Interlude to Love: Calling Series

By Sandra Ivy

The calling series continues with Noah's story. Their father still believed that one of his sons` would be taking over as pastor due to his illness. Is Noah the one?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9780988745735

Book preview

23

Chapter 1

"Natalie," Noah whispered her name in almost a state of shock. He was surprised that he could form any words at all, since it seemed like the very breath had been sucked right out of him at seeing her on the other side of his door. Natalie Sinclair was the last person he’d expected to find when he angrily stomped down the stairs ready to kill whomever it was at his door at the devil’s hours. The annoying and relentless ringing of his doorbell interrupted one the best dreams he’d ever had. Oddly, he was dreaming about her. That’s way her name was still the only word that fell from his lips. Unable to move, he just stood there staring at her. He was afraid that the mirage, (which he was sure must have been taken right out of the dream he was having), would suddenly disappear. Slowly he blinked his eyes. ‘No, it’s really her.’ He couldn’t believe it. He remembered every detail of their first encounter at his brother Joshua and now sister in law Samira’s wedding rehearsal dinner.

Noah was in a sour mood. His annoyances at the missing maid of honor grew by the minute. Because of her absence, during the wedding rehearsal he was forced to walk down the aisle with his elbow held out to his imaginary companion, looking and feeling like a total idiot. To top things off, they all had to wait to eat. Samira insisted that dinner be held until her friend arrived. But, when he looked up and saw Natalie (the missing maid of honor) gracefully waltz into the room two hours later, his mood quickly changed. He watched her as she humbly apologized, while nervously looking around the packed room for an empty seat. He gladly stood, offering her his sister Ezra’s seat that was next to his. Not only was he no longer annoyed with her, he was more intrigued then he’d ever been with a woman. He was hoping that having her close would help him figure out why. When his sister returned from the ladies room to find her seat taken, the look she gave Noah was cold enough to freeze the entire room. Of course, he didn’t pay her any attention. He was too busy admiring the porcelain beauty sitting next to him. Somehow, he conveniently found a way to stay close to Natalie’s side as the eventful weekend unfolded. With the last event (the wedding reception) near the end, he knew she would be leaving soon. Joshua had already carried his blushing bride off (literally) and the other guests were slowly vacating the room. He stood in the doorway of the terrace watching her as she stared out into the dimly-lit rose garden. She looked so lovely in her strapless, coral-colored, maid of honor’s dress. It was obvious that she was sad about something; but then again, so was he. However, he seriously doubted that they were sad for the same reasons.

Hey, it’s too chilly for you to be out here with your arms bare. Noah said, as he took off his tuxedo jacket and draped it over her shoulders. The jacket practically swallowed the 5 foot, petite-size doll. Still, he liked seeing his jacket wrapped around her.

Natalie looked up at him with a smile. Thank you again. It seems that I’ve had something to thank you for from the moment I met you. You, Noah Hale, have been my knight in shining armor. First, you saved me the embarrassment of disrupting dinner by trying to find a seat after my tardiness. Then, you were nice enough to take me back to the airport to retrieve my missing luggage. And moreover to outdo yourself, you showed up early to rehearse the wedding march with me that I missed, Natalie paused to snuggle up in the warmth of the spicy smelling jacket. And now this. She intentionally left out the fact that he also saved her from another pointless argument with her mother. After finally convincing her mother that she would be fine taking a commercial flight to the wedding (first class of course), instead of one of her father’s private jets, her missing luggage would have been all the ammunition her mother needed to intervene once again.

Noah gave a rueful chuckle. Some knight I am. Here you are standing out here all alone with that sad look on your face. It’s obvious something is bothering you. I know I’m no substitute for Samira or Sidney for that matter, but I am a good listener.  So, don’t make me break my good record. Tell me what’s wrong. Maybe I can help.

