Page 28 of Loving Josy
He opens the door to the ladies’ room, and I step inside. It’s completely redone with a newly installed toilet and a baby changing station. The walls are painted a soft lavender that matches perfectly with the pink exterior. “Wow, this is nice. I love how the color ties in with the pink outside,” I say, genuinely impressed.
I step out and head into the other restroom, which is a mirror image of the first but painted in a light blue.
“Let me show you the kitchen,” Noah says. “I’ve already installed all the appliances that came in last week. I think you’ll love how it turned out.”
As he talks about the kitchen, my mind betrays me, flashing back to two weeks ago when we had sex on that very countertop he’s so proud of. Every kiss, every touch comes rushing back, and I can feel the heat rising in my body. It’s impossible to forget the way his hands felt on me, even though I’m trying to focus on the present. I have no control over my emotions as I followhim to the kitchen. When I step inside, I see the ovens installed, two refrigerators neatly placed on the other side of the kitchen, and the counter sitting there, practically calling my name. I try to focus on the appliances and fresh paint on the walls, but I can feel Noah’s gaze on me. When I turn in a full circle, I catch him watching me, clearly paying attention to my every reaction.
My words stick in my throat as I meet his brown eyes. The way he’s looking at me makes my pulse quicken, like he’s thinking the exact same thing I am. He walks to the counter, running his hand over the cool metal surface, and I can’t help but follow the movement with my eyes, remembering the way those same hands touched me.
“Do you like how the kitchen turned out?” His eyes traveling down my body and slowly making their way back up to meet mine. His stare is intense, and I can feel it unraveling me, no matter how hard I try to stay composed.
He smirks, fully aware of the effect he’s having on me. He knows my body is betraying me, how much I want him.
Clearing my throat, I finally answer his question. “Yeah, you did an amazing job. I can already picture how it’ll look once the mixers, cooling racks, and all the other little things are added. I really appreciate how quickly you got it done.”
“I was happy to do it,” he says, voice low. “I wanted to see that smile on your face when you first saw it. If you need anything else installed, any changes, just let me know. I’ll take care of it.”
“Sure.” I nod, my gaze flicking everywhere but him, trying to keep it professional.
“I’ll, uh, send the payment over today. Thanks again for everything.” Walking toward him, extending my hand like some kind of businesswoman, trying to keep things formal.
But the moment his hand touches mine, I know I’ve made a mistake. The contact sends a rush of heat through me, and I realize shaking hands was the last thing I should’ve done.
Chapter Fourteen
Noah
Ican’t shake the dirty thoughts flooding my mind. Having Josy back in this kitchen brings me right back to that incredible day we shared. As she moves around the space, I watch her reactions and can tell she’s genuinely pleased with my work. Her face shows excitement at seeing her new place. I did everything to make this space look like what she imagined. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if her mind drifts back to what happened here two weeks ago, I know mine has. It’s impossible to get this woman out of my head; she’s everywhere I look. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve had to take care of myself, thinking about her. I’ve given her the space she asked for, but now that her project is done, I can head back to Honey Springs and show up at her shop every day. I want her to feel my presence just like I feel hers.
I walk toward the counter and run my hand along the metal surface, imagining grabbing her by the waist and pulling her close again. I want to kiss her, to feel her warm skin under my palm as I caress her. I want to make her mine for the rest of my life. I glance over at Josy, and the sight of her makes my whole body react. She’s always been gorgeous, but today she’s on another level. She’s wearing this light blue sundress that stops just above her knees, paired with tan sandals that show off herlegs. Her curly hair is pulled up in a messy bun, and all I want to do is take it down, let it loose, and run my fingers through it. I can’t help but think about how stunning she is, and it kills me that I spent the last ten years away from her.What the hell was I thinking? Why did it take me so long to see that she’s all I’ve ever wanted?
It’s not just her looks, though, even if those alone could knock me flat. It’s the way she carries herself. She’s honest, strong, independent, smart, and funny and that’s what I remember from ten years ago. I know there’s even more to her now, and I’m eager to discover every piece of the woman she’s become. But I also want her to get to know me. Not the me that she used to know, the young, impatient, stupid and immature younger me. Now I have grown up, I have matured and know the importance of having responsibilities. I can honestly say that I am a totally different person.
I had caught Josy staring at my hand as it grazes the countertop. An inward smile tugged at me; she always acts like she’s got it all together, like nothing fazes her. But I know better. That slight shiver that ran through her tells me she felt every bit of this moment, just like I did.
I can tell she’s happy for the question and I watch her as she chatters on about the space. Then, unexpectedly, she holds out her hand for a handshake, like this is some kind of business deal.
I take her hand, feeling the warmth and softness of her skin. It takes everything in me not to pull her closer and kiss her until neither of us can think straight.
“I’ll, uh, send the payment over today. Thanks again for everything,” she says, her voice a little shaky as we shake hands.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” I say with a wink, reluctantly letting her hand go and sliding mine into my pockets. My self-control around her is hanging by a thread. I want to grab her byher waist and sit her in the counter so I can have my way with her again.
Josy nods again and glances around the kitchen one last time. I point to the keys sitting on the counter. “There are your keys. I’m gonna head out. Call me if you need anything.”
“Okay,” she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
With that, I head for the door, stepping out into the bright afternoon sun. I walk straight to my truck, a smile plastered on my face the whole way back home.
I’ve been reviewing quotes for the past two hours, and it feels like the work just keeps piling up. We’ve got so much on our plate already, but the calls keep coming in for more remodeling jobs and new construction projects. I feel like I’ll never catch a break. It’s exhausting going from one job to the next, making sure everything’s done right and that our clients are happy with the results.
We’ve been going nonstop for years, all to grow the business. And we’ve done it. But now that we’ve grown, it’s time to admit we can’t keep this pace up forever. I need to talk to Esteban. We need someone who can help manage the workload, someone to oversee things on-site and keep the guys in line. The load is too heavy for just the two of us, and if we don’t make a change soon, we’ll burn out. We deserve a break every once in a while.
I try to focus on work, but my mind keeps drifting back to Josy. It's like I’m a starving man who’s had just one taste and now can’t go without her. Ten years went by, and I was fine, but now it’s like I need her to breathe again. I’ve never felt like this before, and part of me wonders if I should be worried that I’mobsessing over her. She’s in my dreams, my thoughts, my life everywhere I fucking turn.
I take off my cap, running my hands through my messy hair. There’s no way I can focus on paperwork right now. I need to do something with my hands, something physical. Standing up from my desk, I grab my keys and wave a quick goodbye to Payton as I head out. Driving to Violet’s house, I crank up the radio, hoping the music will drown out my thoughts of Josy. But it’s pointless. She’s all I can think about.
When I arrive, I see the crew hard at work. I park the truck and head inside to check on the progress. Esteban’s been making good time while I’ve been tied up at Josy’s shop. The house is nearly done. It just needs a coat of paint, some light fixtures, and then it'll be ready. But even standing here in the middle of all this, I can’t stop thinking about her.
