by Jean Page
“I’ll be living on site while I get the house ready.”
“And how long will that be for?”
“The next three months approximately, I’m subletting my apartment to Griffin for that time and Del said she’d take my cat so all I have to do if pack up the things I will need to take with me.”
“Griffin? My marble guy?” his hands tightened on the steering wheel making his knuckles turn white.
Noelle smiled, “I thought you knew. I figured he would have told you.”
“Told me what?”
“That I called and talked to him this afternoon and he agreed to sublet. You know he used to date my roommate back in college.”
“Small world,” he grumbled to himself. “You sure this is a good idea? Journeymen are notorious for having to leave early or switching jobs. It’s the nature of the trade.”
“I’d rather have someone I know living in my apartment than a stranger I’m not sure I can trust.”
“And you trust Griffin.” Jealousy was rearing its ugly head and Griffin’s words were haunting him. “What about us? I mean with what happened the other night I thought...”
Noelle frowned as they pulled into Cade’s driveway. “Cade, I really like you, a lot. I just don’t know where my life is headed right at this moment and I think it’s better if we take things slow. The other night and day and night again,” she smiled and blushed a little at the memory of them together, “it was more than I could have ever hoped being with you would be like, but I’m not ready for more than that yet. I need to feel like I am your equal and right now I am anything but that. I don’t have a lot to bring to a relationship right now.”
Cade sat quietly looking at her. He wanted to tell her about what Griffin had been saying about her and insinuating to the other guys but he knew she would just assume he was being jealous and be angry with him instead. No, she had to find out on her own what kind of slime Griffin really was. “I guess I can understand that, but you shouldn’t short yourself Noelle. You are an intelligent, confident, beautiful woman with a lot to give and I’m lucky that you give me the time of day. I’d like to call you for a date this week, would that be too soon?”
Noelle blushed profusely at the compliment. He was making it difficult not to want him. “No, you can call. I’ll still have my cell. I’d love to see you again this week. Maybe you can come out to the house; I understand there is an indoor pool.”
Cade leaned over and cupped her cheek in his palm drawing his thumb over her bottom lip lightly. “You’re sure you don’t want to come in for a bit?” his voice had dropped to a seductive whisper.
Noelle didn’t trust her voice so she shook her head. She reached for him and kissed him ardently then pulled away and was out the car door. Her car was cold when she climbed in, which helped to cool off her libido. She really did want to go inside and make love to Cade again all night but she knew that if she did, there would be no way she’d have the resolve to leave again and there was too much to attend to yet. She waved at him as she pulled away from his driveway.
Cade watched her go. He walked into his house and flipped on the light switch. It was big and empty, and way too quiet without her. It was depressing. He made himself a frozen pizza, and turned on the news for the day before heading for bed. He could not escape her there either. Images of her making love with him, teasing him with her body had him groaning and dragging a pillow over his face. How was it that in such a short time one woman could crawl so far under his skin as to drive him this crazy with just the thought of her touching him? He dragged himself out of bed again hoping a shower would relax him enough for sleep.
***
Friday was just as long as she expected it to be. She hadn’t finished unpacking everything from moving into the apartment so that helped somewhat but some of the things she wanted to take with her, were naturally still in those same boxes. She set out the kitty carrier that Del would need to take Precious and of course, upon sight of the blasted thing, Precious disappeared into some unfound spot in the apartment to hide. A knock at the door sounded, drawing her out of the bedroom.
“Griffin...” she said in surprise as she opened the door. “I didn’t expect you until after work. What happened?” she asked noticing his fat lip and bruised face.
“There wasn’t much more I could do today. So, I figured I could help you get packed and ready to go. And this is nothing, just had a disagreement.” He looked around the small apartment. “More space than my hotel room that’s for sure.”
Noelle smiled tentatively at his comment. She still wasn’t feeling comfortable with the status of their relationship. Regardless of whether she had wanted it to or not, things had changed between them and they would never be quite what they once were. “I put away my personal things that I won’t be taking, in the storage area in the basement. Feel free to use everything else. The cable guy will be here next week for the TV and the hard line for internet if you would let them in. I’ve already paid the deposits on them. The building manager is in 4 B if you need him.” She knew she was babbling but she was nervous and not sure what else to say.
Griffin smiled at her, “No worries, Elle, I will take care of everything. It’s not as if you are going to another country, you will only be forty-five minutes away. We can still hang out.”
Noelle relaxed, this sounded more like the Griffin she knew and liked. His tone wasn’t the stiff formal tone he’d used with her on the phone the day before. Maybe they could still have a chance to remain friends. She certainly hoped so. “I’ve got an ice pack in the freezer for your face if you want it.”
“That’s alright. This is from yesterday. It’s not my first work related injury. Have you eaten? I remember how you get when you are stressed or busy,” he asked opening her refrigerator door. It was empty. “We could order pizza.”