Natalie had to calm down the fluttering in her stomach. Something about Noah made her feel unhinged, yet totally excited. Every conversation she had with him was as if he cared what she had to say. For a while, she was starting to feel as if she didn’t have a voice at all, because no one else was listening to her. Taking in a deep breath she turned and looked up at him again. Have you ever dreaded being somewhere or doing something that you really didn’t want to do, but knew you had to anyway?

Noah’s thoughts quickly went to the conversation he had with his father just a few short days ago. He still remembered how happy his father was when he told him that he was the one God called to take his place. He was grateful that his father insisted that he take some time before they started the transition. Because he knew, once they did there was no turning back for him. Noah’s eyes drifted over to the huge ring weighing down Natalie’s third finger on her left hand. The ring looked more like it was staking a claim with a big stop sign attached, rather than showing a declaration of love. Finally looking into her eyes, he said, Yes I do, but sometimes there’s a really thin line between what we want to do and what we have to do. He couldn’t help looking at the ring again.

Natalie turned back to stare out into the garden. This has been such a blissful weekend. It almost made me forget… She stopped, letting her words hang in the wind. Inhaling another deep nostril-filled breath of the garden’s floral scent, she sighed. I know it may sound silly, but sometimes I wish I could just disappear. Well, at least for a while.

Noah didn’t like the melancholy of her words. No, I don’t think that’s silly at all. Everyone can use some time away to themselves at some point. So, what’s stopping you? Why don’t you take a little time away for yourself?

Natalie hissed. I wish it was that simple. Besides, there isn’t really anyplace that I could go without easily being found. Her shoulders sank down into the oversized jacket. Like you just said, we have to do what needs to be done.

Noah pulled out his wallet, retrieving one of his business cards. I have an ink pen in the inside of my jacket pocket. Could you hand it to me please, he asked. Natalie searched the jacket pocket for the ink pen and handed it to him. Noah scribbled something on the back of the card. My private number is on the front and I wrote my home address on the back. He took her hand and placed the card in it. If you ever need to talk, you can call me anytime. Then he looked deep into her eyes. And, if you ever want to get away and not be found, my home is open to you.

That was exactly one month ago.

Still staring at her, he could tell that every detail he remembered about her was all there-only better. Her honey-glazed, walnut-colored complexion was more radiant than before. Her deep-set, whiskey-colored eyes were even more intoxicating, and her wind-tossed, silky-long, dark auburn hair fanned around her beautiful oval face. He inwardly smiled at how her conservative style of dress that he’d remembered was still there as well. The blue and green short-sleeved, round-necked dress she was wearing was knee-length and gathered in pleats at the mid-section.  It was gracefully showing off her tiny waist, but hugged just enough to see her subtle curves.  Her petite feet stood in 3-inch navy blue pumps, which displayed her sexy fit legs. Her entire persona screamed ‘lady’ and her innocence only added to her appeal.

Natalie nervously gazed up at Noah, who she was sure that she’d just dragged out of bed. The form-fitting t-shirt, low-riding pajama pants and bare feet he stood in told her so. She was starting to feel even more foolish than she already did. When she packed her bags and slipped out in the middle of the night headed for the airport, she felt as if she was running on auto-pilot. Subconsciously, she had no idea where she was going, but as crazy as it was, she wasn’t surprised that she ended up there.  She only spent a short time with Noah, but there was something about their encounter that lingered; at least it did for her. The superbly-built, intense man she’d met had the kind of presence that demanded attention. His handsome face was hard to read, but at the same time he was totally approachable. Talking with him (as brief as it was) made her feel more confident about herself than she had in a long time. For as long as she could remember, she had always second guessed her decisions. Or more so, her mother did for her. Her mother always had an opinion concerning decisions that she as an adult was very capable of making on her own. She knew her mother meant well, but sometimes she wished that her mother would trust her judgment more. Like now, she could hear her mother detest of her showing up at Noah’s door-steps unexpected.

‘Oh Natalie, his invitation was just a polite gesture, not meant to be taken literally. Really dear, you should’ve known better.’ This time maybe her mother might’ve been right.

