She loved her neighborhood. She liked chatting about gardening over the back fence, liked giving out candy bars to all the little trick-or-treaters at Halloween. Her next-door neighbors, the Demmings, often brought her fresh crab after they’d been crabbing, and the Nordlies down the street always invited her to their New Year’s Day open house. What if she didn’t get to stay here?
It was getting cold. She shut the door.
She had just taken the pizza out of the oven when Ben arrived with a large bottle of pop. And well, well. What else did he have? Chocolates? Just like the ones she’d bought for his mother.
“Something smells great,” he said, stepping inside.
“The pizza.”
“No, it’s something else.”
“Oh, the scented candle.”
“No, that’s not it.” He leaned over and sniffed her neck and all her nerve endings got giddy. “It’s you.”
Good thing you put on that perfume like I suggested.
Scram, Noel told Marvella.
You might need me.
Not tonight. She could handle this.
Or not. “Well, um, thanks,” she stammered.
He held out the chocolate box. “I thought we might want dessert. My secretary got this for me, but I can’t eat all that by myself.”
“Your...secretary.” You couldn’t trust people.
I could have told you that.
Will you SCRAM?
Fine, Marvella huffed. Go ahead, do this on your own. You’ll be sorry.
“You do like chocolate, right?” Ben asked as she put the box on the hall table.
“Every woman likes chocolate.”
“Not my mom.” He removed his coat and she took it.
She knew that now. The very mention of his mom made her face flush hot. She turned her back and busied herself hanging up the coat.
“Look, about Mom,” he began.
The last thing she needed when they were trying to come to some agreement about the house was the ghost of his mother hovering over them, scowling. “I’m sure she’s a very nice lady,” Noel lied. “Our pizza’s ready.” She hurried to the kitchen and began cutting it. Rather vigorously. It started to slide on the cutting board.
Just as she thought she was going to lose half of it, a large hand reached out and saved the day. “How about I cut it for you?”
“I’m really not accident prone,” she said. “But sometimes I get nervous and...” Her words petered off. “Let me pour you some of that pop.”
He caught her arm and stopped her from turning away. “Did my mom make you nervous?”
Oh, no, not his mom again.
“You should know a few things about her, about us.”
She bites the heads off chickens and you’re adopted. Please say you’re adopted.
“We’re close.”
This didn’t bode well for working out any kind of deal—except one where Noel disappeared. She grabbed the bottle of soda pop he’d set on the counter and got busy pouring him a glass.
“My dad left when I was three and it’s always been just the two of us. She worked hard, put in long hours as a bank teller and did interior decorating on the side. But she always made time for me. Never missed a football game. She was the best,” Ben finished and took a long drink of his pop.
“She sounds like a very dedicated mother.” So, underneath that cold exterior beat a heart of—well, beat a heart.
“She was. She hardly dated at all when I was growing up. Of course, when I was a kid I liked being the man of the house and I did a pretty good job of chasing away the few guys who tried to come between us.”
Kind of like what she’s been doing to you, Noel thought. She found she couldn’t look at Ben. “So, does that mean there’s no room for anyone else?”
“Not necessarily. But I haven’t always been smart about relationships.” He picked up a piece of pizza from the cutting board, examined it then took a bite.
Noel waited for the story to continue.
It did. “Had a couple of real duds in high school and college. I wasn’t much smarter when I got older. I met someone a few years back. She was hot.” He smiled ruefully. “Who doesn’t want a hot girlfriend, right? Yvonne and I had fun together.” He shrugged. “We decided to get married.”
“I guess you didn’t live happily-ever-after.”
“Not even close. Money was tight, she lost her job and we were struggling. Then she got pregnant. She didn’t want to keep the baby. I had to beg her, bribe her, actually. She got a new car out of the deal. The day after Timmy was born, she said she wanted a divorce.”
“And so that was that?”
“Not at first. I thought it was postpartum depression or something. Mom just thought she was a bitch. Turns out Mom was right. She wanted out and she pretty much made my life miserable until I agreed.”
Some women didn’t know how good they had it. “Where is she now?”
“Living in Vegas with a high roller. She gets Timmy for two weeks every summer.”
“Your poor son.”
Ben shrugged. “He’s okay. He’s got Mom.”
Grandma Lizard. Except maybe she wasn’t such a lizard, after all. Maybe she simply wanted to shield her son from further heartbreak.
“Anyway, I’ve picked some real winners and it’s usually cost me one way or another. I can’t blame my mom for being suspicious. According to her, most people have a hidden agenda. Everybody’s out to use you.”
Noel had reached for a slice of pizza but now she didn’t feel hungry. In fact, she felt sick to her stomach. She put it back on the cutting board.
She couldn’t keep trying to manipulate this nice man into giving her what she wanted. “I can’t do this.”
His brows knit. “Do what?”
“I was out to butter you up. I just wanted to find a way to get my house back.”
