Chapter Twenty-Five
NOAH
It’s been two weeks since the accident, and I’m feeling a million times better.
I’m happy to return to work on Monday, even if my life feels out of sorts at the moment.
Between trying to figure out what Brittany and Loretta are up to and recovering, things have been stressful and chaotic.
I booked a mini vacation at a bed and breakfast for Katie and me, and I hope a weekend away will be good for us.
It will be a much-needed reset and give us an opportunity to be alone.
Before I can surprise her, I meet with my parole officer. After my accident, we rescheduled my appointment for today. It will be the first time I’ve met with him, and so far, he’s been understanding. Since my truck was totaled and I haven’t had the chance to replace it, my dad let me borrow his.
“Noah, hey,” Dean gives me a warm welcome, and I shake his hand. “How’re ya feeling?”
“Hey, I’m doing much better, thank you.” I sit across from him as he looks at his computer screen.
We chat about my job, being back home, and my personal life, then I have to pee in a cup. Though I have no record of drug use, Dean makes all his parolees do it. Too many turn to drugs or alcohol and find trouble, which usually lands them back behind bars.
“So therapy…have you decided if you wanna talk to someone?” he asks.
Scratching my cheek, I hesitate to answer.
I’d thought about it, but that was before Katie and I started dating, and now I want to spend all my free time with her and Owen.
Last weekend, we had our Star Wars watch party with a marathon of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.
There was unlimited soda, candy, and popcorn.
Just thinking about spending more time with Owen and Katie like that brings a smile to my face. Katie’s my everything. She’s the light that keeps the dark days from taking over.
“Actually, I think I’m gonna wait. I don’t have that internal drowning feeling anymore, especially when I’m with my girlfriend. I’m not taking it off the table, but I don’t think it’s a priority for me right now.”
“Alright, that’s fair. It’s always an option if you change your mind.”
I nod. I’m not against therapy by any means.
I think about how much has changed since I got home, and truthfully, returning to civilization is not what I’d expected.
I don’t tell him the details of what led to the accident or how I’m on someone’s hit list. He’ll make a big deal, and that’s the last thing I need.
The added stress is already making me tense, but Katie and being able to go back to work are keeping me distracted.
Dean’s been doing this for years, probably over a decade, and I can tell he’s not just here to collect a paycheck. He cares and seems interested in me. But I’m not comfortable sharing everything with him yet.
We agree to meet in two months, shake hands, then say goodbye. I’m ready as hell to get back to town so I can tell Katie to pack her bags.
Katie’s mother agreed to watch Owen, so we’ll be able to relax and spend the weekend with just the two of us.
Before I drive out of the parking lot, I send Katie a text.
Noah: Just leaving my PO’s office. Meet at the diner for lunch?
I smile wide when she responds.
Katie
Hmm. I guess I could squeeze you into my very busy schedule
Noah
Don’t sass me, woman. I’ve spent the past two weeks tempted to bend you over and smack that ass. I’m all healed, and my hand is just aching to do it.
Katie
Excuse me, sir? You’re breaking the rules!
I play dumb.
Noah
What rules?
Katie
No sexting while I’m at work! I can’t be all hot and bothered when I’m trying to talk to a customer about their mortgage rates.
Noah
Soooo, go to the restroom and finish the job there. Slide your fingers in your panties and rub your clit while imagining it’s me…pleasuring you.
Katie
Goddammit. You just wait!
I chuckle, knowing she’s definitely worked up.
Noah
See you at the diner, my love
Less than an hour later, I’m walking into the Main Street Diner and find Katie reading a menu as she waits for me.
I dip down and bring my lips to hers. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey, trouble.” She glares as I slide into the booth seat across from her.
“Me? I’m certain that was your nickname in school.”
“More like Everleigh’s.” She snorts. “She was a bad influence on all of us. Or rather, her spontaneous personality was. Swear she could talk us into doing anything.”
Before the waitress walks over, I take the opportunity to tell Katie my news.
“Speaking of being spontaneous, I have a surprise for you.”
She lowers her menu and makes eye contact with me. “A surprise?” Her timid voice tells me she’s unsure if she’s gonna like it or not.
But oh hell yes, she will.
“I’m taking you to a bed and breakfast for the weekend. We leave tonight.”
“Are you serious? What about Ow—”
“Already taken care of. All you need to do is pack a bag and be ready by six sharp.”
She narrows her eyes as if she’s trying to find a reason she can’t.
