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"Parker, get your butt down here now!"

"Five more minutes, dad!"

"You said five minutes half hour ago!"

Almost tripping around the wires and yarn I forgot to put away last night, I reached for my bracelets and slid them on my wrist. "Okay, two more minutes!"

One beat passed, two.

Silence.

"Paaar-ker!"

I rolled my eyes, grabbed the new Bohemian style body purse I made last week and ran down the stairs. I was meeting Ruth at the ice cream parlour, and my dad said he could drop me off before heading to the car shop then to work. The engine light came on in our ancient van two weeks ago, and my dad was supposed to bring it there a week ago, but had somehow forgot about it until my mom nagged him to death last night.

"Dad, why do you keep wearing a tie when you can't put it on properly?" I teased once we were inside the van. His tie was always crooked. I would fix it if I could, but I was as bad as he was. Only my mom knew how to do it perfectly.

My dad adjusted his tie with one hand, making quick glances at his tie on the rear view mirror while driving. "Because it makes me look important, missy."

"You is smart, you is kind, you is important," I smiled, quoting Aibileen Clark.

He turned his head to smile back at me, chucked my chin before concentrating again on the road.

"Parks, did you turn off the stove? Checked the switches?"

I made a face. "Dad. You were the last one in the kitchen."

"Crapfreakcrap," he hissed under his breath.

"Crapfreakcrap," I repeated.

I knew what was next before he even groaned, "We have to go back."

"I know," I sighed.

So we went back, because if we didn't, and if the stove was on, and if my mom found out, we were both in big trouble. He made me check everything while he stayed in the car.

"All clear," I chirped as I scrambled in the car. "Your turn next time."

We were almost to the ice cream parlour when I got a text from Ruth.

Ruth: Parks can't make it 2day. Sorry. Sick. You are very welcome to breathe in my germs if you want to come over and get sick. Wuv U. xoxo

I didn't even bother sighing. Ruth had a bad habit of cancelling at the last minute.

"What was that?"

"Ruth cancelled. She's sick. I'll just go with you to the garage and walk from there. It's closer than walking it back from the ice cream parlour."

He looked at his watch. "I'll drive you back, Parks, but I'm already late. I can't turn around now, chump."

"I know. It's okay, dad."

"I'll see if Old Man Hosea can spare you a ride back home, how's that?"

People in this lovely town sometimes had nicknames. My dad said Old Man Hosea was already called that as far as he could remember, although I heard he was only fifty eight.

My dad was scheduled for a session at one of his student's house today, and luckily, it was located a couple blocks down the car shop, so he could easily walk there and come back to pick up the van after.

I shrugged. "I don't mind walking."

The car shop was located in the outskirts of town, surrounded by forest trees and a clear lake behind it where the locals went fishing every weekend and teenagers had their bonfire parties. I hadn't been to the parties, although Ruth kept inviting me to go.

There was a field beside the lake that led to the school. Ruth had showed it to me once when she took me to see the lake.

"Okay, chump, I'll be right back."

The building was an old big red barn that was converted into a garage. I walked inside and looked around, admiring a red convertible that screamed fast and furious. I wondered what it would be like to drive one or just to get inside and feel the steering wheel and the leather seats.

I looked around, checking if anyone was looking. My dad was talking to Old Man Hosea and there was only another mechanic who was busily taking apart a car.

Excitedly I ran a hand through the cherry red door, feeling its smoothness. It was so pretty. I held the door handle and was just about to pull it open when I heard wheels sliding on the ground in front of the car. Wearily, I walked around and jumped a foot as Noah came into view. And I just ogled.

He was lying on one of those board things mechanics use so they could slide down under the car easily. I saw the steel toed black boots first and then the faded blue jumpsuit mechanic uniform that was stained with grease. It had his name printed on the right side breast pocket. He hadn't bothered zipping the top so that his black muscle shirt was exposed, so were his sculpted arms as he had pulled back the sleeves. He had a tool belt around his hips.