“Chinese sounds better. I have some menus in the drawer on the right,” she pointed. “My sister is due at some point to pick up my cat. So other than that I didn’t make plans for the night. You said you ran out of work to do?”
“Not really, it’s just at a standstill until the vandalism is cleaned up, for insurance purposes and all.”
“The site was vandalized? What happened?”
“Someone tagged the building inside and out. Taggers’ graffiti on most of the second floor, and along the outside wall on one side. The outside will be covered up when the siding goes on but some of the interior walls will need to be replaced. Apparently, someone does not approve of the owners ideas for the area. He will be adding a couple of office buildings next to the hotel when it’s finished. I guess the neighborhood isn’t happy with so much commercial development near their homes,” he shrugged. “There’s always someone that’s unhappy with change. This just ties our hands for a day or two.”
“What did Cade have to say about it all?” she asked, She couldn’t seem to help herself. She wanted to call him and ask if he wanted to talk but thought better of it.
“Cade?” a grimace flashed across Griffin’s face. “Took it all in stride, I guess. I mean the project is already a couple weeks behind schedule, what are a couple more days?”
“That doesn’t sound like Cade. I know this job is important to his company.”
“He was there yesterday knocking walls down like no one’s business. And you know a lot about Cade?” he asked the tone of his voice hardening. “You know he has a bit of a nasty temper? You would do well to steer clear of him Noelle. He did this to my face.”
Noelle bit her lip and looked at Griffin. She didn’t like the tone of his voice at all. “I don’t believe you. I’ve known Cade since we were kids. Our mothers were friends.”
“Well, he did whether you want to believe me or not.”
“We’ve dated a little. He’s talked about his job. He’s never been anything but nice to me. You sound like a jealous boyfriend Griffin. I don’t want a jealous boyfriend. I want a friend. I thought we had established that.” She stood and walked to the
other side of the room not wanting to be near him.
Griffin swallowed the bile rising in his throat. Noelle would hear no wrong about Cade. He had quite the influence over her. “Right, I’m sorry, Noelle. I’m trying. I don’t like the idea that you are with someone else other than me.” he said honestly. “I mean if you gave us a chance Elle, I know we would be good together.”
“Griffin...” Noelle warned.
“No it’s all right Elle. I understand. I’m sorry. See,” he smiled at her though she felt it was a little forced, “no big deal. You are a friend, that’s all. So, Chinese huh? What’s the closest place the delivers?” he changed the subject. Noelle wondered not for the first time why men could turn into such children sometimes.
Another knock at the door interrupted. “The Golden Dragon is good. Order me some Mongolian Beef and fried rice while I get the door.”
It was her sister when she answered it.
“I can’t stay long, I need to pick Tyler and Jason up from daycare, but I figured I could stop now and get Precious instead of having to drive back into the city later.”
“Thank you for taking her Del. Sam was okay with it?” They moved to her bedroom again.
“He wasn’t thrilled but I told him he could have his buddies over for a poker night once a month if he agreed.”
Noelle raised an eyebrow at her sister. “Really? Well, definitely thank you. Would you open the carrier please? I’m going to have to drag her out from under the bed. She hates riding in it.”
Twenty minutes, several scratches, and lots of hissing later, Precious was ensconced in the cat carrier. Del carried her carefully to the living room again.
“Have you ever met Griffin, Del?” she asked realizing that she probably hadn’t.
“Just how many beautiful Fuchs women are there?” Griffin asked as her leaned against the counter.
Del took the bait and laughed. “It’s just the two of us. Pleased to meet you Griffin. Well, I hate to greet and run, but I should get Precious secured and get home. Call me after to get settled in the new place and tell me what it’s like.” She said looking at Noelle. “Love you sis.”
“You too Del, kiss the boys for me.” Noelle closed the door behind her sister.
“It’ll be about a half hour until the food gets here. Is there anything else you need done?”
“You can help me pack these things down to my car if you like.”
“It would be my pleasure,” Griffin bowed gallantly making her laugh.
***
After Griffin left that night, Noelle picked up her phone and called Cade. She had to know if what Griffin had said was true.
“Hey there Beautiful.” He greeted her after the third ring. He was in his truck finally headed home.
“Hi Cade.” She answered and couldn’t help the smile that lit up her face.
“All packed and ready for the move?” he asked grinning like a fool. He hadn’t expected her to call.
“Yeah, Griffin came by to help me.” She paused, waiting for him to say something but he held his tongue. She could sense his disapproval though.
Cade bit his tongue. He wanted to punch something again.
“He told me you hit him.”
“I did,” Cade admitted. There was no use lying to her about it. Griffin wanted to play dirty. Cade could play that game too. He pulled over to the side of the road and then swung his truck around. He headed for her apartment. “I didn’t care for what he was saying about you to the rest of the crew.”
“So you hit him? Cade what were you thinking? Is this how you solve all your problems?”
She sounded angry and frustrated. “No. Look Noelle when it comes to you I have a soft spot what can I say? I just don’t like that man.”
