Secret Obsession (Carder Texas Connections #6)(62)

Rafe nodded, but as usual said nothing.

“How’d you find her?”

Rafe scowled at Sierra. “You might want to ask your sister.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, for God’s sake.”

“I’m not leaving until you tell everyone.” He crossed his arms. The tension between them crackled.

“What’s going on?”

“Your sister isn’t just an accountant,” Rafe scowled. “She’s working for CTC. You know the ace forensic accountant Ransom tapped for special jobs. It’s Sierra.”

“What?” Noah shouted.

Jocelyn whimpered from Paul’s lap, her lower lip sticking out.

Noah quickly knelt in front of them. “Sorry, babycakes.” He blew a raspberry on her tummy until she smiled again then glared at Sierra. “How long?”

“A few years,” Sierra said with a death stare aimed at Rafe. “It’s a good thing I had the training, too. I knocked that door cockeyed just enough you noticed it. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have found me.”

“I was in the damn building.”

“Yeah, when it exploded.”

Rafe growled under his breath. “I’m out of here, Noah. Talk some sense into her or get her fired.”

He disappeared through the kitchen and Sierra flopped onto the couch. “Good riddance.”

Noah stared down at her. “Why the secrets?”

Sierra shot him a disbelieving look. “You’re one to talk.”

“She’s right.” Lyssa sidled up beside Noah.

He rubbed his chin. “I know. But you’ll give Ransom your resignation.”

She shrugged.

“Sierra—”

“It’s my life to live, big brother. You can’t control everything.”

Lyssa turned to Noah and grinned, then kissed him.

Noah lingered a little bit before pulling away. “What are you smiling at?”

Paul chuckled. “She’s got your number, Noah. You done good.” He looked down at Jocelyn. “Want a cookie, little lady?”

“Cookie!” Jocelyn squealed.

Paul wheeled them into the kitchen. Sierra stood in the corner of the room, looking out the window. Lyssa shoved him toward her.

He sighed and walked over to Sierra. “I’m sorry, sis. I know what working for CTC means. You must be damn good at your job for Ransom to take you on. But...” He hesitated. “It can eat away at your soul. Just be careful.”

“I am.” She looked up at him. “Do you regret what you’ve done?”

“I have regrets. There are things I saw that...well, let’s just say I’ll never forget.” He glanced over at Lyssa. “But they gave me the means to stop Archimedes. So, no.”

Sierra tilted her head. “You kept it a secret. You must know why I did.”

“I’m going to slug Ransom when I see him.”

“I made him promise,” Sierra countered.

“Well, the secrets are out in the open now.” Noah looked toward the kitchen where his friend had left. “Sierra, be careful of Rafe. He doesn’t let anyone in.”

“I know,” she said sadly. “I tried that already.” She walked across the room and poked at the fire.

Noah bristled and started toward her. Lyssa stepped into his path and clutched his arm. “Don’t,” she whispered, meeting his gaze. “She cares about him.”

“He can’t give her what she needs.”

“And you can’t convince her of that, Noah.” Lyssa nodded her head. “Look at her.”

A shout sounded from outside. “Open the door!” Chase yelled.

Chase carried a huge turkey with both hands. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

Mitch followed, his arm protectively around Emily as she waddled up the ramp with her son in her arms.

Both brothers engulfed Lyssa in bear hugs.

“So, bro, someone finally tamed you.” Chase chuckled.

Emily swatted at him and set down Joshua. “Just you wait, Chase.”

“Oh, no. I like my life just how it stands, thank you very much.”

Chaos ensued. By the time dinner was on the table, Noah stepped back for a moment and simply watched. For the first time in so many years, he relished the chuckles, with no need to hide what he said or lie about what he’d done.

His siblings needled each other diving for the last helping of sweet-potato pie. Mitch constantly watched out for Emily. Jocelyn and Joshua giggled as first one of his brothers and then the other lifted the toddlers across the table to fight over the turkey leg.

Noah slipped something from his pocket and placed it on a wishbone. He leaned back. Chase met his gaze then grinned.

Lyssa was deep in conversation with Emily. She hadn’t seen what he’d done.

“Can I borrow her, Emily?” Noah asked, suddenly nervous. “Want to help me clear the table?” He picked up the turkey.

She smiled. “Of course.”

She followed her in and he set down the platter. Noah clutched Lyssa’s hand and pulled her aside. “What do you think?”

She smiled up at him. “You have an amazing family. And I think Jocelyn is in love with Joshua.” The two kids held hands throughout dinner, when they weren’t covered in mashed potatoes.