There was something about a male with a tool belt. And grease on his beautiful face and working man's hands. And his carelessly tousled dark hair as if he had raked his hands in it a number of times. There was just something about Noah...

I was pretty sure my jaw was on the floor at this time. I was tempted to check if I had drool on my chin, but I resisted. That was too obvious.

Well, of course having saliva draining down your mouth... now that's not at all obvious.

He looked up at me with his bluer than blue eyes filled with inquiry as if he was wondering what I was doing there.

"Parker?" I heard my dad call out.

I opened my mouth to answer, but I was locked in Noah's gaze. It was as if I couldn't move a single thing in my body unless he had released me.

What kind of sorcery was this...

"Parker?" my dad called again.

Noah removed his gaze.

"He-re," my voice broke. I cleared my throat. "Here, dad."

"Oh, there you are. Hey, Noah."

Noah stood up, grabbed a rag behind his pocket and started wiping his hands. "Mr. Gottlieb. How are you, Sir?"

My dad and Noah knew each other?

"Good, good. And you?"

Of course, my dad knew him. My dad knew everyone in this town.

Duh. Or maybe because Noah is your neighbour. Remember?


"I'm well, sir."

My dad shook Noah's hand, pumping it like he just won the lottery.

"Hello, you must be Parker. I'm Old Man Hosea."

"Hello, nice to meet you, Sir."

Old Man Hosea looked like Santa Claus complete with a white beard, a big potbelly and a friendly smile on his round face. He was holding a beer.

"Noah's been telling me about you."

My mouth dropped open.

"He asked me about you. I said we're in the same class," Noah mumbled.

Oh.

I looked at Noah. Was he blushing?

"Give Parker a ride, won't you, boy? You're almost off anyhow, might as well get on home.  Use the truck. Jerry has the van, getting some parts in town."

"You know the truck's battery is temperamental, Hos."

Old Man Hosea had a twinkle in his eye as he said, "You and Parker here can walk it if it croaks. Better than the lady walking alone, ain't that right, boy?"

Put on the spot, Noah nodded.

I gritted my teeth, feeling embarrassed. Noah obviously didn't want to drive or even walk me home.

"I can walk alone. You can drive me... unless you're scared to be alone with me." I paused. And then... "I mean, I don't even bite," I blurted.

It got quiet.

Quieter.

What the heck did I just say?

I wish I can open up the ground so you can jump in the hole, Parks. But I can't.

My mouth was dry. I looked over to see my dad looking at me like my head was leaking Pepsi.

"I'll drive you. See you later, Mr. Gottlieb, Sir. I'll just grab the keys," Noah said before walking away.

"Alright." My dad cleared his throat, looking at me knowingly. "I'm off, Parks. Behave."

Old Man Hosea was looking at me like he was going to laugh, but grinned instead before walking out with my dad.

What just happened?

I'm sure everything is okay. Noah must be used to you embarrassing yourself by now.


A couple minutes later, I saw Noah drive an ancient blue truck. He stopped in front of me, motioning for me to get in. He opened the door from his side. Feeling nervous, I got in quietly.

I hadn't talked to him in weeks, almost a month now, and all of a sudden I was in a closed space in close proximity with him.

I didn't look at him, but I felt him. He was like this big presence that swallowed me up so that all my nerve endings were attuned to his every move. Just like before. Just like always when he was around me.

I was surprised I wasn't hyperventilating yet.

Anytime now, Parks.

"I'm sorry for taking you away from your work. You didn't have to drive me."

Noah pressed a remote that was hooked on the rear view mirror. The garage doors opened, making this incredibly loud noise. I seriously thought the garage would fall down with the ruckus it made, but they slid up wondrously. He drove out.

"I don't mind."

"Still. Sorry."

"You apologize too much."

"Sor—" I caught myself and shut up. "It seemed like the proper thing to say."

