Divine Charity(Divine Creek Ranch 18)(97)

Jack nodded. “The four of you come with me,” he said and led the way out of the house. Police cars were parked, lights flashing, blocking in numerous vehicles, and from the sound of it, some parents were starting to arrive. Angry parents.

“Sir,” Noah said, maneuvering so he stood half in front of her. “We didn’t intend to come out here to party. Justine was worried. So was Beau.”

Hank nodded. “I know, son. I’m releasing the four of you to their Uncle Jack to deal with, while I figure out what to do with the rest of these. Go straight home.”

“Yes, sir,” Noah said, looking relieved.

Hank and the deputies turned to the rest of the motley assemblage and he began giving orders as the four of them retreated with Jack.

When they reached the vehicles, Justine turned to Jack. “We heard about the party at the prom, Uncle Jack, I swear we only came because I was worried.”

Jack stopped her and said, “The two of you have always had good heads on your shoulders and you don’t reek of alcohol so don’t worry about it. I’m sure that Angel would appreciate that you were concerned enough to come out and check.”

Beau looked back at the house, which resembled a crime scene with the blue and red lights flashing around and said, “They’re going to need a hazmat crew to clean that mess up.”

Jack nodded. “I knew Luka and Matthias had gotten a little wild lately but this time…it’s gonna bite them in the ass.” He looked disgusted as they watched Luka and Matthias being handcuffed and led to a patrol car. “If any of those parents press charges, the two of them are screwed.”

“I’d better get you home,” Noah said as he stroked her upper arm, which made her shiver. “You cold?”

Nodding, she said, “I’m chilled all of a sudden.”

Noah immediately removed his coat and put it around her shoulders as Jack conversed with Beau.

“I’ll call your dad and let him know what happened and that the four of you weren’t in any trouble.”

Justine looked back at the kids that had been caught by the deputies, Maggie Olson among them. They were all grouped together, sitting on the front deck. Maggie glared daggers at Justine and Noah before looking away.

In the truck on the way home, Noah turned the heat up a little and Justine said, “I look at it this way. This night will always be a vivid memory.”

“Same here. I can’t believe they allowed that to happen to that nice house. But when I look back on tonight, this part isn’t what’s going to stand out.”

“Oh yeah?” she asked softly as they pulled up in front of the house with five minutes to spare on her curfew. “What will you remember?”

“The fact that you wore my college colors and how beautiful you looked,” he said as he turned to her in the dim truck interior. “I imagine that your parents are going to meet us at the door so I thought I’d ask you for a kiss now.” His hand was warm as it clasped hers before sliding up to gently cradle her forearm. He’d never mentioned her awkward cast all night.

She smiled up at him and nodded. His lips were warm and soft as he brushed them against hers. Cupping her jaw, he held her steady as he deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue against hers in a satiny, experimental stroke. His masculine fragrance invaded her senses and she melted against him and curled her hand around his forearm, holding on to him. An involuntary tremor rippled through her as he sucked her lower lip and gradually drew away. His breath was warm against her damp lips and she looked up at him and whispered, “I had a wonderful time, Noah. Thank you for asking me, and for not letting me chicken out.”

Noah grinned. “Except for that last part, it was a perfect date, as far as I’m concerned. And I learned something new about you.”

“You did?”

“Yeah,” he said, with a devilish grin on his handsome face. “You’re fiery when you’re righteously indignant. It was kinda hot.”

Heat filled her cheeks and she giggled. “I’ve been told I take after my mom.”

He gestured at the front of the house, where the porch light had just flicked on as Beau pulled into the driveway in his truck. “Speaking of parents, looks like they’re waiting for us.”

Even though she knew they’d done no wrong, she still braced herself when the front door opened as they went up the porch steps. Beau hurried over to join them, once again carrying the horned helmet he’d been crowned Prom King with earlier.

Justin stepped out and said, “Jack called us to tell us what happened. Still in one piece, I see.” She was relieved that he didn’t sound mad.