Holding You Close (Ex-Con Duet 4)

“Where do we find a bodyguard? Online?” I ask, not knowing how any of this works.

Tyler chuckles. “Not quite. I know a guy. Eric Hudson. When I was having issues with Victoria, he came down here. He’s always willing to help a friend out, especially when it comes to crazy women. I’ll call him and see if he has time, and if he does, I’ll book him on the first flight here.”

I let out a sigh of relief as Noah nods.

“In the meantime, until we can figure out what to do with Loretta and Brittany, I need you to be overly cautious. Keep your eyes on your surroundings, always have people around you, and don’t leave town. Makes it too easy for them to run you off the road. I’ll call Eric on my way home.” Tyler looks at us before standing. “I’ll let you know what he says.”

While it’s settled for now and the conversation is over, I feel better knowing we’ll have help. After we say our goodbyes, Noah walks Tyler out. Five minutes later, he returns to the couch where I’m sitting.

“You okay?” he asks.

“Yeah, just trying to take it all in.”

Noah stares off in the empty space before looking at me. “I know Tyler will do anything to protect us. A bodyguard, though? Never thought I’d need one of those.”

“Where’s Eric gonna stay?” I ask.

“I didn’t even think about that,” he admits. “Maybe a hotel in Mobile?”

“He’d need to keep a close watch on you, almost like he’s your shadow. You two could always use the house now that it’s not so cold outside,” I suggest.

“Are you sure?”

A smile slides across my lips. “Of course. I know you miss those high ceilings and country aesthetics.”

Noah tries to hold back his grin but fails. “I kinda did miss it and seeing you at lunch.”

I lean against him and wish none of this was happening. “You have to tell your dad what’s going on if Eric agrees, so then he at least knows. With all of this going on, it’s best not to hold anything back because I know he’s worried too.”

He nods in agreement. “I’m gonna try to keep my life as normal as possible so no one’s suspicious of anything. That way, if they do have something planned, Eric can help stop them.”

“I think that’s a great plan.” I glance up at the clock and toward the window. “It’s gonna get dark soon, and not that I want you to leave, but you should get going.”

Noah stands up and pulls me with him, then places a soft kiss on my lips. “Love you, sweetheart. So much.”

I wrap my arms around his neck, and he squeezes my waist. “I’ll never get tired of hearing that,” I admit.

A car door slams, and I peek outside to see Owen and my mother. Owen’s talking her head off as they walk down the sidewalk toward the front door. Seconds later, I open it, and as soon as my mother sees Noah, she lights up.

“Hi, Noah,” she says, and he greets her in return.

“Hello, Mrs. Walker. You look nice today.”

I think I see my mother blush, and I shake my head at him when he passes her. “I’ll text you when I get home,” Noah tells me with a smile and a wink before saying goodbye to Owen.

“Bath,” I tell Owen, and he listens.

“You two look good together,” Mom tells me, and I feel like a shy twelve-year-old girl again.

“Thanks, Mama,” I say as she turns. “Be careful out there.”

“You too, honey.” She gives me a smile, then leaves.

After his bath, Owen does his homework, and I text Everleigh. I fill her in on the plan involving Eric.

Everleigh: Eric? Oh, I remember him! How could a girl forget?

She always has a way of making me laugh, even when I don’t need it. Almost immediately, she sends another text.

Everleigh: All jokes aside, Eric’s a good guy. He’ll keep y’all protected. I trusted him with my brother’s life.

Katie: Thank you! That’s exactly what I needed to hear.

Everleigh: You’re welcome. Also, I miss hanging out with you!

I smile because I know she’s being genuine.

Katie: We need to get together and plan Gemma’s baby shower!

Everleigh: Yes, we do. The sooner, the better.

Katie: I’ll shoot some dates over to you tomorrow.

Another text comes through, and I see it’s Noah letting me know he made it home. I release a sigh of relief and tell him good night. An hour passes, and I start yawning. I get up and tuck Owen in before going to bed. I fall asleep instantly with hope in my heart that everything will work out for the best.

Chapter Eight

NOAH

A few days after talking to Tyler and devising a plan to get Eric to Alabama, I decide it’s time to tell my dad and Belinda. Since I won’t be staying here, they’d know something was up, and I don’t want them to worry.