Page 127 of The Deadly Shallows

“Always.” Brooke’s smile widened, and Gabby smiled in turn.

He furrowed his brow. “Why do I feel like I’m staring at trouble?”

“Nonsense.” Gabby got to her feet. “Us? Trouble?” She gave Brooke a mischievous look if he’d ever seen one. “I’m going to chat with Finn until you start the meeting.”

“Sounds good.” Brooke chuckled.

Noah arched his brows.

“Oh, stop worrying.” She got to her feet and lifted her empty mug. “We were just plotting and planning.”

“That’s what worries me.” He hated to imagine the misadventures they’d get into over the years.

Over the years. He loved the thought of being with Brooke for years.

“What?” Brooke asked, studying him, her empty mug in hand.

“What?” he repeated.

“Your expression . . .” She frowned. “Something good or something bad?”

“Oh. Something very good,” he said, glancing around the room. The team was still gathering materials for case-board time. They had a couple of minutes. He tugged her in the kitchen and closed the door behind him.

“Noah . . .” she said, a playful expression dancing on her beautiful face. “Why do I think you’re the one who’s up to trouble?”

He closed the space between them, his fingers sliding through her hair, his mouth on hers.

A moment later, begrudgingly pulling away, he pressed his forehead to hers. “I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” she whispered back.

“Oops,” Logan said, opening the door, only to do a one-eighty and head back out.

Noah sighed. “I guess we best get to it.”

She nodded, smothering a smile.

“But first, coffee,” he said, hitching before he hit the door. He refilled Brooke’s mug and then his.

They headed for the sofa and chairs lined up in front of the whiteboard. Brooke took a seat between Austin and Emmy while he stepped to the front.

“All right, guys,” Noah began. “I know it’s late, and we all want to get home to grab some rest.”

Gabby approached. “Before you dig in, I caught a story I think you’ll all be very interested in.”

“Oh?” Noah arched a brow. His sister lived to break stories. “Why don’t you come on up and share.” He wouldn’t mind taking a load off in the meantime. It had been a long day—make that a long week.

His sister swapped places with him, hopping up on the silver swivel stool. “My boss called with a story for me to investigate while Brooke and I were chatting.” She smiled.

He knew that smile well. This was going to be good. And helpful, Lord. Let it be helpful. This case is wearing me out. I need your strength, your guidance . . . I need you, period.

“It involves four missing Holly Ridge caterers and their van,” she said as casually as if they were discussing the weather.

Noah nearly dropped his coffee. “Seriously?”

“Yep.” She crossed one leg over the other.

“I’m assuming you feel it’s related?” Logan said but continued before Gabby could respond. “But why is it just coming up now? You’d think four missing persons would be news right away.”