Page 40 of Keeping Guard
“I don’t. This isn’t your mess, and I don’t want to see you get in trouble.” She put her hand on his arm. “Maybe you should go back to your apartment and forget you ever met me.” That was the last thing she wanted, but she really didn’t want him in trouble because of her. She thought he was on leave because something happened that was so bad that it kept him from sleeping.
“No thanks. I’ve gotten used to the finer digs you offered, princess.”
“Well, just don’t get in trouble because of me, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I brought you beer that I brewed,” Peyton said after she was introduced to Nichole.
“You brew beer?” Jack said. When she nodded, he glanced at Nichole. “Sorry, babe, but I’m going to have to leave you for Peyton.”
“No problem, but I get custody of the dogs.”
“Well now, we need to talk about that.”
“Nope. Beer or dogs. Your choice.”
“You’re just cruel, babe.”
Peyton loved their banter, and the mischievous gleam in Nichole’s eyes. Although she’d just met the woman, she knew she was going to like her.
“Peyton’s actually a master brewer,” Noah said.
“How cool.” Nichole took the bag Noah was holding and peeked inside. “I just assumed he meant you brewed beer as a hobby.” She pulled one of the bottles out and read the label.
“I brought an assortment. That one’s Elk It Now. It’s a heavier beer with hints of hazelnut coffee and spice notes. Noah tried it last night and really liked it.” Peyton took another bottle out of the bag. “This one is Island Affair. It’s a light citrus-flavored beer.”
“Oh, I have to try it. I love the fun names.”
“Yeah, the trend in naming craft beers is to go funky. We get the whole crew together when we have a new beer and start throwing out the silliest names we can think of. We have a blast.”
“I can imagine. Let’s take these babies out to the back deck. We have time to chat a little before dinner.” She wrapped her arm through Peyton’s.
“Hey,” Jack said. “Aren’t y’all forgetting something?”
Nichole glanced over her shoulder. “Yeah, a bottle opener. Grab it, will you?”
“I was referring to me and Noah,” Jack muttered.
“Such fragile egos,” Nichole whispered, making Peyton laugh, and looked back again. “While you’re at it, see if you can find our ice bucket to put these in.”
“Yes, ma’am. Anything else, ma’am?”
One thing Peyton really liked about Jack and Nichole was the way they seemed to enjoy teasing each other. It was fascinating to observe a couple who were clearly in love. That was the kind of relationship she wanted. One where there was mutual respect, laughter, and love. She decided then and there that she wouldn’t settle for less.
Chapter Fourteen
“What’s up with you and Peyton?”
Noah leaned back on the counter while Jack filled a bucket with ice. “Nothing’s up with us.” That wasn’t literally true. He wasupanytime she was in the vicinity. Kissing her definitely wasn’t helping, and he needed to cut that out. That was proving easier said than done, though.
“Where’d you sleep last night?”
“In a bed.” What was with all the questions?
“Not the one in your apartment.” Jack’s gaze zeroed in on him. “I stopped by last night. You weren’t there.”
Noah sighed. “When did you get so nosy?”
