Chapter 19: Scare
Noelle glanced at Thorne, their eyes meeting for a brief, electrifying moment before he quickly averted his gaze, feeling the heat rush to his cheeks. He's so handsome, he thought, his heart skipping a beat. Thorne had been improving rapidly, his recovery nothing short of miraculous since that dark day when Noelle had almost lost him. With better food and proper care, Thorne's once-gaunt features had sharpened into a striking handsomeness that left Noelle feeling flustered and overwhelmed.
It had been easier to deal with Thorne when he was sick, when Noelle's primary focus was on nursing him back to health. But now, with Thorne regaining his strength and his commanding presence returning in full force, Noelle found it increasingly difficult to keep his composure. His hands shook slightly as he moved to the next plant, watering it with more care than necessary, trying to ignore the fluttering in his chest.
Noelle sighed softly, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. He had grown so accustomed to tending to the weakened, vulnerable man, that he wasn't prepared for the intensity of feelings that arose now that Thorne was nearly back to his full, formidable self.
Noelle had intended to linger in the garden for a while longer, hiding from the inevitable chaos that awaited him inside. He knew Ben would be back soon with the firewood, preparing for the rapidly approaching winter. Every day, Ben ventured into the forest, chopping and stacking wood to keep their small home warm during the harsh season. Noelle glanced at his plants, a worried frown creasing his brow. He needed to build something around them soon, or his precious babies would freeze to death in the cold.
He was lost in thought, his mind already planning out the steps he needed to take, when a voice broke through his concentration, startling him.
"I don't think it's possible for plants to drown, but you might just find out today," a familiar voice teased from behind him.
Noelle jumped, nearly dropping the watering can in his hands. He turned around, heart racing, to find Thorne sitting in his wheelchair, a small smirk playing on his lips. Noelle felt a flush of embarrassment and something else—something warmer—creep up his neck.
"I didn't mean to startle you," Thorne said, his voice gentler now as he reached for the watering can. Noelle moved to do the same, but their fingertips brushed, sending a jolt of electricity through him. His breath caught as he met Thorne's gaze, those striking blue eyes watching him intently.
"It's fine," Noelle mumbled, trying to pull his hand away, but Thorne's grip was surprisingly strong. Before Noelle could react, he was pulled down onto Thorne's lap, trapped against the man's solid frame.
Panic and something dangerously close to excitement flared within him as he tried to stand. "Let me go, I'll hurt you," Noelle warned, his voice shaky with the effort to sound stern.