Chapter 22

“Good to see you, too, Andre,” Jax said, leaning over the gate to scratch behind his ears. He glanced at Noel, who was frowning, and because he knew it would annoy him, stepped into the yard and knelt beside Andre to pet him. The dog wriggled happily, and then rolled onto his back so Jax could scratch his stomach.

A shadow on the ground let Jax know Noel was there before he said; “Don’t let him get too attached to you. It wouldn’t be fair since you’ll be leaving soon.”

“Much to your relief,” Jax replied, getting to his feet.

Noel shrugged. “I don’t care one way or the other.”

“Don’t you?”

“What does that mean?”

“Almost from the start you’ve acted as if I’m an interloper whenever I came down here. What did I do to tick you off?” Jax asked.

Noel gave him a long, hard look. “I don’t trust you. I think you’re here for more than just repairing some of Donovan’s books.”

“Really? What other reason would I have?”