Waiting for Midnight (2 page)

Actually, she imagined how at Noah’s height, he almost didn’t need a ladder at all.  But as she watched him, she realized the light was higher up than she thought.  She had to be on the top step and even then she was stretching.  Noah was on the second step and seemed to be at the perfect height.

While he was busy, Maddie let her gaze linger on him again.  He was perfection.  So perfect she almost sighed with appreciation.  Tonight he was in his standard attire – sweatpants, a hoodie and sneakers.  That’s how she knew he was at the gym.  In the mornings he left in normal street clothes but every night, he came home dressed like this.  She almost kicked herself for knowing these details.  Watching the man through the blinds definitely put her in weird, stalker-girl territory and it wasn’t a place she was proud to be.

“Here, take this,” Noah mumbled as he handed the burned out bulb to her.  Maddie took it and then took a step back. 

In an instant, the porch area was flooded with light.  She let out a little cheer and clapped, and for a second, it seemed like everything was fine.  The next thing she heard was a loud snap, and watched in horror as the ladder seemed to crumble and Noah fell backwards onto the concrete walkway.

****

Noah saw stars. 

The air had been forced out of his body and for a minute, he couldn’t breathe.  Maddie was beside him, nearly hysterical.

“Noah!  Oh my God!  Are you okay?”  Her hands were everywhere – feeling his head, checking him for injuries.  “Can you get up?  Should I call 9-1-1?”

Unable to help himself, Noah closed his eyes.  Everything hurt.  He didn’t think anything was broken, but he was sure as hell going to be sore tomorrow.  In his mind, he was about to tell Maddie he was okay, but he couldn’t seem to make himself speak. 

That’s when she crawled on top of him, straddling him.  “Noah? 
Noah?
  Stay with me!  You need to be awake!” she cried.  “Please don’t pass out!  I’m calling for an ambulance and…”

“No,” he said awkwardly, forcing his eyes to open.

One of Maddie’s hands was on his chest, while the other was cradling her cell phone next to her cheek.  “You’re awake,” she sighed, smiling with relief.

“I didn’t pass out.  I was…the wind was knocked out of me.  I’ll be fine.  Just…give me a minute.”

Everything about her seemed to relax, but she didn’t move from her perch on top of him.  The hand holding her cell phone lowered, but her other hand stayed firmly on his chest.  “Are you sure you’re okay?  You seemed to hit your head pretty hard.”  Then, without asking, she put her cell phone down and used both hands to reach behind his head to feel for injuries. 

Noah understood her concern but her new position pretty much had her breasts in his face.  Not that he was complaining, but it certainly wasn’t helping the situation.  “I need to get up,” he snapped and winced as he moved.  Maddie instantly moved off of him and stood – holding her hand out to help him up.  Noah wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it.  He was twice her size and she thought she was going to help him?

Ignoring her hand, he stood. 

And nearly fell right on his face. 

Everything around him spun and when Maddie wrapped her arms around his waist to steady him, he grabbed onto her with both hands.

“It’s okay,” she said softly.  “I think we need to get you to the emergency room and let them look at you.”

Noah shook his head.  “I’m fine.  I…I need to go inside and relax.  Really.”

But Maddie wasn’t listening.  She walked him over to the front steps and positioned him so he was leaning on the exterior wall of her apartment.  “Wait here.  Give me a minute to grab my keys.”  Before he could answer she was gone, and in a flash she was back.  Her arms instantly went around him again as she led him toward the parking lot.

“My bag…”

Stopping, Maddie picked it up and handed it to him.  Noah slung the canvas duffle over his shoulder and let Maddie lead the way.  Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew he should be putting up more of a fight, but everything was spinning and he was feeling a little nauseous. 

Not a great combination.

And it had him feeling more than a little foolish that such a short fall had literally knocked him on his ass. 

They stopped walking and Noah looked at the compact car in front of them.  “I’m not getting in that,” he said flatly.

“Why not?”

“I won’t fit.”

Maddie looked at him and then the car and then back again.  “Oh…I hadn’t thought of that.”  The two-door Toyota was all fine and well for his petite neighbor, but there was no way he was squeezing his six-foot plus frame into it – particularly in his current condition. 

Fishing his hand into his pocket, he pulled out his keys and handed them to Maddie.  “We’ll take my truck.”  The words seemed to surprise her as much as they did him.  No one drove his truck.  Ever.  It was a guy thing.  But right now, there weren’t any other options.  Together, they walked over to his black pickup and climbed in.  When several minutes ticked by without Maddie starting the engine, he looked over at her.  “Problem?”