Natalie finally forced herself to meet his stare. I…I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have showed up at your home like this. I just needed to get away and I had nowhere else to go. She quickly angled her eyes in a different direction because the way Noah was looking back at her was as if he could see down into her soul; and she wasn’t quite sure what he might find there. I’m sorry to have bothered you.  I should’ve thought things out more clearly. I’ll go…

DON’T! Noah yelled, cringing at his own forcefulness, but he didn’t want her to leave. He remembered how she dreaded to return home. He wanted then to take her home with him and protect her from whatever it was she didn’t want to return to, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t because he knew that she belonged to another. He took a side glance at her hand, silently groaning his disappointment that the globe-sized diamond still occupied the third finger on her left hand. He looked down at her luggage sitting by her side, then back at her. He reached out and lightly squeezed her arm. Please, don’t leave. My invitation still stands. You’re more than welcome to stay as long as you’d like.

Even with Noah’s kind words, Natalie still felt foolish. What twenty-eight-year-old grown woman runs away from home? Nevertheless, she just couldn’t endure one more argument with her mother over her pending wedding. Most brides loved all the fuss over planning their wedding. Not Natalie. What she wanted was for the whole thing to be over and done with. Her fiancé, Dean Westley III was the son of one of her father’s closest friends and business associates. With their father’s being friends, Natalie and Dean’s path crossed many of times, but they were nothing more than passing acquaintances.  It was her mother that orchestrated their first date. Dean was a nice enough guy, but Natalie never had any romantic notions about him; still she didn’t see the harm in dating him. As the CFO of his father’s holdings in the hotel and resorts business, he was known for taking high risks with big payoffs, which normally kept him well occupied. Natalie didn’t mind that he didn’t have a lot of time for her, because the blushing bride she was not. She had come to learn that Dean had a controlling nature that she really didn’t care for. Even the way he proposed was controlled in a way that made it almost impossible for her to say no.

Natalie tried to smile. Noah, thank you. You don’t know how much I appreciate your generosity. She wished she could’ve just hidden out in a hotel, but she knew that wasn’t an option. Dean was majorly connected in the hotel industry due to the numerous hotels his family owned; not to mention her own family. She would have been found even before the key card could’ve been coded. Staying with Samira or Sidney (the only two real friends she had) wasn’t an option either. It would have been the first place her mother looked and she really didn’t want to drag her friends into her drama. She was sure that her little disappearing act had been discovered and her mother probably already contacted Dean, (who would surely hit the roof), but she would deal with that later. For the next three weeks, Dean was scheduled to be out of the country on business, so this would be her only chance to have some time to herself before the wedding.

Woof, woof. Satchmo, Noah’s best friend and canine barked. The bronzed colored, golden retriever finally decided to show up and act like a dog should by barking at the stranger.

Natalie jumped, placing her hand on her chest. Oh my, you have a dog.

NO!  Noah yelled, but too late to stop her. Natalie was already down on her knees rubbing the dog. ‘Well I’ll be.’ Noah couldn’t believe his eyes. Satchmo was actually letting her rub him and he seemed to be enjoying it. That was definitely a first. For Satchmo to be a boy dog, he was really finicky when it came to women touching him. The only women Satchmo would even allow near him were the women in Noah’s family. Even when walking him, he had to be careful not to let any strange women get too close, because Satchmo would get snappy. As for the women he dated on occasion it wasn’t a problem, because he never brought any of them home with him. Natalie was the first and at the moment, he was glad she was there. He watched how Satchmo’s eyes seemed to roll to the back of his head as Natalie rubbed him in his favorite spot behind his ears. ‘Lucky dog.’

What’s his name, she asked glazing up at him.

Noah chuckled. His name is Satchmo. He’s named after one of my all-time favorite jazz performers, Louie Armstrong.

Natalie giggled at the way Satchmo rubbed up against her. I like that. Louie is one of my favorites as well. She gave Satchmo a hug. I think the name fits you just fine.

