Page 80 of Resisting Temptation

“I’m not, I just… What the hell happened tonight?” she snaps, changing the subject, but it’s too late, we all saw the look of panic in her eyes. But tonight, I’ll let her get away with it. I don’t have the energy to meddle in her business or even my brother’s and Mae’s, even though it’s damn obvious she ran to him like she was scared he was the one who got shot.

Mae’s guilty eyes meet mine from across the driveway, and she moves toward me, pulling me into a tight embrace. “Thank God you’re okay.”

Chapter 43

Noah

My hand slides down her thigh, dusting over the silky fabric of her skirt. She leans into me and kisses my lips. The scent of peaches lingers in the air from her cocktail. I could eat her up, and I plan on it as soon as we get home. McAllister’s has gathered quite the crowd for a Saturday night, with a local band taking center stage. Everyone is here tonight to celebrate Paisley’s big achievement. Mae is by her side, with Parker next to her. Then across from us in the booth is Brody, Gisele, Elliot, and Emerson. It feels like the first time since I moved home that we’re all in the same place at once and talking to each other. And I for one couldn’t be happier.

“To Paisley,” I announce, holding my beer bottle into the center. The others all join me as we share in a cheer to my amazing girl.

She beams with pride, a twinkle in her eyes when they meet with mine. The last few days we have been inseparable, nothing standing in our way anymore.

Jake brings over a fresh bowl of French fries and some sliders, placing them in the center of the table. “Join us, Jake,” Paisley begs him.

He glances my way. “Better not. This crowd is wild, can’t leave the new girl alone too long. She might freak out and not come back.” The young girl does look flustered, trying to manage the busy bar. But somehow, I get the impression that this has more to do with his friendship with Paisley.

“When you’re done for the night, come have one drink. You have to,” Paisley pleads with him.

He offers her a half-smile. “I’ll see how I go,” he tells her before walking back toward the bar, his shoulders slumped.

Paisley leans into me closer. “Do you think he hates me?”

“Not at all. It’s busy in here, and I’m sure he’s just trying to do his job.”

She keeps looking his way, her teeth nibbling her bottom lip. “You’re probably right.”

“It might also be a little awkward for him now that we’re together.”

She sighs heavily. “I was hoping that wouldn’t be the case, but I think you’re right.” She kisses my lips, staring up at me like I’m her whole world, and I hope I am. Because she’s mine.

Beckett approaches our table, a paper tucked under his arm. “Thought you might like to know the information you provided has proved very valuable.” He hands over a paper. “Tomorrow’s edition.” Hesmiles wickedly. “I’ve just heard from Detective McAllister that charges have been laid. He couldn’t give me full details yet, but Margo and her father have been retained in custody until trial. No bail set, as they’re too much of a flight risk.” He holds out a hand for me to shake. “Couldn’t have done it without you.”

I nod and shake his hand, knowing I have an unexpected ally in him.

“I also thought you might like to know, Coach just retired, and talk around town is they want you.”

I raise a brow, interested. “He might have mentioned he was thinking about it earlier in the year.”

“This town loves their football star, and they’re searching for a big title next year. Worth thinking about.” From the look on his face, I can see he’s in full support of the idea. And maybe this would be the opportunity I’m looking for.

“I’ll give it some thought,” I agree, already half on board.

“You really should. You would make a great coach,” Emerson agrees, tipping her cocktail in my direction.

Paisley smirks. “Coach Harrington does have a nice ring to it.”

“I will leave you two to think on that one. Got to get going, enjoy your celebration, Paisley.”

“Thank you, Beckett. Thanks for everything.” She smiles at him.

He gives her a subtle nod. I should feel protective over her obvious closeness with him, but the two of them have proven there’s nothing romantic between them or he wouldn’t have helped me in the way he did. I guess I just have to get used to the fact that Paisley hasa lot of male friends. “Emerson.” Beckett smirks as he walks off, and all eyes land on Emerson.

She blushes under our attention. “What? He just said my name.”

“It’s the way he said it, Em.” Elliot chuckles.

Brody looks unimpressed, but Gisele calms him down. Conversation moves to The Alexander Hotel and some big events the girls are planning, and things begin to feel almost normal again. After months of trying to avenge my father and then what they did to me, I finally feel like there is some peace. Paisley runs her hand down my leg, and I wrap my arms around her, pulling her in close as I inhale her sweet scent. She feels like home to me. I’m still no closer to working out if my father is alive or not, but I hope he is out there somewhere when our story drops.

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