Page 101 of Coming Home

Looking between one another, Nat and Noah’s gazes debated who should speak first. Squeezing his hand, he nodded his understanding. It was her brother…she should start.

Heart pounding, she inhaled a deep calming breath. “I’m sorry you found out like this. We were?—”

“Fucking on his kitchen table! On the same table where he and I played cards last week.” Clayton interrupted with a slight sneer. “How many times? How long has this been hap…hap…happening? When did this start?”

Noah squeezed Nat’s hand tighter. “We’ve been together for a little over a month,” he said.

“My sister?” Clayton motioned to Nat. “You finally decide to end your almost monk-like existence, and you cho…cho…choose my little sister?”

“Clayton, I’m sorry?—”

Clayton tossed up his hands. “Are you sorry I caught you? Or are you sorry you’ve been fucking my little sister?”

“Clayton,” Elle cautioned. “Noah didn’t react like this when he walked in on us.”

Brow creased, he turned to her. “That’s different. You’re not Noah’s sister. I wasn’t taking advantage of you.”

“Excuse me?” Nat hissed, angry fire burning in her belly. “What the fuck does that mean?” She’d never had an urge to slap her brother before. Good thing he already had a bloody nose and blooming black eye, or she’d have to give him one.

“You’ve had a crush on Noah since you were a little girl.” He turned to Noah. “I thought you were a better man than this. To take advantage of Nat’s feelings for you. I know I’ve beenencouraging you to get back out there, but not withmylittle sister. Not like this.”

Elle stepped beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. The clenched jaw softened at her touch. Claytonneverlost his temper. His patience was as constant as the rising and setting of the sun. This was so unlike him, but it was what Nat had feared would happen. The urge to protect seemed to ripple Clayton’s usually calm waters.

Eyes closed, he exhaled a heavy breath. “Why did you have to with my li…li…li…little sister?” he stuttered.

“She’s not your sister to me. She’s the woman I love,” Noah declared, his gaze locked on Clayton. “This isn’t what you’re making it out to be. I am in love with Nat. I love her.”

All the air in her lungs fled. Nat’s chest rose and fell but the dizzy feeling didn’t dissipate.Noah loves me.He was standing in front of her brother, clutching her hand, and telling him that he loved her. That he chose her.

Clayton just blinked. Noah’s words took up all the space in the room, allowing no other words to be spoken. Shaking his head, Clayton turned and left the room. For a second time, he left a stunned silent Nat in a kitchen, wondering what the fuck had just happened.

Had the last twenty minutes really happened? Had Clayton caught her having sex with Noah? Had Noah said he loved her?

What the actual fuck?She blinked as if it was all a dream…both a nightmare and the sweetest of all dreams.

“He just needs time to process this,” Elle breathed, her eyes darting to the now-empty entryway. “Noah…Nat, it’s just a lot for him. He didn’t mean what he said. You know that. He doesn’t believe that about you, Noah. He’s just shocked. He just needs time.”

Noah nodded. In the span of Clayton and Noah’s friendship, Nat cannot recall a single fight. There had been nothing butunwavering support for each other. As much as she knew Elle was correct that Clayton needed time to process this, she feared what the result would be at the end of that processing time.

“I’m going to go check on him.” Elle sighed as she slipped out of the room.

Noah turned to Nat. “I meant what I said. I am in love with you, Nat. Right before your brother walked in, I was just about to say it. Hell, I almost said it half a dozen times over the last few weeks.”

Nat’s heart jumped into her throat, not allowing any words to come out.

Cradling her face, he said, “I love you, and it’s okay if you’re not ready to say it yet, but I want you to know that I love you and I still choose you. No matter what, I will remain yours.”

Yet?How did he know?Because he sees me, even when I am in the dark.

“I love you, too,” she croaked.

He swiped his thumb along her jawline before he pressed an almost reverent kiss. “Come home with me? We’ll give him space to think. We can get your things from the Little Red Barn.”

Nodding, she allowed Noah to guide her toward the door. Her steps were halted by a framed photo in the foyer, of Noah and Clayton in their blue high school graduation caps and gowns, a pint-size Nat between them flashing a peace sign. Evan leaned against Clayton, his hands flashing bunny ears behind his unsuspecting big brother. The image kept her in place. She’d lost one brother, but she wouldn’t lose another one, nor would she lose Noah.

“Noah,” she murmured.

He turned. “You’re staying.” It wasn’t a question. He knew. He always knew.

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