by Vella, Wendy
“At least I can bake.”
“I’m thinking potato ice-cream,” Newman said. “Maybe with a touch of cinnamon.”
“You say cinnamon because it’s the only spice you know.” Buster threw the ball from hand to hand.
“I know parsley.”
“That’s a herb, you idiot. You stick with your pasta sauce.”
The insults got them warmed up and then they were ready. The play would be hot, fast, and physical, just what Noah needed.
He ran and took the pass and a Texan at the same time and felt the sting in his ribs. He’d be sore tomorrow. It was always a no-holds-barred game and not for the fainthearted. Noah loved it.
“Willow will kill me if the first thing our baby sees is a black eye,” Buster gritted, bracing his hands on his knees and gulping in air.
Noah made clucking noises.
“Whipped baker boy,” Jake said.
Noah jogged back and let go of the ball. It was a good spiral, if he said so himself, however the idiot catching it had hands like flippers.
“One job, McBride!”
Jake grunted as he hit the ground with Newman on top of him.
The play was hard and fast and when they were done, his shirt stuck to his body, so he tore it off and ran to the lake. Buster beat him with a war cry as he cannonballed into the cool, crisp water.
“God, that feels good,” Noah sighed, floating on his back. Above him was clear blue sky with a few wisps of cloud. It was cold, but energizing. Fall was cooling things down, but for now they could still handle swimming in the lake. Life, he had to acknowledge right then, was pretty damned good.
“I talked to Mikey again.” Jake paddled up and trod water beside him. “He was all attitude and aggression. I got him in a headlock, but he wasn’t giving anything away. Bran’s worried. Especially when Mikey didn’t take the time to read to Rose before she went to sleep. Those two love each other.”
“Home life, maybe?” Newman said.
“Maybe, but Connor seems to be getting his shit together, and their mom is back in town permanently. I thought everything there was good.”
They all thought about that as they floated about like flotsam on top of the lake.
“We need to keep an eye on him,” Jake added.
“That’s a given,” Noah added. “Do you think he could be into something he shouldn’t, Jake?”
“Like drugs?” He’d known his buddy’s sharp mind would make the leap.
“Yeah.”
“I thought about that too, but the jury is still out at the moment.”
“I’m beating the tar out of him if he is,” Brad said. “That shit messes with your head.”
When they were shivering, they dragged themselves out and sat to eat potato salad and chicken subs and drink beer.
“What’s your take on this whole potato business, green boy?” Tex asked him.
“I really don’t know. I mean, potatoes seem harmless enough, but you know my stance on that stuff and the entire industry.”
“Because Samantha worked in genetic modification, Noah.”
“I know where she worked, Newman.”
“Seems a bit narrow-minded. The woman of your dreams could work in that field, but you’d avoid her simply because of her.”
“It’s not like that. I just don’t trip over cute female scientists daily, and even if I did what the hell would I have in common with them? Noah thought his answer sounded reasonable.
“You had stuff in common with Samantha.”
“We did but that changed, and time has made me realize that going forward things would have become harder if we’d stayed together.”
“It doesn’t seem fair that you dislike all genetic modifiers—is that what they call themselves?” Buster said.
“Just scientists, I think, bud,” Newman said.
“I don’t dislike all scientists,” Noah denied wishing he’d never said as much years ago at card night. His friends had long memories.
“You do, but it’s more than just that,” Jake said. Because of Samantha and the baby you’re avoiding involvement, Noah. It has to stop.”
“Don’t hold back.”
“We’ve been holding back for years; now we’re not.”
“Whatever. I don’t want to discuss this.” The beer had gone sour in his gut. The Texans, he noted, were silent and watching. Not around when Noah had his heart ripped from his chest, they likely knew what had happened, but had decided to butt out. He wished his other friends would do the same.
“I watch you with our women when they’re pregnant. See the fear and memories, Noah. You need to deal with that. Talk to someone, Noah.”
And suddenly he was back there in Samantha’s office trying to stop the blood, trying to help his baby live. “Shut up, Jake,” his words came out harsh.
“Like you shut up when I came back with PTSD?”
Noah deliberately took a large bite of his sub and chewed. It tasked like sand.
“You’ve played a part in all our lives, yet we can’t do that with you?” Cubby persisted.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“You’ll have to one day, that shit festers inside you otherwise,” Buster said. “Besides, when I went through all that crap with Jessica, you had plenty to say.”
Noah said nothing.
“So, Lani,” Tex said. “She’s nice.”
It was out of left field and didn’t ease the tension inside him.
“Really sweet. In fact, I think you should ask her out on a date, Noah,” Newman said.
“What?” He choked and then spat food all over his legs. “Why would you say something like that? The woman is not my type. She dresses like a man, and it’s like conversing with a mouse.”
All lies. He didn’t care what Lani wore. She also had a sharp mind and sweet laugh when she let her guard down.
“Do you mean she’s nothing like the women who want no commitment, just a bit of fun?” Jake asked. “And I didn’t think you were that shallow.”
He had a calm look in his eyes, but it was serious, and Noah had a feeling they’d been talking about him before today, because they all had that look.
