Free Saving Alyssa (Mills & Boon Heartwarming) by Loree Lough Page A

coffee, buying time to think of something. “That you leave wet towels on the bed.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t.”
    â€œI could, so don’t push your luck.”
    â€œSo what time is your meeting with Noah? ”
    Her brother’s sarcasm wasn’t lost on her. But she needed to choose her words carefully, or risk heightening his belief that her interest in Noah was more than strictly business.
    Pouring Lucky Charms into a bowl, Billie said, “Are these a regular item on your grocery list? Because I haven’t had them since I was ten years old. Eight, even.”
    â€œNice try, but I’m not that easily distracted. But don’t worry. I know when to back off.”
    She didn’t intend to give him a chance to prove it. Billie carried the cereal bowl to her room, and before closing the door, hollered, “I’m going to take a shower, so don’t run the hot water, okay?”
    When she returned to the kitchen, the note propped against the salt and pepper shakers on the table said, “Appointment with Realtor. Back by suppertime.”
    She’d known he wouldn’t stay with her permanently, but this visible proof of it tugged at her heartstrings. Tossing the note into the trash can, Billie grabbed the file folder containing her proposal for Noah’s website, locked up and headed toward Ike’s Bikes. Her ankle hadn’t felt this good since that day on the trail, and she decided to walk to the shop. While waiting to cross Main Street, she heard someone call her name. Turning, she saw her next-door neighbor jogging up behind her.
    When he caught up, she said, “I’m not speaking to you, Bud Kirk. You made bacon and didn’t invite me over.”
    â€œYou smelled it, all the way from your place?”
    â€œThat’s the price we pay for having back doors that are twenty feet apart.”
    â€œThat, and a northerly wind.”
    â€œSo how are things, Bud?”
    â€œThat’s one of the reasons I’m glad I ran into you this morning.” He looked uncharacteristically serious.
    â€œI just thought you had a right to know...that young fella who’s staying with you had company the other day. Tall, good-looking brunette.”
    â€œThat young fella is my brother. Troy has had a run of bad luck lately, so he’s staying with me until he can figure things out.” She remembered the note Troy had left on the table this morning. “The woman is probably his real estate agent.”
    â€œYour brother. No kiddin’?” Bud took a moment to process the information. “Never would have guessed it. I didn’t see any resemblance.”
    â€œPeople say that all the time,” she agreed. “What was the other thing you wanted to tell me?”
    â€œI’m having a little procedure next week, and wondered if you’d keep an eye on Inky for me, feed the fish, water the plants.”
    â€œWhat kind of procedure?”
    â€œDoc wants to install a couple stents in me. Says it’s no big deal...unless I don’t cooperate.” He winked. “That’s why the bacon. My last hurrah, y’know?”
    â€œI’m happy to take care of things for you.”
    A horn blared and a driver bellowed, “Yo! Buddy boy! How goes it!”
    Billie didn’t recognize the man, but Bud did. No surprise there. He knew just about everyone in town...and every bit of juicy gossip about them, too.
    â€œIt goes,” Bud yelled back. He faced Billie again. “So where are you headed, all dressed up?”
    She’d worn a simple coral sheath and matching sweater with black ballet flats. It must have been the silver hoop earrings and bracelet that made the outfit seem dressy. Either that or he’d grown accustomed to seeing her in jeans and khakis.
    â€œI’m meeting with the owner of Ike’s Bikes.” She glanced across the street and saw Noah through the shop’s huge window, leaning