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I let out a long breath. “She said she was moving the money because of Elliot’s gambling addiction. She took it out to hide it from him so he wouldn’t spend it.”
Noah shakes his head, and we sit in silence for a few passing moments. Eventually, he speaks up. “I don’t know if I really believe that.”
“That’s what I was thinking too,” I explain. “I know people can relapse with addictions, but I also know how hard Elliot worked to stop gambling. Plus, no one around town has said anything about it. When he was gambling hard-core, it was all anyone talked about. Lawton Ridge would’ve gotten word about it by now, and we all would’ve known.”
“You’re right. People don’t really tell me anything anymore, but I know Belinda would've brought it up in passing. Even Dad would’ve mentioned something or at least tried to reach out to him even if it wouldn’t have gotten anywhere,” Noah explains. “It seems like she’s using that excuse to cover up the real reason.”
I nod. “She wants to see Owen, and I told her I’d think about it. I don’t feel comfortable letting him be around her.”
“It’s your decision, Katie. You have to do what’s best for your son,” he encourages.
I give him a smile. “I won’t allow him to see her, and I won’t stop asking questions until I figure this out.”
He winces, and I reach for him, placing my hand on his thigh.
“You okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, just every once in a while, if I sit in one position too long, my muscles freeze up.” His mouth turns up, and he slightly relaxes. “I’m fine, baby, but it’s cute to see you worried about me.”
“I’ll always worry about you, Noah.” I press my lips against his. The kiss deepens, and our tongues tangle in a slow dance. By the time we pull apart, I’m breathless but also greedily want more. I change the subject as I squeeze my legs together. Noah notices but keeps his comments to himself. “Owen was pretty upset that our Star Wars night was canceled.”
“I was bummed out about it too,” he admits, and I love how genuine he is when it comes to hanging out with Owen. “Let’s plan another night soon. I promise I’ll make it worth the wait.”
“He’d love that so much.”
Noah gives me a wink, then looks at the clock on his wall. “You should probably get going. I don’t want you driving around so late.”
“You’re right. Wish I could just take you home with me. But I need you to fully recover first. Don’t want to break you.” I waggle my brows, and he chuckles.
“Break me? Sweetheart, you haven’t seen anything yet. Once I’m better, I’m gonna bend your body in unimaginable ways,” he purrs against my ear.
“Stop it, or I might not leave,” I tell him.
“Well, considering my dad’s downstairs…”
I snort. “Yeah, might be a tad awkward because I’m not quiet.”
“No, you’re not, but I love it when you scream my name.” He tucks loose strands of hair behind my ear, then stands. I steal one last kiss before we leave his room. Jerry’s snoring in the recliner with the TV blaring, and Noah laughs as we pass him.
“Might’ve gotten away with it after all,” he teases, and I shake my head as we go to my car.
“Promise to text me when you get home?”
I nod. “Promise.”
“Love you,” he says, leaning forward and sealing it with a kiss.
“Damn, I’ll never get tired of hearing that,” I admit with a cheeky grin. “Love you too.”
“Always and forever,” he says as I climb inside and reverse out of the driveway, smiling like a fool.
Chapter Four
NOAH
It’s been two weeks since the accident, and I’m feeling a million times better. I’m happy to return to work on Monday, even if my life feels out of sorts at the moment. Between trying to figure out what Brittany and Loretta are up to and recovering, things have been stressful and chaotic. I booked a mini vacation at a bed and breakfast for Katie and me, and I hope a weekend away will be good for us. It will be a much-needed reset and give us an opportunity to be alone.
Before I can surprise her, I meet with my parole officer. After my accident, we rescheduled my appointment for today. It will be the first time I’ve met with him, and so far, he’s been understanding. Since my truck was totaled and I haven’t had the chance to replace it, my dad let me borrow his.
“Noah, hey,” Dean gives me a warm welcome, and I shake his hand. “How’re ya feeling?”
“Hey, I’m doing much better, thank you.” I sit across from him as he looks at his computer screen.
We chat about my job, being back home, and my personal life, then I have to pee in a cup. Though I have no record of drug use, Dean makes all his parolees do it. Too many turn to drugs or alcohol and find trouble, which usually lands them back behind bars.