“Clearly you don’t know me, because I am shallow.”
“She’s nice, and has brains—”
“The women I date have brains!”
“Sure they do,” Newman soothed. “But we just want more for you, Noah.”
“With Lani? No way. The woman is uptight and nervous. Not my type,” he lied. “Plus, she’s leaving town soon.”
“Your type of woman is not working,” Brad pointed out.
“Look, she’s been here a few days, no more. None of you know her or her past. She lives in her Bronco and is clearly running from something. Even if I was interested, which I’m not, she’s way to messed-up for me.” This was the third time he’d been confronted about Lani today. It had to stop.
“She lives in her car?” Buster whistled. “That’s just plain sad.”
“I told Mrs. C, and she came up with a story to get Lani to stay above the shop.”
“So that is why there is a crime spree suddenly sweeping Lake Howling,” Buster added. “I still believe Lani would be good for you, Noah. Maybe you can help her to stop running.”
“Just because you’re all loved up doesn’t mean I want to be, so leave it alone, will you?”
“It’s just because we love you, bud.”
“I knew you were going to pull that one out. It’s your go-to when you want to win a point.” Noah scowled at Tex.
“You’re our brother, and because of that we want you happy, not just existing,” Jake said calmly.
Noah suddenly felt like he was choking. Like his throat had closed over. He got to his feet.
“I don’t want to be loved up, and I’m happy with things the way they are. So butt out of my life and concentrate on your own!” He hadn’t meant to roar, but for some reason he was panicking.
“No need to get ben
t out of shape, bud.”
“There is every fucking need.” Noah glared at Buster. “I’m done.”
Noah turned and started jogging. He remembered a few times his friends had done this in the past, when they’d taken a grilling just like Noah had. He now knew what they’d been feeling.
He needed the calm the Redwoods brought him. He took a trail up, winding between the giants that had been a part of his life since he was old enough to acknowledge them.
He was soon sweating again as he pushed himself harder, trying to outrun the words his friends had just thrown at him. The rational part of his brain knew they’d been said out of love. Knew it, but still hated they’d been so accurate. Noah avoided scientists. He was commitment phobic, and that time with Samantha had scarred him badly. But he hadn’t realized they’d seen that too until recently.
Nearing the top the ridge, he cut right into the deeper part of the trails. Slowing, he then simply walked, letting the silence and power of the trees surround him. Calm him.
“Ouch!”
He hadn’t seen her sitting there. So preoccupied, Noah tripped over Lani and landed beside her with a thud.
“Noah, are you okay?”
He rolled and sat up, trying to gather his dignity around him. He noticed she’d been wearing earbuds so hadn’t heard him approach. In her hand was a large jar of peanut butter.
“I am. How about you?”
She was rubbing her foot. “Let me take a look.”
“No. It’s okay, I’ll be fine.”
“Lani. I’m double your weight and stepped on you. Let me look.”
She scooted back, clutching her jar of peanut butter.
“Hungry?”
She nodded.
“You should try some bread with that.”
She nodded again, watching him as he followed her and grabbed her ankle.
“Wh-what are you doing?”
“Checking I didn’t hurt you.” He unlaced her ugly boot. Stripping off the sock, he looked at the red mark on the top of her foot.
“Ouch.”
“It’s okay. Nothing damaged.” She tried to tug her foot out of his grip, but Noah held tight, then ran his hand up her calf.
“You never wear shorts.”
“I-I went walking. Jeans are too hot.”
“So, is the peanut butter helping? I remember you saying that was a favorite food of yours and how it gave you clarity when you had things to work through.”
“Ah, not today. I just wanted to walk after work and needed to stop for a snack.”
“Liar.”
She tried to tug her foot free, but he simply tightened his grip.
“Noah.” His name was a sigh.
“Lani.” Her name sounded like a ragged plea from his lips.
Chapter Nineteen
She couldn’t breathe. His eyes were fierce as they held hers, and suddenly her body was flooded with heat. Need clenched in her stomach, and she wanted to reach out and grab him. He was sweaty, clothes old and ripped, and so hot her mouth watered.
“Wh-where have you been?” If she talked, maybe she could keep these feelings inside her at bay.
“Playing ball with the guys.” The words were harsh, his breathing rapid.
“I… ah, I’m not good at that.”
His hands were stroking her skin, sending heat waves through her body. “I thought we moved past that at Rose’s birthday, and actually you were quite good with the ball.”
His fingers on her calf sent little tingles through her body.
“That was just once. I-I… a lucky break.”
“So we’ll have to play again.” His voice was deep and sinful.
“Noah, we shouldn’t.” She couldn’t ignore what he was doing to her any longer, because the heat was licking through her now. “Remember what we d-decided…. Oh, Lord.” His hand traveled up, thumb stroking inward, touching the cotton of her panties. So close. She tingled as if he’d touched her there. Lani couldn’t seem to pull away, craved the contact, his touch, and the feeling of being close to him.
