Tracy laughed loudly, and Zoe could picture her throwing her head back and holding her stomach. “No one ever said being in love was easy. My mother says that marriage is always a work in progress, and that’s what keeps it solid. Being in love is hard, mostly because it’s confusing and gives you anxiety and sometimes hurts, even when it’s good. But it’s all worth it in the end, I think. Oh, I wish I could meet someone that I want to talk about the way you talk about Noah. Maybe the fact that the stars have finally aligned for you means my guy is right around the corner.”
“I’ll send out an affirmation for you,” Zoe told her. They said their goodbyes, and Zoe dug into her food, suddenly ravenous. She wasn’t quite so anxious now, but she still worried. So much could go wrong, and she didn’t want anything to happen that would drive a wedge between her and Noah. Their friendship had been so good. She only hoped that, if something did make them decide not to pursue a long-term relationship, they wouldn’t lose that closeness they’d had so far.
Chapter 19 – Public Displays of Affection
Noah frowned as he pulled up to the studio, his mother pouting in the passenger seat. “I feel like you’ve been ignoring me, sweetheart. You didn’t call me at all on Saturday, and I thought you might drop by yesterday, but I barely even got to talk to you on the phone. Is something wrong?”
This was not a conversation he wanted to have, especially since he’d looked forward to coming to class tonight. Sunday, he’d met Zoe here to return all the things she’d brought to his house on Saturday, and they’d grabbed some lunch down the street and brought it back to eat in private. They’d talked a lot, but they’d avoided a great deal of intimacy. Noah didn’t know exactly what Zoe’s reasons were, but his were pure. He knew that, if he kept diving in for a kiss, there would come a point that he wouldn’t stop there, and neither of them was ready to take things to the next level. They were both still too skittish.
He’d called Arlene on his way home, making sure he gave her some attention before she started complaining. Apparently, it hadn’t been enough. Now, he felt guilty, and that was going to cast a dark cloud over the entire evening if he didn’t find a way to explain his lack of contact, apologize, and make up for it. He’d thought about dropping his mother at home after class and coming back to have a late dinner with Zoe, but that wasn’t going to happen now.
“I’m sorry, Mama. I was really busy this weekend. Not that I’m ever too busy for you, but sometimes, I just get caught up in whatever I’m doing.” That was all true enough. “Let me make it up to you. Why don’t we have a cup of coffee after class tonight?”
“Oh, I think coffee that late would keep me up all night, but maybe tea would do. Oh, you are a good son, Noah. I’ve been so blessed to have you.” There, she was satisfied, and it warmed his heart. “Maybe we can ask Zoe to come, too. She’s such a nice girl, and I’m not just saying that to try to get you to go out with her. I really like her, and I doubt she has a lot of friends here yet. She hasn’t even been in town a month. We should make her feel more welcome.”
Noah froze with his hand on the doorknob. He didn’t think that was a good idea. He didn’t want his mother to know he was seeing Zoe yet. She’d get the wrong idea and push for them to move faster. And he didn’t think he could hide his affections if they all went to the café together. It was going to be hard enough for the next three hours, surrounded by people and focused on learning and painting.
“That’s a sweet gesture, but I want my mama all to myself tonight,” he said, smiling at her.
She blushed and giggled, but then she shook her head. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so selfish, and I’ve made you spend more time alone with me than any son should have to endure with his mother. I have friends, but you remind me so much of your daddy, and you’re the only family I have left. I just get lonely thinking about him, and having you around makes it easier to bear.”
Noah was riddled with guilt, and he couldn’t let himself get down now. He had too much going for him and too much on his mind to handle it. But Arlene continued, “You’ve been so kind and accommodating, but I need to learn to let go a little. You’re a grown man now, not some teenager who needs his mother meddling in his business. I’ll stop being so demanding of your time, sweetheart. And unless you really want to have me all to yourself, let’s invite the girl. I don’t need to dominate your world. I can share just fine.”
