Page 66 of How to Love Your Neighbor
The appliances were in, the kitchen renovations looked fantastic, but the walls still needed fresh paint. The island had been altered to a perfect square with drawer storage on one side and book nooks on each side. Two stools that Grace had ordered were sitting in boxes, waiting to be put together.
“This looks fantastic,” Chris said, turning in a circle, taking in the changes. To separate the kitchen and laundry areas, Grace had worked with Kyle to create a custom, rustic, white barn door with gorgeous sliding hardware. Beside it was a frosted-glass door that led to a shallow pantry. She’d thought of everything.Because she’s freaking amazing.He’d seen glimpses of her talent but taking on this full project with her was eye-opening. And damn impressive.
Noah hadn’t seen much of her in the last few days, because she’d been online shopping and arranging deliveries around her school schedule. He’d golfed with Wes’s connection twice this week and agreed to a couple more outings. He realized that he missed being with Grace, missed working on the house when he wasn’t doing it. He’d also arranged a surprise for his newfriend.
“This is the kind of kitchen that could make a person want to learn how to cook,” Everly said, sliding the barn door back and forth.
Chris glanced over, grinning at the woman who’d captured his heart. Noah never thought he’d see the day his baby brother fell head over heels in love. Noah didn’t know how to describe it, but somehow Everly made Chrismore. The kind of more you want to be?Labeling Grace as a friend hadn’t stopped his romantic feelings.
Everly joined them at the island countertop, nestling naturally into Chris’s side. His brother looked down at her, stroking her hair in an affectionate gesture that made Noah’s stomach clench.
Everything about them said forever, but how could anyone know? It was always fun in the beginning. How did a couple avoid being just another statistic? Noah couldn’t stand the thought of loving a woman enough to tie himself to her, only to have it fall apart.
“We should ask Grace about doing our place,” Chris said.
Noah started to approve the idea but stopped. “Wait. Everly’s apartment?”
The two of them turned their heads, similar grins on their faces.
“What?” He was missing something.
“We want to buy a place. We want you to help us find the right one,” Chris said.
“Yes!” Noah rounded the counter, clapped his brother on the back. Everly was a little shy with physical affection that didn’t come from Chris, but Noah knew her well enough now that he pressed a kiss to her cheek. She still ducked her gaze as a pretty pink flush crept over her skin. “This is awesome. We’re not talking stupid starter home, right? We’re talking rest of our lives, let’s raise the kids and be here for good?”
Everly’s gaze widened. Chris laughed, pulling her tighter against his side. “Slow down, man. I just got her used to the idea of moving out of her apartment. We haven’t talked a lot about specifics. What do you think, babe?”
Her brows furrowed in thought. “Bigger than a starter home but we don’t need something huge. I do want a kitchen like this, though. How’d you know this one was the one?”
Noah’s smile didn’t belie the happiness bursting in his chest. Everly believed he was in it for good. Those two words, though, “the one,” kept coming back to haunt him. “Cliché as it sounds, I walked in and felt like it was home. We’re going to find you something perfect. I was online last night looking for properties. I’ve got a few that I think would work. This is freaking awesome.”
The front door bell chimed before he heard Grace’s voice. “Knock, knock.”
His heart rate spiked as if he’d taken a shot of caffeine. Damn it. He had to get over that. There was a big difference between finding a house to spend his life in and finding a woman to spend his lifewith.
“I brought friends,” Grace called out.
She’d asked him to invite Chris, Everly, and any other people he considered friends. She’d already claimed Josh, since he and Rosie were inseparable. They followed behind her now along with Morty, who was holding hands with a woman who had to be Tilly, his fiancée. Another guy, who looked to be Morty’s age, joined them. His kitchen was nearly full when Shane brought up the rear. Noah swallowed the discomfort he knew he had no right to feel. It wasn’t hard to pick up on the signals that the guy liked Grace.Which is none of your business.
“You didn’t say you were having a party, bro,” Chris said, his tone sharp.
Noah glanced over, taking his gaze off Grace, who looked gorgeous in anything but particularly in the yellow tank top she wore that showed off her tan.Shit.He forgot how nervous Everly got around crowds. She had severe social anxiety. As someone who loved being around people, it had taken him some time to learn how large groups impacted his brother’s girlfriend.He knew she’d spoken to a professional about it and that she seemed more at ease around him now than months ago but that could just be her comfort level, having gotten to know him. He started to apologize but Everly looked up at Chris. She ran her hand over his stomach and mouthed “It’s fine.”
The tension in his brother’s shoulders eased but he still felt bad.
“I didn’t know I was having a party. Speaking of which, where’s Stacey?” Everly’s best friend often put her at ease.
“Rob’s teaching a class. They’re coming after,” Chris said.
Grace looked around, coming to Noah’s side. “This is not a party. It’s a crew.”
“What?” He was in the dark. He just hoped whatever she’d planned wouldn’t make Everly uncomfortable.
“If everyone will join me in the living room, please,” Grace said.
Most of them followed, but Noah hung back a moment to talk to Everly and Chris.
“Hey,” Noah said to Everly. “I didn’t know there was going to be a crowd. I actually have no idea what she has planned. Might end up having to apologize depending on what I’ve gotten you guys into.”
