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“No, but I can get that beer now.”
Noah nodded at both Gene and Patrick. “Nice to meet you.”
“Did you come for books or pastries?” Gene asked Noah, friendly enough.
“Maybe both,” the other guy said, smiling at the ladies. “Amanda told me so much about Sanctuary, I just had to come visit. Sorry, it took me so long. You know how hard it is to find time between the gym and Hannah. Oh, I want you to meet her.”
Who’s Hannah?
“Oh.” Amanda’s face paled a bit. “Is she here?”
“She’s at the children’s books section,” Noah said. “I was thinking you might join us for dinner if you were free tonight.”
“I…” Amanda’s gaze darted from Noah to Gene, then to Jo in a panic.
Jo, the good friend she was, scrambled to come up with something to assist her best friend. But Gene was quick to intervene.
“That sounds fun. After the week you had, you should go enjoy yourself.”
Amanda’s gaze sharpened at him as her lips parted in silent bewilderment.
A girl, whose light brown hair was neatly braided, ran to Noah with a book.
“Daddy, daddy. Can I get this book? There are funny looking creatures in them.”
“Let’s see.” Noah bent down to scan the chosen book. “This sounds interesting, sweetheart. Sure, we can get it. But first, I want you to meet a very nice friend of mine.”
Though she might feel uncomfortable that Noah sprang his daughter on her, Amanda graciously smiled and reached out her hand to the little girl for a handshake.
“Hi Hannah. It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Amanda. What a pretty braid you have there,” Amanda said.
“Daddy braided my hair for me,” the girl said.
“Where’s your manners?” Noah asked gently.
“Oh, sorry. Nice to meet you, Miss Amanda.”
The girl beamed at Amanda, showing a mouth with a couple of missing teeth.
Fuck. This guy was perfect. Tall, in great shape, personable, a business owner, and a great dad.
And he’s local. Permanently.
Gene didn’t have to witness anymore.
“Patrick and I are gonna get a drink or two,” Gene said, decision made. “You guys have a wonderful dinner. It was good meeting you, Noah.”
Patrick threw Gene a disapproving glance, but he took his cue, said some pleasantries and followed Gene out of the store.
twenty-six
What the hell just happened?
Amanda watched as Gene moved through the door, followed by Patrick. Jo gave her a sympathetic look, and a small gesture with her head to go after Gene.
But why did he just leave and tell me to go have dinner with another man?
Noah, oblivious to the tension, started talking about dinner options.