I was looking at the road ahead of us, but I was really concentrating on him. I knew he glanced at me briefly before saying, "And do you always do the proper thing?"

It sounded like a challenge.

Oh, heck to the no.

I ran far, far away like a cheetah on crack when someone challenged me. I hated challenges because they always demand me to prove something that, usually, and I would admit this with all honesty, I sucked at. But I found myself responding. Anything about Noah I responded to.

"You make me want to do improper things."


OH MY GOD.

Did I just really say that?

I felt the heat rise up to my face. I looked at him in panic. "I mean, like, you're so mysterious and interesting and beautiful... I mean, oh God. I'm making this worse, aren't I? I didn't mean it in a dirty way, I mean..."

He started laughing.

"You're so innocent," he chuckled.

You're too pure for this șhit.

I grew quiet, looking out my window.

"When I tell you that, it's a compliment," he said after a moment.

I crossed my arms across my chest. "It didn't sound like it."

"What did it sound like?"

"Like something bad."

Silence filled the truck.

"Never," he said quietly. "But innocence invites a lesser man to destroy it."

"You're not," I replied. "A lesser man, I mean."

"How do you know?" he demanded, sounding angry. "You don't know anything about me."

I bit my lip. "I want to."

"Don't. You'll just be disappointed."

I should keep my mouth shut.

I didn't.

I turned to face him. "Why are you always like that? Is it just me?" I balled my hands into fists.

"What?"

I glared at him. "You're always so unfriendly with me. You must dislike me very much."

He glared back. "How the hell did you even come up with that?"

I crossed my arms across my chest. "Never mind."

We were both silent after that. I felt mad at him so I didn't speak anymore.

For about thirty seconds. Well, maybe forty.

"Why did you even draw me? Or was it a picture of the tree behind me that you were drawing and if I moved I would ruin your concentration? Is that it?"

Just shut up, Parker. Put a sock in it. Stat.


Noah let out a frustrated curse.

"I knew this would happen." He let out a loud sigh.

I thought he was talking about me, but I noticed that the truck had stopped. I looked around. We were in the middle of a field.

"We have to walk it."

I nodded. "Okay."

I scrambled out and hissed under my breath when my purse caught the lock on the seatbelt. By the time I got it out, Noah was already standing in front of the truck, waiting for me.

"Sorry," I apologized. Again. "My purse got—crap! There's a freaking bee!" I screamed, covering my face with my purse and running away as far as I could.

I knew bees were very important in this planet, but I had a bad experience with them when I was five. I got stung on my lip and it wasn't pretty. Not pretty at all.

The grass, green and brown, was as high as my knees, and so I didn't notice the rock that, naturally, tripped me. And for the third time, Noah saw me fall on my face.

"Are you always this clumsy?" he asked, his tone teasing. He offered a hand to help me up.

"No. I'm clumsier when I'm around you. And I don't know why."

I grabbed his arm as I felt pain on my right ankle. "Ow."

"What's wrong?"

Shaking my head, I slid on the ground, toeing off my flats.

"My ankle hurts. I think I..."

Like a knight in shining armor, he knelt in front of me, looking at my face briefly before he lowered his head to check my ankle. And then his hand slid on my heel, his other hand on top of my foot, pressing carefully.

"Does this hurt?"

I opened my mouth but nothing came out. His touch was so warm, the texture of his hands was rough but the way he held me was very gentle. He looked up when I didn't answer. His dark hair fell smoothly to cover his eye, and it brought me back to when I first met him.

Butterflies. All over my stomach.

"Parker?"

I cleared my throat. "I-it's just a sprain. Doesn't hurt that much."

He pulled off the sleeves of his jumpsuit so that it dangled around his waist. His incredible body was displayed in a black muscle shirt, sweat glistening on his skin. I gulped. He walked beside me, kneeling.

"Climb on my back. I'll carry you."

One beat passed, two.

"Let's go," he urged.