The indulgent smile closed down. He set his glass on the counter without meeting her eyes. “I knew you wanted the house, but I thought under all that, there was something more going on.”
“There is. And that’s why I can’t keep trying to...manipulate you.” How she hated making herself look like his ex-wife. “Don’t worry. I’m giving up on the house. I won’t bother you anymore. You can tell your accountant to forget about the number-crunching.”
He gave a cynical grunt and looked at her with contempt. “What’s this? More manipulation?”
She shook her head. “No. If I got this house that way, I couldn’t live in it. I guess if it was meant for me, Mrs. Bing would’ve sold it to me. So go for the granite countertops and the modern fireplace. I know you’ll find the perfect buyer for the place. And like I said, I promise I won’t bother you anymore or bring you coffee.” Except she wanted to see this man again. She’d given up on the house but she hated to give up on him, too. Maybe, after the house sold, they could be friends. Or more. “Not until after you’ve sold the house,” she amended.
He stood there and endured her whole speech, but as soon as she finished, he nodded and left without so much as a word. A moment later she heard the front door shut.
She wished he’d yelled at her, called her names. She wished he’d stayed long enough for her to say she was sorry. She wished she could turn back time and start again. She sat at the kitchen table and indulged in a good cry.
She was still sobbing when a big hand came down on her shoulder.
She let out a screech and nearly fell off her chair. Then she looked up to see Ben Fordham staring at her.
“You left,” she said stupidly.
“Now I’m back. What did you mean about bringing me coffee after the house sells?”
She blinked. Her eyes seemed to be the only part of her body working at the moment. Her mouth sure w
asn’t in good operating order.
Don’t just sit there. Say something! Marvella commanded.
“Um.”
He took a seat opposite her. “Tell me.”
Noel could feel a simmer on her cheeks. It was suddenly hot in the kitchen.
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen...and go to the bedroom.
Marvella was not helping. And yet—she was right. Noel wanted the house, but she wanted Ben more. “I just thought, maybe after all is over... I mean, well...” Oh, for heaven’s sake. Where were the words she needed?
“Noel, when you use people, you use them and then forget about them. You don’t talk about bringing them coffee after you’ve lost what you wanted. And you sure don’t tell them you’re using them.”
She hung her head. “I wish I hadn’t. It’s embarrassing to confess. I just kept hoping that if we talked enough, if I proved to you I’m a good risk...”
“I get that you love this house.”
“But you bought it fair and square.”
He took her hand. “You know I don’t keep houses. Once I’ve renovated them, I move on. Fix, sell and make a profit. That’s my business.”
She bit her lip and nodded. He had such big hands. Strong.
“But in the end, real estate is about deals, so let’s do a deal. I did talk to my accountant, and I think we can make this happen.”
She looked up, startled. What was he saying?
“I’ll bag the renovations, sell the place to you as is. You give me a down payment and I’ll carry the contract.”
That was exactly what she’d been hoping for, but it wouldn’t work. She’d been struggling to come up with what Mrs. Bing wanted. She’d never be able to buy the place from Ben.
She sighed. “I wish I could. Just flip the house and put us both out of our misery.”
“Come on, work with me here.”
“Even without renovations, I’m sure I can’t afford to pay you enough to make a profit.”
“Tell me what you can afford.”
She did, her face flaming as she mentioned the pathetically low amount. Then she told him what she had in savings for a down payment. It was laughable.
To her astonishment, he didn’t laugh. “I can live with that.”
She blinked. Were her ears working? “That’s all you want? That’s what I offered Mrs. Bing and she wasn’t interested.”
He shrugged.
“But...there’s hardly any profit for you,” she said, feeling increasingly guilty. “I can’t.”
“Yeah, you can.”
“You just said you sell houses for a profit.”
“I know what I said. But I got a steal of a deal at auction today—a house on Bainbridge Island that will turn a nice profit. I think I can afford to be generous. Anyway, it’s not like I’m giving you this place.”
Considering the profit he’d lose, it certainly felt like it. “Really?”
“Yeah, really,” Ben said. “You love this house and the more I think about it, the less I like taking it from you. We’ll both feel better if we can work this out so you can stay.”
“Charge me the current interest rate,” she said, determined to be businesslike.
“Don’t worry, I will,” he said with a grin.
“I can’t believe you’re doing this,” she said, tears in her eyes. “But are you sure?” she asked, guilt setting in again. “I mean you have a son to take care of. I didn’t know that when this all started. I should’ve let things go the minute I found out.”
“We’ll be fine. Anyway, it’s Christmas and I don’t want to be a Scrooge.”
“You’re not a Scrooge, you’re a saint,” she said, and threw her arms around him and kissed him.
He kissed her back and wow, happy holidays.
Chapter Eighteen
The following morning Noel stopped at Java Josie’s on her way to Ben’s office to pick up his favorite latte. She was just leaving when Donny the ex walked into the coffee shop.
