Page 29 of House of Payne

I hope it’s not too late.

Still, I hate having to rely on someone else, even if it is my boyfriend, and even if he has good intentions. It’s not his problem to deal with, but it’s the only way to save my dad. So, as vulnerable as it feels having to lean on him like this, I’ll do anything to keep my dad happy.

I just hope whatever Noah does makes a dent.

There’s more on my mind though, like that man.Mason.

He was so different from our other diners, and he didn’t order anything, so I am suspicious. I worry he’s associated with the group of men who attacked and threatened my father. Maybe he’s part of the ruthless group my father owes money to.

He was intimidating, and I know enough to know when I’ve come across someone who is used to getting his way.

Mason strikes me as the kind of man who’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Then, I think about the way he helped bandage my knee after I hurt it. I think about how gentle his touch was, and how he cleaned up the cut even though he didn’t know me. I think of the way our eyes met and the strange sense of urgency and yearning I felt at that moment.

Even if he had some temper issues, I can’t deny how it felt to be touched by him, to be seen by him.

Even now, my heart races when I think of him and the heat of his skin against mine.

Stop it. You can’t fawn over some guy you met once and only spoke to for a few minutes. Especially not that kind of man. You already know he’s no good.

And I’m with Noah, and I love him. He’s been there for me through everything. He’s even willing to help my father out of this mess. It’s a betrayal to even think of another man.

Despite my best attempts, Mason lingers in the back of my mind even as I close the diner. I think of his cocky grin, the confidence oozing from his pores, and the way my name sounded falling from his lips. With afrown, I shake my head and scowl at the receipt in front of me. Then I return to tallying up our meager income for the day.

I hate the numbers swimming in front of me, taunting me.

I know what they mean, and the realization makes me want to throw the cash register across the room.

A knock interrupts me from my thoughts, and for a split second, I let the idea of it being Mason slip into my mind before quickly getting rid of it.

It’s Noah.

Noah, the man I love with my whole heart.

I let him in and lock the door behind him. Then, I give him a big hug and hope he doesn’t realize something’s off.

“How was your first day of work?” I ask after we exchange a kiss.

“Well, being an engineer isn’t easy,” he admits. “School can’t ever fully prepare you for something like that. But it is rewarding. The money even more so. I’d say things went well. And I’m excited to do it all over again tomorrow.”

I’m listening, but it’s hard when I don’t care about engineering.

“I’m anxious to get started helping your father pay off his debt. How was your day?”

“It’s been good,” I lie easily, knowing he hardly notices the difference. He glances over at the diner’s bar to see the mop and bucket before looking me up and down, noticing the bandage on my knee.

“Did something happen today?” he asks. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I assure him. “Just clumsy. I brought out a box of condiments that was a little too big for me. I tripped, and they shattered on the floor. Just trying to get things done too quickly.”

Noah sighs. “You’ve got to be more careful, baby. I don’t want you getting hurt. Especially not when you’re here alone. I hope you know if you ever need anything, you can reach out to me. Any time of day. Anything.”

“I know, and I appreciate that.”

He pulls me closer, and I’m enveloped with such warmth. I feel safe, secure, and wanted. Mason could never make me feel that way. He’s too intimidating; a stranger with a sense of danger. I know I should be solely focused on Noah.

“How about you let me make you feel better,” he whispers in my ear.