Page 63 of The Matchmaker's Cottage

Turning, she was surprised to see Noah coming down the hall toward her, his steps slow but sure.

“Noah, is everything—?”

Before she could finish her sentence, she felt herself being wrapped in the younger man’s strong arms, his hands spreading across her back to draw her closer, lips pressing against hers.

Stunnedwould be too mild a word to describe how she felt at that moment. Aside from a few lingering glances and maybe some overly fawning gestures that she’d just chalked up to pseudo-chivalric politeness throughout the last couple of days, there hadn’t been any indication that he wanted anythingmorefrom her.

That said, the kiss wasn’t altogether unpleasant. She could at least acknowledge that he smelled nice and felt good and kissed well.

But there was also nothing…special about it, either. It felt bland and a little dry. It didn’t set off sparks or make her stomach swoop, though she had to admit, somewhere deep down, there was a part of her—not a proud part of her, but a part nonetheless—that had the thought:Noah Booker, theNoah Booker is kissing me right now!

Aside from the celebrity aspect of it, however, there was nothing about it that felt like it could lead anywhere, nothing that made her want to continue it, and so she gingerly placed a hand on his chest and used the momentum of her extended arm to gently push him away from her.

“Noah, what about Katy?” was all she could think to say, confused and guilty.

“Katy—” Noah looked confused and maybe a little embarrassed. “Julia, Katy and I aren’t actually a thing. You know that.”

“I know, but I’m worried she might actually have feelings for you…”

Noah shook his head before she even finished. “You haven’t noticed what’s going on?”

Now it was Julia’s turn to look confused. “Going on? What do you mean?”

“Never mind.” He smiled at her ruefully, only one side of his mouth quirking up as he regarded her. “So, I went to shoot my shot and I missed, huh?”

She laughed lightly. “I feel like this is the part where I say something like ‘I have shoes older than you, young man.’ ”

He looked vaguely uncomfortable but chuckled as well. “Sorry if I was too forward.”

“Nah, it’s all good.” Julia waved it off. “I just try and keep myself from fraternizing with the guests, that’s all.”

“Except for Ethan,” Noah said, his smile turning wry. “Right?”

Julia spluttered. “I—that is—I mean—”

Noah laughed now, fully, his face clearing of any discomfort he might have felt from her rejection. “It’s fine, Julia,” he said, his smile genuine, teeth startlingly white against his tanned complexion. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“Not sure how much of a secret it is,” she admitted, and it felt odd to say the words out loud.

Noah shrugged. “Life is short,” he said, pragmatic and a bit cliché. “Just remember that.”

“Mm.” She gave a noncommittal sound and a small smile. “I better get to…”

“Right.” He nodded toward the kitchen at the bottom of the stairs. “Bake away, madam.”

“Oh, now you’re really rubbing in the age thing!” She laughed, causing him to laugh as well. She gave him a genuine smile, apologetic but sincere. Then: “See you later.”

He acknowledged the polite dismissal with a dip of his chin.

“See you.” He bit his lip as he regarded her for a beat before turning and walking away.

Julia turned as well, walking toward the kitchen, still stunned as she gave her head a little disbelieving shake.

Whatwasthat?

22

Ethan’s head feltlike it was being squeezed in a vise. For as long as he lived, from this point forward, he knew he would never shake the image of former child actor and current celebrity heartthrob Noah Booker leaning in to kiss Gem on the lips.