“She’s in the bathroom.”
“Oh, did the two of you already eat?” His dad asked, picking up Noel’s discarded bag of food.
“No, that’s hers. She stopped by to see the place and help me out if I needed her. She couldn’t come earlier because she was shopping with Gabby.”
His mom picked up Noel’s shoes and put them by the door. “Noel has such a big heart. A sense of humor and kindness are the best qualities a woman can have.”
“Doesn’t hurt that she is pretty as a picture.” His dad winked.
They headed into the kitchen; Nick ready to bang his head against something. If his parents knew Noel and him were starting something, they’d be all up in his business. His sisters were meddling enough, but add his mother into the mix? Pure chaos.
Noel finally exited the bedroom and when she walked into the room, Nick smiled reassuringly. “Here she is.”
Noel tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, her appearance giving nothing away. She was so put together, no one would be able to guess that ten minutes ago he’d had her bent backwards over the couch, naked under his mouth.
“Hi!”
“Hello,” Victoria said, smiling slyly. “We brought Nick’s some food, but I see you beat us to it.”
“Oh, well, Nick eats a lot so I am sure we could use the extra.”
Nick snorted. “I am a man with a normal, healthy appetite.”
“Indeed,” Chris said.
Noel’s cheeks flushed scarlet and Nick coughed, covering a laugh.
Victoria put her arm through Chris’s. “Why don’t we check out the bedroom and bathroom since Noel is out of them? We’re both excited to see your new place.”
“They’re pretty thrashed, Mom,” Nick said.
“It’s all right, sweetheart. I raised you. There is nothing back there that could shock me. Why don’t you two get started on dinner while we explore?”
They didn’t wait for his consent, but took off down the hallway. Once his parents disappeared, Noel heaved a sigh. “Your mom knows.”
“No she doesn’t.”
“Yes she does. Your dad may be oblivious, but your mom knows I was about to let her only son have his way with me against the wall of his living room.”
“She definitely doesn’t know that!” Nick came around the side of the counter and kissed her temple. “Relax, okay? My mom doesn’t know anything and even if she did, she’d be thrilled.”
She worried at her bottom lip. “You don’t know that. Victoria may love me, but that doesn’t mean she wants me dating you.”
Nick pressed his lips against the tip of her nose. “Is that what we’re doing? Dating? Because I think if we’re going to call it that, then we should go on an actual date.”
Noel’s eyes widened. “Really? This is when you want to discuss this?”
“Absolutely. What do you say? Go to the Festival of Trees with me next weekend?” He ran his hand over her shoulder and down her arm, his fingers skimming along her soft skin. “Food, fun, and festivities. It will be a hoot.”
“How is someone so hot such a dork?” she said breathlessly, her eyes glued to his mouth.
Nick circled her waist with his arms. “Hot, huh?”
“Don’t lose your head.”
They heard his mother’s voice and separated before she came back into the room. Nick went to the sink to wash his hands.
“It’s great for a first apartment,” his mother said behind him. “Plenty of room and I like that you have your own washer and dryer.”
“Me too.” Nick turned around, drying his hands on a paper towel. “That’s why I rented it.”
“Don’t get cute.” His mom turned to Noel, adding, “You missed rehearsal for the Christmas concert today.”
“Yes, I am sorry, Victoria. Things ran late with Gabby and then I had a dinner meeting I couldn’t skip.”
“I am only teasing, honey. Nick didn’t show up either, but Merry and Holly both said you two didn’t need any practice singing together. Natural chemistry is how they described it.”
Nick caught the gleam in his mother’s eye and sighed. She did know there was something going on with him and Noel.
“We hope to do you proud, Mom.”
“I know you will.” She patted Nick’s cheek and cocked her head. “Come on, Chris. Let’s leave these kids to eat and hang. Or whatever they say nowadays.”