Showing Jessie

by JoMarie DeGioia

  Ben gave a low whistle. “There but for the grace of God.”

  That surprised Noah, since the guy was now clearly in love with his wife. “Yeah?”

  “I’m not proud of it, but I was pretty much a one-night kind of guy before Tammy.”

  Noah took a long draw on his beer. “That was my story, too.”

  “Was?”

  Noah fingered the neck of his bottle. “I can’t live that way anymore, Ben. Not with Max around.”

  “I get that. I know my brother Rick’s son doesn’t miss a damn thing.”

  “You got it.”

  “What’s your…his mother’s situation?”

  “She’s seeing a guy. Has been for a few months now.”

  “Are they going to get married?”

  Cold settled in Noah’s belly. “I don’t know. I haven’t thought much about that.”

  “Could change your custody situation.”

  “We don’t have a custody situation. Just a parenting plan for time-sharing. School, holidays and stuff.”

  “I think Ty said something about that. He and Cassie take his niece Riley every weekend, but sometimes during the week now too.”

  “I think it would be awesome if Max could go to school here in Cypress.”

  “How the hell would you work that out?” Ben asked.

  “No clue. Nadine’s place is just over half an hour from here.”

  “Maybe a week-by-week thing?”

  “I don’t know.” Noah crossed his arms and leaned on the table. “I just know I want him more often than I have him.”

  Ben lifted his bottle and clinked the neck of Noah’s. “You’ll figure something out.”

  Noah drank some more of his beer. “I hope so. At least I should make sure his room is all set.”

  “Do you need a hand moving out of the apartment?”

  “That would be great, man. Can you bring your truck?”

  “No problem. Will there be enough room with your truck and mine?”

  “Plenty. I don’t have a lot. Tomorrow work for you?” Noah asked.

  “Sure. My Wednesdays are pretty light. We can head out around midday, if that works.” Ben winked. “You can buy me lunch at the End Zone.”

  “Deal.” He bumped fists with Ben. “Thanks.”

  They said good night, and Noah headed to St. Cloud for what he hoped was his last night sleeping in the apartment. He had the place through the end of March, but if he could get into the townhouse before then he saw no need to spend another lonely night there.

  He stopped at the storage place near the apartment complex and picked up some boxes. As he packed up the place, he realized he had very little of any personal significance. He’d lived here since the fall, for God’s sake. What the hell was wrong with him? It was like he was still drifting on the waves with nothing but his board between his ass and the ocean.

  Except for Max’s room, there was actually very little to pack. He didn’t have much in the way of dishes and flatware, and he only had a couple of pans. Microwave gourmet was all he managed to do when he wasn’t taking Max out to eat. Maybe he could change that. The townhouse had a gourmet kitchen, after all. He had no excuse not to use the basic cooking skills his mother had made sure he mastered.

  Max’s toys and a few clothes were boxed, so he stripped the twin bed and his own. His own bed was nice and big, and the only thing he’d bought for himself when he moved out here. He threw all the bedding in the wash. He’d sleep on the quilt tonight and take his bed apart in the morning.

  Morning came early. He wanted to get a jump on things, and loaded what he could manage into his truck before heading out to Cypress. As he drove past the coffee shop, he looked longingly at the people streaming in and out of the place. Letting out a grunt, he turned the truck toward the townhouses instead.

  They were all constructed to look like separate residences, and this village had classic details, too. Columns and railings framed the porches and deep eaves gave the homes a high-end look.

  His new home was really sweet, and he knew the particulars. The end unit was just over two thousand square feet, done in soft green with cream trim and a glossy deep-red front door. It was set at the outside of the townhouse neighborhood and had views of the golf course. There was a playground just around the corner, and it was a short ride or a slightly longer walk to the shops and restaurants in the town square.

  He opened the door and looked around, easily seeing the quality in the details. High ceilings and hardwood floors, an open floor plan and what looked like a kitchen that would encourage him to make more than toast and microwave mac and cheese for Max.

