by Anne, Melody
Though the more he hung around his newfound cousins, the more hope he had in love and marriage, because each of his family members seemed to have found the perfect spouses. They were all so in love with each other it really did seem like Noah had stepped foot inside a perfect Hallmark Channel movie marathon. Maybe he had. Maybe he’d gone to sleep and woken up in a Truman Show type of universe. Should he be searching for a secret door to the outside world?
Nah. If he’d woken up in this new universe, he really didn’t want to find his way out, because he kind of liked it. Of course, that made him think about Sarah. She was exasperating and amazing all in one. She’d let him in a little bit, and then she was right back to pushing him away.
He’d never had to chase after a woman before, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to now. But no matter how much he told himself to pull away from the beautiful, intriguing, frustrating female, he couldn’t seem to talk himself into doing just that. He was drawn to her.
When she’d been in her accident a while ago, he’d been truly scared. Yes, he’d been with her, but the thought of her being hurt had terrified him. When she’d had complications that had nearly taken her life, he’d known he couldn’t walk away from her. Because the thought of her dying had taken his breath away.
“So, Joseph, tell me what was so important that I had to rush here ASAP?” Noah asked.
“I want to know how the plans are coming with the veterans center,” Joseph said. He clipped his cigar and lit up, his eyes sparkling as he took the first puff. “Perfection.” It was a rare moment his voice came out as a sigh versus the normal boom that tended to make people jump.
“We meet all the time about the center. What really has you beckoning me?” Noah said, not allowing Joseph to get away with his normal sneaky behavior.
“I’m hurt you think I have an ulterior motive to having one of my favorite nephews here,” Joseph said, not at all looking hurt or offended.
“You tell each and every one of us that we’re the favorite every time you see us. That’s a lot of favorites,” Noah said with a chuckle.
“You know it’s also okay to simply chat and have new favorites every other day,” Joseph said, losing his smile. “And can you tell me why you young people are always in such a hurry? Maybe I truly just value my time on this earth and want to spend it with the people I love most as often as humanly possible.”
Noah laughed as he grabbed a beer from the fridge and sat down across from Joseph, getting comfortable. This could take a while. He was learning more each day about this man, and he had a sneaking suspicion the meeting had more to do with his personal life than his professional.
“You know, Joseph, life is supposed to be an adventure. I do value my time and spend it with the people I love. I have great siblings and a whole new family. What more do I need?” he asked. He didn’t necessarily believe this, but it was fun to goad the man. Judging by the narrowing of Joseph’s eyes, he was succeeding.
“And how long do you expect to just float through life? Your poor mother would want to see you settling down, enjoying all the simple pleasures to be offered.”
“Really? You’re really gonna bring my mom up as a segue to try to get me married and producing?” Noah said with another laugh. “I’ve been warned about your matchmaking abilities and of all the ways you’ll go about getting what you want.”
“Warned?” Joseph said, sitting straight up as the word came out as a roar. “I’m offended.”
Noah didn’t even try to hold back his merriment now. He laughed harder than he had in a very long time. The pure indignant expression on Joseph’s face was priceless. It was taking all he had not to pull out his camera and snap a few pics to share with his siblings and cousins. But he was sure they’d seen the exact same look on Joseph’s face many times before.
“Oh, come on. You’re telling me no one ever calls you out on your meddling ways? I find that nearly impossible to believe,” Noah said.
“I’d never offer my assistance where it’s not wanted or appreciated,” Joseph said. But as if he was finally beginning to realize Noah was toying with him, the look fell away, and he sat back, eyeing Noah with a look that appeared slightly respectful. “You’re a little smarter than I realized.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Noah said, now the one feeling slightly insulted.
“I just might have underestimated you,” Joseph added.
“Hmm, many people have. I like to sit back and assess a situation before jumping in feetfirst.”
“I see.” Joseph didn’t add more, and Noah wanted to demand what he had seen. But then Joseph would realize he was getting to him, and he wasn’t going to give the man that much power. He had enough as it was.
“Okay, let’s get to the point. I do have a lot of work to do,” Noah told him, not having as much fun with this game now.
“There’s no point. I just wanted to make sure things are going well,” Joseph said.
“Well, things are on schedule. Sarah and I are meeting at the site next week to get an idea for the final layout. Hudson and his crew are getting anxious for the final plans, but as you’re at the site nearly daily, you know how the first building is going, so I don’t know how much more I can add.”
“Is Sarah doing well?” Joseph asked.
Sarah was brand new as an architect, but Noah would be lying if he said she was anything less than exceptional. She was meant to do this job.
“She’s got great ideas and spends a lot of time on this project. Someday I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s designing for the best of the best. She’s a true artist,” Noah said, meaning it.
“That’s great to hear. I knew from the beginning she’d be excellent for this project.”
“And you don’t hire anyone but the best,” Noah said with another chuckle, feeling more at ease again.
“Of course not. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I settled for mediocre,” Joseph told him.
“All kidding aside, Joseph, I’m truly thankful to be a part of this project. Our veterans don’t get nearly as much respect and help as they deserve. Thank you,” Noah said.
