Page 64 of Small Town Boy

Noel chuckles, turning his focus back to the stove. He has some noodles boiling in a pot to his left and ground turkey cooking in the pan in front of him with some onions and garlic. It smells incredible. I’ve offered to help at least half a dozen times, but Noel insists that I’m not allowed.

Pushing up from where I was leaning against the counter, I let my eyes roam over the cute ranch style home that the twins share. Noel gave me a quick tour when I arrived—living room and kitchen when you immediately walk in, separated by this weird in-between type space they put a dining table in, with a long narrow hall off to the side that leads to three bedrooms and a bathroom. Noel assured me that there was a second bathroom, since they converted a smaller fourth bedroom into a bath, making it an en suite to the largest of the bedrooms in the back. Overall the inside of the house was a little dated, the twins clearly opting for function over beauty in their bachelor pad.

“Could come in handy,” Noel continues.

“Doubtful. Besides, I have you now, so you can just do all the driving.”

Noel stops and turns to look at me, leaving his creation to sizzle and pop. I freeze, unable to read his face. I had meant it as a joke. We’ve talked a bunch about how much I hate driving, even if it is just to the grocery. Isn’t that why he’s teasing me about learning a stick? Except, maybe he wasn’t joking.

Shit.

“You know…” He stalks toward me, eyes pinning me in place. “I’ll gladly drive you anywhere you wanna go, Honey, but even if I’m driving, you might still have to work a stick.”

He winks, sending a flash of heat straight through my body. I return his sly smile, stepping into him. His hands land on my hips, yanking me closer, until our bodies are pressed tightly against one another. I can feel his “stick” bulging in his pants, and I’m tempted to reach for it. Then again, I’m also really hungry.

“That can potentially be arranged. Provided you don’t burn dinner.”

“I don’t burn food, Honey.”

He leans down, stealing a kiss and sliding back to the stove. I giggle, enjoying being with him like this. It feels natural. Like this is how it’s supposed to be. It’s also a little too easy to picture myself doing this with him every night. Coming home, hanging out, cooking dinner. All the things I’ve done alone for so many years, that are suddenly better with a partner.

“Can I at least set the table?” I ask, sidling up to him. I watch as he moves swiftly between the two burners, impressed that he’s doing this all by memory.

“No, ma’am. I’ll plate this and grab us silverware before we sit. Almost done, promise.”

“You spoil me.”

He steals another kiss, this time lingering a second longer than before. “That’s the point.”

Hip checking him, I shake my head. A girl could get very used to this though. Very, very used to it.

“What are we having?”

“Turkey noodle stir-fry. My favorite.”

“Favorite? Wow, you pulled out all the stops.”

Noel continues to work his magic, draining the pasta and adding it into the pan, tossing it with a sauce mixture he’d premade, before adding in some more veggies. The sweet and spicy aroma wafts through the air, and I inhale deeply. Damn, does it smell fantastic.

True to his word, Noel plates the food and grabs silverware, nodding at me to follow him to the table, where he pulls out my chair. Yeah, I’m officially spoiled.

“Holy cow, this is delicious!” I exclaim. I probably shouldn’t be as surprised as I am, but here we are.

“I can’t take all the credit. It’s a Mrs. Publix recipe.”

“Mrs. Publix? I don’t think I’ve met her yet.”

Noel chuckles, shaking his head. “Publix is a southern grocery chain; the closest one is over in Tifton. Mama picked up this recipe card there years ago, and it’s been a staple ever since. It’s my go-to.”

“Oh, well now I feel silly.”

“Don’t.” He reaches out, taking my hand. “Bronwyn, I’ve lived here my whole life, and there’s a lot about this place that…I don’t want to say I take for granted, but that I simply don’t see anymore because it’s what I’m used to. Getting to see it through your eyes, all fresh and new, is really cool.”

My cheeks flush. Only Noel could turn my misstep around into a compliment.

“Maybe someday I’ll get you up to Boston and you can see what you’re missing down here. Take you up in the fall, when the leaves are changing.”

“I’ve heard good things about New England falls. Also wouldn’t mind the winter, see some snow.”