Noah's Journey (Sawyer Brothers #3) by C. A. Harms

sure I was willing to also share that day with Stacey. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little jealous that I had to share with his ex, because I knew she still wanted him.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Fourteen
     
     
    Noah
     
    Just when I thought shit was getting better, another hurdle was thrown in my path.
    I should have called and forewarned Alena that Stacey and her parents were coming. Standing here in my parents’ driveway being given the evil eye by my very pissed-off niece was not my idea of a good day.
    “You are such an ass,” she said, placing her hands on her hips.
    “Olivia,” Ryan warned as he stepped up beside her.
    “No, Dad, you know I’m right.” When Ryan didn’t argue, she continued, “Whatever reason you had to bring her here, it wasn’t a good enough one. Alena came here to meet your son and be with the family, and she already felt out of place without you here. No matter how hard we all tried to make her laugh and relax, you could just sense that her mind was elsewhere, missing you. And then when you do show up, you bring the one person that brings out her biggest insecurities.”
    She shook her head in disappointment, and I had to admit it hurt. Liv was a sweet girl, and she meant the world to me. Knowing I’d upset her hit me low in the stomach. My day was already fucked up enough after I upset Alena, and now things were even worse.
    “I’d expect this from him,” she said as she lifted her hand toward Jackson.
    “Hey,” he said defensively.
    “But not from you. You’re the one that always thinks things through. You always do what’s right, but today, Uncle Noah, you truly messed up.”
    Olivia turned around and walked back toward the barn, leaving me behind to think over her words.
    “Well, hell, you just got your ass reamed by a sixteen-year-old girl,” Ryan said with pride.
    “Brother, it looks like you fucked up.” I closed my eyes and hung my head. Leave it to Jackson to jump at the opportunity to rub a little salt in the wound. “Even I’m not dumb enough to make a shitty-ass mistake like you just did. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve made some colossal mistakes, but this tops those for sure.”
    “I need to talk to Len. Do you guys think you can entertain Austin for a few minutes?” I gave my brothers a look of desperation. I was in the middle of one big shit-storm, and I had to do some damage control before I screwed things up with Alena.
    When they both offered a slight nod, I turned without a second thought and rushed off toward the house.
    Once I reached the porch, I didn’t take the time to say anything to Stacey or her mother. I just smiled politely before I faced my mother…and I cringed at the glare she was giving me. She cocked an eyebrow at me as she crossed her arms over her chest.
    “She inside?” I asked
    “If she hasn’t snuck out the front yet and run like hell, then yeah.” I was surrounded by women who had no problem with attitude. I was getting it right and left.
    I took in a deep breath and walked up the back steps. Just as I put my hand on the door handle and pushed, it was pulled in the opposite direction. Alena stared at me wide-eyed as I stumbled forward over the threshold. She had her keys in her hand and a light jacket tossed over her forearm. I looked between her jacket and eyes before I spoke. “You planning your escape?”
    “I actually thought I would just head home,” she said hesitantly.
    “I don’t want you to leave,” I confessed as I stepped completely inside and closed the door behind me. Without pause, I hooked the back of her neck with my outstretched hand. Pulling her closer, I then wrapped my other hand around her waist. She just stared back at me with those big doe eyes of hers, and my heart felt like it was being clenched in a vise.
    “They’re not staying. Austin wanted to show his mom and grandparents Storm. There is no other reason for her being here.” I slouched lower, bringing my