Page 39 of Keeping Guard
Okay, that was the most he’d said since leaving Jack’s, so questions were the way to go. “What was your job?”
“Whatever I was told to do.”
She poked his arm. “That answer’s really helpful, Mr. Mysterious.” He almost smiled, she was sure of it. “Are you still in the navy?”
“Yep.”
“You’re a joy to talk to, you know that?”
“If you say so.”
“Does that mean you won’t be staying in Asheville?”
“Correct.”
She doubted he’d want to hear that made her sad. They paused when Lucky decided to water the hog statue. “Guess he doesn’t have a high opinion of pigs. Speaking of, do you like barbecue? We have some great places for ribs and pork sandwiches. I could take you for barbecue tomorrow night. Do they put coleslaw on pork sandwiches where you’re from? I always thought that was normal until a friend from college came for a visit. She’d never heard of such a thing. Where in Maine are you from, anyway?”
Yes, he was kissing her! Right there on the street in front of anyone walking by. That excited her, and wasn’t that weird? He had his hand on the back of her neck, holding her still while his mouth took possession of hers. The way he held her felt possessive, and mercy, did she ever want to be possessed by this man.
“Peyton!”
The harsh voice cut through her haze. Noah’s mouth lingered on hers a few seconds more, and then he lifted his head but kept his eyes on hers. She saw the question in them. Did she want to talk to Dalton? Not even, her eyes answered. He gave a curt nod, and with his hand still on her neck, he led her away.
“I’m talking to you, Peyton.”
Lucky looked back and growled. She and Noah kept walking. There was nothing left to say to Dalton, so why couldn’t he leave her alone? She was glad Noah hadn’t felt it necessary to get in a pissing battle with Dalton, and that told her something. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that Noah could be badass when he wanted, but he didn’t feel the need to prove it. That impressed her...like she needed anything more to be impressed with him.
“So you don’t care that your father’s dying?” Dalton called. “Are you really that cold of a bitch?”
Noah squeezed her neck. “Keep walking, princess.”
But she couldn’t. She turned. “Stop lying. It’s not true and you know it.”
“Are you sure about that?” He glanced from her to Noah, then back to her. “I need to talk to you. Alone.”
“Not happening,” Noah said, his voice surprisingly calm.
“He’s right. You have something to say to me, say it, then get out of my life and stay out.”
Dalton glared at Noah, and when he turned his gaze to her, she could see him battling his rage. She’d come within minutes of being married to this man, and it would have been the worst mistake of her life. It deeply hurt that she’d lost her place at the brewery, but it was a price she was willing to pay.
“Your father is dying. I’m not lying about that.”
“Stop saying that. If that’s true, he would have told me.”
“He doesn’t want you to know.” Dalton stepped closer. “He wants to make sure you’re taken care of, and I’m the man to do that.”
Beside her, Noah snorted. She grinned at him. “I know, right?” He winked, and it was like they had a secret. Something big fluttered in her chest, a condor maybe.
“We’re going to be late for dinner if we don’t head out soon,” Noah said.
“Then let’s go.” She turned her back on her ex, hoping he’d finally get the hint and give up.
“I think you should go see your father,” Noah said as they rode the elevator up to her loft. “You need to make sure Dalton really is lying, and you also need to tell your father he’s stalking you.”
“I’m going to see Dad in the morning, but I’m not sure I’d call it stalking—”
“He’s stalking you, Peyton. If he keeps it up, I’m going to have to hurt him. I don’t think you want me to do that.”
