by Jeannie Moon
He didn’t think it could be. He imagined that’s why Jordan was so distraught. Why she was so viscerally affected about losing him. Her father was all the family she had.
“You don’t have to worry.”
Keep it vague and you’re fine, he thought. This will comfort him.
George’s eyes filled. “You’re a good man, Nick Rinaldi. She’s lucky to have you. Don’t wait too long to make her your wife. If you’re in love, you shouldn’t wait.”
“We’re not rushing anything. She has a lot on her plate right now.” That was the truth. “I’m planning on bringing her over the day after tomorrow. She should be well enough by then.”
“Excellent.”
“Right.” What had he just done? And how had George jumped to this conclusion? Nick thought carefully about everything he’d said, and there was nothing that should have led the conversation in that direction.
Nick had so much explaining to do to Jordan. He was going to be lucky if he was walking the day after tomorrow. She was going to bust his kneecaps.
He had to get her to see that a little white lie told to comfort a dying man wasn’t a bad thing. They could pretend to be a couple for her father’s sake. It wasn’t going to hurt anyone, and he’d leave this earth with some peace of mind.
Nick believed in honesty, without a doubt, but he also believed in compassion. And letting George Velsor think his daughter wasn’t going to be alone when he slipped into the most cripple stage of his disease was a compassionate thing to do.
Sure, it was old-fashioned. It was archaic, if Nick really thought about it, but George believed in love. And he wanted that for his only daughter.
Nick intended to give him exactly what he wanted.
Chapter Five
Jordan’s eyes fluttered open, and she realized she woke up to the same thing she’d fallen asleep to—an empty house. The Rinaldis had been incredibly generous and caring while she recuperated, but the truth was Jordan was lonely. Three short days out from the end of the storm, and Compass Cove was getting back in its groove. The high school was back in session, the stores in town were back to a full schedule, and everyone in her life was busy. Rubbing her chest, Jordan was relieved that she felt so much better, but she was frustrated that she wasn’t able to get on with her life.
Loneliness. It was the emotion that scared her the most. It was when she felt most vulnerable, fearful, helpless. And that’s how she was feeling right now. The world was going on around her, and Jordan was stuck in this room, unable to go anywhere and too tired to try.
She came up here right after Nick had left to visit her dad. She was grateful he was willing to go, even if she wanted to go herself. But there was no way she would risk getting her dad sick. He was too fragile; even a sniffle could be disastrous.
Feeling the heaviness in her body, Jordan wondered when she’d stop feeling so tired. This morning when she got up, she felt as though she might have turned a corner. Her cough was much better, her breathing was easier, she’d slept through the night. But then, in the late morning, waves of tiredness hit. She could’ve fallen asleep standing up. Her body was weak and achy, so she crawled back into bed, which is where she’d been for over three hours.
“Work would kill me,” she mused. Which was what Nick told her yesterday when she hinted that she wanted to go back to school when it reopened. Just the thought of being on her feet for hours at a time exhausted her. Standing, Jordan walked to the window and gazed down at the grounds. The downed trees had been cleared, and yesterday the insurance adjuster had her car taken away. Nick and Angelo had been great. They negotiated a good price for the car, and Angelo was going to talk to a friend of his who owned a dealership about getting hers replaced.
The sound of power tools echoed in the distance. From what she’d been told, the repairs on her cottage were going well and she might actually be able to get in there in a few more days. More wallboard than expected had to be replaced, but considering what could’ve happened, she was lucky. Her furniture had been spared, and the majority of the damage had been cosmetic.
Still, the Rinaldis were making sure the cottage was in perfect condition before she moved back in, and Jordan had a feeling Nick had a hand in it. After the construction was done, the cleaning crews were heading in. Lina guaranteed her she would be returning to a spotless home. Jordan was never worried that Lina and Angelo would skimp on anything, but she’d heard Nick giving them the extra push, reminding them about her recovery.
Over the drills and nail guns, Jordan heard voices below her window. Craning her neck, she saw Nick and the construction foreman by the corner of the front porch. They both assumed ‘the position,’ as she called it—their legs were spread wide, their arms folded and each of them nodded while the other spoke. She expected Nick wanted an update on the cottage, and the foreman was telling him all the problems they were running into. It didn’t really matter, Jordan decided, but she was greatly enjoying the view of Dr. Rinaldi.
His five o’clock shadow had returned before lunchtime, the scruff making his face deliciously masculine. From where she stood, Jordan could see his broad shoulders through his bulky navy-blue parka. The wind was blowing, and his dark hair was mussed and curly. Rugged and strong, with the sun reflecting off the snow, his face was more old-time movie star than small-town doctor.
When the men shook hands, that was Jordan’s cue to run a brush through her hair, check her breath, and head downstairs. She wanted to know everything. How her dad looked and sounded, if he gave any indication to Nick how he felt. If there had been any changes. Dad had a terrible habit of keeping her in the dark about his condition. He thought he was sparing her, but not knowing only added worry to her already long list of concerns. She was hoping, with Nick’s background as a doctor and a vet, Dad would open up.
He didn’t turn when she came down the stairs. Nick was standing at the island flipping through the mail, his cheeks pink from the cold wind that was blowing off the water. Shaking it off, she had to get back into a good headspace, in particular, one that didn’t have Nick taking up quite so much room.