“Noel, you’re by yourself,” he observed with a smug smile. “Want to have coffee together?”
Honestly, what had she ever seen in him? “No, thanks, I’ve got a date.” Going to Ben’s office to discuss the house deal—that was sort of a date.
Donny frowned. “That guy. He seems like a real user to me.”
“I guess you’d know about that sort of thing.”
“Damn straight I would,” he said, missing her sarcasm. “He probably just wants to sleep with you.”
“One can always hope,” she said and pushed open the door.
At Ben’s office Janelle looked surprised to see her.
“I’m here to talk to Ben,” Noel said, stating the obvious.
“The dragon didn’t burn you to a crisp yet?”
If she dated Ben, the dragon would be part of her life, as well. Noel decided it was best not to let this conversation go any further. “So, is Ben in?”
Janelle frowned and picked up her phone. “Someone’s here to see you. Should I tell her to wait?”
Oh, we are a little jealous, Marvella whispered.
Janelle’s frown remained in place. “Yeah, that’s her. Okay, fine.” She hung up. “You can go on in,” she said reluctantly.
Ben was already at the door when Noel entered the Fordham Enterprises inner sanctum. “Hey, there.” He shut the door and took the coffee out of her hands, setting it on his desk, then pulled her to him and kissed her. What a great way to start the day!
“Now, there’s a great way to start the day,” he said, echoing her own reaction. “I thought about you all night.”
“Really?”
“Does that surprise you?”
“Yes, actually, it does,” she admitted.
“You know, I’m beginning to suspect you’re pretty special.”
Was he kidding?
He shook his head at her. “You don’t believe that, do you?”
“Well...”
“You’re beautiful and talented and kindhearted. I’d say that all adds up to special.”
She felt both warmed and embarrassed. “You’re pretty special, yourself,” she murmured, suddenly shy.
The minute the words were out of her mouth she remembered what the mall Santa had said about bringing her a good man to go with her house. Santa, if this is the man, you outdid yourself!
“Yeah?” Ben grinned and kissed her again.
She could go on doing this forever. She did finally stop, though, and got a check out of her purse. “I had to postdate it,” she explained. “I did an online transfer from savings, and the money won’t be available until tomorrow.” There was now nothing in her savings account but she had no regrets about draining it.
“You are efficient.”
Not so much efficient as afraid she’d dreamed everything that had happened the night before. Except if she had, the dream was still continuing, and it was great.
He stuffed the check in his pocket. “Come on, sit down.” He led her over to his desk and pulled out a pad of paper.
For the next twenty minutes they went over payment schedules and how long it would take her to pay off the house, which basically added up to forever. “That’s a long time for you to wait to get all your money back,” she said when they were done.
“Steady income, though,” he said as he walked her to the door. “You told me that yourself. And if you become the next J.K. Rowling you can pay it off early, no penalties. My cousin can draw up the papers. If you want, we can sign them later this afternoon.”
By afternoon the house would be hers. Sort of. “I can come back, no problem,” she said. “I still can’t believe you’re doing this. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am.”
&
nbsp; “I’m hoping you might feel something more than gratitude.”
She blushed. “Of course I do.”
“But no strings,” he hurried to add.
“I like strings.”
That made him grin, but he said, “I’m doing this because it’s the right thing to do. You don’t owe me anything.”
“Other than eternal gratitude,” she said, beaming at him.
“Maybe that. So, how about having dinner with me tomorrow? I think I can get my mom to babysit.”
“Actually, I have something tomorrow evening.”
His smile fell away but he nodded. “Oh. Sure.”
“But I’d like an escort. Would you be interested in going to a dinner with me? It’s kind of a dress-up affair,” she said then held her breath.
The smile jumped back on his face. “Yeah, I can dig up a suit. What’s the occasion?”
She told him and he shook his head. “Now I’ve heard everything. Yeah, I want to see what a non-wedding reception looks like. Count me in.”
As he walked Noel to the door, a new thought occurred to her. “Um, if we were to start seeing each other...”
“We already are as far as I’m concerned,” he said with a smile.
“I just want you to know that, no matter what, I’ll never welch.”
“I never thought you would,” he said. “I don’t think you’ve got it in you.” With that he kissed her once more before opening the door and sending her happily on her way.
Janelle took one look at her and scowled. “I guess you won the jackpot. How the heck did you manage it?”
Noel shrugged. “I went to see Santa.”
* * *
The minute she was at her car, Noel texted her good news to both Riley and Jo. Then she called her mother.
“That is wonderful news, indeed! What a nice man.” Mom barely paused before adding, “Is he single?”
“As a matter of fact, he is, and he’s coming to Riley’s party with me.”
“Well, well,” Mom said.
“It may not work out.” Oh, how she hoped she was wrong about that and Santa had come through for her. “But it’s going to be fun to have a date.” She’d settle for that right now. After all, she had her house. She didn’t need to be greedy.
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