Page 41 of Colton's Last Resort

“Then say yes,” she insisted. “The sooner Noah finds the perpetrator, the sooner everything can go back to normal.”

Adam groaned. “He can stay in Bungalow Fifteen. It’s better than him bunking with you at your place, which is where you’d put him if I refused.”

“Thank you,” Laura said. “You won’t regret this.”

Adam waited until she settled back at the table before turning fully to Noah. He leaned in, lowering his voice to a fine edge. “My sister just vouched for you. Don’t let her down.”

“And let you run me through with your princely sword?” Noah ventured. He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

Adam shrugged his hand from his shoulder before he walked away.

Amused, Noah sat again. “I think he’s starting to like me.”

Laura gave him a discreet roll of her eyes, reaching for her champagne again. He didn’t miss the way her lips moved around a whispered prayer before she tipped it back.

Chapter 8

“You’re dating again?”

Laura didn’t think she could take another brother’s disapproval. She swallowed, watching Joshua’s expression as he took in the news.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked.

“I was being cautious,” Laura tried to tell him. “Can you blame me?”

Joshua squinted off in Noah’s direction. The pair had come to the stable so she could familiarize Noah with the grounds and introduce him to other members of staff. She hadn’t expected Joshua to be there at this hour. His shock was palpable.

“Laura.” Joshua’s face broke out in a grin. “This is great!”

She blinked. “It is?”

“Of course it is,” he said. “I didn’t think after the Quentin situation you’d put yourself out there again. But look at you.”

A relieved laugh tumbled out of her as Joshua gathered her in for a hug. “You’re not upset?”

“Why would I be upset?”

“After everything with Quentin... You were so angry.”

“He hurt you,” Joshua told her. “He broke trust with all of us. Tell me you trust this guy, and I’m here for you.”

“I do trust him,” she breathed.

“That’s fantastic,” he said, pulling away. “Do I know him from somewhere? He looks familiar.”

“You must’ve seen his band,” she blurted. “Fast Lane.”

“Maybe.”

Before he could think more of it, she asked, “Did you speak with Erica?”

His smile tapered off. “Yeah, I did. She said nothing to make me think her and CJ Knight are more than they should be. Apparently, his manager—that Doug guy—isn’t answering her calls.”

Laura thought about that. “That’s not good.”

“Is there anything we can do about it?” Joshua asked. “What we should be worried about is Dad causing trouble for us.”

“You think he will?” she asked.

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