by Vella, Wendy
“So, Noah. Pressed your suit for the auction yet?” Newman said, slouching in his chair. The guy could slouch sitting on a piece of wood.
“At the cleaners as we speak.” Noah studied the hand he’d been dealt. He was seated at a table with Newman, Buster, Joe Trainer, and Declan. Jake, his dad, Fin Hudson, and the Texans sat at another.
“My money is on Faith cleaning up this year. She’s the better-looking twin, let’s be honest.”
“No competition,” Buster added.
“Fuck off, we all know I’ll be the major draw card.”
“Au contraire,” Fin drawled. “Your special celebrity guest will raise the most money.”
“You’re not a celebrity,” Joe said. “You’re a loser, is what you are.”
They argued, and Declan or Patrick kept things on track. Noah loved every minute of it.
“So, Lani,” Tex said. “What’s the deal there, Noah?”
“No deal.”
“Definitely a deal. I saw them hugging on the street just before you all arrived.”
“Shut up, Buster,” Noah snarled at his friend.
“You made my life hell when Willow was in town. I’m just returning the favor, bud.”
“She’s nice, kind of secretive and closed off, but nice,” Jake said. “Rose likes her.”
“Willow is opening up though, don’t you think?” Noah said. “I mean, she’s the outgoing Griffin now.”
“Very amusing, and you know we’re talking about Lani,” Buster said.
“Lani, the girl we met in the general store, right?” Joe Trainer asked. “She’s cute.”
“And you’re married,” Noah snapped, then wished he’d just taken a mouthful of beer like he’d intended.
“Okay, that pretty much confirms you’re feeling something,” Tex said. “And you two are real cute together.”
“I have never been cute a day in my life.” Noah laid down a card, and Declan groaned.
Cubby chose that moment to wander in, to Noah’s relief. “No more gossip until I’m seated with a beer in my hand. Been a shit day, and I need a distraction.”
Cubby pulled out a seat at his table and fell into it. “Continue,” he added when he was handed a drink.
“Why was your day crap?” Noah asked instead.
“That corporation that owns the potato operation are pissed that their name is going to be dirtied because Pretty Boy was using them as a front for his drug operation. They want to keep things quiet and are leaning hard on me to do just that.”
“Set Katie on them,” Jake said. “That girl is mean.”
Cubby’s grin was wide. “She had a few choice words to say to them, but I don’t think they’re backing off. Pretty Boy is singing from the rooftops about how he was set up and reeling off names that made him do it. His lawyer is about apoplectic trying to get him to shut up. The big boys are coming to town tomorrow to take Trask away, and I have to say, I’m pleased about that.”
“I hope you roughed him up a bit for Mikey, seeing as you wouldn’t let me near him,” Jake said.
“He may or may not have received a black eye falling into the cell when he tripped on Katie’s boot. I’m neither confirming nor denying that.”
“I love my sister.”
“Me too.” Cubby raised his drink.
“We’ll deal you in the next hand and you can lose some money. That’ll make you feel better,” Noah said.
They played, they talked and argued, and ate pizza. It was a night like so many others that Noah was pleased to have been part of. The McBrides and Declan left first, and the others straggled out after that until only Brad, Tex, and Newman were left.
“Macy thinks Lani is in some kind of trouble,” Brad said. His eyes looked a bit squinty, which suggested he’d had a few beers to many, but then most of them looked that way now.
“Why does she think that?” Noah was suddenly alert at the mention of Lani.
“She said Lani has the same look in her eyes that she once had. Like she’s scared of something and trying to hide it.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen it, but Macy would know what that’s about,” Noah said.
Brad swallowed a mouthful of coffee. “I tell you, it about rips my heart out when she talks like that.”
“She’s not scared anymore, bro,” Tex said. “She’s loved.”
“She is that,” Brad added.
“What do you know about Lani, Noah?” Newman asked.
“Should we be talking about her like this? Smacks of gossip to me, and I’m sure it’s not right,” Noah said, hoping they’d agreed.
“Piss off, you’re just like Buster. You both know more about what’s going on in this town than anyone,” Newman said.
“People like to talk to us, we’re open and friendly.” Noah shot Buster a look, then added, “Well, I am anyway.”
“The point here is that we mean Lani no harm. We’re concerned about her,” Tex added.
Why not? He trusted these men and knew not one word of what was spoken would leave this room. “She slept in her car when she first arrived, as you already know,” Noah said slowly. “She’s carrying secrets for sure.”
“You need to get those secrets out of her, bud,” Tex said.
“She told me she’s in danger and has been running for four years.”
Newman whistled. “From who or what?”
“I don’t know that, but I know it’s bad, and I think someone wants her dead.”
“The hell you say.” Brad looked angry.
“Makes a man wonder why,” Tex added.
“And then some. I told her she’s not allowed to leave town without telling me.”
“Because you care about her,” Newman added.
“We talked, me and Lani, about Samantha and the baby. It helped, I’m not gonna lie, and I felt better for it. She made me see things a bit differently.”
