Free Serving Trouble by Sara Jane Stone Page B

walked away?” Dominic demanded.
    â€œLife doesn’t always work out like you think,” she said quietly. Sometimes it hands you a pile of heartbreak and you need pie. And I think Noah’s the perfect combination of sweet and tart.
    But if she said that to her brother, he’d want details.
    â€œNo,” Dominic said flatly. “It doesn’t.”
    And she wondered if he was thinking about Lily, his high school sweetheart. They’d broken up after he joined the rangers.
    â€œIf you’re sure about working there—­”
    â€œI’m sure,” she said firmly.
    â€œThen put me on speaker so I can say goodbye to Noah,” he said. “And, Josie? I love you. Don’t forget that.”
    â€œI love you too,” she said softy, hoping it wouldn’t be the last time she said those words to him. She walked over to Noah and held out the phone as she found the right button on the screen. “You’re on speaker and Noah’s here.”
    â€œThanks for looking out for Josie,” Dominic said. The hard, threatening edge had returned to his voice, signaling he was done with the I-­love-­yous. “For treating her like you would your own sister and all.”
    â€œDominic,” she said. “Don’t worry about how he treats me—­”
    â€œThe hell I won’t,” her brother snapped. “Do you hear me, Noah?”
    â€œLoud and clear, buddy,” Noah said. “I’ll take care of her. You focus on doing your job, staying safe, and staying alive.”
    â€œWill do,” Dominic said. “Will do.” And he ended the call.
    â€œLet’s go, Josie.” Noah took the phone and slid it into his pocket. “Time to get you home before you father sends a patrol car to look for you.”
    He headed for the passenger’s door and she followed. “You’re not going to listen to him, are you? He doesn’t have the right to jump in—­”
    â€œHe’s your brother. He has every right.” Noah opened the door and stepped back, waiting for her to climb into the truck.
    She let out an indignant huff, but took her seat.
    â€œThe thing is,” Noah said, still holding open the door. He was grinning at her, offering a glimpse of his old charm. But the look in his blue eyes was pure sin and stolen kisses. “I don’t have a sister. I already warned you, Josie, I’m not some war hero. And I’m sure as hell not a saint.”
    â€œNo wonder I can’t stop wanting you,” she murmured. And he laughed.
    â€œHold that thought for another night,” he said. “And whatever you do, don’t tell your brother.”

 
    Chapter Nine
    â€œY OU HAVEN’T STOPPED by the club.” Daphne’s voice was lighthearted and upbeat. But even at eight in the morning after too little sleep, Josie could hear the hurt.
    Josie sat on the edge of the twin bed she’d slept in until she’d gone away to college. “I’ve been working every night at Big Buck’s.”
    With this crazy AWOL marine and a boss whom I want to see naked.
    â€œI heard about the Hoppy Heaven,” her friend said. “Sounds like he’ll keep you around, and for the right reasons.”
    â€œI hope so,” she said. “I have a payment due at the end of the month.”
    Reality was like an anchor holding her ship in place and preventing her from sailing straight for happiness. Not that Noah’s bed was a beacon of bliss. OK, maybe it was—­for a few hours, a single night, maybe two . . . But it wasn’t a long-­term destination. Not unless she was willing to fall in love with him again and suffer the heartbreak.
    Sure, she could push past fear for a night or two. Just like she could march into Oregon’s hottest brewery and win a contract. She could reach for a strength she wasn’t sure she possessed and play at being bold, even daring.