Saving Alyssa (Mills & Boon Heartwarming) by Loree Lough Page A

for one thing.”
    â€œYou’re practically living on top of me now, and I’ve enjoyed every minute. So what’s the other thing?”
    â€œMoney. I can’t make a move until the house in Philly sells.”
    â€œI have some savings. Use it now as your down payment, and repay me when your place sells.”
    â€œI couldn’t ask you to do that.”
    â€œYou didn’t ask.”
    Troy stared at her for a long moment, then said, “You’ve got a heart of gold,” and headed down the hall.
    â€œWhere are you going? Supper’s almost ready.”
    â€œTo Ike’s Bikes, that’s where.”
    â€œTroy...you had better be kidding....”
    â€œCalm down. I’m not an idiot. I’m joking. But I’m no saint, either. If I thought for one minute you cared about him—and he hurt you—I’d have no problem making him sorry.”
    And Troy would, too, as evidenced by the tongue-lashing he’d given Chuck on the day of the divorce.
    â€œCall me when supper’s on the table. Meanwhile, I’ll be in the living room, surfing the net for dirt on Noah Preston.”
    For a reason she couldn’t explain, Billie hoped his search, like Bud’s, would be futile.

CHAPTER EIGHT
    N OAH   HAD   READ   half   the newspaper before Max finally joined him in the living room.
    â€œYou were gone so long,” he said drily, “I was considering charging you rent.”
    â€œIngrate.” She plopped onto the sofa. “I’ll have you know she brushed her teeth, said her prayers, and now? She’s fast asleep, so you’re welcome.”
    Noah put down the newspaper. “You were in there an awfully long time....”
    â€œUh-huh. Talking about you...and the big spat with Billie.”
    â€œWhat spat? And who even uses that word anymore?”
    â€œMy sainted grandmother, whose shoes I hope to fill one day. And to answer your first question, Alyssa wasn’t napping before dinner when you called Billie to give her a piece of your mind. As if you can afford to give even a sliver away.”
    â€œBut...but Alyssa was asleep!”
    â€œNot even close. The kid is miserable. Because she likes Billie. She thinks you like her, too. And now she’s afraid you two will never get married, all on account of her fib.”
    â€œMarried? Where’d she get a cockamamie idea like that?”
    â€œHey. Don’t shoot the messenger. And who uses words like that one anymore?”
    â€œWait....on account of her fib?”
    â€œThat business about the allergy pill and how she didn’t tell Billie you’d already given her one.” Max explained how Alyssa had wanted something sugary, and because the candy jar was empty, she’d hoped the medication would satisfy her sweet tooth.
    Noah heaved a heavy sigh. “I took one of those things once. They taste awful. Why would she want two?”
    â€œBecause she’s seven?”
    He drove a hand through his hair. “So why, when I gave Billie what for, did she not defend herself?”
    â€œIf I know you, you didn’t give her a chance.”
    â€œI don’t remember much about the conversation, except that she hung up on me. If she was so innocent, why would she do that?”
    â€œOh, I dunno. Maybe because you can be intimidating when you want to be?”
    â€œI hope you aren’t calling me a bully, because—”
    â€œSpare me,” Max said. “I know you better than just about anybody.” She sat back, fiddled with the throw pillow she’d pulled onto her lap. “Remember a couple months ago when you asked me why I’m still single?”
    He nodded. “You blamed the job. Long hours. Sometimes dangerous situations.” But even as he said it, Noah had a feeling Max was about to tell him the real reason.
    â€œNone of that would matter, if I could find the right man. Instead of guys like you, who think