“Nice, and long overdue, it has to be noted,” Tex said.
“So you and Lani, you’ve been a thing is my guess?”
“A thing?” Noah looked at Brad.
“Sex,” Tex added. “Brad’s just being polite.”
“I’m not sure why that’s something you need to know.”
“I’m just seeing how involved you are and if we should be worried now you’ve told us she’s on the run,” Tex said.
“I just had a thought,” Newman said.
“Just the one?”
“Shut up and listen, Noah, this is important. If she is in danger and whoever she is running from catches up with her, that could spell danger for you.”
“How so?”
“Because if you care about her, you’re likely to want to protect her.”
“I just had a thought too,” Brad said.
“Let’s hear it.” Noah waved a hand at him.
“Lani Sullivan is probably not her real name if she’s running.”
“Already thought of that, and she didn’t deny it when I spoke to her about it. Plus, Katie told me there was no sign of her on the internet.”
“Okay, that is weird and confirms the name thing. I mean, you only need to burn your toast and it ends up on there,” Brad said. “So what happens now?”
“We watch and wait, and you”–Newman pointed at Noah–“need to get more information out of her so we know what could be coming our way. Hell, it’s not like we haven’t done this shit before. Drugs, criminals, we’ve had it all here.”
“I don’t honestly know if Lani will stay,” Noah said softly, and the words left a pain in his chest.
“But you want her to?”
He nodded.
“Then make it happen, and we’ll deal with whatever comes her way,” Newman said.
These were friends, Noah thought. Real ones, and it was humbling that with a word from him they’d do what was needed to make Lani safe.
“Thanks seems a bit inadequate, and yet thanks anyway.”
“Gotcha back, bud. I just hope you don’t need us,” Tex added.
Chapter Thirty-One
Something woke Lani, and it wasn’t Buddy or Bandit. Letting herself out of bed, she hurried down the stairs. The knock came again.
“Lani, it’s me.”
“Noah?” Opening the door, she found him standing there. “What are you doing here at this hour? Is everything all right?”
“Yes, and I wanted to see you.”
Her heart did not just melt inside her chest. He looked rumpled, his long-sleeved T-shirt had a stain down the front, and she smelled pizza and beer on him.
“How did card night go?”
“Let me in and I’ll tell you.”
She shouldn’t, really shouldn’t. Standing back, she opened the door.
“I like your sleepwear.”
Lani felt everywhere his eyes traveled.
“It’s a T-shirt.”
“Who’d it belong to, because I’m not sure I want you wearing anyone else’s clothes.” His smile was slow and sexy, and the tension between them could be cut with a knife.
“My dad.”
“Okay, you can wear it.”
“You want some coffee?”
“No, I want you.”
She couldn’t find any words to answer that.
“Now, on that bench or upstairs in your bed, I’m not worried where.”
“I can’t believe you’re speaking that way.” Lani took a step back. He grabbed her hand and held her in place. “Noah, this is not a good idea.”
“Best one I’ve had in days, and I don’t want to fight this need I have for you anymore, Lani. Let me take you to bed.”
“You smell of beer and pizza, which tells me that you’re not thinking rationally.”
“My head is clear, and I know what I want.”
She sniffed again, her nose wrinkling.
“Okay, let’s shower then. I may need to borrow your toothbrush though, as I didn’t bring mine.”
Before she could say a word, Noah had swung her into his arms. Lani grabbed his neck and held on as he climbed the stairs.
“What are you doing? Put me down.”
“I will when we get to where I want to go. Hey, Buddy, Bandit.”
The dog lifted its head from the bed Lani had bought him and that he used occasionally when it suited him, and wuffled, then went back to sleep. Bandit was curled up beside him and hadn’t twitched. Noah walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him using his foot.
“This is silly, Noah. I just had a shower.” Lani tried to back away, but he held her wrist as he turned on the water.
“You missed a bit.” He pulled her in and placed a large hot hand over one breast. “Let me get that for you.” Noah leaned down and sucked on her nipple through the shirt, and Lani moaned as heat arrowed down to her groin.
“I like it when you moan.” He stripped off her nightshirt. His clothes were next, and Lani could do nothing to stop her eyes roving all over him.
“Let’s go.” He nudged her into the shower stall. Noah followed. He then bent to pick up the soap, and began to wash her.
“I d-don’t need washing.”
“Sure you do.”
He was thorough, lathering every inch of her and paying special attention to her breasts.
“I-I think that’s enough.”
“Nowhere near it.” He placed a steaming hot kiss on her lips. She met him, wrapping her arms around him, pulling his head closer. His body felt so good pressed to hers.
“More, Lani,” he whispered against her lips.
“Yes.”
He boosted her up his body and then braced her against the wall. Seconds later, he’d thrust deep inside.
“You feel good, baby.” He took her mouth again as he withdrew. His movements were excruciatingly slow, her muscles clenching and releasing as he took her on a sensual journey. Lani’s body was screaming for release as the tension inside her climbed. When he thrust harder, she lost it, moaning long and loud.
