Free His Tempest by Candice Poarch Page A

to meet you,” he said.
    â€œSame here. I saw your grandparents a lot just before they died.”
    â€œActually,” Noelle said, “I’m opening the summer camp again. I’ve moved into my grandparents’ house and I’ll be getting the camp in shape over the next few months.”
    â€œAren’t you lucky! I’m sharing a three-bedroom house with two other women. Real estate here is expensive. I’m saving up for a place of my own. So when are you opening the camp?”
    â€œThis summer,” Noelle said. “It will focus on computer and investment skills.”
    â€œWow! You need to start advertising. I have nephews and nieces my sisters want to get rid of for a few weeks.”
    Noelle laughed. “I hope our parents didn’t feel that way about us.”
    â€œI’m teasing. I dote on them. But my sisters and brothers attended that camp, too. It was such a good experience that I’m sure they would want their children to have it, as well.”
    â€œI should have brochures ready by the middle of next month,” Noelle assured her.
    â€œIn the meantime, I’ll let them know. We have to get together soon.” She dug in her purse and gave Noelle a card. “My address and phone numbers.”
    â€œHere’s my cell number. They haven’t hooked up the landline yet.” Noelle tore a piece of paper from a pad in her purse.
    â€œI have to get back to work,” Casey said. “My boss is nice, but he’s strict about lunch hours. Nice meeting you, Gregory.”
    â€œSame here.” He watched her until she went out the door.
    â€œSit down and finish your food, brother.”
    â€œShe’s a babe. And the way those jeans fit her…But I guess she’s as old as you.”
    â€œShe’s a year or two younger,” Noelle said.
    â€œOh. I’m just a couple of years younger than you.”
    â€œYou’re a kid in comparison.”
    â€œI think I like older women.”
    Noelle rolled her eyes heavenward. “Give me a break,” she said, just before she saw Colin strolling toward her.
    â€œHi. Thought I saw your car out there.” He bent and kissed her. His lips were cold.
    â€œWhat’re you doing in town?”
    â€œOn my way from the training track,” he said, pulling out the chair beside her and sitting down. They were so close his arm brushed hers, sending sparks of awareness through her. “Was that Casey I saw leaving?” He took a sip of her hot chocolate.
    â€œYes. We went to camp together.” Suddenly the food churned in Noelle’s stomach and she lost her appetite. Had Colin and Casey dated?
    She had no time to ponder that because Colin asked, “So what did y’all get done this morning?”
    â€œJust the living and dining rooms. We’ll get to the kitchen this afternoon.”
    â€œComing right along,” he said.
    She nodded. “I need to start looking for someone to make repairs on the campground. I haven’t had the time to go there yet.”
    â€œGeorge recommended Carp. But I have to tell you up front that he’s been having some problems since his wife left him. Hasn’t been too reliable. But he needs someone to give him a chance. He’ll work cheaper than the regular construction firms if you’ll give him a chance to prove himself. If you’re afraid of taking a chance, he’ll recommend someone else.”
    â€œDoes he do good work?”
    â€œGreat work. A regular contractor would cost you a fortune, but the work won’t be any better. He’s done a lot of work for us at the farm.”
    â€œI’ll try him.”
    â€œGood. I’ll bring him by tomorrow. Unfortunately, I have to go now.” He stood, then leaned down to kiss her.
    Noelle felt her body heat up, burning to ashes whatever anxiety she’d had. She watched him until he left the building.
    â€œEarth to Noelle.” Greg shook