God, Nick. Im sorry. For your sake, too. But maybe shed benefit from having a sister at a time like this. Dont women connect over babies?
Casey needs time. I wish she and Jackson would let me help them come up with the money to get rid of Noelani.
I hope you mean buy her out, rather than get rid of her. That soundssinister.
You know what I mean. If Dardenne signs tonight, I could give them a loan. But my question iswhy are you involving yourself, Adam?
From the vantage point of an outsider, it strikes me that Casey and Jackson were dealt a majority of the aces in this hand. They grew up with Dukes love. Noelanis the one who got shortchanged.
Be that as it may, you cant force people to like each other.
Im not advocating force. Casey listens to you, Nick. Itd help if you put in a good word now and then for Noelani.
Ill think about it. Meanwhile, dont forget who hired you.
I know who hired me. Adam felt the sting of Nicks rebuke.
Yeah? Well, youre awfully damn chummy with our foe for a guy who usually keeps his nose to the grindstone. Why are you out with her tonight?
Jackson expressly requested I escort her here. Adams temper frayed as Nick turned and walked away without a backward glance. For another thing, shes not the enemy, he muttered. But dammit, he couldnt afford to blow this job at Bellefontaine. And Nick knew full well that Adam needed the job if he had any hope of buying back Magnolia Manor.
Noelani paused a foot behind Adam. Close enough to catch the heated exchange that had passed between him and Nick. Adams terse admission that hed driven her to the casino at his employers request cut deeper than any of Caseys recent barbs. Noelani froze. First shame, then fury buzzed in her ears.
As if sensing her presence, Adam glanced over his shoulder. Damn! Had she heard?
She blindly jammed a paper in her purse. I signed a contract with the group for a hundred dollars less than Jackson paid last year. If youre reporting back to him, I think that news should please him.
Damn, she had overheard. Adam didnt know what to say to make matters better. So, were ready to head home, then? He avoided her eyes.
Noelani read that as guilt. And had he forgotten about their going to dinner, or had he changed his mind? Darned if shed ask. Obviously more had happened between the men than the few lines shed heard.