Page 75 of His Stepdad Wears Leather

“Something big?”

“Haven’t you heard about that construction company snapping up old homes all over town?”

“I had heard a couple of stories, but wasn’t sure.”

Gracie nodded. “They’ve bought up all of Sterling Street. Every house on the block and then some. From what I hear, they’ve fixed up all the houses they could get their hands on over near the university, so now they’re venturing out to us. Fixing ‘em up and selling them off.”

That could be good news for him. Or bad. Depended on the people who moved in.

Brody rose from his booth and gave her a big hug. “Mornings won’t be the same without you.”

“Yeah, and you’ll have to learn to cook for yourself.”

He chuckled before sitting back down. “I can cook. Well, in fact. I’m just not a morning person.”

“Then find yourself someone to cook it for you. Like that cutie from yesterday. I bet he could fry up greasy eggs and hash browns as good as old Hank’s.”

Brody’s mind drifted back to those red lace manties and Noah cooking them breakfast. “Maybe. Not the guy from yesterday, but maybe someone else.”

“Someone else? Isawthe way you two were gazing at one another. You nearly set off the sprinklers…”

“We can’t… wecan’tbe together, Gracie. I truly wish we could.” And he did. Had he learned Chris’ secret—the name and the age part—he might’ve gotten over it. Maybe that was only in comparison to the rest? Him being eighteen and sneaking into his bar was bad… but…

The rest made things impossible.

Gracie’s face fell, and she rested a hand on his arm. “I’m sorry, sweetie… I pushed a sore subject and didn’t see I was making it worse. Forgive me.”

He patted Gracie’s hand. “It’s okay.”

The bell rang out that his order was ready. “I’ll go grab your food.”

Once again, he stared at the empty spot across from him, wishing Noah was there to fill it. By the time she sat his breakfast in front of him, his appetite was gone. He picked over his food and when he realized it was a losing battle, he paid his check, gave Gracie another big squeeze, and headed for the door.

When he was back on his bike, he wasn’t sure where to go. Home was out.

I’ll take a ride while the riding is good.

Putting his helmet on, he revved the engine. A good long ride might do his soul some good.

* * *

Noah cleared some of the dishes before sitting at the island, staring at the breakfast he’d cooked for them. No longer hungry, he picked at a piece of bacon and ate a few bites of toast. Before he finished up, a knock came to the door. Terror washed over him… he was there alone. What if it was his dad? He quietly padded over to the door and checked the peephole.

Mom. Whew…

Then he glanced down at his near naked body.

Shit!

Noah raced for the bedroom and pulled on some clothes as quickly as he could. He rushed back to the door to hear her knocking again. Ripping the door open wide, he was nearly out of breath.

“Morning, sweetheart,” she cried before tugging him into a bear hug. Noah stiffened slightly. Mixed emotions filled him… Too many years had passed for him to be completely comfortable with her constant need for hugs and touch. After she let him go, she barged into Brody’s place. “I know I said we wouldn’t come over and attract Walt here, but I zigzagged all over the place on the way, in case they tried to follow me. Hell, I almost got myself lost.” She glanced around. “Where’s Brody?”

“He went to breakfast at Gracie’s.”

Stacey frowned. “And left you all alone?”

“I’m a grown man. I can take care of myself.” It was only a partial fib. He wanted Brody back. Noah felt safer when his daddy was with him.

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