Read Noah's Journey (Sawyer Brothers #3) for Free Online Page B

I heard the chair to my left squeak against the floor. I saw movement from the corner of my eye, yet I kept my body facing forward.
    “Thank you, darlin’,” I said in my best imitation of a country-girl accent. I felt Noah’s presence at my side, but I continued to act as if he had no effect on me. “You should come over later today and look through the items Hayden and I have coming in. I’m more than positive we can put a big ol’ dent in your dad’s paycheck.”
    Olivia’s eyes lit up. Amber had gone on and on about her new daughter’s shopping addiction, and I had no doubt this sweet girl would be one of my best customers.
    “I’ll be there after three,” Olivia said as she looked over at her father with a gleam in her eyes. Ryan groaned, and it triggered a laugh from me.
    “You get my text earlier?” Noah’s deep, rumbling voice broke through my laughter, and I turned quickly to face him. “I was hoping you were free tonight.”
    Just over his shoulder, I could see Stacey watching us closely. Her eyes were narrowed in obvious distaste.
    “No, I hadn’t looked at my phone. But to answer your question, I’ve got plans.” I took the box Olivia was holding. “See ya later, Liv. I laid out some things I think you’ll love.” I winked at her as I stepped back and put some space between Noah and myself. “Have a good night, Noah.”
    I turned toward the door and began walking away without looking back.
    By the time I had made it across the street and back inside the store, my confident attitude had crashed and burned. I had a knot in my stomach that made me feel like at any moment I would be running for the bathroom.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    Noah
     
    “Do you wanna stay for dinner?” Stacey asked as she leaned over, pretending to adjust her shoe. I knew she was trying to give me a view down the front of her shirt, but I wasn’t falling for it. I kept my eyes on hers instead.
    “No, I’m planning on getting Austin tomorrow. I got the day off, and I’m gonna take him to the ranch again. Tonight I have somewhere to be, though.”
    I stepped back and turned to walk down her parent’s porch steps.
    “Oh, well, I just thought since your friend wasn’t available, you would want to stay and have dinner with us.” Stacey’s voice was sugary-sweet, yet laced with contempt. “Austin would love to have you stay.”
    It was a low blow, but that was the kind of person Stacey was.
    “I already talked to Austin, and like I said, I have plans.” I opened my truck door, paused, and looked back over my shoulder. “You do understand there ain’t a chance for you and me, right? Because I’m sensing you think this is all a game.”
    “I’m just trying to keep the peace, Noah. For Austin. It’s good for him to see us getting along.”
    She shrugged innocently, but I could see right through it. I chose to ignore it, though, because fighting with her would solve nothing. Until I could get an attorney to check into my options and make the chances of Stacey skipping town with Austin impossible, I had to maintain the peace.
    “I’ll pick him up around ten in the morning,” I said as I climbed into my truck and shut the door, giving her no chance to argue.
    I knew she would try to wheedle her way into our day tomorrow, but it would only be Austin and me. Stacey would have to entertain herself.
     
    ***
     
    It was dark as I drove down Main Street, but the lights that were still on in the store across the street highlighted the road. Most places were closed by this time, but I knew Alena was in the process of getting her new shop ready. Ryan and Amber had filled me in on the details after she left the bakery earlier.
    I’d be lying if I said her brush-off didn’t hit me low in the stomach. But she had every right to push me away. I hadn’t been the kind of guy she deserves lately. But I was hoping after we got the chance to talk, I may be able to change her mind about