Not knowing what to say, Noah opened the door and let his mother in first. He followed, in awe of her sudden change of heart. It was too bad that this was totally the wrong time for it. But how could he say no? Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he prepared himself for the impact seeing Zoe would have on him, hoping he could keep a straight face. “You do what you feel is best,” he told his mother quietly as they entered the studio.
His eyes locked instantly with Zoe’s, and something soothing and yet enthusiastic transpired between them, filling him with joy and calming his nerves. “Arlene, Noah, good to see you again!” Zoe greeted brightly. She hugged his mother, and took his hand, letting her grip linger with a secretive grin.
“You, too, darling,” Arlene told her. “You know, I was just telling Noah I thought it might be nice if you came with us after class. He’s taking me for tea or coffee, and I’d be so pleased if you came with us.”
Zoe’s startled look mirrored Noah’s reaction to the suggestion, and he had to clear his throat to cover a snort of amusement. His mother had no idea the position she was putting them in, and it was almost humorous, even if it gave him anxiety. “I wouldn’t want to intrude on your time with your son, Arlene.”
“Nonsense!” Noah’s mother laughed. “I just told him I’ve been awfully selfish, and that means I’ve kept him from being sociable. And I’m sure you haven’t gotten to know a lot of people here yet. You’re probably really busy with all your classes, and it’s not easy to settle into a small town where everyone already knows everyone else. Come with us. It’ll be nice.”
She glanced at Noah, who gave a shrug that was almost imperceptible. He couldn’t say no, and he was going to leave the ball in her court to make a decision. “I guess I wouldn’t mind coming along. In my book, there’s no such thing as too much coffee, especially when you’re in good company.” Her eyes twinkled as she met his eyes, and he smiled, hoping he didn’t give too much away. It was hard to look at Zoe without his emotions directing his actions.
“Wonderful!” Arlene celebrated. “We’re going to have such a lovely evening!”
She moved over to her workstation, leaving Noah standing there with Zoe. She gave him a curious look, and he didn’t know how to answer. He couldn’t say what he needed to out loud. If his mother didn’t hear him, someone else would. So, he searched for a way to get his point across. “We’ll be glad to have you with us, Zoe. I’m sure it’s going to be an interesting evening.”
She inclined her head in acknowledgement. “Interesting indeed,” she said, mirth in her voice. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy myself immensely, even if things get a little…awkward.”
Noah snorted as she walked away, glancing back over her shoulder at him. Those rosy lips were so hard to resist that he really didn’t think he’d make it through the evening without kissing her, or at least showing some public sign of affection. And even if he tried to hold back, he couldn’t be conscious of every action. He’d likely slip at some point, and Arlene Thomas was nothing if not attentive. Nothing would escape her attention.
He couldn’t worry about it now, though. He wanted to try to enjoy the class. He’d come to like discovering new abilities and talents, especially the way Zoe taught them. He didn’t think any other teacher could have prompted this kind of interest in him because he couldn’t imagine anyone being so in love with their profession.
If she put the same passion into making things work between them, maybe Noah didn’t have as much to worry about as he’d first thought. Still, he worried that a city girl, no matter how fascinated with the freedom of the country
and the slower lifestyle of a small town, would get bored fast, and then he’d be left wishing he’d never experienced any of the emotions that were constantly growing inside him.
Chapter 20 – Furtive Glances
Zoe spent the entire class trying to figure out how she was going to act, sitting at a table with the man she was falling for and his mother, who knew her son far too well and didn’t need to discover the blooming relationship between Noah and the art teacher. She couldn’t just give into her desire to hold his hand and flirt with him. But she didn’t think she could keep a friendly or professional tone the whole time, either.
For all she knew, they’d only stay for fifteen minutes. But fifteen minutes in a classroom full of people who were good distractions still seemed like an eternity when she wasn’t allowed to touch Noah or talk to him like he was more than just a student or an acquaintance at best. She should have made up an excuse, but she didn’t want to hurt Arlene’s feelings. She was also concerned with how Noah would have responded to that. He might have thought Zoe didn’t really like his mother, and that was a big red flag for someone as close to his mother as he was. Or, he might have felt that she didn’t feel comfortable seeing him in public again so soon, even if Arlene was with them.
