From the kitchen, Noah heard his wife’s laughter. That was a sweet sound to his ears. He knew he’d taken a huge risk putting their business on blast, but Noah had seen Sydney with Nathaniel. She was looking at the other man the way she used to look at him. For the first time, since he met her, Noah felt real fear. He didn’t want to lose Sydney. He knew if he didn’t drop the gauntlet and wave the white flag, he would lose his wife.
Noah gave Nathaniel the once over. Nathaniel Lyons was a very handsome man. With his hazel colored eyes and linebacker build, he could pick and choose any woman he wanted.
And, women thought men didn’t check other men out. He smiled. If only they knew.
Noah had noticed the buzz from the women whenever Nathaniel entered a room, and his own wife was not immune. Noah wasn’t vain, but he knew Nathaniel had nothing on him in the looks department. But looks weren’t everything. There had to be a spark, a connection. That’s what had him a teeny-bit worried.
Noah hadn’t gotten to where he was today without using his wits. That’s why he’d extended the impromptu invite to his house. He wanted to check out his competition and observe if there were any tiny giveaways, declaring Nathaniel’s true intentions. So far, everything seemed aboveboard, but one could ever be too sure. While Noah ate, he allowed Lance to steer the conversation toward sports, but it was time to get some information.
“So, Nathaniel, are you new in town?”
“Sort of. I practiced in New York and Atlanta before accepting a job here.”
Noah waited for Nathaniel to be more forthcoming. But, it appeared as if Nathaniel was only answering what he’d been asked. Noah wanted to know if there was a significant other in the picture. He hadn’t seen a wedding ring, but that didn’t mean anything.
Lance obviously had his radar on as well. He asked, “Are you seeing anyone?”
“No, not at the moment.” Nathaniel shifted like he was uncomfortable with the inquisition.
“Well, we have plenty of single women at church. I’m sure they can’t wait to sink their teeth into you,” Lance joked. “Except Belinda. She’s taken.”
“Marking your territory?” Nathaniel joked. He looked at Lance and Noah. “You both seem real interested in my status.”
“You bet I am,” Lance said. “That’s why I’m telling you hands off Belinda.”
Noah was pleased with the turn of the conversation. Sometimes Lance’s straightforwardness came in handy.
Lance cracked open a can of soda. “Noah, I bet the bounty is going to be even higher for Nathaniel if he decides to join our church.”
“Bounty?” Nathaniel’s curiosity grew as both men laughed.
Lance explained. “The single ladies had a three thousand dollar bounty on Noah’s head. What they didn’t know was Sydney had already bagged him. It was love at first sight, unlike when we dated.”
“It was twenty thousand in Texas,” Noah added, with a shake of the head. “I can’t believe they had done that.”
“Whoa,” Nathaniel put up a hand and looked at Lance. “You and Sydney dated?”
“Yep,” Lance gabbed. “We were even engaged, but… let’s just say that God had another plan.”
“Yes, he did,” Noah edged in with a wide grin.
Nathaniel shook his head. “I have never seen exes get along as famously as you two do.”
“It was easy once Lance realized Sydney was mine, and he was actually in love with Belinda,” Noah said. He knew they’d given Nathaniel a bit too much information. But, he wanted Nathaniel to get a clear picture that his wife was his, and no one else’s. All under the disguise of polite, pleasant conversation, of course.
Nathaniel sat back. “I feel the need to point out that both of your women are safe with me. I know God has my soul mate and I’ve gotten to the place where I’m content to wait for Him to point her out to me.”
“I hear you.” Lance smiled. “I feel, no, I know, Belinda is my soul mate.”
Having his question answered, Noah was more than happy to sit back and listen. He was now seated on one of the stools by the breakfast bar. He heard his bedroom door open and turned to watch the women enter.
Sydney’s eyes skittered toward him before seeking out Nathaniel’s. Noah felt sucker punched. Was his wife interested in Nathaniel? On the outside, Noah’s face reflected none of his thoughts. He looked over at Nathaniel from under his lashes. Nathaniel’s eyes were on Portia.
Oh, that’s how it was.
Noah’s gaze returned to his wife. He saw her woebegone expression when she spotted Nathaniel looking at Portia.
Noah couldn’t believe what happened next. Sydney went to sit at the stool beside Nathaniel and engaged him in conversation. His heart hammered in his chest. Noah wasn’t usually subject to jealousy, but he felt a dart hit his chest. Here he was worried about Nathaniel, when he should have been concerned with his wife. After a moment’s hesitation, Portia joined them.
Lance and Belinda gravitated toward each other and from the looks of things were in a heavy dispute. Noah wondered what that was about but filed it in the “I’ll get to it later bin” in the back of his brain. Right now, he needed to intercede on his own situation. “Sydney, can you come here for a minute?”
Sydney glanced his way and nodded but made no motion to move.
“I’ll be right back.” Noah strode out of the room with clenched fists. He went into his study and fell to his knees. “Lord, I don’t know what is going on, but I need Your help before I act the fool out there.” Words failed him after that. All Noah could do was call on Jesus’ name.
After a few minutes, he opened his eyes and stood to his feet.
“Noah?”
Noah turned to his wife. She played nervously with her shirt. “Is everything okay?”
“You tell me.”
“Huh? You called me. And…” Sydney trailed off. Her cheeks turned a telling red. She twisted her fingers together.
Noah briefly considered that he was overreacting. Sydney was pregnant with his child. She was a devout Christian. He shouldn’t be doubtful, but he wasn’t used to feeling this way so he wasn’t about mince words. “And you just sat there,” he finished her sentence. “We need to talk, Sydney. For now, let’s go join our friends, but we have a lot to discuss.”