Noah grabbed Natalie’s luggage. Please forgive me for leaving you standing out here so long. I promise I have more manners than that. He gladly stepped aside to let her in and got a whiff of the same signature scent that he remembered so well. The exquisite scent didn’t fail to cause a stir within him just as it did before. He quickly and discreetly adjusted himself in the thin satin pajama pants. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he was some horny, uncontrollable pervert.

Natalie sweetly smiled up at him. Again, I really appreciate you being so generous.

The honor is all mine, he said, before turning to lead the way.

Natalie couldn’t help smiling as she followed behind him down the short hallway and into the great room with Satchmo trotting right alongside her. Once she was inside the grandiose room, she did a slow turn-around admiring the space. To no surprise, she found it to be just like Noah; masculine yet gentle. She walked over to the white baby-grand piano and scrolled her fingers over the keys. I didn’t know you played.

Noah chuckled, sitting her luggage aside and standing to his full height of 6’2 with his arms folded across his chest. That’s because I don’t. This room seemed like it could use one, so there it sits. But, I understand from Samira that you do. You’re more than welcome to play it anytime you want. There was other thing he learned about her from his shameless questioning of his new sister-in-law Samira. He already knew that the three of them, which included their other friend Sidney, met while attending school in Paris. According to Samira, Natalie was the only child of her bi-racial parents. Her African-American mother, was raised by her single parent mother after lung cancer claimed the life of Natalie’s grandfather. Her mother grew up in a middle-class neighborhood outside of Detroit, while Natalie’s white father and his very wealthy family were from the more privileged part of New York City. Despite her father’s family wealth, he insisted on making his own way. And he did. Without any help from his family, he became one of the richest men in the hotel and resorts industry. But what intrigued Noah more was how Samira described Natalie as a princess trapped in a castle. Samira felt like Natalie’s mother kept her too caged in. Natalie hardly did anything without her mother knowing and her approval. Even at school, she was forced to live in a suite at one of her father’s hotel’s that also included a personal assistant, which was nothing more than a watchful babysitter. At her age, she still lived at home with her parents at their estate near Manhattan; or at least she did until after her upcoming wedding. Samira didn’t really know too much about Natalie’s fiancé. She and Sidney were both totally shocked to learn of Natalie’s engagement. They knew about her dating Dean, but Natalie led them to believe that it wasn’t anything serious, but after showing up for her maid of honor duties wearing the monstrous ring. It was clear that it was serious. Noah could tell how uncomfortable she was at sharing the news with her friends and a room full of virtual strangers. At the time, he didn’t even know why he cared, but he was grateful to Sidney for easing her visible anxiety by blurting out to her. "Natalie, doll I love you. But there is no way in hell I’m being one of your bridesmaids." The laughter helped fade the tension right out the room.

Noah watched her as she carefully examined the majestic musical instrument with approval etched on her face. He still couldn’t believe that she was actually standing in his house. Even though he was sure she was trying to hide it, he could tell that she was nervous, but so was he. When he extended the invitation he never dreamt that she would really take him up on it. From the moment he met her, he could tell that she wasn’t like most women he knew. Natalie possessed the kind of beauty that could easily be used to arrest the lustful side of any man, but instead she portrayed just the opposite – choosing to display a more modest aura. Unable to stop himself from admiring her, he noticed that something did change about her.

You changed your hair, he said, in a deep, bass voice. Her long mane was silky black the last time he’d seen her, but he had to admit he liked the change to the dark auburn color. It was like it gave a voice to her subdued sexuality.

Natalie subconsciously ran her fingers through her hair. She had only made the spur of the moment change a few days prior and it had been the spark of her and her mother’s latest debate. It wasn’t that her mother didn’t like it, but she felt that Natalie should have waited to see what Dean would think of the change and that was the problem. She was tired of seeking the approval of others for things that should be her decision and her decision alone. How do you like it? Do you think it’s too much, she rambled the questions off, amazed that while she didn’t care what her mother or Dean thought, she did with Noah.