“I’m proud of you and your siblings for serving our country. I knew you’d be the best men to make sure this project is exceptional, and it will be the new standard for more facilities like it all across the United States.”
“I hope that’s the case. I hope it gets so much publicity the public will rise up and demand we do more for those who keep us safe.”
“I agree, son.”
They talked for the next hour about the project, and Noah managed to dodge every single question Joseph threw his way, trying to dig out information about his and Sarah’s relationship.
It wasn’t hard to do, as he couldn’t actually explain his relationship with her. Yes, the two of them had been like two magnets drawn to each other from the moment they’d first met, but lately it was more as if they were bombs with the fuses lit and ready to explode.
They were either going to go up in flames together, or they were going to turn out to be duds. He wasn’t sure what was going to happen in the end. He just knew he was more than willing to play it out and feel the explosion, if or when it came.
CHAPTER FIVE
Noah stepped from his large Ford F-350 truck and looked up at the massive walls of his brother’s home. It was a far cry from the small three-bedroom house they’d grown up in. Though it had been cramped, he couldn’t remember ever feeling miserable there. He’d been with his wonderful mother and four siblings, and he hadn’t minded being stacked on top of one another.
It was still odd to see how far all of them had come since those early days, though. Sure, there might’ve been some bad times, but what he recalled with clarity was all of the good. The stories he could tell of some of the adventures he’d had with his siblings could probably fill a novel—and entertain whoever chose to read such a book.
Though his childhood had been filled with good memories, he’d still had a need to escape ho
me. He’d wanted to find adventure, see the world, travel, find out what life was like on his own. He’d been a brother and a son, and he’d wanted to find out what it was like to be an individual.
He’d found that and more when he’d signed up for the navy at the tender age of eighteen. He’d barely graduated high school when he’d said goodbye to his family and run off to boot camp. His brothers had each done the same. It wasn’t that they’d had an example to follow; it was just that they’d been called to serve. Maybe it was because they’d had such an awful father and a wonderful mother. He wasn’t sure why. He was just grateful he’d done what he’d done.
After one contract, though, he’d decided not to make a military career his focus, and he hadn’t reenlisted, but that didn’t take away his respect for the armed services, and it certainly didn’t take away his love for the project he’d been asked to help with. He was honored to be designing the Anderson veterans facility. And he was glad to do it with Sarah.
Noah’s mother had been gone now for over a year, and the shock of her death still hadn’t worn off. Maybe that was why he was currently at his brother’s place. Since they’d lost her, they’d all been spending more time together, realizing that life wasn’t eternal. In the blink of an eye someone they loved more than life itself could be gone. They’d never gone through a period in life when they hadn’t liked one another, but at the same time, they’d all grown busy and complacent in their lives, and sometimes it would be months before they realized they hadn’t spoken.
After losing their mother, they’d promised to never let that happen again. Now Noah didn’t go more than a day without talking to at least one of his siblings. He honestly couldn’t say he favored one more than the other. It depended on the day and the mood he was in to determine who he wanted to speak to more.
Each of his siblings had different personalities. It was kind of amusing how they could grow up in such a tight-knit family and all be so very different. They each had a strong work ethic, but they were as different as night and day. Their personalities ranged from almost too serious to romantic to humorous to easygoing. But he had noticed the older they got, the more each of them changed. Maybe life was about adapting to new situations and experiences. You didn’t have to fit neatly into a mold and stay there forever. Breaking away from the bonds of life was quite therapeutic.
Noah began moving toward Finn’s front door. He looked down at his expensive work boots and the fine cut of his slacks and smiled. He liked wearing a suit. His concession to that was a designer pair of jeans and a polo shirt. Noah couldn’t remember the last time he’d put on a pair of sweats—not even to sleep in. Maybe he needed to loosen up a little, experience more freedom. Sarah seemed to bring that out in him. She was tightly wound, and wanting to help her unwind was making him want to be more free. He was determined right now to make a change.
The funny part about the way he dressed was that he did it all for himself. He couldn’t care less what anyone thought of him. Noah was a confident man, had been all his life. He worked hard, and though he’d never been a wealthy man, he’d known his place in the world and had always known he’d be a success. Impressing strangers was the last thing on his mind.
But now that he’d received what Joseph Anderson said was rightfully his, he had more money in his bank account than he could possibly ever spend. That money hadn’t changed who he was. It had fast-tracked him on his career; having the Anderson name meant something, but he was still the same man he’d been before he found out he was one of those Andersons.
He knew this new identity wouldn’t change his siblings, either. They’d been raised by a beautiful, wonderful, humble mother who would spank their asses even as adults if they ever thought they were better than another just because of what was in their wallet or what their name was.
He was eternally grateful for the values she’d instilled in each of them.
Noah was confident for sure, but standing at six feet three and weighing 190 pounds helped a little with that. When you added in his crystal-blue eyes, chiseled jawline, and fit body, he had little to feel insecure about. His dark hair and easy smile had made finding dates a little too easy his entire life.
