curtly as he went around the table. Meredith flashed Noelle a snarky smile before immediately pasting on her wounded expression.
“Did you see that?” Jeanine asked, her voice filled with outrage. “That woman is something else.”
“I saw it,” Noelle barked, clamping her arms over her chest.
They watched as Meredith touched Holden’s arm. Her face fell, tears rolling down her cheeks. Holden held out his hands, as if trying to explain the situation to Meredith. A couple times, Holden glanced at Noelle, as if talking about her. Meredith also shot Noelle malevolent glares.
Noelle’s insides tightened. She couldn’t believe how fake and over-the-top Meredith was. It was sickening how she kept touching Holden’s arm and gazing up at him with wounded, puppy-dog eyes.
“If he were my man, I certainly wouldn’t sit back and let that hussy steal my ray of sunshine,” Jeanine hissed.
A bark of laughter broke through Noelle’s lips. “W—what?”
Jeanine’s eyes sparked. “Honey, do I have to spell it out for you? Go over there and take back your man.”
Uncertainty trembled through Noelle, causing her knees to go weak. Meredith flung her arms around Holden, pressing her reed-thin body to his. That did it! Rage ignited through Noelle, making her feel like her head would shoot off her body and fly like a rocket into the thick ceiling of clouds. Her feet seemed to have a mind of their own as she marched around to where Holden and Meredith were standing.
The shock on Meredith’s face was almost comical. “What’re you doing?” Meredith demanded, perching a hand on her bony hip.
“Taking back what’s mine.” Noelle stepped up to Holden and slid her arms around his neck. Surprise blitzed through his eyes as she pulled his face down and pressed her lips to his. His skin was cold against hers. Even his lips were cold at first. She gave him a long, full kiss. She was vaguely aware of several wolf calls sounding in the distance, but everything around her got crowded out as a familiar thrill raced a dizzying current through her. His lips grew deliciously warm and compliant as they moved against hers. She could tell that he was holding back. Even so, her spirit exulted at being near him. She was drifting on a cloud of euphoria, the pieces between the past and the present fitting into place. In a way she couldn’t fully explain, she felt whole again. When she pulled back, she caught the flame of hunger in his eyes, wrapping her in a blanket of heat.
A smile—part arrogant, part tender—drifted over his lips. “What happened to our friendship?”
She lifted her chin in a direct challenge. “Do you want me or not? I’m giving you the ball here, Coach,” she taunted, “are you gonna fumble or run it for a touchdown?”
His compelling eyes shimmered with a faint glint of humor. “Of course I want you, Noe. I’ve never stopped wanting you.”
Meredith let out a cry that turned to a growl. “You’re a monster,” she cried to Holden. Hatred raged over her features as she looked at Noelle. “You’ll pay for this,” she promised, “big time!” With that, she stalked away.
Holden shook his head, a sly grin moving over his face. “Well, that was interesting.” He glanced at the people watching them before clucking his lips. “And you accuse me of taking you on madcap adventures. I don’t think tongues will stop wagging about this until spring.” He placed his arms around her as he searched her face. “Was that all for Meredith’s benefit, or did you mean what you said?” His words were spoken lightly, but she caught the undercurrent of seriousness running beneath them.
She touched his cheek. “I meant every word. I’m ready to claim my ray of sunshine.”
His expression turned quizzical. “Huh?”
Noelle glanced at Jeanine who gave her two thumbs up. A blip of laughter swelled in Noelle’s throat, then she immediately grew serious. “I want you, Holden Hunt.” Her voice caught. “I always have.” A look of pleasure overtook his expression. The next words that trembled from her lips came out of her soul’s deepest desire. “I’m giving you my heart. Please don’t break it.”
“Never again,” he vowed fiercely. “This time, there will be no fumbling the ball. I’m playing for keeps.”
10
The next day, Holden accompanied Birdie, Noelle, and Aiden to church. Noelle was surprised at how tight Holden and Pastor Charles were. Noelle’s mom had often spoken of Pastor Charles and what a fantastic job he was doing with the congregation.
After church, Holden went with