Chapter 31
CHAPTER 31
NOAH BARRETT
I walk with Savannah down the store aisle. We drove to the mainland for our Friday night date. She insisted we go shopping for some home decorations before I take her to dinner. She’s so excited to shop for my house, and I think it’s really cute.
I pick up a fake bowl of grapes. “If only these were onions.”
Savannah laughs, the sound carrying down the aisle. Her cheeks flush and she swats at my hand. “Stop that.”
She moves on to the next aisle, which is full of throw pillows. She picks up a black one and a red one. “How about these for your couch?”
I wrinkle my nose. “I’m not really a throw pillow guy.”
She hands me the black one. “Why not? They can really make a statement.”
“And what statement is that? ‘You have to move me before you can sit down?’” I put it back on the shelf.
She tosses a flat look at me. “Come on. Buy the pillows. You know you want to. They will elevate your home’s aesthetic appeal.”
I bite back a smile. “Did you read that on the packaging?”
She points to a sign. “It’s right there.”
“Well, in that case, I want all the throw pillows.”
She brightens and picks up the pillow again. “You do?”
I take it from her and shove it back on the shelf, laughing. “No.”
“Fine. I’ll find your pop of color another way.” She struts away. I hurry to catch up to her.
We find a couple of lamps that I like, a rug for the hardwood floor, a side table, and a red vase to sit on it. I’m not really a vase guy either, but I had to let Savannah get something red or I just know I’d end up with throw pillows all over my couch.
“Are you ready to go to dinner?” I ask after we load my purchases into my trunk.
“Yes, but let’s not go anywhere expensive. I’m still worried you’re spending too much of your inheritance.”
I lean against my car. “Where do you want to go?”
“Wendy’s?”
I’m not a food snob, and I like a good hamburger like everybody else, but I hide a smile because she has no idea how much money is in my bank account right now. “All right. Wendy’s it is.”
I open her car door, and she slides into her seat. I lean down close to her ear. “If you want extra fries, I think I can cover the cost.”
She grins at me. “I do love their fries.”
I pull her seat buckle and stretch it across her, clicking it into place. I pause, just an inch from her lips. “I could even get you a Frosty.”
She closes the distance between us and brushes her lips across mine. “You always know the right thing to say.”
I kind of want to toss Wendy’s out the window and continue to kiss her, but she’s already buckled in, so I shut her door and get behind the wheel. A rumble of thunder sounds, and I glance at the sky. Dark clouds are forming off the coast. “Looks like a storm might be coming.”
“Another reason to eat at Wendy’s. We probably should head home soon.”
“Should we drive-through?” I ask.
“No, it should be fine. If we get a little rained on, it’s not the end of the world.”
I drive to Wendy’s and park the car. The wind picks up as we walk across the parking lot, so I put my arm around Savannah. It feels nice to be so close to her. I think we’ve turned a corner in our relationship.
We order our food and choose a table. As she munches on her fries, I take a moment to study her features. Her eyes hold a softness to them that I don’t usually see. She’s letting down her guard with me, and it warms me to my toes. I love her cute button nose. Her brow furrows a little, as if she’s asking me what I’m doing.
I pick up my hamburger. “Do you always eat your fries first, before your burger?”
She nods. “The fries go cold faster. Who wants to eat cold fries?”
I take a bite, impressed with her thought process. “Makes sense.”
She giggles at me. “You have a little ketchup on you.” She points to my lips.
I grab a napkin and wipe. “Did I get it?”
“No.” She reaches over and swipes her thumb across my lips. Half-way through she stills, her thumb on my mouth. The contact with her skin sends my heart racing.
She blinks and pulls her hand away. “There.”
My phone chimes and I pull it out of my pocket. It’s from Levi.
Found an apartment and put down a deposit. Will you help me move on Sunday? I don’t have much. Having a motorcycle is great until you need to move.
I send a quick text back.
Sure, bro.
He fires back a text.
Thanks! I’ve been looking at retail spaces. There’s a potential spot near the art gallery. I’m going to walk through it on Monday.
I send him a thumbs up emoji.
Savannah finishes her fries and picks up her burger. “Who are you texting?”
“Levi. He’s found an apartment. I’m so glad for him. I think it’s good that he’s got a goal and is working toward it. He’s even looking at spaces for the bakery.”
Savannah raises her eyebrows. “That was fast.”
“I think he’s excited to get going.”
“Did he say if he’s going to hire Amelia?”
I take a drink of my soda. “Amelia? Why would he hire her?”
Savannah shrugs. “I suggested he hire her to keep the books. She’s looking for work and is good with numbers. Plus—” She stops mid-sentence.
“Plus, what?”
She gets a funny look on her face. “How do I say this nicely?”
I lean forward. “Just say it. I’ve never known you to be mean.”
She looks up at the ceiling. “Well, Levi’s a massive flirt. I was just thinking it might be good for him to hire someone like Amelia. She doesn’t seem like the type to fall all over him.”
I let out a laugh. “You’re so right. If Levi’s going to make it as a business owner, he really should focus.”
“Exactly.” She picks up her frosty and dips her spoon in. “I think she’d be good for him.”
“If they can stop fighting long enough to run the bakery.” I chuckle under my breath.