She nodded again.
“Okay, well if you need anything, you let me know.”
“You guys are making her cake.” Jake pointed to Rose.
“Right, I saw that in the diary.” Lani mouthed the word of Rose’s favorite Disney character.
“That’s the one,” Jake said. “We’re hoping for something other than purple flowers this year.”
“So, do you want to come to my party?” Lani dropped her eyes to Rose again as the little girl spoke.
“I don’t think I can, but thanks for the invite. I bet you’re going to have a great time.”
“Have you eaten?” Branna said as Lani straightened.
“Pardon?”
“Do you want to join us? We’re just about to have a meal. This is the first of our daughter’s birthday celebrations.”
“First?” Lani looked confused.
“She’s having three. One at her preschool, a party at our home for her friends and ours, and this dinner. We’d be happy to have you join us,” Branna added.
“Why?”
“You’re new in town,” Branna said patiently, “and working for Mrs. Cribbins, therefore you probably don’t know many people.”
By her expression, Noah guessed she was shocked at the invitation. He knew why; she was a stranger, and this was a family dinner, but clearly Branna wanted to make her feel welcome, which was the Howler way.
“No… thanks for asking.”
“Where are you staying?” Branna asked.
“What?”
“Where are you staying in Lake Howling?”
“Ah, around. Bye, I have to go.” Lani raised a hand and then left without looking his way again. Noah followed.
“You all good, Lani?”
“Of course.” She looked over her shoulder but didn’t stop.
“I have room here if you need a place to stay.” Something niggled at him. She’d avoided Branna’s question about where she was staying, and he knew most of the places that were vacant in Howling, which totaled about five at the moment.
“I don’t.”
“No charge,” he added.
That had her stopping.
“I’m not sleeping with you for free accommodation.” Her face was tight and closed off.
“What? Where the hell did that come from?”
“Look, Noah. We both know you don’t get anything for free—”
“That is insulting to both of us,” Noah growled. “You think I want sex with you as payment for staying here?”
