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"Thanks for your concern, Mr. Harold, but I think you both need your eyes checked." I wink.

They both laugh goodnaturedly, lettin' me be on my way.

"Alright darlin', you go be stubborn. See if I care," Betty teases before headin' back to the counter to serve another customer. I giggle at her playfulness when Harold gently grasps my forearm.

"You be thinkin' bout what I said, ya hear?"

I nod, soberin’ slightly.

"Yeah. I hear y'all."

He chuckles under his breath. "I think we both know I’m not known for my subtlety."

My nose scrunches. "I think you're right."

Chapter Ten

Noah

"Hey, sorry. What's up?" I speak into my cell, feeling irrationally annoyed that Shane called when I was with Beau and Mac.

"Why haven't you been answering my calls?" Shane’s muffled voice asks.

"I've been busy."

"Busy boning the help?"

My fist squeezes my phone.

"There a reason you called? Or do you just want to discuss my sex life?"

Shane laughs, thinking my protectiveness is hilarious. My nostrils flare.

"No, just wanting to make sure your head's in the right place, and I thought you might want an update."

I squeeze the back of my neck before stomping over to my truck and opening the door. Pinning the phone between my ear and my shoulder, I start it then pull out into the street.

"My head's fine. What's the update?"

"Well..." Shane drags out the word, "Ricky's getting impatient. Wants to know if you're still interested or not so that he can jump in."

I roll my eyes. "What an ass. Why would he think I'm not interested?"

"Because you're not here. You full-on disappeared, Noah. You've been gone for over a week. Ricky’s talking shit to Slater, and you’re not around to defend yourself, which means it’s only a matter of time before Slater starts to listen."

"Yeah. I’m busy coming up with the money Slater's asking for. What the hell does he think I'm doing?" I growl, turning toward the inn.

"Apparently, he thinks you’re scrambling. He doesn't think your investment is real. He might even think you're into some shady shit, but who knows if he actually believes the crap Ricky’s spewing."

I slam my fist against the steering wheel. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Shane sighs into the speaker, causing my hackles to rise. "Listen, what if we come down to the inn? Check things out? Maybe Slater will see the potential in your investment and give you a little more time? What do you think?"

Groaning, I roll out my shoulders that have mysteriously turned into a ball of knots. "There's no reason you should come. That's a waste of time."

"Not to Slater,” Shane reasons. “He wants to see if you're serious or if you're lying. He wants to see if you're an honest business partner."

I scoff. "Honest? We're gonna go there now?"

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