LOGINShare
Chapter 148: Garth
Last Updated:
2022-11-24 14:09:48Related chapters
The Love Barn Chapter 149: Noemi
Noemi WAS IN HEAVEN.Ever since their second shot at dinner last night after two rounds of sex, the getaway had taken on a lighter feel. At least on the surface. She knew that deep down a lot of thoughts and feelings were stirring, but for now she was happy to lay back and let things happen.A lot like this massage.Garth grunted and groaned, albeit painfully.She smothered a chuckle with the back of her hand. Maybe next time he'd actually read the description of the treatments he was buying?A deep tissue massage wasn't for everyone.What mattered most was that Garth hadn't just brought her here, made her a few appointments and sent her on her way.He was here with her.She could think of maybe one guy she'd been serious with who'd have gone to these lengths. Evan Ángel who'd been obsessed with appearances wouldn't have come to a spa with her. She'd have never pegged Garth as the kind of man who'd do a spa day with her. During the first hour she'd been sure he'd leave
Last Updated : 2022-11-24The Love Barn Chapter 150: Garth
Garth DROVE FIVE MILES under the speed limit. He slowed down even before lights turned yellow on the off chance he could stop. Everything he could do to postpone the return to reality, he did it.The little getaway had been just as magical and perfect as he'd wanted it to be. He and Noemi were able to get back to that place where things were easy. He had to believe this was something they could bring to their everyday lives. The easy connection they'd found didn't end just because they left the hotel.It was still early Tuesday morning. They both had work to do, which was the only reason why he didn't pull into some parking lot and suggest they draw this out a little longer. Jen, Noemi's assistant, had already called twice.Noemi's thumbs drew circles on the back of his right hand clasped between hers. She was still in pajama pants and a sweatshirt, her legs drawn up under her. He took it as a point of pride that she'd worn that easy, relaxed and sated smile most of the last two
Last Updated : 2022-11-24The Love Barn Chapter 151: Noemi
Noemi ROLLED ONTO HER back, phone pressed to her ear, listening to silence.Tuesday felt like it was a year ago. Her Wednesday wedding had gone off the rails Tuesday evening and she'd pushed appointments off until today to focus on her melt-down-bride. All she wanted to do was lounge in sweatpants and talk to Garth like they'd done the last few nights.The phone was a poor substitute for having him there with her, but she'd take what she could get. That was how far gone and pathetic she was.Whatever event Garth was hosting tonight sounded like a small, relaxed affair. At least until half an hour ago when he'd put her on mute the first time and told her he had to run out for something someone had forgotten.If only he could play hooky and come here tonight.Her mother's house was already packed full of neighbors. With Thanksgiving only a week away now, everyone had family in town. Kids were on break from college. Grandkids were visiting. Noemi was actually glad her brother an
Last Updated : 2022-11-24The Love Barn Chapter 152: Garth
TWELVE HOURS LATER, Garth was still in the exact same mood he'd been when he left Noemi's. All the frustration, irritation, and yes, hurt, had the muscles in his shoulders knotting up.He took a tentative sip of the second batch of coffee. Somehow he'd ruined the first.How had things gone wrong so fast? How was there any doubt in Noemi's mind what she should tell that arrogant asshole?What Noemi hadn't told him, Scarlett had shared while fuming over the old stories. He knew about Ángel pressuring Noemi into crazy diets, the hair removal, the Botox, and even the surgery consultation she'd gone to. All because this dick-head wanted to control everything about how Noemi looked.It touched all those old feelings about Scarlett's ex.Garth refused to even think the asshole's name.Scarlett had desperately wanted to create the family she'd lost. When a smooth talking guy promised her a home she could fill with their babies, she'd signed on. And slowly the guy had cut her off fr
Last Updated : 2022-11-24The Love Barn Chapter 153: Noemi
Noemi FIDGETED WITH THE edge of the linen napkin she'd draped over her legs.She shouldn't have worn the pink dress today, but it was the newest thing in her closet with a designer label. With how jumpy her nerves were, she was bound to spill something on it. She didn't expect this conversation to go well. The least she could do was wear things with brands Ángel would recognize if he grilled her.Noemi shook her head and mentally scolded herself.Ángel was not her boyfriend. His rules didn't apply to her. They weren't anything to each other.Her heart did a pirouette on the thin strand of memory that connected her to that moment last night. The one she'd daydreamed about during the months and years following Ángel's break-up.All she'd wanted was for him to realize what they'd had, that she was the best thing for him. Now here he was and she didn't have those feelings. There was no excitement, satisfaction or joy. Of course part of her preened. What woman wouldn't at the idea
Last Updated : 2022-11-24The Love Barn Chapter 154: Garth
Garth DID HIS BEST impression of a tent pole as he watched the wedding party twirl and gyrate around the dance floor while Benji played his bastardized version of the B-52's Love Shack. A few years back Garth had finally given in and tossed some money at Benji to get him to shut up about making their own funny version of the song. He'd written it, got some guys together and recorded a pretty nice version titled Love Barn. It was quickly incorporated into Benji's set for when he played wedding DJ, like tonight.The evening was drawing to a close. Garth checked the time. Any minute now...As if on cue, a white 1961 Lincoln Continental pulled around.It took the couple another half hour to actually depart, but once they were gone, the party broke up fairly fast. Some guests who needed time to sober up found places to sit while the family and wedding planner crew began cleaning up. So long as the food all left with the catering company the rest would be safe overnight until it was pi
Last Updated : 2022-11-24The Love Barn Chapter 155: Noemi
Noemi STARED AT THE exit sign racing toward her.Ransom was a good fifteen minutes away if she took that exit. Right now she couldn't go home. Mom was too nosey, wanting to know what Noemi and Ángel had talked about or how Garth was doing. Mom didn't seem to understand that being caught between these two men was not some thrilling experience. It had robbed Noemi of sleep. She could barely eat. Her mind kept drifting to the futures she could have with either man.Without consciously deciding, Noemi took the exit and pointed her car toward the sleepy little town of Ransom.For all she griped about how far out it was, in the fifteen minutes it really was conveniently located. Both I-35E and I-820 were close and from there it was an easy shot to shopping, stores, things to do. Eventually Fort Worth would grow out to encompass Ransom, but for now it was a charming, untouched place that went at its own pace.She slowed as she passed the city limit sign and turned onto Main Street.