Noah let a shy smile slip onto his face. I love it, but of course I’m biased.

Hiding how pleased she was with his answer, she turned her attention back to the piano. She masterfully stroked a few of the fine-tuned keys, proving that she was a well familiar with the musical instrument that she’d been playing since the age of three. Growing up, her mother had her enrolled in everything from ballet class to charm school, but the piano was what she’d loved the most, which prompted her to pursue an advanced degree in music. She had performed professionally in an orchestra as well as performing as a soloist, but what she really wanted to do more than anything was teach music. That was something her mother (or more so now her fiancé) were totally against. Neither thought it was suitable that the wife of a CFO (who would someday replace his father as CEO), should be working as a music teacher. The truth was, her fiancé didn’t want her to seek any type of career. What he wanted was a wife like his own mother; one who could keep up the family’s image publicly and still able to be at his beckoning call. That was something Natalie didn’t think she could do. Again, it was like she wasn’t being heard. That’s why she had to get away. Her life was being planned for her without any input of her own. She stroked a few short melodies from the piano before moving away to take a seat on the soft, brown, leather sofa with Satchmo still by her side.

Finally, she looked up to meet the eyes that she knew had been watching her since they entered the room. The sight of him was like someone opened a bag of butterflies and released them in her belly. Everything about him appealed to her, even down to his bare feet. Either Noah had the sexiest feet she’d ever seen or maybe she simply hadn’t seen enough men bare footed. Noah, you have a lovely home, she said smiling, than added. But, it’s rather big for just one person, don’t you think?

Woof, Satchmo barked.

Natalie laughed, reaching over to rub the dog. I’m sorry boy; I meant one person and his dog.

Noah shook his head still amazed at Satchmo’s behavior towards Natalie. He noticed how Natalie sat at the edge of the sofa with her back straight, dress smoothed down and legs crossed at the ankles; lady-like all the way. Without her even saying so, he could tell that she was tired. He was willing to bet that it wasn’t just physical exhaustion that he was reading. Either way he didn’t like it.

I’ve always been the type of man that appreciated his own space and privacy. It’s hard for me to get that living in a condo or penthouse.

Natalie’s smile faded a little. She always thought that when she did finally get married she would live in a house that she and her husband would make into a home together. Dean didn’t share her thoughts. He was perfectly happy living in the presidential suite of one of his father’s hotels (just like his parents) and expected her to move in with him once they were married. He knew that she wasn’t happy about it, but he used the excuse that they needed to stay there because he had an office there where he could handle emergencies if need be. He also argued that she would appreciate having housekeeping and room service available to her without sharing their living space with the help. The fact that she wasn’t the domestic type was the main focus of his argument. It was true—she wasn’t, but that didn’t mean that she couldn’t learn. Growing up, her mother lavished her with attention. What her mother didn’t do for her, she made sure that someone else did. Her mother wanted to make sure that Natalie was raised into a well-versed socialite. She was unwavering about making sure that Natalie was accepted into the world of which she was born and anything else could be handled by the hired help.

Natalie forced her smile back in place. I hope it won’t be a problem for your staff with me staying here.

Noah’s deep laughter filled the room. I’m sure it won’t be, since I don’t have a staff.

Natalie’s eyebrows shot up as a shiver went down her spine from the sound of his husky laugh. You don’t, she uttered, looking around the immaculate room again. Well, who does all the cleaning and cooking for you if you don’t have a staff?

Noah wasn’t surprised by her reaction. That was another thing he learned about her; she was used to being surrounded by help, but Samira knew it wasn’t necessarily what she wanted, but it was something her mother insisted upon. I would love to take all the credit, but I do have a housekeeper that comes in twice a week to do the cleaning. I’m usually on the go so much that I don’t have time to do it myself. As far as cooking goes, when I’m home I do all of my own cooking. My mother is a great cook and she made sure that each of us learned how.

