“What’s her deal?” Newman asked.
“And I’d know this how?”
“I noticed you were looking at her differently, and Jake told me you know her.”
“I was not looking at her differently and I don’t know her any more than you do,” Noah denied.
“Sure you were, and I can see what you like about her. She’s pretty, even though she tries to hide it with clothes. There’s something else about her. Vulnerability, maybe?”
Faith made an agreeing sound, and Noah thought about walking away from them, but knew they’d follow. His friends could be ruthless when in the pursuit of information.
“She’s smart. Mrs. C told me that,” Newman continued, and Noah thought about simply punching him to shut him up. “Really smart. She had the shop in shape day one, which is a relief. I went in there a week ago and couldn’t find anything.”
“What did you want to find in a cake shop?” Noah asked, hoping to change the subject.
“A thing for piping stuff.”
“A thing?”
“Bag thing with a nozzle.”
“Why?”
“I wanted to write something on Hope’s morning toast.”
“For fuck’s sake, will you man up already,” Noah growled. “Who does shit like that?”
“People in love, I think,” Faith added. “And I think it’s sweet, Newman. Hope is lucky to have you.”
“Thanks, I try.”
Noah gagged.
“The point here is, Noah, that Lani has done a great job in there. It all kind of flows now,” Newman added.
“You’ve met her for a total of an hour and barely talked to her,” Noah said. “You know nothing about her, but think she’s smart because she can put a shop into order?”
“You tell us about her then.” Newman folded his arms and braced his legs slightly apart.
“Don’t do that corporate raider pose with me, bud, I’m immune,” Noah snarled.
“She’d be good for someone with your habits,” his friend continued. “Clearly not a label wearer like you. You know, the whole opposites attract thing.”
“What?” Noah backed up a step. “Just because you’re all loved up, don’t start in on matchmaking me again.” Just the thought made him sweat. Him and Lani, a couple? Hell, no.
“How was he looking at her?” Faith demanded.
Newman put a look on his face that had her laughing. “All gooey-eyed, do you mean?”
“Exactly.”
“Really? That is interesting.”
“No, it’s not, because there is nothing to get interested about,” Noah denied.
“Any chance we can play ball here? I have a niece or nephew about to arrive and I need something to occupy my mind.”
“We’re cleaning up after the party first,” Faith replied to Brad, “and Newman was just demonstrating the gooey-eyed way Noah was looking at Lani.”
