by Anne, Melody
“Someone finally woke up.”
Sarah turned to find Noah standing in the doorway with an amused look on his beautiful face. He was wearing a pair of snug jeans and a sweater that showcased his wide shoulders. She wouldn’t mind looking at him all day long. He was better than any medicine a doctor could give her.
“I bet you’re pretty hungry,” he said.
Her stomach rumbled at the mention of hunger, and she laughed. “It appears so,” she admitted.
“How are you feeling?” He hadn’t moved from the doorway.
“I’m still a bit tender, but overall I’m much better,” she said. She tried to move, to sit up, and found herself pathetically weak.
He came forward and propped some pillows up and helped her into a sitting position before straightening the blanket over her legs.
“Aren’t you getting tired of taking care of me?” she asked.
He chuckled. “I never would’ve imagined how much I’d love taking care of someone—if that someone is you, of course,” he said, looking serious. “So, no, I’m not getting tired of it at all.”
His words filled her with warmth. “I truly do appreciate all you’ve been doing for me.”
He rubbed his hand through her hair, then leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips before moving back. “Thank you,” he said.
“It’s me that should be the one doing all the thanking,” she said, feeling unusually shy all of a sudden.
“I know it isn’t easy for you to let go of control and let someone in. I appreciate your trust in me,” he told her.
She was growing emotional as the conversation continued. She just wasn’t sure where to take it from there. Her stomach saved her when it gave a loud growl again, and Noah laughed.
“Let me grab you some food before you perish,” he said as he walked from the room. She really should get up and go out to the table. But she wasn’t 100 percent yet. Maybe food in her stomach would give her the energy to finally leave the bed. She didn’t want to be in it again until she could do something a lot more fun than sleep.
It didn’t take Noah long to come back with a tray balanced on one hand and a beautiful smile on those full lips of his. Now that she was feeling better, she was really wanting to get back to where the two of them had been a few days ago, before they’d been interrupted by her fainting spell. She was more than ready to be naked in his arms.
“That smells heavenly,” she told him as he drew closer. He set the tray in her lap, and she was impressed. He’d made cream of broccoli soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit, and cheese and crackers. It was enough food for four people, but she thought he had to be pretty hungry himself, since he’d been taking such good care of her.
“This is exactly what I want,” she said. “Thank you again.”
“No need to thank me. It was an easy meal,” he said. He reached over and grabbed half a sandwich and took a big bite. A bit of cheese was on his lip, and she had the unbelievable urge to reach over and lick it off. How in the world could she be thinking so much about sex when she’d been so ill for days? Probably because that’s what the man managed to do to her every single time she was in his presence.
“We need fresh air,” he told her. He got up and moved over to the wide window and opened it. Immediately a breeze came in that rushed over her face and was just what she needed.
“I can’t remember the last time I spent an entire day not stepping foot outside,” she said as she nibbled on a cracker with cheese and looked out the window.
“I know the feeling. I prefer it outside day and night. In the summer it’s hard to be indoors. Even in the winter I like to take hikes and enjoy the beauty we have all around us here in the Pacific Northwest.”
“I’ve visited many places all over the world, and I always want to come back home. I feel sorry for people who live in the heart of cities. And though Seattle is a huge city, it’s surrounded by trees and water, so if you have to be somewhere for work, I’d choose it any day over somewhere like LA, where you might go months without getting into the woods.”
“There are forests not too far from LA, but yes, I do agree that it’s easier to get to nature from Seattle than most cities.”
“I’m not a big fan of city parks in the middle of the metropolis. I want real nature with water, trees, and animals. I guess I’ve gotten spoiled by it,” she said.
The more they talked, the more she ate. He was helping her, for sure, but she was holding her own. It appeared she’d gotten her appetite back with a vengeance. She finished her soup and sandwich and was working on the chips, crackers, and fruit. There might be nothing left.
“Is the food giving you some energy back?” he asked when the tray was empty. “Do you need more?”
“No more,” she said with a chuckle as she placed a hand over her very full stomach. “But yes, I feel better for sure. Definitely good enough to climb from this bed.”
“I’ve enjoyed you all submissive and clingy the past few days,” he told her. She knew he was saying it to get a reaction, but she certainly couldn’t let that pass without some sort of comment.
“Mm-hmm, don’t get used to it,” she said with a mock glare.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he told her.
“I think I’ll take a shower and then maybe attempt a small walk,” she said. Right now she was feeling better, and everything in her wanted to push her limits, but she knew that would be foolish, and she knew Noah wouldn’t let her do it, anyway.
“That’s a great idea. I’ll get this cleaned up. I know you’re fine, and I promise not to look in on you unless you take too long, but for my sanity will you please leave the bathroom door cracked?”
If he’d demanded it of her, she would’ve argued, but he had been the one caring for her for days, and he was asking her nicely. She nodded, and he leaned down and gave her a slightly longer, hotter kiss than the one before. He pulled back, and she felt her head spinning. The man did things to her no one ever had.
