All lies. He didn’t care what Lani wore. She also had a sharp mind and sweet laugh when she let her guard down.
“Do you mean she’s nothing like the women who want no commitment, just a bit of fun?” Jake asked. “And I didn’t think you were that shallow.”
He had a calm look in his eyes, but it was serious, and Noah had a feeling they’d been talking about him before today, because they all had that look.
“Clearly you don’t know me, because I am shallow.”
“She’s nice, and has brains—”
“The women I date have brains!”
“Sure they do,” Newman soothed. “But we just want more for you, Noah.”
“With Lani? No way. The woman is uptight and nervous. Not my type,” he lied. “Plus, she’s leaving town soon.”
“Your type of woman is not working,” Brad pointed out.
“Look, she’s been here a few days, no more. None of you know her or her past. She lives in her Bronco and is clearly running from something. Even if I was interested, which I’m not, she’s way to messed-up for me.” This was the third time he’d been confronted about Lani today. It had to stop.
“She lives in her car?” Buster whistled. “That’s just plain sad.”
“I told Mrs. C, and she came up with a story to get Lani to stay above the shop.”
“So that is why there is a crime spree suddenly sweeping Lake Howling,” Buster added. “I still believe Lani would be good for you, Noah. Maybe you can help her to stop running.”
“Just because you’re all loved up doesn’t mean I want to be, so leave it alone, will you?”
“It’s just because we love you, bud.”
“I knew you were going to pull that one out. It’s your go-to when you want to win a point.” Noah scowled at Tex.
“You’re our brother, and because of that we want you happy, not just existing,” Jake said calmly.
Noah suddenly felt like he was choking. Like his throat had closed over. He got to his feet.
“I don’t want to be loved up, and I’m happy with things the way they are. So butt out of my life and concentrate on your own!” He hadn’t meant to roar, but for some reason he was panicking.
“No need to get bent out of shape, bud.”
“There is every fucking need.” Noah glared at Buster. “I’m done.”
Noah turned and started jogging. He remembered a few times his friends had done this in the past, when they’d taken a grilling just like Noah had. He now knew what they’d been feeling.
He needed the calm the Redwoods brought him. He took a trail up, winding between the giants that had been a part of his life since he was old enough to acknowledge them.
He was soon sweating again as he pushed himself harder, trying to outrun the words his friends had just thrown at him. The rational part of his brain knew they’d been said out of love. Knew it, but still hated they’d been so accurate. Noah avoided scientists. He was commitment phobic, and that time with Samantha had scarred him badly. But he hadn’t realized they’d seen that too until recently.
Nearing the top the ridge, he cut right into the deeper part of the trails. Slowing, he then simply walked, letting the silence and power of the trees surround him. Calm him.
“Ouch!”
He hadn’t seen her sitting there. So preoccupied, Noah tripped over Lani and landed beside her with a thud.
“Noah, are you okay?”
He rolled and sat up, trying to gather his dignity around him. He noticed she’d been wearing earbuds so hadn’t heard him approach. In her hand was a large jar of peanut butter.
“I am. How about you?”
