Free On Wings of Love by Kim Watters Page A

need to be.” After her nod, he pulled her duffel bag from her shoulder and slung it over his.
    After securing the plane, he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to his truck, Houston running happily in front of them. Even in her fatigued state, she responded to his gentleness.
    Silence surrounded them on the short ride. Even the dog remained quiet, occasionally popping his head up to look out the side window.
    Outside her house, Noah parked his truck. He placed his hand on her arm to stop her from opening the door. His fingers touched hers for a moment, the contact comforting before his hand fell away to fish a flashlight from his glove compartment. “You should leave a light on.”
    Ruth groaned silently. As usual, she’d forgotten to leave the porch light on. She doubted nothing more than that crazed neighbor cat hid in the bushes, but it felt good to know Noah was with her and that despite his actions and expressions, he did care for her a little. “I appreciate your concern, but I don’t like to waste electricity or broadcast that I’m not home.”
    “They make motion lights, you know.” Noah got out of his truck and strode around to the passenger side to open her door. “Houston, let Ruth out.”
    After the dog jumped into the driver’s seat, Noah helped her down and escorted her to the unlit front porch, his fingers cupping her elbow as if they belonged there.
    “I’ll keep that in mind. Usually it’s not an issue.” With the help of the beam from his flashlight, Ruth unlocked her door. Bleary eyed, sad and in need of human contact, she turned around and hugged him.
    Noah almost imploded at her compassionate touch. Instinctively, he put his arms around her in return. He buried his nose in her hair, her unique scent mingling with the onset of early morning. He could get used to this. Forcing air from his lungs, he set her away.
    “Thanks for the ride, Noah. It’s been a rough day. I’m actually more tired than I realized. Bye.”
    Sadness hovered in the humid air around them. Her imperceptible nod told him she understood. When she stepped inside her doorway, loneliness scraped at his memories. He kidded himself into believing peace existed inside the four lonely white walls of his condo that mocked his attempt to lead a normal life.
    “See you tomorrow. Call me when you’re ready. I’ll be at the office.” Noah spoke to the white painted door, still feeling her warmth.
     
    “Are you feeling okay?” Noah sat down on the edge of his office manager’s wood desk. He carefully looked at Hannah. Dark circles under her eyes contrasted against her peaches and cream complexion, and she didn’t have her normal sparkle.
    “I’m just tired, that’s all.” Hannah’s gaze fell over his right shoulder. Her hands trembled slightly as she toyed with the pen she’d used to make some notes on a recent contract.
    Now that he thought about it, Hannah hadn’t been herself for the last few days, but Noah had been focused on his own problems.
    “Are you sure that’s all?”
    “Positive.” She still refused to meet his gaze.
    Noah knew the truth hovered behind her lips. But trying to get them to slip past the rigid wall the office managererected would be harder than the home football team actually winning the championship any time soon.
    “Maybe you should take a vacation day tomorrow.”
    “Oh, no. I’m fine. Really. I’ll need my vacation time later in the year.” A shadow of fear flickered across her features before she masked it with the cool efficiency that had won her the job as office manager.
    Noah didn’t deserve her.
    Hardworking and honest to a fault, Hannah reminded him of someone else he knew, but that’s where the resemblance ended. That’s where he needed to end it.
    The front door opened, and a deliveryman walked in. Houston barked. His short nails scraped against the Saltillo tile floor as he skittered into Hannah’s lap.
    “Some watchdog you turned out to be.