  After moving the boxes from the bed of his truck to the floors of their respective rooms, he made his way toward the job site. The concrete block walls were being set, and the huge house was beginning to take shape. He’d all but memorized Ben’s plans, and he couldn’t wait to see the thing in real life.

  It was always this way with him. Home construction had grabbed him early, and he’d approached his career with a determination that had surprised his dad but not his mom. She told him time and again that he could make things that would last. He scoffed at that now, as he always did. Nothing in his life lasted. Not odd jobs or relationships. Only his parents and Max, and the homes he built for other people to live in.

  He reviewed the documents on the build, talked to his foreman and a couple of the subcontractors, and stopped at the model for a cup of the coffee in the minimally-stocked kitchen.

  The morning flew by, and soon it was time to meet up with Ben. He parked the truck in front of the Sales Center and stepped out. To his surprise, Ben was flanked by Jake and Ty.

  “Hey, Noah,” Ben said. “I grabbed a couple of extra hands.”

  Noah blinked. “Thanks, guys.”

  “No problem,” Jake said.

  “Happy to help,” Ty added. “I’ll ride with Noah.”

  They paired up and as Noah was about to climb into his truck Jessie stepped out of the Cypress Institute and crossed the street. She looked sweet enough to eat in her light green sweater that didn’t hide the body he knew she had.

  “Rounded up a posse, Noah?” Jessie teased.

  He grinned, gratified when her eyes sparkled back at him.

  ***

  “I’m taking Tammy’s townhouse,” Noah told her.

  She’d heard that just this morning, but he was moving to Cypress Corners today?

  “Looks like you have plenty of help.”

  “Yeah. I asked Ben, but never expected this.”

  “Guys helping each other move?” she asked. “Isn’t that in the bro code?”

  Noah appeared to think that over for a second. “I guess.”

  Confusion was clear on Noah’s face. Didn’t he get that these guys were his friends? She could see that. Why couldn’t he? That was another thing they seemed to have in common.

  “Hmm.” Tammy stood behind her now. “All that testosterone in the middle of the day? Lettie will lose her mind.”

  Jessie laughed and she and Tammy waved at Lettie watching avidly from across the street.

  “I hope you have lots to move, Noah,” Jessie said. “It would be a shame to waste all of that manpower.”

  “I don’t have a lot of stuff.” Noah ran a hand over his short blond waves. “I’m more worried about the amount of wings I’ll be on the hook for when this is over.”

  Jake clapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, Ben said you’re taking us to the End Zone. I think you can guess what you’re in for.”

  Jessie stilled. They were going to the End Zone?

  “Hey, don’t rope them into a game of pool,” Tammy told Jake. “I’d like to see my husband sometime before midnight.”

  “We won’t be long,” Ben said. He took the steps in two strides and planted a kiss on his wife’s mouth. “That’ll keep you.”

  Tammy sighed. “For a while, anyway.”

  Ben chuckled and rejoined the other guys. Ty climbed into the passe
nger side of Noah’s truck as Ben and Jake saddled up in Ben’s.

  Noah stepped over to Jessie. “Are you busy tonight?”

  She shook her head. “Why?”

  “I could use your help.” He glanced at the guys clearly waiting to get their show on the road before looking back at her. “I’ll get with you later.”

  The two big pickups roared to life and the guys drove away from the curb. Jessie glanced over at Tammy, who had obviously overheard her exchange with Noah. She wore a sly grin.

  Jessie blew her bangs out of her eyes and faced her friend. “Go ahead. Say it.”

  “Noah asked for your help.” Tammy put a hand on her hip and slowly shook her head. “Now I wonder just what you could do for him?”

  Jessie flushed hot as she remembered just what she’d done for him Sunday night. “I’m sure it has something to do with his move.”

  “Yeah.” One of her brows arched. “I’m sure he has a really big problem there.”

  Jessie had to laugh. “Tammy, you’re bad.”

  “Pixie, you don’t know the half of it,” Tammy said, turning to go back into the Sales Center.