“You mean other than the fact that I can barely see to drive?” she chuckled.

Taking a minute, Noah helped her to move the driver’s seat and position herself so she could drive.  “Better?”

“Yes.  Thanks.”  And then they were on their way.

Luckily the hospital was only a short, ten-minute drive, but Maddie chatted nervously the entire time.  Thanksgiving, Christmas…the holidays in general...Noah didn’t say a word.  He simply let her talk and by the time they parked and walked into the emergency room, some of the nausea had subsided.  He was just about to suggest they go back home and he’d put ice on his head when Maddie put a clipboard in his hands with forms for him to fill out.

Well damn.  Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea to get checked out.  Head injuries were tricky and as much as he hated it, letting a doctor check him over wasn’t the worst idea.  He took a seat and Maddie sat beside him and rested one hand on his knee.

“Don’t worry,” she said softly.  “I’m sure everything’s fine and if you need anything, I’m right here to help you.”

Noah forced himself to stay focused on the forms and not look at her.  He appreciated her help in getting him here and her concern, but he was a man who prided himself on being self-sufficient.  No matter what injury they diagnosed, the only help he was going to require from Maddie was getting him home.  Nothing more.  He wouldn’t allow it.

Unable to help himself, he turned his head and looked at her. 

Big mistake.

Her big brown eyes were looking right at him and that sweet smile that always seemed to kick him in the gut when she directed it at him was firmly in place.  He wasn’t an idiot – Noah knew Maddie had some kind of crush on him.  It wasn’t something he encouraged.  Hell, he did his best to avoid her – and most females – most of the time.  And yet somehow, she kept slipping by his defenses when he least expected it.

Like now.

With a groan, he put his attention back on the paperwork and did his best to ignore the woman sitting beside him.  Within minutes he handed in his clipboard and was called back into an exam room.

And felt sweet relief when there was finally some distance between him and Maddie.

Maddie knew the instant they got out of Noah’s truck back at the apartment complex that he was pretty uncomfortable with her.  He wouldn’t look at her and most of his responses to her questions were of the single-word variety.  Not that he was normally chatty, but this was different.  She’d tried everything to draw him into a conversation and he’d shut her down at every turn.

As they approached their shared porch area, Noah picked up the remains of her step ladder and walked it around to the trash pail as Maddie stood silently and waited.  When he returned, he stopped in front of her.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

He nodded.

“The doctor said you need to take it easy.”

He nodded.

Maddie shifted from one foot to the other.  “So…um…do you need anything?  I know it’s late, but…are you hungry?  Have you had dinner?  It wouldn’t be hard for me to…”

“I’m fine.  I’m not hungry,” he said, his voice low and carried a hint of agitation.  “I’m just going to go.”  He made to step around her.

“Oh,” she said softly.  “Okay.”

Noah continued to look at her, his expression blank.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I won’t,” he said and walked away.

Maddie stood rooted to the spot until she heard Noah’s door close.  Talk about rejection.  Not that she was expecting him to declare his undying love for her or anything – after all, it was her fault he was hurt – but he could have at least thanked her for getting him to and from the hospital and at least wanting to help him.

With a sigh, she let herself into her apartment.  It was late and she was tired, but more than anything, she was disappointed.  Maybe Kiera was right.  Maybe she was wasting her time pining after Noah.  Tonight was sort of like the proverbial ton of bricks falling on her head.  It was the longest amount of time she and Noah had spent together and even though the circumstances had been less than ideal, it was obvious he wasn’t interested in her at all.

“Well that’s depressing,” she murmured as she moved through the apartment toward her bedroom, kicking off her shoes as she went. 

She’d finally gone out on a Saturday night with Noah and it was to an emergency room.  Didn’t that just sum up how pitiful her life was?  “The only way the man would go anywhere with me was because of a bump to the head.  Awesome.”

By now she had changed into a pair of comfy pajamas and was crawling into bed.  She thought about texting Kiera, but it was late and the whole night was now something she wanted to simply forget.

****

Forget was such a strong word.

By the next day, Maddie was feeling a little less pitiful.  Deciding no one would be overly friendly after falling off a ladder, she decided to give Noah the benefit of the doubt.  With a little pep in her step, she took off for the supermarket after deciding she would make him a meal as a way of apologizing for his getting hurt.  Once she had all of her ingredients, she went back home and began cooking. 

