Page 27 of Colton's Second Chance
“No. I told Asher to come at eight. If that’s him pushing things earlier, I swear I’ll…” He didn’t finish the threat as another knock pounded on his door.
Scrambling to right his clothes, Eli headed for the door, hesitating only long enough for her to restore her bra and shirt as well.
An attractive young couple, their arms around each other, waited on Eli’s front porch when he opened the door.
“Took you long enough,” the man with shaggy brown hair said, pushing past Eli without a verbal invitation to enter. His gaze took in Eli’s rumpled hair and clothes as he ushered the blonde with him inside. “Were you asleep?”
“Um, no. Why—?”
The couple pulled up short when they spotted Noelle sitting on the couch, finger combing her hair. She knew her lips were swollen and that she’d missed a button when fastening her blouse.Busted.
“Oh hello.” The blonde glanced from Noelle to Eli to her partner. “We didn’t know you had company. I’m sorry.”
Eli dismissed the woman’s concerns with a flick of his hand. “You’re not interrupting anything. I was just, uh, discussing the Fiancée Killer case with Noelle. Her sister was one of the victims, and she, um, wanted a briefing.”
“A briefing? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?” The shaggy-haired man’s eyes twinkled with mischief.
Eli rolled his eyes and punched the guy’s arm lightly. “Don’t be crude, man.” Motioning with his hand, Eli introduced the couple, his younger brother Parker and Parker’s girlfriend, Genna. “So, you had a reason for stopping by I assume?”
Instead of answering his brother’s question, Parker sent Noelle a curious look, much like the one Kansas had given her when they met earlier in the week. Noelle braced herself for the connection and suppositions. For subsequent necessary explanations. For judgments.
When Parker remained silent for several seconds, Genna answered, “We’re taking a quick trip up north to check conditions before a group from Boston arrives to go snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. We want to go now so we don’t miss your mom’s party this weekend.” She divided a glance between Parker and Noelle, her brow creasing as she elbowed Parker. Returning her attention to Eli, Genna said, “Anyway, I left my snowshoes in Hetty’s plane, and she’s out on a trip at the moment, so I was hoping I could borrow yours?”
“Um, yeah. I’ll go dig them out of my closet.” Eli started to leave but noticed his brother still staring at Noelle. “Parker? If you have something to say, just say it.”
Parker slanted a sly grin at his brother. “No. Nothing. But I am glad you took my advice.”
“Advice?” Genna sent Parker a querying look.
“Likewise, brother,” Eli said before turning to Genna. “A couple months back Parker and I had a conversation about…not missing opportunities.”
Genna glanced at Noelle. “Do you have any idea what they’re talking about?”
Noelle lifted her shoulders. “None.”
Parker motioned for Eli to hurry. “You were getting the snowshoes? We have a few more errands to run and have to arrange a plane that can leave at first light tomorrow.” He smirked. “And we want to let you get back to what you were doing.”
Noelle felt the heat that stung her cheeks, and she self-consciously smoothed a hand over her misbuttoned blouse.
Eli sent his brother a withering look as he headed down the hall to his bedroom.
“So…your sister was one of the women killed by the creep Eli is looking for?” Parker asked, his tone sympathetic. “I’m so sorry. I hate that we’re meeting under these circumstances, but I’m glad to finally make your acquaintance.”
Genna blinked and glanced at Noelle. “What am I missing?”
“Noelle and Eli dated in college. They were pretty serious to hear Eli tell it. But the family never got the chance to meet her before they went their separate ways after graduation.”
“Oh,” Genna said, then, “Oh!” as if suddenly remembering who Noelle was. A pink flush rose in her cheeks as she flashed an embarrassed grin and schooled her reaction. “Yes, it’s nice to meet you, Noelle. I hope we’ll be seeing more of you in the future.” Genna’s tone put a period at the end of the sentence, but a lift of her eyebrows made it a question.
“I don’t know. I only plan to be in town until my sister’s funeral, but that’s on hold until the medical examiner releases her body.”
Parker and Genna exchanged a look Noelle couldn’t interpret, and she fumbled for a way to change the topic.
“Has Eli asked you to our mom’s party?” Parker asked.
“Um, no. Kansas has, but I don’t think—”
Parker snorted. “What is wrong with my brother? Of course you’re invited. I’ll talk to him.”