So, she’d made the best split-second decision she could, and if she regretted it later, she could only blame herself. When she dismissed everyone, Zoe took a deep breath and steeled herself against any nervous energy, and she waited with Arlene and Noah hanging back for everyone else to leave. Then, she grabbed her purse and the keys and said brightly, “Shall we?” She locked up behind them, and as they walked the short distance down the street, Arlene gushed about how lucky she was to have her son and a nice young lady she respected joining her for a social occasion.
“I know you were at Dr. Crosby’s house with us, but that was different. This is more personal, you know. I love getting to know people on a personal level. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?” She patted Noah’s arm as he opened the door to the coffee shop.
Zoe watched him with amusement as he replied, “Sure do, Mama. And it’s been a while since you’ve had the chance.” Arlene walked ahead to the counter, and Noah gave Zoe a hot look as he pressed his hand to the small of her back, guiding her in while Arlene wasn’t looking. Her skin tingled and heated, and her heart fluttered. She cleared her throat and ducked her head while she calmed herself, but she brushed up against Noah, letting him know she liked his touch.
Arlene insisted on paying for everything, and Zoe thanked her as they sat in a corner booth. She hesitated, feeling a bit out of place and trying to figure out where to sit as Arlene took the side across from Noah. Did she sit beside Arlene, or did she sit by Noah and face Arlene, giving the older lady the respect of her own side of the booth?
But Arlene settled that for her, patting the bench beside her in invitation. “Have a seat, darling. I promise I won’t bite.” Zoe reluctantly took the seat, accepting that maybe the separation from Noah would help her keep an emotional distance from him while they were all together. She glanced at him and saw the slight grimace, the disappointment that he felt as strongly as she did, and she knew that at least she wasn’t the only one struggling.
Arlene was good at keeping conversation going. In fact, there wasn’t a lot that either Noah or Zoe had to say at first. She dominated the table with her rambling, and Zoe had the benefit of learning a little about Noah’s childhood, something he obviously wasn’t happy about. “I remember when my boy was about five, and he decided to go for a swim with a couple of his friends out in the pond past the edge of our property. Well, I guess it’s part of his land now, but at the time, it wasn’t. Anyway, there were four of them, and these boys were just a little older. Noah fancied himself more grown up than he was, so he went along.
“When he came home, he was covered from head to toe in sludge and mud, and I shooed him off the porch. No way was I letting him in the house like that! I sent him to the stables to wait while I got some hot, soapy water in a bucket, and I cleaned him from head to toe. The only reason he didn’t get a whipping is because he managed to keep his clothes clean.”
“Oh, Mama, you don’t have to tell that part,” Noah groaned, hiding his face in his hands.
“The story’s not over until I tell that part, sweetheart. You’ll live,” Arlene told him, and Zoe waited eagerly to hear just how he’d managed that. “Anyway, one of the boys had said that they wouldn’t get in trouble if they didn’t get their clothes dirty, so he brought some plastic garbage bags, and all of the boys put their clothes in the bags and tied them up before they hopped into the water. Noah came all the way home from that pond stark naked, wearing nothing but the dirty water, carrying the garbage bag full of his clothes.”
Zoe laughed hysterically, imagining the situation. Of course, she could also picture him doing the same thing now, which calmed her laughter and heated parts of her body she would rather ignore sitting next to his mother. Noah shook his head, turning purple with embarrassment, and said, “Mama, you wonder why I don’t have a lot of friends. It’s because you feel the need to share my worst moments with them like this.”
He was obviously teasing, but Zoe wondered if there was an underlying truth to that. Did he worry that Arlene would sabotage his friendships and bruise his ego? It was definitely part of the reason Zoe failed to introduce any of her friends to her parents. At least Arlene was a good mother, even if she tended toward being a bit overbearing at times. She loved her son and wanted to set a good example for him.