When he lowered her to the floor, sanity returned. “I’ll get out.” Lani tried to brush by him, but he held her in place.
“Not yet.”
He washed them both again, and Lani refused to admit how special it felt to have someone care for her.
“Stop thinking.”
“I can’t help the thoughts that come into my head, Noah.”
“For tonight, put them away.”
He shut off the water and got out. Taking a towel off the rack Hank had installed, he opened it. She attempted to take it, but he shook his head.
“I know you’re independent and likely had to be considering the fact you’ve been on the run for four years. But tonight, let me be there for you.”
Lani stepped out, and he wrapped the towel around her, then held her close while he dried her back. It was bliss.
They went to her bed, and he pulled back the covers and motioned her in.
“Goodnight, Noah.”
“I’m staying.” He climbed in beside her and pulled her into his arms. “Now go to sleep, I’m tired.”
“I was asleep.”
“Excellent, then you know how to do it.”
She fell asleep smiling.
…
The next day started a pattern for Lani and Noah, a pattern she never thought she’d experience. He’d asked her to take a chance on them, and she’d decided to do it.
Each night she slept with Noah, here or in his room at the Howler. She didn’t want to think about anything further than tomorrow, and for now that was enough. Noah asked her questions about her past, and she told him most things, but not the serious stuff. She’d keep that inside her until she knew what to do about it.
Wandering up the street with Buddy, she opened the door of the Hoot. Today was her half day. Mrs. C was manning the Howlery, her back had improved, and Lani decided to get a coffee and sit on the bank for a while. Noah was working, and besides, she couldn’t spend all her time with him, no matter how much she wanted to.
“Shit!” Buster burst out of the kitchen as she reached the counter.
“What? Tell me Buddy didn’t steal your dough again?”
“No. Willow just called. She’s in labor.” He looked pale and shaky.
“Okay. So you need to go now, and I’ll stay here. I can make coffee and sell stuff, but I can’t cook anything because you’ll never have repeat business. Give me a quick rundown on things, and I’ll be here until closing.”
“We’ll just shut.” He looked at the food cabinets. “It doesn’t matter about the cakes in the oven.”
“Stop.” Lani raised a hand. “Take a breath and tell me what needs to be done. I’ve worked a coffee machine and a till. Just tell me how to lock up.”
He grabbed her and hugged her close. She could feel the tension in his big body.
“It’ll be okay, Buster. Willow is going to do great.”
“I’m scared.” The words were a hoarse whisper.
“Which is natural, but right now you need to get it together and go home to her.”
“Right. You’re right.” He exhaled slowly.
She managed to get the information she needed out of him, and the keys to lock up.
“Now, go.” She kissed his cheek. “And tell Willow good luck.”
“Thank you, Lani, really. I’ll contact Connor. I know he’s busy today but he can take over things until I can get back.”
“I can help. I know how to bake and make coffee. So my services are there if and when you need them. We’re quiet in the Howlery at the moment, and I know Mrs. C won’t mind.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
He ran out the door. Lani did the dishes that were in the sink and pulled the cakes out of the oven when the timer went off. Finding Buster’s to-do list taped to the wall, she looked it over. Some of that she could do, and chances were he was going to be busy for a few days at least.
Lani knew that voice and felt her heartbeat start to race. Walking out of the kitchen, she found Noah and Faith at the counter.
“Hey, you.” He smiled at her. “Where’s Buster?”
“Willow is in labor.”
The smile fell away.
“Oh, for the love of God.” Faith rolled her eyes. “We’ve been through this. Not everyone is like Samantha and will miscarry. Willow is going to be fine.”
“She is, Noah. What Faith said is true.” It was instinctive for her to walk around the counter and place a hand on his arm. She needed to comfort him, and before she would have held back, but not now, not with what lay between them.
“You’re right. I know you’re right.” His hand rested on hers. “Thanks.” His phone chose that moment to ring. “Just excuse me for a minute, will you.”
“So, you’re looking after this place for Buster?” Faith looked at her, but there was no smile.
“I am.”
She shot a look behind her to where her twin now stood outside the door on the street.
“Don’t hurt him, Lani. He’s suffered enough, so if this is a game for you, finish it now and leave.”
Looking into the eyes identical to Noah’s, Lani knew that if she had a brother who’d suffered like Noah, she would be saying these things, but it still hurt.
“I would never hurt him.”
“Maybe not intentionally, but we both know your life is transient and Noah’s is here. He’s not leaving for you, so if you are serious about him you need to understand that.”
“I didn’t ask him to leave for me and never would, Faith. Lake Howling is his home. We’re just friends.”
“I have eyes, Lani. This is more than friendship. I thought at first a few dates would be good for him, but this is turning into so much more.”
Faith looked behind her again and saw Noah had finished his call.
“I like you but know nothing about you or your past, and that scares me.”
“Faith—”
“I’m protective of my brother, and I have a feeling you could hurt him badly, so keep your distance or leave town if you are not serious.”