Last Updated : 2022-11-24The Love Barn Chapter 156: Garth
Garth ESCAPED UP TO his room for a bit of privacy after they'd closed up the barn for their last wedding before the town festival that coming Wednesday.He needed time to himself.It was Sunday.He and Noemi had discussed her coming for dinner tonight. It was the night they were supposed to tell the others they were dating. At least that'd been the plan before everything was eclipsed by the proposal.Fucking Ángel.Garth closed his eyes and drew in a breath. He had always lived by his daddy's logic, that hate was a disease that only affected those who chose to hate. Garth didn't hate Ángel. He just didn't like him much.Garth changed into jeans and instead of one of his familiar polos he opted for a plain, light blue T-shirt.It made him think of the dress Noemi had worn to Scarlett's wedding. How perfectly she meshed with his family.They might not be an obvious match, but they fit. She belonged.His phone vibrated on the nightstand.Garth mentally chided himself f
Last Updated : 2022-11-24
Latest chapter
The Love Barn Chapter 167: Epilogue
SIX MONTHS LATER...SCARLETT SAT STRETCHED OUT on the old, wooden swing content to watch the circus going on over in the flower garden.Mom threw her hands up and said something Scarlett couldn't hear. She chuckled and knew the others were likely beside themselves trying to figure out how to make Mom happy.They all called Noemi's mother Mom now. It just felt right. Garth stood next to Mom, shaking his head at the others. Noemi bent, fussing no doubt over the way the blankets lay or how the bow sat.Benji and Dixie had the whole light kit out and three cameras.All the attention was focused on the bundle of joy currently sleeping soundly in the cradle Garth had carefully restored. It was one of a handful of old things he'd found in the barn and kept. Judging by the initials on the bottom of the old crib, generations of Livelys had slept in that thing.And now so would her baby.Scarlett smiled and sank further into the cushions Cole had set up for her. She was still ex
The Love Barn Chapter 166: Noemi
Noemi WHIPPED HER CAR into the driveway. With it being so early and since everyone had family visiting the street was packed with cars. Garth's truck barely fit in the one open spot.Where the hell was he?What was he doing?Why was he talking to Ángel?A Jeep pulled across the drive behind her, Cole and Scarlett getting out."Why can't you answer your phone?" Scarlett demanded.Noemi threw up her hand as she caught the sound of a deep, rumbling voice."Benji? Hey, we're already here." Scarlett's voice faded as Noemi crept toward the fence and the gate her mother always left open between the two properties.Ángel sat in the swiveling chair at the head of the table on his parent's patio.Garth had a tight grip on one of the other chairs, his back toward her. He was leaning forward, his entire focus on Ángel, who was staring back at Garth like he'd just sprouted a second head or something."You're only going to get one shot at this. If she's decided to give you anothe
The Love Barn Chapter 165: Garth
Garth HAD ALWAYS THOUGHT the hardest thing he'd ever done was bury his parents and accept responsibility for Benji and Scarlett.That had been easy. A simple process and an obvious life altering decision.Neither of those moments had anything on what he was about to do.Garth stood on the front porch of the brick house and glanced to his left, where Noemi was likely sleeping. He hoped that she was getting rest. She never took off except for holidays and if he remembered correctly, she had events this weekend. With any luck, she'd have someone in her corner that would look after her properly.He turned his attention back to the door. There was one of the new, electronic doorbells. He pressed it, listened to the chime and waited.It was early still, but he hadn't been able to make himself wait any longer.After a few moments the locks clanked and the door swung open.Ángel stood on the welcome mat in sweatpants, a T-shirt and a hoodie draped over his shoulders. His hair was
The Love Barn Chapter 164: Noemi
Noemi HADN'T SLEPT ALL night. Most of the time when she wasn't sleeping it was because she was up at all hours trying to pull the last bits of a wedding together. There was purpose to the sleepless nights.All she'd done since getting home around two was sit in the guest chair at her desk and stare at the clear surface. She couldn't claim to have done a lot of thinking in those hours. Mostly she'd sat, stared and let her mind wander. She'd poked at corners she normally ignored, examining her feelings, her thoughts and all the other uncomfortable bits of her life.She excelled at leaving relationships.There were only two men in her life who had ever left her.Her father.And Ángel.Noemi had left every other man before he could get tired of her. She'd known she had the habit, but she hadn't paused to think it through like this until tonight. It was easy to pretend that she didn't have time for men and relationships that weren't going somewhere. She could spin all the excuse
