Soaring with Fallon (Big Sky 4)

I take a deep breath as I turn down Noah’s drive.

“Thanks, Jenna. Why don’t you have someone assess the situation at the house, and then we’ll go from there? I’m safe for tonight.”

“We can totally do that. Have a good night. I’ll be in touch tomorrow when I have information. In the meantime, you said the water is turned off?”

“Yeah. I don’t think there’s anything else that can be done this late.”

The sun sets late during the summer, but it’s already dark.

“I’ll go over first thing in the morning. Thanks, Fallon.”

“No problem.”

I hang up and put the Jeep in park, staring at Noah’s farmhouse. The lights are on inside. He even turned the porch light on for me. Aside from the house lights, the area is pitch-black. There aren’t street lights this far out of town. Across the pasture at the sanctuary, there are some lights over the sidewalks.

It’s damn dark out here.

Claire would tell me that I’m asking for the murder scene I told Jenna about. That to accept this invitation from a stranger is dangerous.

If I still lived in Chicago, I would agree with her.

But I don’t. I’m in Montana. Not that it’s crime-free, but Noah knows my friends, and I know that Jenna wouldn’t have his back if he were a bad guy.

At least, I hope.

Just as I hop out of the Jeep to gather my things, the front door opens, and Noah joins me.

“Let me grab that,” he offers, taking the biggest bag. “This should tide you over.”

“This is all my stuff,” I say before I can keep the words in my head.

“All of it?”

I nod and follow him into the house, taking a long, deep breath once I’m over the threshold.

His home is full of positive energy. It’s calm. Happy.

“Did you grow up in this house?” I ask, surprising him.

“Yeah. I bought the place from my parents a few years ago. I’ve been fixing up a few things, but it’s pretty much the same.”

I smile. “You have a nice family.”

He frowns. “Have you met them?”

“No.” I shake my head, feeling stupid for saying anything in the first place. “Your home just feels peaceful.”

He cocks his head to the side, and a smile spreads over his handsome face. “Thanks. You’re back here. Follow me.”

He leads me down a hallway, to the back of the house, and into a large bedroom with a four-poster, queen-sized bed.

“The drawers in the dresser are empty,” he continues as he sets my bags on the bed. “And all of the linens are fresh. The bathroom is through here.”

He turns on the light, and I follow him, getting a look at a simple tub and shower combo, a single sink and toilet. It’s small, but it’s been recently updated with pretty, dark fixtures, extending the farmhouse feel all the way back here.

“I’m on the other side of the house if you need anything,” he says, leaning against the vanity in the bathroom.

I nod, looking around. “This is great. Thank you. I spoke to Jenna, and she said she’ll let me know what we’re in for tomorrow after she has someone come out to look at the mess.”

“No hurry,” he says with a shrug. His arms are crossed over his chest, showing off his biceps.

I have a thing for men’s arms. Some women like butts or abs.

I’m an arm girl.

And Noah has amazing arms.

“Hello?”

I blink and look up at his face. He’s grinning. He knows exactly what I was just thinking.

And I don’t care that he knows. I’m attracted to him, and for once in my life, I’m not going to shy away from someone I like.

“You can touch them,” he offers, and it’s my turn to be surprised.

“I will,” I say before clearing my throat. “Eventually.”

He pushes away from the vanity and walks to me, slowly, like a lion stalking its prey. Something tells me he’s just as powerful as the king of the jungle.

He stops just a few inches in front of me and drags the pad of his thumb down my cheek and over my lips. My breath catches in my throat.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph he’s potent. Sexy and strong. He smells like cedar and whatever kind of soap he uses.

And he’s so fucking tall. I’m still in my heels, and he dwarfs me.

“Why am I so drawn to you?” he asks quietly, leaning closer.

“Good question,” I whisper. Noah’s lips twitch before he leans in to cover my mouth with his, softly at first. Barely touching me. But then he buries his fingers in my hair and sinks into the kiss, sighing in delight as he presses my back against the doorjamb. I grip his sides, fisting his shirt in my hands, and moan.

The next thing I know, he boosts me up, and I wrap my legs around his waist, his jeans-clad dick pressed to my core. I want him.