Page 27 of Secret
Kasey's breath caught. Faith knew enough about the team that she could take them all down if she said the wrong thing. He knew Xander and Matt had talked to her about things, but he still held his breath, worried how she would answer.
"All his friends. That's how I met him. His friend married my dad, so now they all come around, and they all tease. Well, all but Becca. She helps me come up with ways to get back at them."
Relief flooded Kasey as he nodded. "When Becca and Faith get together, we have to look out."
Faith laughed. "You deserve it."
"Probably, but it doesn't mean we aren't going to get you back sometime." Kasey smiled at her in the review mirror.
"I'm thinking I should keep my distance. I'm not sure I want in the middle of this." Noam laughed.
Kasey grinned. He loved the idea of having Noam around his friends, but it probably wasn't smart. It would be too dangerous for the team. Noam had to know about the stings the team performed, and he would have to follow up on anything he might hear. The team was careful, but things slipped out sometimes. It was best to keep Noam far away from them. "They're the reason you see me jogging so much. I have to work off the tension while I think of new pranks."
"You're lucky to have such good friends, Faith."
"I know. They make me laugh."
Kasey glanced at Noam, wondering if he knew how laughing was a huge deal for Faith. It had taken her a long time to start smiling and laughing again. "Okay, we're about to pull into the parking lot. First, I need to say that I tried to talk to your dad about a trampoline, Faith, but he and Xander said no way. Nothing I said was going to change their minds. So, since you want to jump, and your dads aren't here to complain, I figured we could have some fun here."
Faith leaned forward, looking out the window. "Trampoline Haven?" She sounded confused.
Noam laughed. "I've heard of this place. It's a big warehouse with nothing but different trampolines. You can jump into these big pits of foam and do all kinds of tricks. It sounded fun."
"Really?" Faith unhooked her seatbelt as they parked.
"Yep, you can jump until you wear yourself out, then we'll grab dinner after." Kasey got out of the car, surprised when Faith jumped out and hugged him. "Thank you."
He hugged her back, enjoying the rare affection. "Just remember, when your dads find out, we blame everything on Noam." He grinned at Noam as he came to stand with them and Faith pulled away.
"Ah, I see how it is. You only invited me for a cover story. And here I thought you wanted to spend time with me."
Kasey winked. "I brought you with me to hold my hand on the high jumps. I'm scared of heights."
"That would be my pleasure." Noam reached for Kasey's hand, linking their fingers.
Kasey's breath caught at the sudden rush that soared through him as they joined hands. It was like tiny electrical currents shooting straight up his arm and right into his heart. He forced back any reaction, afraid of what Noam might see in his eyes. Instead, he gave Noam's hand a squeeze, keeping hold as he glanced over at Faith. "Follow the rules, stay where I can see you, and no matter what, don't break any bones. I don't want Xander chasing me down if you have to go to the hospital and visit Beau tonight."
"Beau Maddington?" Noam asked.
"You know Beau?" Faith's eyes lit up.
"I've met him several times. I've had to work some cases involving some of his patients," Noam told her.
"I'm going to be a doctor like Beau when I get older. He's helping me learn," Faith said proudly.
"You couldn't have a better mentor. He's one of the best." Noam smiled. "He even sneaks me lollipops when I stop by."
"Me too." She laughed, and suddenly Noam seemed to have earned her trust because she stepped right beside him. "He told me candy makes everyone feel better."
"I have to agree with him." Noam glanced at Kasey and grinned.
"As much as I love hearing how amazing Beau is, I want to jump, so how about we get inside and play for a bit. We can praise Beau's amazing talents later." Kasey tugged Noam's hand toward the door of the building.
Faith ran up and opened the door for them. "Thanks for bringing me, Uncle Kasey, this is going to be so much fun." She rushed past them to the desk so they could pay to get in.
Kasey gave Noam's hand a squeeze. "I'm more worried about having to call Beau for medical attention for me rather than for her. You okay with this?"
Noam laughed. "This is going to be fun. It's something I'd never have thought of us doing together. I'm glad you invited me."
"Me too." Kasey lifted their joined hands and softly kissed Noam's knuckles. As he watched fire blaze in Noam's eyes at the simple gesture, Kasey realized he was screwed. He wasn't going to be able to stop his attraction to Noam, and no matter how dangerous it was, he didn't want to.