He didn’t say anything else, just grabbed the tray and left the room. Sarah was slow as she threw back the covers and shifted her legs over the side of the bed. She took her time placing her feet on the floor and held on to the bed as she stood.
“Are you okay in there? Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it,” Noah called from the kitchen.
“Thank you, Noah, but I’m fine,” she assured him.
She stood up, and her legs were slightly shaky, but she was relieved when she took her first steps. She took her time getting to the bathroom and had to smile again when she found a fresh towel hanging up and a set of comfortable clothes sitting on the counter. He’d anticipated everything. He was spoiling her to the point she wasn’t sure what she’d do without him when this was over.
She wanted to take a nice long hot shower, but the effort of washing her hair alone was zapping her energy. She couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to be sick for ages on end. She was over it after a few days. She quickly washed her body, didn’t worry about shaving her legs, then slowly climbed from the shower and took her time toweling off.
She was shaky and a bit weak, but she got dressed and managed to brush her hair. There was no way she was holding up a blow-dryer to dry it. She wanted to sit down—and not in the dang bed.
“Are you still good in there?” Noah called. It sounded like he was in the doorway to the bedroom.
“Yes, sir,” she said.
He chuckled, but she heard his footsteps fade away. She wasn’t going to admit it to him, but she liked that he was being protective and checking up on her. It made her feel secure. And if she did pass out, she wouldn’t be left there for very long.
Sarah walked from the bedroom and found the living area spotlessly clean and cozy with a breeze blowing through it. Noah had all the windows open, and the scent of fresh mountain air was soothing to the soul. She thought about sitting outside, but there was a comfy-looking armchair in the corner of the room with a footstool in fr
ont. That looked more appealing than patio furniture at the moment.
“Can we take a short walk?” she asked. She wanted the chair but needed more movement.
“Yes,” he said. He came to her side, and she didn’t hesitate to put her arm through his. It was slow going, but they made it to the front door and moved outside. She took in the fresh air and felt tears sting her eyes. She couldn’t stand not being in the sunshine for too long.
It took all her energy to move one foot in front of the other, so they didn’t speak as they walked around the cottage and back. She was frustrated at how out of breath she was as they stepped back inside.
Noah assisted her to the chair, where they stood for a moment with her feeling the need to wrap her arms around him. “You’re moving slow, but at least you’re moving,” he said with a gentle smile.
“That was my thought, too,” she admitted.
Noah helped her ease down into the chair, then covered her lap with a blanket. She thanked him again. He moved over to a bookshelf and grabbed several books and came over to her, sitting down on the footstool next to her feet.
“We have thrillers, romances, and self-help books,” he said as he flipped through them. “Which do you prefer?”
Sarah laughed. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you? Are you secretly a caretaker?”
“Just for you,” he told her as he handed over the books. She looked over each one and grabbed three.
“I’ll check these out,” she told him. She wanted the self-help book but didn’t want to be obvious about it. He took the other ones back to the shelf.
Sarah opened the book and began scanning it. Normally she got so lost in a book the rest of the world completely faded. But not this time. This time, she kept glancing up and watching what Noah was doing. He moved about the cottage, fixing little things here and there, until he finally settled down on the couch with one of the thrillers she’d given back.
He was looking down, giving Sarah plenty of time to study him. She couldn’t help but appreciate his beauty. She was also noticing how much she was enjoying this quiet, domestic moment. It was something she feared she might get very, very used to. She decided to read her book again until she got sleepy and closed her eyes.
They were heading somewhere. She’d just have to wait and see where exactly that was.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Noah wasn’t sure how long he sat there watching Sarah doze in the chair. She was so damn beautiful, even being sick. There was nothing that could diminish her looks. With her guard down, her eyes shone, and her skin was flushed. She was everything he’d never known he wanted.
Yes, he still had minor panic moments when he realized he didn’t think he could live without this woman. That must be what happened to a person. You were happily going along in life, perfectly content to be single, and then someone came along who took your breath away and became your second half. Maybe if the world realized what true love felt like, people would stop settling for mediocre. He’d been content with mediocre—that was, before Sarah had come along.
He had to get out of the cottage for a while, and he had a feeling Sarah would be out for at least a couple of hours. He was hoping his brother was home, because he could use some brotherly advice, though he probably wouldn’t appreciate or like it once he got it.
Maybe by tomorrow Sarah would have more energy to move about. She wasn’t the type of woman who could be kept down for too long. She’d start getting cranky soon if she didn’t get movement. One of the things he loved so much about her was how active she was. The two of them together would never grow bored. That was for sure.
He truly had been enjoying taking care of her, though. He might have made that comment to get a rise out of her, but he did like her more vulnerable. He knew it would come few and far between while they were together. If there was something Sarah could do on her own, she would every single time. She was stubborn and independent—and he loved that about her, too.