She didn’t like to brag, but people had always complimented her cooking – particularly her chili.  It seemed like the perfect ‘guy’ meal; some chili, some corn bread and some brownies for dessert.  Back at home, she had everything cooking and was almost giddy at the thought of having an excuse to see Noah again, and maybe – just maybe – sharing a meal with him.

Like a date.

“Okay, get a grip,” she chided herself.  “Don’t get too carried away.” 

Easier said than done. 

By four o’clock, she had everything packed up in a cooler bag for easy transport and gave herself one final glance in the mirror. 

“Hair and makeup?  Check,” she said, fluffing her long brown hair one last time.  “Skinny jeans?  Check.”  Smiling at how they made her butt look, she did a quick spin.  “A little bit of cleavage?  Check.”  Straightening the snug red t-shirt, she took a steadying breath and slowly let it out.  “Now or never, kiddo.  Let’s do this.”

Five minutes later, she was standing at Noah’s door feeling a little like Red Riding Hood with a basket of goodies.  The thought made her giggle.  The door opened and Noah stood there looking like the Big Bad Wolf – a little tousled, a little grumpy – but sexy as hell.  With a smile, she held up the bag.

“I made you dinner,” she said cheerily.

Silence.

“I know you said you were fine last night but I still felt bad about the whole thing and so as a way of saying thank you, I made you dinner.”

Silence.

“It’s nothing much,” she said quickly, “chili, corn bread, brownies…kind of my specialty.”  Looking up at him, Maddie noticed he hadn’t moved.  She wasn’t even sure if he’d blinked.  Everything in her deflated; she wasn’t wrong and she had stupidly gotten her hopes up again.

All for nothing.

“Anyway,” she stammered and held the bag out to him, “thanks.”

Noah finally took the hint and took the bag from her hands.

“I hope you feel better,” she said quietly and turned to walk away.

“Um…do I…do I need to do anything with it?  You know, to heat it up?” he asked, sounding as uncomfortable as she felt.

Without looking, she replied, “It’s all freshly made so it’s hot and it will stay that way for a while.  You can heat it up in the microwave when you’re ready.”

Her hand was on her doorknob when Noah spoke again.  “So…um…do you want to come in?”

Mentally, she rolled her eyes. 
Now
?  He decides to ask her that after she was practically walking through her own door?  Turning, she looked at him and gave him a weak smile.  Part of her wanted to say yes and skip back over to him, but she knew it would be pointless. 

Message received.

Not interested.

“Thanks, but…I’m sure you’d rather go back inside and rest.”  The words were barely out and she felt overwhelmed with sadness.  With the door open, she looked back at him one more time.  “Have a good night.”

Once she was inside with the door closed, Maddie sagged against it; the need to cry nearly overwhelming her.  She took a couple of breaths and was ready to move when there was a loud knock behind her – loud enough that she physically jumped.  It wasn’t hard to imagine who it was and she wished she had stuck to her original plan to give up and move on.

After a second round of knocking, Maddie sighed and opened the door.

And wished the sight of Noah didn’t make her heart skip a beat every time.

Taking a page from his book, she didn’t speak, she simply looked at him.

“I’m sorry,” he said gruffly.

Maddie stayed silent. 
Let’s see how you like it
, she mentally challenged. 

Huffing, Noah raked a hand through his short sandy brown hair.  “I wasn’t trying to be difficult,” he began.  “I’m just not…I don’t need anyone checking up on me.”

It was almost painful, but Maddie forced herself to not say a word.

“And you don’t owe me anything.  The damn management company should have taken care of the light and…if we’re being honest…I should have taken care of it sooner.  I knew it was out and every friggin night I made a mental note to do it and I didn’t.  So really, I’m partially to blame here too.”  He stared down at her and Maddie knew he was waiting for her to say something.  “Anyway, thank you for the dinner and…I’d appreciate it if you came over and shared it with me.”

Inwardly, she was doing the world’s biggest victory dance, but outwardly, she hoped she was maintaining the bored expression she had used since opening the door.

Noah frowned.  “Please.”

Forcing herself not to smile, Maddie shrugged.  “Fine.”  Without looking at him, she stepped out the door, pulling it closed behind her.  Walking ahead of him, she reached the door to his apartment and waited.  Noah eyed her warily as he walked over and opened the door and motioned for her to go in. 

