cook for him, but I thought it would be nice since I’m here. I wouldn’t want him to have to come home and do it himself.
Finding some ingredients to put together, I start cooking everything when the door opens and shuts. Nerves tingle up my spine as Noah rushes up to Jade, dumping his backpack on the floor and kissing her cheeks all over. She squeals in delight. My cheeks pinch as I watch the two of them, making sure not to burn the chicken in the pan.
“Hi, princess. I missed you,” he murmurs, pecking her forehead.
“Daddy!” Jade squeals. I think I might pass out from how sweet she sounds.
He turns my way, and I quickly shove hair behind my ear and busy myself at the stove, like I wasn’t just watching the two of them interact.
“How was your day, Grey?” Noah stalks over, his golden hair fluffy and sweaty. Grease streaks across his cheekbones and neck. Apple eyes find mine, and I’m both nervous and settled at the same time, whichis so damn confusing. I try to shove it down inside like I usually do. I don’t want to feel things for this man, so I have to swallow every stirring sensation inside me right now, even if it’s hard. “Looks like you have it all together, and that smells delicious.”
My teeth sink down into my lip. “Jade was really good. She did cry a little when you left, but then we played outside, drew, read.” I offer him a small smile before continuing, “She napped for an hour and didn’t make too much of a mess.”
Noah’s eyes don’t move from mine as he leans casually against the bench, muscular arms crossed over his chest. Oil streaks his tee and forearms. A stirring starts deep in the pit of my stomach again that I try to smother like water on flames.
“You’re a natural at this, then.”
Running his hand through his blonde hair, I can’t stop myself from watching him. His broad frame, kind features and taller stature. My skin heats again, and I turn away.
