After the Storm by M. Stratton Read Free Book Online

water by the hand. “You’re overreacting, and I haven’t seen you in a few days.”
    She tilted her head, contemplated his points. “Fine. You’ll eat what I make, no complaints. You’ll be over here by six-thirty, no later. And bring a good red wine.” She started to stalk off.
    “That has to be the most wonderful dinner invitation I’ve ever received. I’d love to come to your house for dinner.” His voice became louder with each word as he watched her stomp away.
    ~*~
    Noah walked back to his house, smiling to himself. Lexi wasn’t the typical woman he dated, but she had spirit. And hell, she was beautiful. It never hurt to spend time looking at a gorgeous woman, and now a home cooked meal? He could cook just fine but he craved something different.
    Out of habit, Noah checked the views from the security cameras set up around the house, as he passed his home office on the way to the second floor. He paused and took a closer look at the one pointed toward Lexi’s house.
    His security team had wanted the whole cove covered. At the time he really hadn’t cared, now he was glad they’d done it anyway. He knew from his reports about the area people like to climb the rocks surrounding both of their properties.
    Reviewing the tape, his attention was caught by a figure Noah didn’t recognize. He didn’t know what it was but there was something about how the guy moved that rubbed him the wrong way. Maybe it was the way he just sat there and looked at Lexi’s house
    Something about her brought out the protective impulses in him. It was a new feeling and he kind of liked it but he knew the sentiment would piss her off. She didn’t seem the type to lean on anyone, let alone a man. But boy would it be fun to tease and protect her.
    Noah watched the guy for half an hour before he got up and left. Noah checked the other camera to see if he could see where the guy was going, but he couldn’t. The guy was too far away for the camera to get a clear picture, but Noah printed one out anyway. For all he knew, the media could’ve found out he was here.
    After showering, Noah put on a pair of well-worn jeans and a tight black t-shirt. He went to the box on his dresser where he kept his watches and saw the box of condoms in there. Any other time, he would bring a few. This time, however, he knew the lady wouldn’t be jumping his bones any time soon. While he certainly wouldn’t mind something happening tonight, he knew it’d be better if they waited.
    Hell, I’m no gentleman, but for the right one, people can change. Right?
    ~*~
    Lexi was still arguing with herself about Noah when she heard him come up the back stairs. She leaned her hands on the kitchen counter and took a moment to calm down.
    “Lucy, I’m home!” Noah sing-songed at the door.
    “Come on in, Ricky. The dinner you invited yourself to is almost ready.”
    “Ah, come on, babe. You aren’t still upset, are you? What can I do to make it better? A kiss, maybe?” He came toward her with his arms opened wide and his lips puckered.
    “You can open the wine,” she said and pointed to the bottle he held in one hand.
    “I think a kiss would’ve been better.” He looked at her mouth then back up to her eyes. “Nice place you’ve got here. How long have you lived here?” He put the wine down on the counter and started roaming around the room looking at everything.
    Lexi sighed and pulled a corkscrew out of the drawer and opened the wine herself. “About three years, after my grandmother died, I inherited it from her. I spent summers here with her when I was younger. She knew I’d always loved this place.”
    He pointed to the large photograph above the fireplace. “One of yours?” He turned to look at her over his shoulder.
    “Yes, the last summer she was alive.” She tossed the salad. “I’d been going through a rough time and came out here to get away. She would always take her beach chair down to the water and sit and watch the sunrise.