Chapter Twenty-Seven #2
It takes no convincing. Katie stands up and quietly leads me to her bedroom. When we walk in, she locks her door and slowly undresses. I study her, drinking in her curves, and move her toward the bed.
She lies down, her hair splashing across the stark white blanket, and I feather kisses from her collarbone down to her inner thighs.
Being the greedy little thing she is, Katie opens her legs wide, giving me full access.
As soon as my lips touch her, she hums and writhes.
She sinks against me, covering her mouth with her hand, and moments later, her orgasm takes over.
“Baby,” I say, dipping my tongue inside, fully tasting her before pushing away.
She props herself up on her elbows. “I think that’s the fastest I’ve ever…” Her words trail off, and she pats the mattress next to her.
“It’s because I know what your body needs,” I murmur against her lips as she undoes my pants and takes control.
She teases the tip before taking all of me. Using her hand, she strokes and sucks, making me feel like a fucking king.
“Yes,” she mumbles. “Come in my mouth.”
I keep my moans buried deep inside but find it nearly impossible as my orgasm builds. She smiles and picks up the pace until I can no longer hold back.
“I love the way you taste,” she says as she swallows every drop, then lies next to me.
We get under the blankets, and I hold her tight.
My body fully relaxes as I lie next to her, and my eyes grow heavy.
But if I don’t get up now, I’ll stay the night, and I don’t think we’re ready to explain that to Owen yet.
He knows we’re dating, but he doesn’t know the full extent of Katie’s and my relationship.
We’ve been careful about how much affection we show one another in front of him.
Before I fall asleep with Katie wrapped in my arms, I kiss her good night, then force myself to get up and get dressed. It’s not too late, just a little past ten, but we’re both exhausted after our weekend together and working all day.
“See you tomorrow, sweetheart,” I say.
“Mmm,” she responds with a sleepy smile. She’s comfortable and content.
“I’ll lock up,” I tell her.
After her house is secure, I drive home, feeling tired but also elated. I pull into the driveway and park beside Belinda’s car.
When I walk in, they’re sitting at the kitchen table drinking tea.
“Hey, Noah!” Belinda says.
“You want some Earl Grey and cookies?” Dad asks.
“Nah. I’m probably gonna go to bed. I’ve had a long day,” I admit with a yawn.
“Night!” Belinda and Dad say at the same time.
“Good night.” I offer a smile and go upstairs.
As I’m sitting on the edge of my bed, removing my shoes, I can hear them talking. While I’m not trying to eavesdrop, the moment I hear my name, my attention zones in on their conversation.
“I’m just worried about Noah,” she tells him. Her voice lowers, so I move to the top of the staircase.
“When Loretta came to the deli right before close, she had a crazed look in her eye. I sat her at a booth, then went to my office to start closing duties. When Brittany came from the back, Loretta started screaming at her.”
“Really? It takes a lot to push Loretta to that point. She’s usually good at holding her emotions in and staying calm,” Dad says with a concerned tone, and it’s true. When I was a kid, she never raised her voice.
“I’ve never heard her so angry, and I’ve known her for over twenty years,” she says with a sigh.
“What was she saying?” Dad asks.
“She yelled about the money she had given Brittany and asked why she was still in town.”
My adrenaline spikes, and I try to recall what Loretta told Katie.
I knew it wasn’t being hidden from Elliot because of his gambling issue.
She flat out lied to Katie, which angers me.
Thankfully, there’s a long pause before Belinda speaks up again because it gives me time to process this revelation.
“And then Loretta mentioned Gabe and said she knew her son better than Brittany ever did, and that they weren’t even together that long. Then Brittany said something in return, but I couldn’t quite make out all of her words. Something about her son, Anthony.”
Another long pause. My mind reels as I try to figure out what the hell is really going on.
“Brittany knew Gabe?” Dad asks.
“Apparently so. Loretta asked her again why she was still in Lawton Ridge. Brittany mentioned Noah and said there was a change of plans. After that, I walked out of my office into the dining area, and they got eerily quiet. Brittany’s face was beet red, and Loretta’s eyes were nearly bugging out of her head.
I tried to defuse the situation and asked Loretta if she’d be ordering anything before we closed down the kitchen.
Instead, she glared at Brittany like she was ready to strangle her, then got up and left. ”
“This is odd,” Dad says. “Do you think–”
“Loretta and Brittany are responsible for Noah’s accident?” she asks. “I don’t have a doubt in my mind.”
“Did Brittany say anything to you once Loretta left?” Dad asks exactly what I want to know.
“No. She didn’t even try to explain herself, but there was something dangerous behind her forced smile. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I don’t trust her.”
“Best to keep an eye on her then,” Dad suggests.
“I’m not letting her out of my sight,” Belinda snaps.