Built to Last by Jean Page Read Free Book Online

There always seemed to be something to keep him from just enjoying the day. He was climbing into his bed and flipping on the TV as his cell buzzed again.
    “Hello?”
    “Hi,” a soft feminine voice spoke on the other end of the line.
    “Noelle, hi.” He sat up straight in bed, suddenly aware that he was naked under his bed sheets. And that just the sound of her voice had a way of affecting him.
    “I wanted to let you know that I have moved and my cell number changed. I didn’t wake you did I?”
    Cade felt like a heel for not calling her at all since their date. “No, I was watching some news. It’s been a busy week at work. You moved? I thought you had your mom’s place for another month.”
    “I do but I needed to be able to clean the place and the bank wants to start showing it as soon as possible. It made more sense to move into the city since I will be working here too.”
    “You found a job then?” he asked feeling like a lifetime of events had happened since their date.
    “Yeah I’ve got a temp job that starts Monday and I’m on the substitute teacher list for the area.”
    “It sounds like everything is lining up for you. Congratulations Noelle.”
    “Thank you,” she answered then paused hoping he would say something else. The conversation felt awkward, not like the night of their date. “Well, I didn’t want to interrupt you,” she began.
    “You’re not interrupting Noelle. I’m glad you called.” Cade was mentally kicking himself for letting something like work or another man keep him from what he wanted. “I’m sorry I didn’t call this week. Can I make it up to you with a movie night?”
    “When?” she asked and if he wasn’t mistaken there was excitement in her voice.
    “What about tomorrow night? I can pick you up if you like.”
    “I’m babysitting my nephews tomorrow night. How about Saturday?  Unless…” she paused thoughtfully, “you want to come with me?” Noelle asked, feeling hopeful.
    “Del’s kids... I remember how much of a live wire she was, but what the hell. When do you have to be there?”
    “They are going out to the late show, so eight. I’ll text you the address.”
    “Alright, it’s a date.” Cade responded.
    “Okay then, I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight Cade.”
    “Goodnight Noelle.” Cade closed his phone and put it back on the charger on his nightstand. He smiled and shook his head. Babysitting his high school girlfriend’s kids on a Friday night, just so he could be near Noelle. What was he getting himself into?
     
    ***
     
    It was Friday. It was seven and Noelle was sitting in her apartment fit to be tied. What did one wear to a babysitting date? She’d gone through her closet several times looking for something that was casual, practical and sexy all at the same time. She finally settled for a comfortable pair of jeans and a soft pink sweater. She pulled the top half of her dark hair up from her face and found a pair of earrings that matched her sweater. She dabbed on some lip gloss and touched up her makeup. Del lived in Draper at the south end of the city, a good half an hour to drive if the traffic was decent. So, she grabbed her purse and headed out.
    When Del answered the door, she looked harried. “Oh good you’re here. The twins are in bed already but I haven’t had a minute to myself to get ready.”
    “Breathe Del he already married you. It’s not going to be a deal breaker if you aren’t ready on time.” Noelle teased.
    “I’ve just been so looking forward to this. I want everything to go smoothly so that Sam will be willing to do it on a regular basis. I haven’t had more than a quickie in the better part of a year!”
    “Delphinia Agnes Madison!”
    “What? Oh, well forgive me, my lack of tact sister dear. So, what about you and Cade?”
    “Sex?” she flushed as images of the two of them together in a dark classroom sprang to mind. “Oh goodness no! This will only be our second date.”
    “And you bring him