Page 4 of House of Payne

“Whatever it is, it can wait,” I suggest. “We’re supposed to be celebrating.”

Noah shakes his head, a furrow appearing between his brows and the corners of his mouth turning down. “This job will pay me enough to takecare of us, baby.”

“I have a job. I don’t need you to take care of me.”

He looks at me, the furrow between his brows deepening, making it clear that he doesn’t believe me. “Whether you need it or not, it’s something I want to do. We can’t keep avoiding the subject of us moving in together.”

I swallow.He said it.“Noah.” I say his name although I’m not sure what to say next. This isn’t something I’d planned to talk about today, but the look on his face says he’s not going to back down.

I sigh and ignore the small knots forming in my stomach. “I don’t want my dad to hear.”

“I’m not a dirty little secret, Lo.” He uses the nickname he’s always had for me.

“You’re not, and you know that.” My voice is a quiet snap as I shake my head.

“Then, let’s talk about it,” he presses. “The last time I brought it up, you said you weren’t ready. I’m out of school now, with a sustainable job. We’ve been dating for three years, Lo. If not now, then when?”

He’s right, but that doesn’t change how I feel. “Nothing’s changed, Noah. I still can’t bear to leave Dad on his own.”

Noah’s asked me to move in with three times now. I know I can’t put it off forever, and I’m sure Noah is getting tired of asking, but I can’t agree.

Even though I have no idea what’s stopping me.

Noah is great, and he makes me happy, and any woman in my shoes would’ve moved in months ago.

So, why can’t I?

“Let’s talk to him,” Noah suggests. “I’m sure he’d be more than happy if we…”

“No,” I interrupt because I know what Dad will say. He doesn’t want to get in the middle of my happiness and would gladly tell me to move in with Noah if that’s what I want. Unlike Mom, he’s always been selfless. “What’s the rush, Noah? We’re still young, right?”

“I want to get serious with you, baby, and now’s the time. You know my job is three hours away. I can’t imagine having to travel that far to see you.”

Three hours. That’s far from the diner.

I frown. “Who would help Dad run the place?”

“You can visit all the time.”

I’m still not convinced. “I don’t know, Noah.”

He lets out a deep breath. “I want to be the man for you. I want to protect you and always be there for you, and I can’t do that from three hours away, baby. You don’t have to be afraid of change.”

“I’m not afraid,” I say quickly.

He leans down and presses his lips against my neck, whispering along my sensitive skin. “Then come with me.”

I close my eyes, as his arm wraps around my hip, pulling me against him. “Let me be the man of your dreams.” He kisses me, and I’m eager to reciprocate.

The front door opens. “I’m sorry; we’re closed,” I announce, wanting to return to kissing Noah, but the men who walk in kill my libido.

They look like trouble with their large, bulging muscles, tattoos snaking up and down their arms, and hard gleams in their eyes.

Suddenly, I don’t think Noah, my dad, and I are going to get the chance to celebrate.

Chapter Two

Mason