“That’s nice of you then, being all considerate and stuff,” Brad said, and Lani knew he and his brother were deliberately needling Noah.
“I’m about an inch away from losing my shit. Be warned.”
“So we still have an inch,” Brad mused. “Give me a minute, I’ll get you there.”
Lani couldn’t help it, she started laughing. Granted, it was a nervous laugh, but it felt good. The Texans joined her, and she noted Noah’s lips twitch.
“I need to tell you something,” Lani said when they fell silent.
“Shoot,” Brad said. “But if it makes Ethan cry, it won’t be pretty.”
“It’s true, I’m an ugly crier.”
“Shut up and let the woman talk,” Noah gritted out.
“When I was sleeping in my car—”
“No way, were you?” Brad said.
“I know you all know, because no one in this town can keep a secret,” Lani said.
“True. Okay, carry on with your story,” Tex said.
“I went to find Buddy one morning because he wouldn’t come back when I called.”
“Dogs can be naughty like that,” Tex added.
“Will you shut up!” Noah roared.
“You wouldn’t think we were doing him a favor,” Brad said.
“Anyway,” Lani continued before Noah exploded. “I found Buddy by this big camouflage net, and under it was a huge green tent that looked like a shade house.”
“Well now, that’s interesting,” Tex said, the smile on his face replaced by a mean look. “Somewhere big enough to grow something illegal, do you think, Lani?”
“I do.”
“And you’re just telling us now?” Noah glared at her.
“Sorry.”
“It’s okay, you told us, and that’s all that matters,” Brad said, shooting Noah a warning look.
“You will not leave this car, Lani. You can be the lookout when we get there.”
“That hardly seems fair. I’m the smallest here. Surely I can get into places you behemoths can’t?”
“You will do as you’re told.”
Lani knew when she was pushing her luck, so she fell silent.
“And what the hell is that shit on your face, Tex?” Noah added.
“Camouflage. Annabelle thought it looked hot on me.”
“She was lying to you. You look like an idiot.”
“I told him that,” Brad said. “He’s always been the type to get fully into any role he’s playing.”