Noah watched as her perfect posture slouched down before she spoke. You’re very lucky to have a mother like that. My mother, as wonderful as she is had other focuses when it came to parenting. Using her hands, she made air quotes. We never did the mother/daughter things like shopping together or heaven forbid something wild like bake cookies together. My mother has always been more concerned about projecting the right image. She’s always been a social butterfly and it was important to her that I was accepted as well.

Noah smiled at her. Well, I think she has done a wonderful job. He let his arms drop to his side. Look, I know you’re probably tired from traveling, but I would really like to fix breakfast for you and give you a tour of the place first. Please, give me a few minutes to take a quick shower and change, then I’ll be right down. Noah patted his leg. C’mon boy, he called out to Satchmo.

Satchmo stood up. He looked at Noah, then back at Natalie before sitting back down on his hind legs staring at Noah.

Noah couldn’t believe it. Satchmo actually preferred to stay with Natalie—then again, so would he, but he wasn’t so sure it was a good idea that Satchmo stayed.

Natalie reached over to rub her new friend in his favorite spot again. It’s okay. I would love for him to stay and keep me company. I love dogs. When I was a little girl, I really wanted to have one, but my mother wouldn’t hear of it.

Noah could hear the sadness in her voice and wondered what else she’d been denied as a child. He looked at Natalie before looking down a Satchmo with a sternness in his eyes. Satchmo dropped his head giving a doggy whimper, fully sensing Noah’s warning. I promise I won’t be long, he said, turning to leave the room.

Noah, Natalie called out.

Yes, he said, turning back to face her.

Natalie looked down, fiddling with the ring on her finger for a few seconds before looking up. I know I’ve already asked a lot of you…but, I really would appreciate it if you didn’t mention to anyone that I was here. The less people who know I’m here the better.

Noah’s eyes narrowed at the way she was playing with her ring, but quickly shook it off. He had to stop allowing himself to go there. Not a problem, I won’t say a word.  He knew that she was referring to her friends, Samira and Sidney. Not telling was okay with him. Having her all to himself for however long he could, suited him just fine.

§§§§§

Noah closed his eyes letting the cold water soothe him. He needed the coolness of the water in more ways than one. His excitement over Natalie being there was still very raw and rightly so. He was pretty much enchanted by her from first sight. Her sophistication mixed with her cultivated beauty had him in knots.  Natalie was definitely someone he wanted to get to know on a more personal level, but with great restraints he knew he couldn’t do that. Natalie had already promised herself to another man and no matter how much he wished it wasn’t so–it was. Friends were the best he could hope for and as heart-wrenching as it was, he was willing to take what he could get. But, he could tell something wasn’t quite right. The sadness behind her smile told him so. He just wished he knew what it was. It didn’t take a genius to know that it had something to do with her fiancé. Happy brides didn’t run and hide from the man they were going to marry. But, if she was willing to accept the man’s ring she had to have some type of feelings for him. The thought of that unnerved Noah, but he quickly pushed that aside. He had no right to be jealous or assume that something wasn’t right about who she chose, especially when he didn’t even know the man.  That’s why after learning of her fiancé’s identity from Samira, he did a little snooping of his own on the internet. For all intents and purposes, Dean Westley III looked good in print. Dean was a highly respected businessman with an impeccable repetition. There was no gossip of him with other women. The only picture of him with any woman was of him and Natalie announcing their abrupt engagement. Even in the pictures her smile looked strained, (or maybe just to him it did). The one thing that Noah was certain of was that Natalie was looking for some real solitude from something, and as long as she was there with him he would make sure that she got it. For however long she wanted it.

It didn’t take long for Noah’s thoughts to drift to his own situation as guilt washed over him colder than the water shooting from the multi-functional showerhead. A pastor; how was he going to pull off being a pastor? Deceiving his father into thinking that he was the one was ripping him apart, but what choice did he have? His father was