Reaching over, I grab her hands and weave her fingers through mine. “You deserve some time off to relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself. We’ll eat, hang out, and walk along the river and downtown. Perhaps some other things…” I waggle my brows, and she blushes.
“The river? Where are we goin’?”
I smirk. “Magnolia Springs.”
“What?” She gasps, releasing my grip and blinking hard. “Really?”
Nodding, I smile at how excited she is. “Yeah, it’s beautiful this time of year.” Booking a room was a freaking miracle, but they had a last-minute cancellation that I happily took.
Katie bites her lower lip as she gazes lovingly at me. “You remembered.”
“Of course. I’d never forget that.”
At six o’clock, we pack Katie’s car and hit the highway.
It’s just over an hour away. Her grandma lived there before she passed, and Katie would spend almost half her summer there during elementary and middle school.
Once she was in high school, she’d only spend a few weeks there because she’d rather spend time with her friends.
The summer before my senior year, she invited Everleigh, Gemma, and me to visit her for the weekend. Gabe was supposed to go, but he got stuck working at the last minute—or that’s what he claimed anyway—so I decided to drive down with the girls.
Once we arrived, I saw why Katie loved it so much.
Magnolia Springs is a quaint and charming small Southern town with old Victorian homes, delicious seafood, and a beautiful sunset off the river.
I overheard her telling Everleigh and Gemma she wanted to get married in the same little white church as her grandparents.
But considering they got married in Lawton Ridge, something tells me when she told Gabe what she wanted, he was less than enthusiastic about it.
Katie lets out a sigh, and I interlock my fingers with hers. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She shrugs. “Just thinking about Loretta and Brittany. I’m afraid they’re following us and waiting for their opportunity to pounce while we’re away. Hurt you when we least expect it. I don’t trust them, Noah. This whole thing is consuming me. Why did Loretta withdraw that money?”
“Baby…” I squeeze her leg to gain her attention.
“I hear your concerns, and I have them too, but I promise I won’t let anything happen while we’re away.
Owen’s safe with your parents, and we’re together in a touristy town.
Coming after us would be stupid because too many people are around. We’re safe and are gonna have fun.”
She releases a deep sigh. “You’re right.”
“This weekend is about us. I just want you to relax and have a good time, okay?”
She nods. “This was really sweet of you.”
“I might’ve had some selfish intentions…” I arch my brow with a smirk and laugh when she blushes.
I’m relieved when she recalls a memory from high school that involves Everleigh being pantsed at the school assembly. The thought has us both cracking up laughing.
“I haven’t been here in five years,” she admits as I drive through downtown. “After the funeral, it just seemed sad and pointless to visit.” Katie takes my hand again.
When we park at the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast, a huge grin meets her lips. A white wraparound porch surrounds the old house and beside it is a garden in full bloom.
“Thanks for bringing me here. I love making new memories with you.”
I bring our hands to my lips, then kiss her knuckles. “Thank you for joining me.” Winking, I lean in and thumb her chin until our mouths collide.
As we enter, my eyes trail over the unique décor. It’s a mix of rustic and floral. It’s a typical Southern bed and breakfast, and by the way Katie’s beaming, she’s excited to be here.
“Welcome, welcome. I’m Dolly. I’ll be glad to sign you in this evenin’.” A middle-aged woman finds our reservation, then asks if we’re celebrating an anniversary or birthday.
“Nothing specific, just a weekend away,” I explain.
“Oh how lovely. You two seem like you’ve been together for years.” She smiles, then leans in closer to Katie and loudly whispers, “I can tell by the way he looks at you.”
I grab our bags as she leads us to our room, sharing the history of the place and the generations of families who’ve owned it. I can already see the stress melting off Katie’s shoulders as she takes it all in with a smile.
“I haven’t been here in ages,” Katie admits. “My mom and I stayed here once when I was a kid and we were visiting my grandmother. Honestly, I don’t think much has changed.”
“Probably not.” Dolly snickers.
When she shows us our room, I step inside and spot the champagne and vase of red roses. From our balcony, the trees and river make for a perfect serene view. I hope being here allows Katie and me to reconnect and unwind.
“This is breathtaking,” Katie says as Dolly gives a short tour, showing off the loft area with a loveseat and coffee table.
“We’re definitely using that,” I whisper in Katie’s ear from behind as she stares at the soaking bathtub in the ensuite.
She giggles.