I didn't know why I hesitated. If he carried me, our bodies would touch. Full on contact. I would feel his skin on mine, smell his hair, his skin. It wasn't that I didn't want to. I did. But...

He turned his head to look back at me.

"Unless you're scared. I mean, I don't even bite," he said cheekily. "Much."

Oh, boy.

Bite me.

Bite me? With his teeth?

Boy, oh, boy.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and climbed on his back, wrapping my arms around his shoulders.

Strong. That was what came through my mind as I felt the powerful muscles on his long back, the wide shoulders, the strong competent hands that held my legs secure on his waist. The unmistakable confidence and capability of him that screamed I will protect you.

I felt safe, and this emotion wrapped around my chest so completely that it made me feel that I could rest my chin on his shoulder. I felt him stiffen for a moment, and I almost moved away, but then he relaxed and continued walking.

The wind blew his dark hair, and I felt it caress my face. The smell of masculine shampoo, soap and diesel drifted in my nostrils. Noah's smell. I closed my eyes.

We walked in comfortable silence for a few moments. I wasn't surprised that Noah seemed to know the way back. He probably played in this forest when he was a kid.

"How many bracelets do you own?" he teased, a smile in his voice.

My bracelets made a tinkling sound. I had about seven of them wrapped around my wrist today. I was so used to the sound that sometimes I didn't notice it anymore unless someone had pointed it out.

"Lots. I make them."

His head turned slightly and I knew he was studying my bracelets more closely. I felt nervous.

"Pretty."

I bit my lip, pleasure singing in my chest. It was the first compliment he said to me. "Thank you. I saw your paintings in the school and in Mrs. Garland's office. The one that you sketched with your mom in it."

I felt his shoulders tense.

"The sketch is my favourite. It was of the clearing behind the school grounds, isn't it?"

I thought he wasn't going to answer me, but...

"Yes. My mom and I used to go camping there."

I waited. My mom told me that when a man starts talking seriously, you close your mouth and let them talk. And they just might tell you more than they intended.

"My sister tagged along sometimes."

"Where are they? I haven't seen them around."

I felt his grip around my legs tighten. And I knew he didn't want to talk about them so I changed the subject.

"I'm sorry if I trespassed in your space. I didn't know."

He shook his head. "You can go there anytime you want but don't come to my house if I'm not there." He paused. "Tell me you got that."

I nodded. "But I can come when you're home?"

"I'm never home so there's no point. And why would you come to my house anyway?" He turned his head to look at me, glaring.

"My mom likes giving food to our neighbours."

He frowned. "Did you deliver food before in my house?"

"Yes."

He looked angry.

"Don't."

"Why?"

"Just don't."

I fell silent.

"Tell me you got that, Parker." He was still glaring.

"I got it, Noah."

He looked calmer then started walking again.

"Are you keeping your girlfriend there or something?"


What the heck did you just ask him? Why would you even...? You are so lame. So lame. Way to be really subtle. You're the subtlest chick in the planet. If they were looking for an undercover agent, you'd be so last on the list. Correction. You wouldn't even be on the list.

Silence.

"I don't have a girlfriend."

"Thank God."

He laughed.

Crap.

I just said that out loud.

"I mean, you know. No one is going to get mad that you drew me."

I saw his mouth twitch, but he didn't say anything.

"We're here."

"Oh." I climbed off his back, sliding against him. I felt the butterflies again.

"How's your ankle?"

I rotated it, glad it was just sore and not painful any longer.

"It's better. Thank you for carrying me back, Noah."

He nodded.

I smiled at him, but he didn't smile back. I started the steps toward my house.

"Parker."

I paused but didn't look back.

"You asked me why I drew your portrait."

I held my breath, and this time, I looked back at him.

"It's because you're beautiful," he whispered.

With that, he left.

***

A/N:Are there any songs that remind you of Noah and Parker? Please don't forget to vote and comment :)

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