Noah was a bit lost on what was happening to him. He’d never been a mushy guy, never had been more concerned about a woman than himself. He’d walked away so many times before, leaving them with a smile but never thinking of them again. And now here was a woman he wanted to drop to his knees for. It was strange, to say the least.
Noah stepped through Crew’s house, at first thinking he wasn’t home, but then he was relieved when he found him out on the back deck with a beer in his hand.
“Isn’t it a bit early for that?” Noah asked as a greeting.
“It’s five somewhere,” Crew replied.
“What in the world has happened to my uptight brother?” Noah asked. “But of course, when in Rome . . .” He moved over to the outdoor fridge and grabbed a cold beer, then sat beside his brother. The first sip was heaven.
“Is Sarah feeling any better?” Crew asked. He’d been checking up on her, but Noah hadn’t spoken to Crew since yesterday, and that had only been for a couple of minutes. He’d been tired himself, as he’d worried about her.
“Yeah, she managed to get a good amount of food in her, shower, take a short walk, and stay in the living room. She only lasted about an hour before she fell asleep in the chair, but I think the worst of it’s over,” he said. He hadn’t gotten nearly as much sleep as her, and he was beginning to feel it.
Crew laughed. “I’m really enjoying seeing what this woman is doing to you. You’re like a little puppy dog.”
Noah glared at his brother. “I feel sorry for your patients,” he said with a growl.
“I’m professional with my patients. You, on the other hand, I can give it to straight. You’re a big boy and can take it—or at least you used to be, before you were so domesticated.”
“I’m so happy you’re amusing yourself,” Noah told his brother. “And I thought I could come over here and have a real chat with you. Apparently not.”
“When is the wedding?” Crew asked.
“Wedding? What wedding?” Noah asked.
Crew laughed again. His brother was in an unusually good mood on this sunny day. Noah was beginning to wonder if there was something going on in his brother’s life he wasn’t sharing with the rest of them.
“Don’t pretend you don’t know that’s exactly where this is heading. First Finn fell, and now apparently you’re following in big brother’s footsteps.”
“It’s not like that,” Noah said. But then he stopped. “I like her,” he admitted.
“If you want to call it like for now so you don’t panic, that’s fine. That’s how a lot of people get through the initial phases of love. But I’ll say this with all kidding aside,” Crew said before pausing. Noah waited. “Don’t let her get away. It will be a lose-lose for both of you, because it’s more than obvious how much you love one another, and I can tell you from my vast experience of counseling people that true love is a rare phenomenon.”
Part of Noah wanted to counter his brother, tell him he was a fool. That was the old Noah, the defensive Noah. He’d never had a conversation like this with any of his siblings before, and it wasn’t an easy thing to make yourself vulnerable. But the other part of him believed what his brother was saying. He knew he was falling in love with Sarah. He just didn’t know what that meant exactly.
“Have you been domesticated?” Noah finally asked.
Crew laughed again. This carefree attitude from his brother was sort of freaking him out. Crew wasn’t that guy. He was always the serious one, always the one telling the rest of the brothers to behave and grow up.
“I’m beginning to think it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, but no, I haven’t. Unfortunately in my line of work, I get to see everything that always goes wrong in relationships, and so it scares the hell out of me to get serious with someone.”
Now it was Noah’s turn to laugh. “But you’re telling me I should marry Sarah?”
“I told you it’s different with you and Sarah. It’s real. That doesn’t mean you’ll never argue, and it doesn’t
mean it’s all going to be fairy tales and pixie dust. It just means that you’ll weather through every storm and grow stronger each time. You can give up on it, but I’m warning you you’ll never find something like this again. When it’s real, it’s real forever. I think relationships like yours only fall apart because one or the other person allows it to. People forget the simple things: the kiss when their partner walks in the door, the thank-yous, the flowers and signs of appreciation. If you appreciate your spouse, you’ll grow; if you stop appreciating them, you’ll drift apart.”
“I don’t know how I feel about talking this deep with you,” Noah said. He finished his beer and got up and grabbed another for both of them. He was restless and a bit uncomfortable, even though this was what he’d sought his brother out for in the first place.
“It’s hard for us to hear things like this. But whether you want to take it all in right now or not, it’s now in your head, and you’ll have to process it over the next few days. I do this for a living, you know,” Crew pointed out as he accepted the beer.
“Well, it’s a lot of mushy talk,” Noah grumbled.
“Maybe we should be secure enough in our masculinity that it doesn’t worry us,” Crew said.
That made Noah laugh. “I’m plenty secure in my manhood,” he assured his brother.
“I’ve talked more with Finn since he’s been with Brooke than any other time in our lives. He’s a changed man—for the better, I might add. Maybe we truly do need our other half to be whole.”
“Damn, Crew, you really have been thinking about this a lot,” Noah said.
“Yeah. Losing Mom really rocked my world. I know it affected all of us, but it hit me harder than I ever expected it to. It’s made me think about the future. It’s made me sad that she’ll never hold a single grandchild. It’s made me realize maybe all of us should’ve grown up a little sooner.”
