Page 35 of Forbidden Whispers
“Fine,” she said. But he noticed a warm flush color her cheeks. “You?”
“Fine,” he lied.
“So,” she said, setting her phone down. “Is it still our plan to head to the hospital this morning?”
“Yes, but maybe not right away.”
“Huh?” She frowned, looking confused. “I thought we agreed we’d go first thing.”
“Wouldn’t you like to grab some breakfast before we tackle any new challenges? After all, if yesterday was any indication of what we might encounter today, we’re going to need all the sustenance we can get.”
She smiled at him. “Very true.”
“I texted my brother Jake to let him know about everything that’s happened so far. He and Alex are going to meet us at a restaurant in town and give us Boon back.”
Maggie yawned and stretched. Her shape was highlighted to perfection inside the soft T-shirt and Noah blinked as he attempted to keep his focus on her face.
“That sounds like a plan,” she said. “You know, I kind of miss that crazy dog.”
“I do, too.” Noah smiled.
“Will I be too overdressed if I wear what I wore last night?”
“We’re not in that much of a hurry. How about if I take you back to your place? I can stay there to make sure you’re safe so that you can shower and change.”
She smiled gratefully. “That would be wonderful.”
Together they cleaned up the dishes from tea the night before, then stripped and remade the beds.
They gathered their things and Maggie told Noah they could wash all the dirty sheets, towels, and clothes at her place.
Just after ten o’clock, Noah parked on the street in front of Chef David’s in downtown Whispering Pines. The village was a popular tourist spot because of its massive state park, golden sand dunes, and location on the shores of stunning Lake Michigan. Throughout the summer and fall, tourists flocked there, filling the local shops and restaurants. But Chef David’s—which only served breakfast and lunch—was tucked away on a side street off the main drag, and as a result, it catered primarily to locals. And just like Lakeside Latté, the establishment was dog friendly.
The outdoor seating area was an inviting oasis, with its bright umbrellas shading the outdoor table and chairs. Noah instantly spotted Jake waving him over to a table at the edge of the exterior dining section. The entire outdoor area was bordered with large potted planters filled with flowers in a profusion of colors.
Noah and Maggie started weaving their way among the full tables, but Noah stopped short when he heard someone nearby say his name. He glanced down at the table next to them and groaned inwardly. Not again. This is NOT happening.
“Noah, I thought that was you,” said a young woman with a spiked pixie haircut featuring all the colors of the rainbow.
“Heeeey there, Christina! Good to see you again,” Noah said, and then attempted to continue their path toward Jake through the crowded tables. But Christina reached out to grasp his arm, halting their progress. “Aren’t you going to introduce me?”
Christina’s eyes were studying Maggie with interest.
“Uh, of course,” he said. “Christina, this is my friend Maggie.”
“Friend?” She tilted her head, one corner of her mouth lifting in a smirk. “Count yourself lucky,” she said, directing her comment toward Maggie.
“What do you mean?” Maggie asked.
“Well, if you’re only his friend, then you’re most likely safe.”
“Safe from what?”
“From dating him, of course.”
“You dated him?”
“Once. But once was enough.”