“It’s a cute story, Noah. I know I had my moments as a kid. I think my worst moment was with my mother’s collection of dolls. I’d watched her put makeup on so many times, and I didn’t understand that you couldn’t do that with dolls. Let’s also just say that I didn’t know the difference between makeup and permanent markers.”
Arlene laughed, and Noah winced. “I bet that didn’t go over too well,” he commented. Zoe met his teasing gaze and got a little flustered at the underlying adoration.
“No, it sure didn’t. I just wanted to make them pretty. They were porcelain, so they all have plain, white faces. I was maybe four at the time. After my punishment, my mother did the only good thing she ever did for me and enrolled me in an early learning art class so I had an outlet for my need to ‘color’.”
It was hard to think about, since she couldn’t remember another thing her mother had done that was a positive influence in her life, and she knew Noah caught that.
Apparently, Arlene did, too. “You aren’t close to your parents, are you, honey?” she asked with a sympathetic look.
“No, I’m not. But I’m pretty well adjusted, considering the trauma I could hold on to from my childhood.” She didn’t want to mention the divorce in front of Arlene, but she knew Noah understood, and it took all of her willpower not to reach out and squeeze his hand to gather strength from his support.
“Well, you are a wonderful person, Zoe, and I know if I was your mother, I’d be so proud of you.” Arlene beamed at her, and Zoe considered the possibility that, somewhere in the distant future, Arlene may, in fact, be her mother. Or at least, her mother-in-law. Would she and Noah reach that point? She couldn’t think that far ahead and shoved it away before she let her trepidation get the best of her. So far, she’d done well, and if she could just hold out for another few minutes, they would be home free.
They finished their drinks, and Arlene said, “I guess I should get home. I still need to eat something, take a bath, and get ready for bed.” They stood, and she added, “I’m no spring chicken, so I think I’ll use the restroom before we go.”
Zoe watched her until the door closed behind her, and she wasted no time reaching for Noah, who wrapped her in an embrace with eager arms. “God, what a nightmare!” she laughed, feeling relief at his touch. She pushed up on her toes for a quick kiss and added shyly, “I don’t know how I ever resisted this before.”
He smiled and let go, a reluctant smirk on his
face. “We were both pretty stubborn. I think we’ve just given up the fight.” He gazed at her with a soft expression, and Zoe preened under it. “I’m sorry this got sprung on you out of nowhere. I didn’t know she was going to ask until right before we came in.”
She shrugged. “I don’t mind, really. It meant I got to spend a little more time with you, and that was worth the trouble.”
He reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear with tender fingers. “I guess it’s time to say goodnight, but I’ll see you tomorrow, right?” He sounded like he thought she might change her mind.
“Of course,” she told him, giving his hand a quick squeeze of reassurance that she needed as much as he did. “I’m glad you’re grateful for your mother,” she told him. “She’s a wonderful woman. I wish I was lucky enough to have someone like her.”
He grinned broadly. “Oh, you can be sure she’s going to adopt you now, and that has nothing to do with me. She’s always wanted a daughter. I think that’s half the reason she’s pushed so hard for me to find someone.” In a lower voice, he told her, “I just can’t believe I’m lucky enough to have found you.”
Zoe inhaled sharply at the sincerity of his words. She would have moved in for a deeper kiss, but the bathroom door opened right then, and she stepped back, putting more space between them. Eventually, she would either feel more comfortable not hiding, or something would wrench her and Noah apart, and she wouldn’t have to worry anymore. If that happened, she’d be too devastated to care, and she certainly wouldn’t venture into this uncharted territory again.
Noah was the one and only man she would ever break the rules for.
Chapter 21 – Secrets and Sentiments
It wasn’t the quiet, short ride to Arlene’s apartment that Noah had hoped for. “Sweetheart, we need to talk,” his mother began the instant the doors to the truck were closed. Noah said a silent prayer for patience, knowing his mother wasn’t going to want to talk about anything that pleased him. “I’m not getting any younger, sweetheart, and I don’t want you alone when my time comes.”
More Than Words (Wyoming Kisses 1) Page 10
