Preacher's Daughter - Flora Ferrari Page 0,43
feeling another sigh turn into a shiver. I recommend we get a hotel that’s nowhere near the Oaks.
“You could afford the penthouse suite now,” I joke as we climb back into Noah’s truck.
He smiles and then laughs to himself.
“Can have those any day of the week,” he observes. Reminding me that he’s not desperate for any money. He’s his own self-made man.
“How ‘bout we just grab some takeout, then maybe find a place to park?” I venture, a mischievous glint in my eye.
“You mean, sleep in the truck?” he asks, chuckling before his brow goes up, letting me know he was thinking the exact same thing.
“Who said anything about sleeping?” I tease him, letting my hand accidentally on purpose land on his thigh, falling towards his bulging groin as he starts the truck with a broad grin.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Noah
With Faith coiled up around me, I watch the sunrise for the second day in a row with her body against mine, telling myself that this must be what heaven feels like.
To be so close to the one thing you love more than anything day after day.
We got some take out, then I found what looked like a secluded spot by the lake not too far from the center of town. We talked over everything that happened, laughed a lot, then she nearly cried about her Dad again, and then we ate before I made love to her all night.
She doesn’t mind the truck, at least not for one night. It’s not too bad in the back. A thick mattress and plenty of room.
We could’ve gone anywhere, but I know Faith wanted to see and feel how I’d been living on my journey the past few days.
I feel lighter too, not just because I finally have her, even though it only took a day but because I don’t have that damned case to worry about anymore.
My share?
They can keep it. What I learned from old Gramma Laurence… that’s worth a lot more than a few hundred thousand.
It could go towards the house, I try and tell myself.
But I know I already have plenty and with Faith by my side, I’ll always be the richer man for it.
The richest man alive is what I feel like.
I feel her stirring, making those little sounds that drive me wild, and just when I feel her hands starting to explore my body all over again there comes a sudden tap at the window of the cab of the truck.
Faith’s eyes dart open, and she clutches at me for a moment, thinking maybe she dreamt the sound.
But when the tap comes again, harder and with a deep voice telling me it’s the police, I set her mind at ease.
“It’ll be alright, must’ve parked in the wrong spot,” I tell her as I try to calm myself down.
Not one who likes being disturbed first thing, I’m less than impressed when I recognize the state trooper tapping on my truck as one of the gang from last night.
“Oh! Well if it isn’t mister Templeton. Sorry to rouse you sir, but you’re parked in a campsite area and I didn’t see a permit in your window.”
I blink, pulling some pants on before heaving myself over the seat into the cab and climbing out.
The trooper looks away, giving me time to get myself decent, but I don’t get it.
“You been following me?” I ask him, wondering why he of all people would be here so early.
He smiles wearily. “No, Mr. Templeton. We just don’t have many troopers out this way, and this morning I drew campsite duty, on account of the ranger being ill,” he explains, stifling a yawn.
“Well, I don’t have a permit,” I tell him. “Didn’t know I needed one. Fine me if you want, I’ll pay before we leave,” I tell him curtly.
“We?” he asks as he scratches his temple, his eyes widening as he sees Faith clambering over the seat of the truck, making him gulp and look away, embarrassed.
She’s decent, but I kind of regret the intrusion all the same.
“Two birds I guess,” The trooper muses to himself. “You’re wanted back at the convent, as soon as you can make it. Those federal boys wanna tie up all this business and make arrangements for you to bank your half of the money. Not a great idea to drive cross country with so much cash,” he adds, tapping his nose.
“And pay the local as well as federal tax on inheritance, I suppose?” I almost sneer. “No thanks. The