Noble Love (The Nobles of Sweet Rapids #1) by Té Russ Read Free Book Online Page A

Bravas with pimentos sauce, lemon basil shrimp with pasta and Chicken Shawarma," he informed her, pointing to each one.
    "It all looks wonderful," Tessa said.
    "Take your pick," Isaiah offered.
    He watched as she tugged her bottom lip between her teeth, trying to decide which entrée she wanted.
    "The shrimp and pasta," she decided, reaching for the bowl.
    "Good choice," he replied, taking the Chicken Shawarma.
    They shared the appetizers before starting on their own dishes.
    "This is amazing," Tessa said.
    "Told you so. You wanna try the Shawarma too?"
    "Yes!" she said quickly.
    He lifted the pita stuffed with meat and held it up to her. She hesitated briefly as he pushed it closer to her mouth, encouraging her to take a bite. "Go on," he insisted. He watched as she attempted to take a delicate, yet large bite of the wrap and her eyes rolled back as she moaned.
    "Okay," she said, covering her mouth. "This is great too."
    "I can tell by the way you ate nearly half of my food."
    Her eyes grew wide with embarrassment.
    "Oh my. Isaiah, I'm so sor–"
    His head fell back with laughter, cutting off her apology. "I'm just messing with you, Tess."
    She threw a napkin at him, but was smiling as she did so.
    They went back to eating in silence for a while before Tessa asked, "What are you doing home in Sweet Rapids?"
    "It was supposed to be business," he said. "My dad called me, all in a fit over Chic and Sleek’s new natural hair care line."
    "I heard about that. Saw the new products in a few stores."
    "My dad wanted me to come and help strategize against the competition. He said he wanted me to direct some new commercials for the company."
    "That's exciting!" Tessa said, looking at him.
    "Yeah," he said, picking up a piece of chicken that had fallen out of the wrap. "It would have been, if there was an actual commercial to shoot."
    "What do you mean?"
    Isaiah blew out a frustrated breath. "They have nothing. No ideas, no concepts, nothing. My dad basically said what he needed to say to get me here. I changed my plans of going to Europe to visit my sisters in order to come here, thinking I'd be able to sit down, hear what needed to be done and get to work. Instead..."
    "You're sitting here with me, eating Mediterranean food."
    He looked up at Tessa, who had an empathetic smile on her face.
    "I can't complain about the trade off," he murmured. He sat his food down. "I have to apologize. I didn't mean to complain like that."
    "No, I get it," she said, reaching over to place her hand over his. The touch of her soft skin against his was stimulating. After another moment, she pulled her hand back and looked away. "Why didn't you go back to L.A. then?"
    "Several reasons, I suppose," he said. "For one, my dad made sure to throw a guilt trip in about how I've been saying that I was going to come home and then make up an excuse to back out. Also, after speaking to my mother, I realized the business does need some help and I'd like to do what I can. I've been focused on my career in music and movies, but Noble Naturals is never too far off in my mind. I'm aware that one day, I will have to run the entire company, which is probably why I'm always stalling. I haven't been ready for that quite yet. But I have to admit, it's felt really great to be home."
    "I understand wanting to help the family business," Tessa said. "At least your parents want your help."
    "Is everything going okay with the bakery?"
    "Everything's fine," she said. "It's always just fine."
    "You wanna vent now?" he asked, with a grin.
    "No," Tessa sighed. "Another time, maybe."
    "My ears are available anytime. As are my shoulders."
    Tessa gave him an appreciative smile. "Thanks for the offer."
    They went back to their food and lighter topics, like how Sweet Rapids' revitalization plan had been a success and how much their city had changed over the years.
    They were packing up their trash when a car drove by honking its horn. Tessa's sister drove by waving and Tessa waved as