The Love Barn Chapter 163: Garth
Garth GRIPPED THE WHEEL of his truck and drew in a deep breath. He knew it was his imagination. Noemi's perfume wasn't really lingering, he just wished it were.Another car rolled up to the stop sign at the bottom of the hill. Garth waved and pressed the accelerator, heading into town.It was tradition for the guys to meet up at The Hole in town for beers on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Benji had already texted, wondering where he was. Scarlett and the girls were up to something. All the normal things were underway. Except for him.Garth felt stuck. Like he couldn't move.He rolled the problem around in his head as The Hole came into view.The little parking lot was full and people had taken to finding spots along the street. It would no doubt be loud in there, full of people ready to start talking about the Christmas tours, when they were bringing the tractors to Main Street to help decorate and so forth.He just wasn't in the mood.Garth turned the wheel away from the
The Love Barn Chapter 162: Noemi
Noemi KNEW TODAY WASN'T her best work. She'd gone through the whole day in a fog that had nothing to do with the large, Thanksgiving meal she'd eaten yesterday or the Black Friday shopping she'd done that morning.Once again she had to wonder at a bride choosing to have her wedding the day after Thanksgiving. If Noemi was going to have a wedding-No.Not going there.She shook her head and turned her attention back to packing up the arch and removing the flowers. She had about an hour to get the rental pieces ready to go while the wedding party ate dinner. There were still a few things to make sure went off without a hitch. The cake needed cutting and the bride wanted Noemi to keep the speeches short, but there was time before that got started.It felt like she'd lived in a daze the last forty-eight hours.Wednesday night she'd chosen to not go to the annual meal her family had with Ángel's. She couldn't be in the same room with him and act like she wanted to be there. Not
The Love Barn Chapter 161: Garth
Both Garth and Noemi glanced at the door.Benji laughed loudly and a single pair of heavy footsteps came creaking up the stairs mixed with Dixie's softer voice.Noemi covered her mouth with her hand and glanced at Garth. Her eyebrows were almost at her hairline.He just shook his head as something-probably one of the pictures on the landing-clattered to the ground. Another burst of laughter followed by hurried footsteps into Benji's room and the slam of a door."Well, I guess no one knows we're in here," Noemi said dryly."No they do not." Garth put thoughts of his brother out of his mind. It wasn't the first time he'd ignored his brother's antics. "What's really going on, No-No?"She blew out a breath and let go of his hand. For a moment she fussed with her boots, unzipping them and getting more comfortable, sitting cross legged in the middle of his bed. He didn't say anything, just watched her face, how lines developed and went away as she thought through what was botheri
The Love Barn Chapter 160: Garth
Garth STARED DOWN AT where he'd thought he'd seen Noemi.Except Noemi didn't wear flannel. He could count on one hand the number of times he'd seen her wearing jeans and have fingers leftover. But he was fairly certain that had been her."Garth?" Adeline's voice brought him back to the moment.He blinked down at this funny, sweet woman, but she didn't stir anything in him. Not like Noemi."Adeline?" He took her hand in his. "It was a pleasure meeting you and I hope we see you around. Scarlett's intentions introducing us were good, but..."She smiled a knowing smile and turned her hand in his so she could give it a friendly shake. "I can tell. She's a special woman. I appreciate the history lesson.""Thanks, Adeline."If he'd met her at another point in his life, he'd have been interested. But it wasn't the burning connection he'd had with Noemi. Nothing could compare to that.Garth headed for the stairs, taking them two and three at a time. He skirted the tables between
The Love Barn Chapter 159: Noemi
Noemi PARKED HER CAR out on the grass along with all the other cars.She could do this.Hopefully Garth wasn't angry with her. Well, he could be a little angry. She'd deserve that much. She just hoped he'd hear her.Noemi began walking with the crowd, toward the festival clustered around the barn. Her heart gave a twinge as she got closer to the houses.She hadn't told anyone she was showing up, partly because she was nervous and feared she'd chicken out. Through all the jumble of thoughts, the one thing she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt was that she loved Garth.As the crowd folded her into their midst, Noemi realized there were a lot more people there than she anticipated. How was she going to find Garth in all this?"Noemi?" a familiar voice called out.She turned and saw Scarlett standing with a basket of something hanging from one arm and a toddler perched on her hip looking at Noemi with wide eyes."Hey." Noemi fidgeted with the hem of her T-shirt.Scarlett gr
