Page 86 of The Deadly Shallows

Noah didn’t move, just stood solidly against her.

She inhaled, no doubt preparing to unleash a barrage of questions.

He held his finger to his lips.

They stood with maybe an inch between them—him shielding her with his body. He would have been content to stay there with her all night—just the two of them so close together, her heart beating against his chest, but the squealing of tires on asphalt, followed by an engine’s hum, said the team had arrived, and their moment was gone.

FORTY-FOUR

Noah waited until his team swept the area before moving with Brooke to his sister Kenzie’s house. Wanting to keep Emmy and Logan fixed on the hospital video surveillance and criminal sketch search, he decided Rissi would drive the follow car, and Mason would drive Noah’s Jeep, while he rode shotgun—frustrated as all get-out. He’d play along tonight, but tomorrow would be a different story. He wasn’t kowtowing to his injury.

He looked back at Brooke curled up on his back seat, a pillow under her head and a fleece blanket pulled up to her chin. She looked adorable, beautiful, and fierce.

Once they safely entered Camp Lejeune, Noah relaxed . . . a bit.

Mason pulled the Jeep into Kenzie’s drive, and Rissi pulled in behind in her red Fiat. She got out, waved to Kenzie standing at the storm door in cat pajamas, and gave Brooke a hug before popping back into the driver’s seat. Mason joined her, and with a quick reverse, the two pulled out of the driveway and into the night.

“Come here,” Kenzie said, wrapping an arm around Brooke.

“Thank you for letting us stay,” Brooke said.

“Of course.” Kenzie rubbed her arm. “You’re family.”

Noah started. So even his family knew she was the one.

“I’ve got the first room on the right all made up for you, Brooke, and there’s a set of pjs on the bed.”

“Thank you,” she said.

“Noah”—his sister turned toward him—“you’re in the back bedroom.” She kept her voice barely above a whisper.

He didn’t blame her. Once the minions were in bed, it was dangerous to wake them. Dangerous . . . A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. But oh so fun.

Last time he babysat, Kenzie came home to find the munchkins up at midnight, and he was thankful for his brother-in-law’s intervention before his sister ran him through.

“Noah?” Kenzie said.

“Sorry. Was just thinking of my last time with the kiddos.”

“Awww.” Kenzie folded her arms over her chest. “That’s sweet.” She looked over at Brooke. “They adore him.”

Brooke smiled at him. “I can see why.”

He warmed. The woman got to his heart and soul in a way he never imagined possible.

“I better get some shut-eye,” Kenzie said, her gaze shifting between the two. “Make yourselves at home.”

“Thanks, sis.” He hugged her in a choke hold, then kissed the top of her head. “For everything.”

“Yes, thank you,” Brooke said.

“Anytime,” she said. “It’s time for me to crash. Those rascals are always up far before I’m ready.”

“’Night,” Noah whispered, knowing if the adorable rug rats heard Uncle Noah, they’d be bounding down the stairs, and his sweet-natured sister would throttle him.

Kenzie smiled and wiggled her fingers to Brooke as she headed up the stairs. She had to miss Mark so much, especially with two little kiddos who loved their dad. Having a parent or spouse, or any loved one, deployed overseas had to be grueling.

At least he could rest easy knowing Brooke was safe for the night. Given that Kenzie lived on a highly secure Marine base, it was the safest option for Brooke.