  Jessie stood there, rooted to the sidewalk. Noah was going to the End Zone. It shouldn’t matter. Lots of people went to the big sports bar in St. Cloud. Lots of guys, actually. Guys who very often ended up in her sister Shannon’s bed.

  Did Noah go there a lot? He was alone every night of the week. Maybe he wasn’t as alone as she’d thought? He was a good-looking guy with a strong sex drive. She knew that for sure now. He’d been so skilled as he’d given her the best orgasm in her memory Sunday night. He’d been scorching hot as he’d let go against her, too.

  She gave herself a mental shake. It was only lunch. Noah wasn’t going to hook up with her sister or any other woman at lunch. Besides, it wasn’t like he was Jessie’s guy. They weren’t even dating, despite the fact that he’d angled for an invitation to dinner at the tavern. And what was that about needing her help?

  “Hey there, Jessie!” Lettie called.

  Jessie saw her waving and returned the gesture. It was clear that Lettie wanted to talk, and Jessie was sure the woman hadn’t missed the masculinity on display just a few minutes ago. She wasn’t going to fan the flames of any gossip Lettie was brewing.

  “I’ve got to get back to work,” Jessie called back.

  Lettie shook her head, and Jessie imagined she could hear her clicking her tongue from where she stood. That was just the woman’s too bad. Jessie wasn’t going to play today.

  By the end of her day, she’d managed to put any thoughts of Noah and her sister out of her head. She was being ridiculous. What were the odds?

  She’d come back to the Sales Center to double-check on tomorrow’s schedule, and now she shut down her laptop. She tucked it into her messenger bag, and straightened her desk. When she got lost in research she sometimes let the little things go. Not far, just far enough that she almost always had to pick up at the end of her day. Since she’d spent most of the day at the Institute, it wasn’t so bad today.

  Shouldering her bag, she draped her sweater over her arm and made her way down the hall to the lobby.

  Tammy peeked her head out of her office as Jessie passed by. “What are you up to tonight, Jessie?”

  “Nothing much,” Jessie said.

  “Good,” Oliver added, joining them. “Then you have to put me out of my misery and tell me what you want for coming on the tour with the sisters. How about a drink?”

  “Hmm.” Jessie made a show of considering his offer. “What do you think, Tammy?”

  “I think that the return should equal the value of the favor,” Tammy said. “Just how afraid of the sisters are you, Ollie?”

  Oliver shuddered dramatically. “Okay, okay. Dinner, then?”

  Jessie touched her chin as she mulled that over. “Make it for two and you have a deal.”

  “Dinner for two.” Oliver winced a little bit.

  “Relax, Oliver,” Jessie laughed. “I’ll be happy with a night out at the tavern.”

  He ran back toward his desk and Tammy chuckled.

  “He keeps a stash of Town Tavern gift cards in his desk drawer,” she said.

  “That makes it easy,” Jessie said. Tammy’s eyes sparkled and Jessie knew just what question she was going to ask next. She held up a hand. “I’m going to stop you right there.”

  “Hey, I didn’t say anything.” Tammy’s smile was back in place, though. “It just seems to me that I could think of a perfect dinner companion to share that prize.”

  “Oh?”

  Tammy laughed. “Pixie, you have no poker face.”

  Jessie bristled. “Yes, I know.”

  “Do you play poker?”

  Jessie nodded. “My dad taught me and my sister.”

  “Speaking of, have you talked to her since you moved out here?”

  Jessie shook her head. She wasn’t about to tell Tammy about finding a nearly-naked guy in her bed. That was the last time she’d talked to Shannon.

  “Not really.”

  Tammy rolled her eyes skyward. “If only I could have that kind of distance from my siblings.”

  “Your siblings are in New Jersey,” Jessie pointed out.

  “Calls, texts, emails…it’s like they’re right around the corner.”

  Jessie nodded toward Tammy’s belly. “What about when the baby comes?”

  Tammy rubbed her baby bump. “My mother told me they’re drawing straws to see who comes down first. They’re going to take turns helping us out.” She gave a little laugh. “Ben’s terrified.”

