Page 16 of Inn To You

Noah grumbles. He’s actually stepped up to do the job he hates, along with making some beds and even cleaning a room or two when I’ve fallen behind.

Autumn laughs. “Speaking of work, I hate to tell you this, but we sold the condo,” she says to Noah.

I collect my garbage, eavesdropping on something that is none of my business.

Autumn continues. “It was too good of an offer to refuse. And we don’t want the upkeep of a rental with little Ben and hopes of another baby soon.”

The softening of her voice has my insides turning to mush. I would have liked a brother or sister for Jonas. I’m an only child. There’s nothing wrong with being a solo kid, but I was always jealous of friends with siblings. My dad always had Joe by his side.

“Where will I live?” Noah pouts, but not to anyone in particular.

“You have forty-five days to figure it out. We took the offer only yesterday. Logan was going to call you.”

“You could live with Zack and River,” Mason teases about Noah’s younger brother.

“I am not entering that love nest.”

“Could be a love fest?” Mason adds, his voice rising.

Noah scrunches his face. “Do not even think it. Dude, Zack is my brother.”

“Stranger things have happened,” Mason mutters.

“Mason, you are one sick fu—”

“Fudgesicle,” Autumn interjects, and I meet her eyes, silently thanking her as my little man has big ears.

Deciding this conversation isn’t for my ears, I step toward the garbage bin and watch Jonas climb onto his bike. “Ready, buddy?”

“Let’s go,” he enthusiastically cheers, knocking on his helmet.

“Wait,” Noah says, scrambling up to me and glancing from Jonas on his bike to me in my sneakers. “How did you get here?”

“I walked.” I needed the exercise this morning.

“Wait for me, and we can walk back to the inn together.” Noah’s command is hesitant, sheepish even.

Glancing at the cars in the gravel parking slots, I tilt my head. “Isn’t that your car?”

“I’ll come back for it later.”

Autumn says something about getting Noah’s coffee right away, and he follows her to pay. When Mason catches my eye, another unspoken statement passes between us, only this time the unsaid has Noah’s name in it.

“Protect yourself, honey,” he warns, tipping his head in the direction of the café. “I know his type. He’s too much like me.”

Mason winks, but his eyes sadden after the warning.

+ + +

“So what’s the deal you made with Mason?”

“I don’t really see how it’s any of your business.” Keeping my eyes forward, I watch Jonas pedal faster on his little wheels than my legs can walk. Noah’s ambling pace while balancing coffee in one hand slows me even more. “Jonas, slow down.”

“As inn manager, I should know the going-ons of the place.”

“As a temporary employee, it’s not relevant to your position.” My eyes shift to him and away.

“Ouch. That hurts.” He slaps a hand to his chest. While I thought he might have sincerity in the words and the mocking motion the other day, I clearly understand Noah’s position now. He’ll be leaving soon enough.