Page 16 of Loving Josy
“Well, hello to you too,” he says, his smirk infuriatingly smug. “Rushing somewhere, Josy? Or were you just that excited to see me?”
“Excited? Don’t flatter yourself, you big oaf,” I snap, shaking off his hands. “And could you not stand in the middle of the walkway like a human traffic jam?”
He raises an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “A simple ‘thank you’ would’ve sufficed. But then again, I do love our little chats.”
I fold my arms and glare at him. “You love hearing yourself talk, Noah. Don’t confuse that with me enjoying your company.”
His laugh is low and easy, like he’s having the time of his life. “Oh, come on, Josy. Admit it. I’m a handsome oaf and you’d miss me if I wasn’t around. ”
“Miss you?” I scoff, stepping around him and aiming for the counter. “The only thing I’d miss is the peace and quiet when you are not around. Now, if you don’t mind?—”
“Wait,” he interrupts, falling into step beside me. “You didn’t answer my statement.”
“What?” I ask, exasperated.
“Am I a handsome oaf?” His tone is teasing, his grin pure mischief.
I stop dead in my tracks, spinning to face him. “You’re... you’re insufferable, that’s what you are.”
“Insufferably handsome, then?” he counters, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Before I can unleash a scathing reply, someone clears their throat behind us. “Excuse me,” a customer says, irritation dripping from their tone. “Are you two having a soap opera moment, or can I use the restroom?”
Heat floods my face as I stammer, “Sorry! Of course, go right ahead.” I step aside, shooting Noah a glare as his laughter bubbles up.
“I don’t see the problem,” he says, his voice low enough for only me to hear. “I think we make a great team. You flustered, me charming—it’s a perfect balance.”
“Oh, please,” I whisper-shout, taking a deliberate step back from his orbit. “You’re about as charming as a raccoon digging through trash.”
“And yet, you can’t seem to stay away,” he quips, his grin now maddeningly self-assured.
I open my mouth to retort but snap it shut again, deciding he’s not worth the energy.
“Anyway,” Noah says, breaking the tension, “I’ll come by tomorrow, or maybe later today, with the quote for the remodeling. I’ll also explain what I’m planning to do with the place.”
“Fine,” I mutter, trying to sound indifferent, but the truth is that I’m already counting down the minutes until I see him again. I start to walk away from Noah, heading toward the kitchen, when I hear him say, “Stubborn woman.” I don’t turn around, but a smile creeps onto my face despite my best efforts to hide it.
When I reach the front of the shop, I see Violet wiping down the counter, a knowing smirk plastered on her face. I take a deep breath and shake my head, muttering under my breath, “Not now.” I stride past her, determined to avoid any teasing, and head straight to the kitchen, where I keep myself busy for the rest of the day.
Hours have passed since my encounter with Noah, yet I’m still buzzing with nervous energy. Edna is getting ready to leave soon, and with all the pastries in the oven, we’re focused on cleaning up the area. The coffee shop is finally quiet, giving me a moment to take a deep, cleansing breath.
“Girl, are you okay?” Edna asks, her voice full of concern.
“Yeah, why?” I respond, trying to sound casual.
“Because you look like your head is in the clouds. I’ve been trying to talk to you for the past few hours, but you’ve been in la-la land,” she says with a raised eyebrow.
“Really? I guess I’ve just been lost in my thoughts,” I admit, though I know exactly what—or rather, who—has been occupying my mind.
“Dear Edna, our Josy here is just in love,” Violet chimes in as she enters the kitchen, her tone teasing.
I shoot her a look that could kill. My eyes narrow, silently warning her not to go any further. “Oh, that’s wonderful! Who’s the lucky guy?” Edna asks, her voice filled with curiosity.
“No one!” I practically yell, cutting her off before Violet can mention Noah’s name. I can feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment, but I refuse to let Violet have the satisfaction of teasing me any further.
Violet chuckles, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Sure, Josy. Whatever you say,” she replies, her smirk growing wider as she walks back to the front of the shop.
I huff in frustration, turning away from them and focusing on wiping down the counter with more force than necessary. “You two are impossible,” I mutter under my breath, but deep down, I know they’re not entirely wrong.
