“I’m not running.”
Noah fought the need to pull her into his arms. His eyes nearly crossed with the effort. He wanted to comfort her, and yes, feel her body pressed to his. Instead he watched her walk away from him and battled with the urge to follow.
He couldn’t get that night out of his head, nor could he stay away from her when she was close. She was like some kind of human magnet to him.
“She’s at least going to stay above the shop for a few days.” Mrs. C joined him.
“I thought you just passed us.”
“I doubled back to talk to you because I knew you were worried about Lani.”
Noah didn’t like the look in the woman’s eyes.
“I’m just concerned, as I would be for anyone sleeping in their car, Mrs. C.”
“Of course.” She patted his cheek, which did nothing to soothe him. “I worry about her too. Lani is a sweet girl, but closed up tight. There’s a healthy dose of fear inside her, but she hides it well.”
Noah didn’t like to think of Lani scared, but knew she was; he’d seen it himself.
“What do you think her deal is, Mrs. C?”
“In my opinion she’s been hurt badly, but not only that, I think she’s running from something. My Hank agrees. He said that someone has put the fear of God into that girl, and it hurts to see it. He’s insightful, my Hank.”
“Always said it,” Noah said with his eyes still on Lani. She’d nearly reached the Howlery. “I’m sure she’s running too.” It all added up, especially now he’d seen in the back of her Bronco. It was fitted out with everything she needed to survive.
“I think we need to keep her here, Noah. I’m just not sure how yet.”
“It won’t be easy.” His heart leapt at the thought of Lani living in Lake Howling, and he convinced himself that was simply because she’d be safe here. It was nothing to do with the fact he wanted her, badly.
“I know that too, but I’m sure you’ll think of something.”
“I have absolutely no idea what that means.”
“Yes, you do.” She patted his cheek again before marching away. Noah had a really uncomfortable feeling that he’d let Mrs. C know how much Lani disturbed him. He just wasn’t sure when or how he’d done it. Further to that, did anyone else think that way?
Moving his feet, he walked to where his friends all stood talking.
“Want a game?” Buster said.
“Yes,” he replied instantly. “When?”
“Park, in fifteen.”
“Cubby?”
“I’m in.”
“Texans?”
“Yup,” they both said.
“McBride, Newman?” Buster asked. Both nodded.
It seemed everyone was in need of some man time and a bit of rough play. He went back to the Howler to check everything was ready for the evening shift, then went up to his room to change.
“Hey, you.” Faith was just wandering out of hers looking glammed up for her night out.
“Hey, you.”