But since he’d met Sarah, his desire to date anyone else had disappeared. She intrigued him more than any other woman he’d ever met. And he still wasn’t quite sure what to think about that. Should he fight the feeling? Or should he follow in Finn’s footsteps and make her his wife?
Well . . . if she agreed.
And he wasn’t sure she would. He had no doubt she was attracted to him. That was more than obvious, since anytime they were in a room together, he could practically smell the smoke rising from their overheated bodies. But she seemed to be even more afraid of commitment than he was.
That was saying a lot.
They were hot and heavy; then they’d both freaked out after the accident. They were drawn together like two powerful magnets; then they ran as fast as they could when it was too intense. They had to figure it out before they drove everyone around them utterly crazy.
Noah stepped up to Finn’s door and smiled. He couldn’t help but think about how opposite he and his brother were. While Noah loved suits and ties, Finn preferred ratty jeans and hoodies. Noah also kept his hair short and neat and used gel. Since Finn had retired from the military, his hair had become slightly unruly, and he rebelled at any kind of uniformity. All the siblings had similarities that made it more than obvious they were brothers if they were together. But their personalities couldn’t be more different.
Their mother had told them how much she valued their differences. She loved how unique and talented each of her sons were. Knowing that gave them the courage and pride to go after their dreams, knowing there was nothing they couldn’t accomplish if they put their minds to it.
Noah didn’t bother knocking on his brother’s front door. They were family, and there was no need for that. Luckily Finn had married a woman they all loved and who loved them as well, because she didn’t care about the normal conventions, either. If they did knock, she was offended they didn’t feel at home enough to treat it like their own house. His brother had truly lucked out when he’d gone after Brooke. She was a one-of-a-kind female.
When he stepped inside the large house, he was hit in the face with the most delicious smell, which instantly had his stomach growling and his pace quickening as he headed straight for the kitchen. He thought back and couldn’t remember the last time he’d put food in his body.
One negative of being a bachelor was he’d get busy and forget to stop and eat. Food was a necessity of life, and he certainly took pleasure in eating well, as long as he wasn’t the one having to do the cooking. Brooke didn’t always cook, but when she did, it was definitely good.
He found Brooke in the kitchen, stirring something on the stove. Maybe there were times in life he didn’t make the best decisions, but he doubted that. He crept up to her and leaned in.
“Whatcha making?” he asked in a loud voice.
She jumped about three feet in the air and let out an ear-piercing scream before turning around and giving him a death glare with her hand placed over her heart. He started laughing, unable to control himself.
Damn, it felt good to have a great belly laugh. He was still bent over as Brooke scolded him when his brother Finn skidded into the room, his eyes intense as he assessed the situation. It didn’t take long to figure out what was going on.
“Your brother’s a pain in the ass,” Brooke said, shaking her finger at him. “He doesn’t get fed.”
“Whoa, now there’s no need for that,” Noah said in between chuckles.
“You never want to piss off the cook,” Finn warned. “But I see you’ve arrived in style. I about came in here with an arsenal when I heard my wife’s scream.”
Noah was sure his brother wasn’t kidding. “I almost feel sorry for a person stupid enough to mess with your wife.”
“Damn straight,” Finn said. “He’d ne
ver be found.”
“I don’t need anyone protecting me. I can certainly take care of myself,” Brooke told them both.
“I have no doubt about it. You took down Finn the first time you met him. I’ve been a bit in love with you ever since.”
“Quit flirting with my wife,” Finn said before grabbing Brooke and giving her one solid kiss. “And I let her take me down.”
Now it was Brooke’s turn to laugh. “You keep telling yourself that, darling,”
“I will,” he said. The way he looked at Brooke was so intimate Noah felt like an intruder. There was no doubt how much the two of them loved each other. It made Noah want things he’d never wanted before. He wasn’t sure what he thought about that.
“Have you forgiven me enough to feed me?” Noah asked, trying to look as apologetic and helpless as possible. He really was hungry, dang it.
“I don’t know,” Brooke said. But she moved over to the cupboard and pulled down three bowls and began dishing them up.
“I love clam chowder,” Noah said as he accepted the bowl and moved over to the breakfast bar and sat. The smell of the soup was pure heaven. Brooke set out some crackers, fresh bread, and butter before she sat with them.
He was eating too quickly, and some chowder dripped down on his shirt. He got up and grabbed a wet rag, quickly cleaning up the spill. Finn laughed as he sat back down next to him.
“Shut up,” Noah told him, swiping at the spot again. He couldn’t stand stains. It was so trashy.
“Better be careful, brother. People might think you’re not perfect if you go out in public like that,” Finn told him.
“I’d rather be a bit uptight than a hobo like you,” Noah said as he looked at the ripped jeans and faded shirt Finn was wearing.
“Hey! I was in a uniform for seventeen years of my life. Now I want to be comfortable,” Finn said. “It’s a much less stressful way to live. You should try it sometime. Why don’t we get dirty and go shoot some Tannerite?”
