Page 11 of Her Final Hours
“Nice Bronco,” she remarked. “But the older models hold a certain charm for me.”
Noah acknowledged her presence, offering back a smile as he replied. “I agree, but age brings troubles, and I deal with enough of that in my work.”
As he made his way around the front of his vehicle, she couldn’t resist one final comment, teasingly insinuating. “I expect it would, working for the state.”
Noah paused, juggling the keys in his hand, his curiosity piqued as he turned to face her. “I’m sorry, do we know each other?”
“You should. You live in my home. Well, one of them.”
The woman’s smile widened as she casually discarded her cigarette, expertly extinguishing it with a foot twist. Slipping her phone into her pocket, she approached Noah confidently and extended her hand toward him. There was an aura of sensuality and power coming off her.
“Natalie Ashford,” she introduced herself, her last name triggering a flicker of recognition in Noah’s mind. The Ashfords were a prominent and affluent family, the same ones who had bestowed upon him the waterfront property — the same ones that were behind the Ashford Royale Casino. The same ones that his father was in bed with for reasons he wasn’t sure why. Noah’s hand met hers in a firm handshake, taking note of her surname.
“Finally, a face to go with the name.”
“Oh, I’m sure you had an inkling of an idea by now.”
“An inkling. Sure. A face? Not so much. Your family wears many from what I can see.”
She found that amusing. His gaze instinctively fell upon her Aston Martin DB12. “That the new V8?” he inquired, unable to contain his curiosity.
“It is. “
“Yours, or is it daddy’s?”
She chuckled, glancing over her shoulder, her eyes lingering on the luxurious car for a second or two. “No, my father has an eclectic taste. And, before you say it, contrary to what some might say, I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth.”
“Just a gold one, right?”
She shrugged as his gaze traveled up and down her form, momentarily lost in thought. She quickly seized the opportunity to tease him. “Fancy car for someone who dresses so casually. Was that what you were about to say?”
A mischievous smile played on Noah’s lips. “Something old, something new, right?”
Natalie stepped closer, the flirtatious tension between them growing palpable. “I’m pretty sure you’re older than me,” she remarked, her voice laced with playful banter.
Noah cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. It had been a while since a woman had knocked him off balance. “I wasn’t referring to your age,” he replied, his tone hinting of intrigue.
Natalie’s lips curled into a coy smile; her eyes locked with his, and time seemed to stand still. However, the spell was broken as she asked, “Can I buy you a drink?”
“Thank you, but it’s a little late and…”
“C’mon. I’m sure you have questions about the house and your father’s dealings with our family.”
Surprised by her astuteness, Noah contemplated her offer. He’d wanted answers since Lena’s death and the run-in withGabriel Ironwood at the casino. He didn’t expect to get a clear one from his father.
He glanced at his watch.
Sensing his hesitation, she added with a seductive allure, “Another time, then?”
He nodded, and she turned to go back to her car. Realizing the opportunity to uncover more information about the town, his father, and the gift he’d been given, Noah relented. “Okay. Half an hour,” he agreed, unable to resist the intrigue surrounding her.
With a flick of her hand, Natalie activated her car’s key fob, causing the lights to illuminate the night. “How about High Peaks Pub and Brewery? It’s closer to home. See you there,” she said, her voice mixed with anticipation.
Noah arrived shortlyafter her as he had to call Gretchen to let her know he would be running a little late. She’d been a trooper since Lena’s death, stepping in to help with the kids, picking them up from school, and having them at her place on the days he worked into the early hours. She wasn’t the only one; the community had shown its strength, with many who knew the family offering to bring meals.
Still, it hadn’t lessened the blow.
He could already see the cracks forming between him and his kids.