He straddled her, bracing his knees on either side of her thighs. He then tilted her chin and kissed her. Hot, fierce, and any number of adjectives, it had her moaning in seconds. Memories of that night and the feelings he’d produced inside her had Lani sliding her hands under his shirt to feel his big, hot body.
“I know we shouldn’t,” he whispered against her lips, “but I can’t seem to stop wanting you.”
“I know, me too.” Lani acknowledged his words for the truth. Acknowledged how she’d felt seeing him again and the subsequent times after that.
He stripped off her shirt, then his lips were there, teasing her breasts through her bra. There was nothing gentle about him this time, nor did she want that. Lani wanted him to ease the ache inside her, and she wanted it now.
“Can’t wait.” She tugged up his head and hauled his shirt up his body. “Now, Noah.”
He stripped her in seconds, then lay her down on the pile of clothing. His fingers stroked her damp flesh, teasing, tormenting until she grabbed a handful of his hair and tugged. “Now, damn you!”
“Shit.” His jaw clenched.
“What?”
“No condom.”
“I’m on the pill, have had a checkup, and am clean. You?” Lani should have asked this question last time, but she’d been unable to think.
“Yup.” He parted her legs and slid slowly inside her. Silken tissues stretched to accommodate him, and both of them moaned. “So good, Lani.” He drove in and out of her and the tension climbed.
She held on, wrapping her arms and legs around him and not letting go as he took her to that place, sending wave after wave of pleasure through Lani.
“Let go for me now, baby.”
She felt it then, that wonderful pleasure approaching. Shuddering, she did as he asked. He followed, and she was pretty sure she’d pass out from the experience. Breathless, sated, they both took a few minutes. He rolled to one side and trapped her hand on his chest.
Above them, weak light dappled their bodies as the Redwoods shielded them. It was quiet, beautiful, and Lani couldn’t remember a time in the last four years when she’d felt so close to another person.
“I can’t believe we just did that here, where anyone could have seen us.” She felt the need to say something.
“No one comes this far off the trails, usually… except you. Why were you sitting here alone?”
“Mrs. C came back and said I needed to go for a walk. Buddy’s here somewhere. He and I were exploring and found this place. I was sitting and listening to some music. Having some alone time.”
“I thought you were staying above the shop now. Isn’t that alone enough for you?” His hand was in her hair, running softly through it. It felt wonderful.
“It is. But I wanted to explore the trails and ended up here. The Redwoods are magical.”
“They are. I’ve lived my entire life with them, and I’m still in awe.”
Silence settled around them, and Lani wasn’t sure why, but she felt at peace. That thought scared her enough that she got to her feet and tugged her clothes out from beneath him.
Noah had said after the meeting earlier that she was running from something. How had she forgotten that? How had she forgotten that he was a risk to her?
“What’s the hurry?” He lay there watching her dress, his large body naked and sated. He looked like a relaxed jungle cat.
“I need to find Buddy and get back. I-I have to sort out my bed for tonight and move in my clothes.”
“I can help.”
“No!”
Silence settled between them, and suddenly it was tense and uncomfortable.
“Noah. This can’t happen again.”
He got slowly to his feet.
“Why?” He bent to pick up his shorts. “We both enjoyed it, and neither of us want more than sex.”
He was right, of course, she didn’t want more, so why did it hurt hearing the
words?
“No. I don’t want to do it again,” Lani said.
“Why not? Surely you’re not the happily ever after kind of girl? Because if you’re dreaming about that, I’m not your guy. But if you want some fun while you’re here, then I am.”
He looked cold and shut off now, and as she wore that particular expression most days, she knew what it meant.
“I’m not dreaming of happy ever afters, but neither do I want more. This happened, and we need to forget it. I promised Mrs. C I’d work the next two weeks, and after that I’m gone.”
“Sweet. So we know where we stand then. Sex, but nothing more.”
“No more sex,” she managed to get out.
“But you enjoyed it as much as I did, and now you’re going to be next door to me. Why not?” He sounded reasonable and unemotional, and again, she should be happy about that. “Why not scratch that itch when required?”
She’d been an itch?
“So I’m an itch that needs scratching?”
“That came out wrong—”
“No.” Lani backed away as he advanced on her. “No, it probably came out just right, and to be honest, I don’t want more… or any more sex with you. So thanks, but no thanks. Bye.”
“Lani, wait.”
Ignoring him, she ran back to the trail and down it with far too much speed. Tripping, she rolled. She couldn’t even make a clean exit without embarrassing herself. Buddy burst onto the path beside her, barking with excitement.
“Now you show up.”
The thud of feet had her scrambling to hers. Noah was following. She ran as fast as she could with Buddy following. Reaching the road, she slowed to a jog and hoped he didn’t catch her. Soon her sides were heaving. Buddy didn’t look like the exercise was bothering him.
The sound of an engine had her moving to the side and clicking her fingers so he followed. She then waited for a car to pass. It didn’t.
“Want a ride?” Hope lowered the window.
“No, thanks, we’ll just run.”
“Doesn’t look much fun, and there’s plenty of room in the back for Buddy.”
“If you’re sure.” Lani didn’t see Noah, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t appear. He knew those trails and likely a shortcut back to town.