His apartment was above hers but had a private entryway and staircase.  It was how Maddie always knew when he came home or was going out – she could hear his heavy footsteps on the stairs.  But this was the first time she’d ever been invited inside. 

At the foot of the stairs was the cooler bag with the food and she simply glanced at it as she walked by – figuring Noah would grab it and follow her.

And if she happened to put a little extra swing in her hips, so be it.

At the top of the stairs, Maddie stopped and gaped.  The walls were white and bare.  There was a single black leather sofa and a massive flat-screen TV on the wall.  That was it.  No other furniture.  She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do or say to that.

Noah stepped around her and moved to the kitchen, placing the cooler bag on the counter.  She watched him and hoped there wasn’t a look of horror on her face.  For the life of her, Maddie couldn’t imagine anyone living like this – in such a barren space.  And then she had to wonder where they were supposed to eat.  There wasn’t a coffee table – or any table for that matter – in sight.

The sound of Noah moving around in the kitchen brought her out of her reverie and she forced herself to walk over and see if he needed help.  She nearly sagged with relief when she saw the small bistro set tucked away in the corner of the kitchen.

“Can I help with anything?” she asked casually, but noticed he had already made them each a bowl of chili and was cutting up the corn bread.  Deciding to step out of his way, she moved over to the table and chairs and sat down. 

Maddie sat and waited and within minutes Noah was seated beside her.  He didn’t say a word; he simply sat and began to eat.  She wanted to be offended, but remembered who she was dealing with.  “So…how are you feeling today?”

He shrugged.  “All right.  A little sore.”

“At least you didn’t have a concussion.”

“It wasn’t that far of a fall.”

It would have been if it happened to her, but she opted to keep it to herself.

“This is really good, Maddie,” he said, finally looking at her.  “Thank you.”

Smiling, she took a few minutes to simply enjoy the meal.  He may not be interested in her, she thought, but at least now she could move forward and realize it probably had nothing to do with her.  Noah was just…different.  She’d dated enough guys in her life to know this was not how most normal people lived.  He was standoffish, a loner and borderline anti-social.  He may be incredibly attractive, but…that was it.  Better she find this out now than when she got any more attached to him.

Time to move on.

Kiera was going to be thrilled. 

Noah cleared his throat.  “Sometimes I can…you know…smell what you’re cooking,” he said with a hint of a grin.  “This is definitely better than just being able to smell it through the walls.”

“Thanks.” 
I guess
, she thought. 

“I hate cooking,” he said.  “I usually grab takeout from somewhere.”

Looking around, she noticed a picture of him and a few other guys all in their dress blues.  “How long were you in?”

“Ten years,” he said. 

“You didn’t want to re-enlist?”

Shaking his head, Noah reached for the corn bread.  “I was done.  Mentally and physically.  I did three tours in Afghanistan.  It was time to go.”

Saying she understood seemed ridiculous.  She didn’t.  She’d never been in the military or in a war zone. Her entire life had been spent living in suburbia.  “So what do you do now?”

In all of their brief conversations, work had never come up, so she was curious.

“I’m in security now.”

Okay, way to be vague.  “Do you like it?”

He shrugged.  “It’s all right.  No danger involved and I get to sleep in my own bed every night.”

“Oh.  Good.” 

“What about you?  What is it you do again?”

“I’m a financial writer.”

Noah’s spoon froze midway to his mouth.  “A…what?”

“A financial writer.  It’s pretty boring.”

Putting his spoon down, he looked at her.  Intrigued.  “I’m sure that’s not true.  Tell me about it.”

Placing her spoon down, she sighed.  “I create educational content and market commentary for either print and web publications. The commentary pieces I do allow me to provide my personal opinion on recent business news or corporate governance issues, such as
earnings
releases or trends in executive compensation.”  She shrugged.  “See?  Boring.”

“Are you crazy? That sounded really impressive!”

“It’s not a big deal.  I’m a numbers person, and I love studying the trends and trying to figure out where things are going.”

“Do you have an office?”

She nodded.  “My apartment,” she said and then chuckled.  “Although I do have a lot of clients, and I tend to go work with them at their offices when I need to.  Other than that, I work from home.”

“But…I see you leaving here in the morning and coming home in the evening.  It looks like you work a nine-to-five kind of job.”

She shrugged again.  “I do some volunteer work at the library and community center.  It’s lonely working from home so it’s nice to get out and be around people.”