Page 23 of His Middle

Noah lowered his eyes and kicked at one of the legs of the bed’s footboard. “Actually, my dad never liked him all that much, so I never invited him. Then after…it just seemed, I dunno, rude to my dad’s memory.” He lifted his gaze. “Guess he could tell what a jerk the guy was.” Noah chuckled shakily. “Get this. Dad was always telling me I should pick a Daddy who was like you. Isn’t that funny?”

Sawyer almost swallowed his tongue. Mind blown, out of body experience—the works.

“H-hilarious.” He needed a minute. “Hey, if you don’t mind, I’m going to grab a shower real quick.” His mouth had gone so dry, he could barely get his tongue to move. “I’m filthy after dealing with that kitchen today.”

“Oh.” Noah shoved his hands into his front pockets. “Yeah. Sure. I should probably do the same.” He pressed his lips together as he glanced around the room like it might give him answers to some mystery question. “I guess I should crash anyway. Gotta start all over again tomorrow.”

Sawyer bit the inside of his cheek. His thoughts kept short-circuiting, but he needed to pull himself together.

“You put in long, stressful hours today, Noah. You need your rest.”

Noah’s expression fell, and Sawyer imagined he’d hoped they’d sit up for a while and…talk? Nope. He wasn’t going there. Not after that comment bomb Noah had just dropped.

“Okay. I’ll leave you alone.” He gave Sawyer a slight smile. “Good night.”

Noah turned to leave but Sawyer called out. “Hey, I was thinking. We don’t need to get to the club until ten. Why don’t you and I grab some breakfast on the way into the city at that café we always used to go to?”

‘We’ meant with Oliver as well, but Sawyer thought it best not to bring that part up.

Noah’s features brightened. “The Marina Brew and Eats?”

“Yeah. I love the view there. The omelets kick ass too.”

“I love the chocolate chip pancakes with strawberries.” Noah grinned. “We should totally go there.”

Sawyer chuckled, grateful that made the right call. “Great. Then let’s get some sleep so we can have a nice, leisurely breakfast before we face a new day. Sound like a plan?”

“An awesome plan. Thanks, Sawyer.” Noah gave him a somewhat shy smile as he left. “’Night.”

Sawyer smiled back. “Good night, Noah.”

As soon as he’d shut the door behind Noah, he fell against it. He knuckled his eyes, the exhaustion from the long day beginning to consume him.

What the hell, Oliver?

Why would he have said such a thing to Noah? Was he hinting about something, had he changed his mind about what he’d said to him? It didn’t seem possible after how adamant Oliver had been, and anyway, it’s not as if Sawyer lived nearby. Although, at the time of his last visit Sawyer had shared with Oliver about the sale going through on the business and that he still hadn’t decided whether he’d stay in Monterey or relocate.

Sawyer rubbed his eyes again then pushed away from the door. Nothing would be resolved right now, and he was half dead on his feet. A new day after a full night’s sleep was needed before any other issues were taken into consideration.

While he dug through his bag to find his sleep pants and a tee, the night Oliver had told him Noah was hands off kept worming its way into his thoughts.

Dammit, Oliver. Why aren’t you here?

He desperately needed to know if he had his friend’s blessing after all.

Chapter Eight

Noah yawned as he jogged down the stairs toward the kitchen. He’d totally slept in since it was Monday—plus the last few days at the club had been hell. They’d been amazing because of Sawyer, but hell all the same. They’d both worked their asses off.

Sawyer glanced up with a smile. He was perched on a stool, with his laptop open and a jumbo cup of coffee on the breakfast bar, the same as he’d been the past few mornings. Yeah, Noah could definitely get used to that visual every day for the rest of his life.

Except for one minor detail. Slim fit or not, the tee should come off. Then all would be right with the world.

“Good morning, sleepy head.” Sawyer jerked his chin in the direction of the Keurig. “I already put in your favorite pod.”

“Good morning and thanks.” Noah’s eyes landed on the coffeemaker. Next to it was his Deadpool mug and the sugar bowl that Sawyer had cleaned out and refilled. Noah was beginning to get used to that added touch to his morning. “I could’ve sworn we were out of the dark roast, but I probably didn’t see it in the pantry. That needs some serious organizing too.”

Sawyer closed the lid of his computer. “No, you’re right. You were out. I ran out this morning to grab some more.” He dragged a white bakery bag closer to him. “I also picked up some fresh bagels at the café down on Bridgeway.”

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