“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.
“So therapy…have you decided if you want to talk to someone?” he asks.
Scratching my cheek, I hesitate to answer. I’d thought about it, but that was before Katie and I started dating, and now I want to spend all my free time with her and Owen. Last weekend, we had our Star Wars watch party with a marathon of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. There was unlimited soda, candy, and popcorn. Just thinking about spending more time with Owen and Katie like that brings a smile to my face. Katie’s my everything. She’s the light that keeps the dark days from taking over.
“Actually, I think I’m going to wait,” I admit. “I don’t have that internal drowning feeling anymore, especially when I’m with my girlfriend. I’m not taking it off the table completely, but I don’t think it’s a priority for me right now.”
“Alright, that’s fair. It’s always an option if you change your mind.”
I nod, agreeing. I’m not against therapy by any means. I think about how much has changed since I got home, and truthfully, returning to civilization is not what I’d expected. I don’t tell him the details of what led to the accident or how I’m on someone’s hit list. He’ll make a big deal, and that’s the last thing I need. The added stress is already making me tense, but Katie and being able to go back to work are keeping me distracted.
Dean’s been doing this for years, probably over a decade, and I can tell he’s not just here to collect a paycheck. He cares and seems interested in me. However, I’m not comfortable sharing everything with him yet.
We agree to meet in two months, shake hands, then say goodbye. I’m ready as hell to get back to town so I can tell Katie to pack her bags.
Katie’s mother agreed to watch Owen, so we’ll be able to relax and spend the weekend with just the two of us.
Before I drive out of the parking lot, I send Katie a text.
Noah: Just leaving my PO’s office. Meet at the diner for lunch?
I smile wide when she responds.
Katie: Hmm. I guess I could squeeze you into my very busy schedule ;)
Noah: Don’t sass me, woman. I’ve spent the past two weeks tempted to bend you over and smack that ass. I’m all healed, and my hand is just aching to do it.
Katie: Excuse me, sir? You’re breaking the rules!
I play dumb.
Noah: What rules?
She sends me an eye roll emoji.
Katie: No sexting while I’m at work! I can’t be all hot and bothered when I’m trying to talk to a customer about their mortgage rates.
Noah: Soooo, go to the restroom and finish the job there. Slide your fingers in your panties and rub your clit while imagining it’s me…pleasuring you.
Katie: Goddammit. You just wait!
I chuckle, knowing she’s definitely worked up.
Noah: See you at the diner, my love :)
Less than an hour later, I’m walking into the Main Street Diner and find Katie reading a menu as she waits for me.
I dip down and bring my lips to hers. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey, trouble.” She glares at me as I slide into the booth seat across from her.
“Me? I’m certain that was your nickname in school.”
“More like Everleigh’s.” She snorts. “She was a bad influence on all of us. Or rather, her spontaneous personality was. Swear she could talk us into doing anything.”
Before the waitress walks over, I take the opportunity to tell Katie my news.
“Speaking of being spontaneous, I have a surprise for you.”
She lowers her menu and makes eye contact with me. “A surprise?” Her timid voice tells me she’s unsure if she’s gonna like it or not.
But oh hell yes, she will.
“I’m taking you to a bed and breakfast for the weekend. We leave tonight.”
“Are you serious? What about Ow—”
“Already taken care of. All you need to do is pack a bag and be ready by six sharp.”