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“Exactly.”

Claire Bennett and lunch had become much better acquainted, thanks to Noah. Unfortunately for her, she was so distracted by the morning meeting, she had forgotten to bring lunch.

Her stomach growled.

Then her phone buzzed.

Noah: Did you eat?

Claire: No. I was so focused on this meeting today I forgot to pack lunch.

Noah: I’ll be there in 10.

Claire: That was not me asking for you to bring lunch.

Noah: I know.

A few seconds later.

Noah: But I’m going to.

And exactly ten minutes later, she watched Noah walk into her office holding a bag from the Chinese restaurant. The one she ordered from DoorDash the night they met.

Noah approached her desk. “I got you general chicken. I didn’t open it this time.”

Claire laughed. “Thank you. You really didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to.”

There it was again. The answer he always gave as though wanting to care for her was reason enough.

Before Claire could think better of it, she stood and wrapped her arms around him. Noah went still for one startled second. She felt his hand freeze on her back before his arms settled around her, warm and careful.

“This is new.” He raised an eyebrow.

She pulled back immediately. “Don’t make it weird.” She gave him a stern look. “And don’t get used to it.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He winked.

He winked.

Noah Carter winked.

At her.

That was new.

“Where were you this morning?” she asked him.

“Were you looking for me?”

“Of course not. I just happened to notice you and Biscuit weren’t coming back from your walk when I was leaving. Normally you are.”

“We didn’t walk this morning.”

“Okay. I wasn’t looking for you,” she reiterated.

He smiled. “See you later, Claire.”