“You don’t like him? Or is it that you are jealous of the time I spend with him? He’s my friend Cade. You can’t go around beating up any guy I pay attention to, besides you have no claim on me I can see whomever I want! I’m very upset with you. When Griffin told me, I called him a liar, now to find out that it’s true. What were you thinking?” she asked again.
His chest was tightening by the minute. He had to make things right with her. He knew that she wouldn’t listen about Griffin. To her he was the jealous maniac that had attacked her friend with his fists. Why should she believe otherwise? That was exactly how he was acting.
He pulled up in front of her apartment building and shut off the engine, “I’m sorry Noelle. You have every right to be angry with me.” He said as he walked up to her apartment door. He knocked. “I just felt the need to defend you.”
“I can protect myself Cade. Hang on someone’s at the door.”
“I’m sorry.” He said looking at her hanging up his cell phone. “What can I do to make it up to you?” He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He leaned over and dropped a kiss on her surprised face.
“I’m angry with you all right.” She said clenching her jaw and crossing her arms across her chest. “I’ve been trying to tell you that I don’t want a relationship right now. Instead of listening to me, you go an act like an overprotective boyfriend. Be my friend, and my lover, and be happy with that or I can’t be either to you.”
Wow, he thought to himself, she really is mad.
“You drive me crazy Noelle. I respect your space, though I know I just showed up here so I’m oh for two tonight but I needed to explain myself in person not over the phone.”
“I drive you crazy?” She frowned at him. “Every time you touch me I lose the ability to think straight. Do you know how frustrating that can be?”
“Yes, I believe I have an inkling of an idea,” he smiled tracing a finger down the side of her face. She closed her eyes against the sensation.
“Cade… stop. I’m supposed to be mad at you,” she said, the fight already going out of her.
“And I’m trying to make it up to you,” he whispered and kissed her lips again. “Is it working?” he asked nipping her earlobe with his teeth. She sucked in her breath and arched toward him.
“Maybe a little,” she replied turning in to him and curling her arms up around his neck.
Cade pulled the length of her against him. “You feel so good. I’m sorry I upset you. I’ll try not to do it again.”
“You better not,” she responded making her voice more forceful even though the threat behind the words was now nonexistent.
“Okay” he acquiesced and took her lips with his own in a heady passion driven kiss.
She moaned in appreciation and leaned into him her tongue twining with his. “How about you take me to bed and show me just how sorry you are Cade?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
***
It was sunny and cold when she pulled into the driveway of the two-story mansion. The place was enormous. No wonder they had hired her for three months, it looked like it would take her a week alone just to look through each of the rooms. An older woman whom identified herself as the Whittaker’s estate manager greeted her at the door.
“Welcome Miss Fuchs. Let me show you around a bit and then we can get down to business. I’ll start with your rooms, where you will be staying while you are working here. The plumbing and electricity has been checked out and cleared earlier this week. There are several fireplaces throughout but you will need to have a service come and clean the chimneys before lighting any fires. The place is centrally heated otherwise. The kitchen is through here.”
The room was enormous. Her entire apartment in the city would fit into this kitchen. The countertops were granite. All the appliances were chrome and seemed to glow dimly in the light of the room.
“Other than keeping up with the grounds, electrical and plumbing, no one has been here for the better part of a decade. The property was recently turned over to a younger member of the Whittaker family and as you can see, you will have your work cut out for you.” She pulled out a bound book and handed it to Noelle. “This is a list of all the approved companies and peop
le you can hire to help with what needs to be done. Mrs. Whittaker will hire the rest of the staff with your recommendations taken into account and sent to work sometime in May. You are expected to report any major issues with the house and property to her immediately. You will be expected to take care of the rest yourself. This,” she said handing Noelle a checkbook, “is to use for the necessities of restoring this house to living conditions. You will be expected to keep concise records of all your expenditures at all times. Do you understand?”
Noelle was feeling more than overwhelmed at this point, but she nodded. The woman continued on their tour. “Here are your rooms.” She opened a door off the hallway behind the kitchen. They stepped inside. There was a sitting room and beyond a bedroom. They both were more the size of rooms she was used to, they were clean, and dust free compared to the rest of the house.
“Just so I know that I understand this correctly. I am to open the house up so that the owners can use it. Everything is to be cleaned and stocked, and I am able to hire people to help me with tasks I can’t do myself unless it requires…” she looked at the total allowance given to any one project listed inside the book. The total was three times over the money that she would make the entire time she was here. “…more money than this. Anything larger requires me to call Mrs. Whittaker and have it approved through her.”
“Precisely. Any other questions?”
“Do I pay myself from this account as well?” It seemed like a fair question.
“All your living expenses while you stay here will come from that account. You will receive your wages separately by check once a month on the fifteenth. Also, this is a list of rules that you are expected to follow while you are living here at Whittaker Hall.”
Noelle looked it over. It wasn’t a long list and a couple of them made her curious but she wasn’t going to find out what would happen if she broke any of them so she would check her curiosity.