  Jessie shook her head. “You’ll be grateful when they’re here.”

  “Oh, I know. And I’ll be grateful when they leave.”

  Oliver came back and handed her a twenty-five dollar gift card. “Here you go, Pixie. Highway robbery, if you ask me.”

  “No one asked you,” Tammy put in.

  Oliver huffed, and then smiled at Jessie. “Thanks again.”

  Jessie pocketed the card. “Have a nice night.”

  “You, too,” Tammy said, a knowing lilt in her voice.

  Jessie chose to ignore the implication.

  Chapter 10

  When Jessie stepped outside she was shocked to see Noah running toward her. He wore a charcoal T-shirt with faded writing on it and a pair of cargo shorts. His hair was damp and he looked a little frantic.

  “Jessie,” he said, skidding to a stop on the sidewalk. “I was hoping I didn’t miss you.”

  She tried to ignore how his words made her heart give a little jump. She also tried to ignore just how yummy he looked with his clothes all messy and his cheeks ruddy, too. His eyes were almost electric blue.

  “Miss me?” she asked.

  “I need your help,” he said.

  “You said that earlier. What, exactly, do you need me for?”

  He gave her a crooked smile, and the heart-jump became a flip.

  “I can think of a couple of things, but right now I need your help with the townhouse,” he said.

  “Moving?” she asked. “I’m not exactly the big, burly type, Noah.”

  “No, the guys helped me and everything’s there already. I took a few minutes to take a quick shower when we were done, which is why I thought I missed you.”

  “I still don’t understand.”

  “I need your help furnishing the place.”

  “Noah, surely you can get someone better than me for that. Why don’t you ask Tammy?”

  He shook his head. “She and Ben have done enough for me. And I’ve seen how you staged some of the models, Jessie. I want the place set up like a home. Before the weekend, if we can.”

  “Your son will be here,” she stated.

  “Yep. And I want it to look good.”

  Her heart squeezed at his obvious sincerity. She did so love staging the houses. “Tomorrow’s Thursday. When did you want to do this?”

  He bit his lower lip, looking hot and adorable at the same ti
me. “Tonight? Like, now?”

  “Okay.”

  He grasped her arms and for a second she thought he was going to hug her.

  “Thanks. Let’s go over to the townhouse and you can, I don’t know, get some ideas?”

  Taking her messenger bag off of her shoulder, he followed her to her Jeep. She looked around the lot and didn’t see his truck.

  “You ran here?”

  “The townhouse is just around the bend. I’m sure you’ve seen it when Tammy lived there.”

  “I went to a party there one time,” she said.

  She quickly flushed when she recalled just what kind of party it had been. Lingerie and toys and some other stuff she really didn’t have any use for, then. Now, though? Maybe if she gave in to what she was feeling for this guy.

  He put her bag in the back and slid into the passenger seat. She got in and they drove over to the townhouse. It looked a little deserted as she pulled up, and she realized that was because the homey touches like Tammy’s bench and plump pillows were no longer on the porch.

  “Home dull home,” Noah quipped.

  She smiled at him as she turned off the engine. “You’ll get settled and then you’ll find yourself buying things for the outside.” They got out and walked to the front porch. “A bench like Tammy had. Maybe a stone frog or a dancing pig.”

  His eyes widened. “What?”

  She touched his forearm. “I’m kidding. Look around, though. You can see a lot of your new neighbors like the cutesy little things perched around the shrubs and other plantings.”

  He scanned the row of units, and looked back at her. “Maybe Max might want to pick something out.”

  She smiled. “Sure.”

  He unlocked the door and waved her in ahead of him. She looked around, seeing the dark wood floors, high ceilings and architectural details like deep moldings and trim. The windows set directly to the right of the front door created a window seat in what she would say was the parlor.

  “A cushion or maybe just some pillows on this window seat would make this room more cozy.” She eyed the shining, very vacant wood flooring. “And how about a couch?”

  He ran his hand over his hair again. “I have a couch in the great room. But I think making this a parlor might work.”