Jordan took the last step into the kitchen, and Nick finally noticed her standing there. His eyes were steady, and his mouth didn’t twitch into the grin she’d gotten used to over the past few days. His reaction told her one thing: she was right to be concerned about her father.
“Hey,” he said as he unzipped his parka. “The contractor said you’ll be back in your place in a few more days.”
“That’s good. There must be a dozen of them at the cottage. I didn’t know that many people could fit in there.”
Nick laughed and took off his coat before settling himself on a stool. He motioned for her to sit down, and Jordan’s stomach drew into a knot, wondering what he was going to say. His face was serious, but not dire. His brows weren’t drawn together, and his eyes were looking straight into hers. “My grandfather promised them lunch for a month if they hauled ass on the project.”
That sounded like Angelo. He wheeled and dealed like a seasoned salesman.
“Well? How’s my dad?”
Nick grinned, and Jordan’s stomach released a little.
“He’s a character. Funny, and great to talk to. He’s worried about you.”
“I’m worried about him.” Jordan wasn’t the one dying, and she wished Nick would stop beating around the bush. “How is he?”
“Talkative. Lucid. He did get tired after a little while, so that was my cue to leave. The disease is draining his energy.”
“The fatigue has been getting worse,” she acknowledged. “How did he look?”
“His pallor was a little off. He told me he’s losing some weight.”
“God.” She rose and circled the island. “I wish I could see him.”
Nick leaned into the island and folded his hands, his long fingers woven together. “I’ll take you over in a couple of days. How does that sound?”
“Not tomorrow?” She coughed.
&n
bsp; “Give yourself another day. The cold snap is supposed to break tomorrow. Super cold air could irritate your lungs.”
Jordan had learned not to argue with the good doctor. Over the past five days she’d asked a million questions, and he’d answered every one; he was unfailingly respectful. But Nick wanted her to rest, and he wasn’t going to clear her to see her dad before he thought she was ready. Considering how quickly she’d improved under his care, she wasn’t going to fight it.
“Okay. I’ll call him in a bit.”
“Good idea. Let him get a little rest.”
Nick stood and went to the mudroom to hang up his coat while Jordan stayed at the island. “You were gone a long time,” she called to him.
“Yeah. I had a consult with my orthopedist. He said I can go back to work.”
Jordan knew that was a big step for anyone coming back from an injury, but for Nick, who’d been out of commission for a long time, it had to be a relief.
“That’s great! I mean, you’re ready, aren’t you?”
Nick opened the refrigerator and scanned the contents. “Last week I would have been less sure, but yeah. I am.”
Jordan nodded, a little jealous. “That’s good. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” He was still in the fridge. “Are you hungry?”
“Ah, no. Not right now.”
“Nona and Pops are out tonight. I’ll go to the café and pick up dinner. Are you in? Whatever you want… my treat.”
Jordan laughed. “Your treat. Isn’t it free?”
He responded with a raised eyebrow. “Details. What do you say? Dinner and a movie?”
Jordan was surprised how she reacted to such a simple proposal. Dinner and a movie sounded like a date. But it wasn’t a date. It was friendly. Just friends. Hanging out.
True to form, she was overthinking, and that had to stop. Since breaking it off with Chase, she overanalyzed everything. People were scrutinized and she only put her trust in a select few. Shaking off her hesitance, she agreed. If anyone deserved her trust, it was the man in front of her. “Sure. That sounds great. I’ve been spending too much time in bed.” Oy. His mouth twitched a little and Jordan composed herself. “You know, resting. Like you said.”
“I get it.”
“Anyway, thanks.”
“You’re welcome. What do you want to eat?”
Jordan thought about it. She’d been eating lightly the last few days. Her diet had consisted of soups, omelets, and small servings of whatever Lina or Angelo had fixed for dinner. She hadn’t had much of an appetite until today. This morning she woke up ravenous. Along with her eggs, she’d had a fresh scone with jam and two pancakes. She’d made herself a big sandwich for lunch. Thinking about dinner, her mind zeroed in on one thing and one thing only.
“Rinaldi’s specialty burger with curly fries. Medium. Loaded. But no mustard.”
Nick’s face was flat. No expression, except for the amused sparkle in his eyes. “Planning for that heart attack, are you?”
“I’ve been eating like a bird for days,” Jordan snapped. “I need sustenance. Don’t judge.”
Nick threw up his hands in defeat, smiling, and causing the quiver in Jordan’s belly to intensify. “Specialty burger it is,” he said.
“Loaded.”
“No mustard.”
“Thank you,” she said.
“My pleasure.” With that, Nick grabbed his backpack and headed upstairs, once again leaving her brain muddled, and her body wondering what she was missing.
*
The ride back from the town was the most normal it had been since the storm. The snow was melting, and other than the occasional patch of ice, it was pretty easy to get around. School was back in session, and he knew that was driving Jordan nuts. She’d FaceTimed with her class and found out that about a third of the kids still didn’t have power at home. Which made her worry, and question him about how much longer she’d have to stay home. Even with all her improvement, Jordan still tired easily. After their talk about her dad, she’d gone back to her room and fallen asleep for two hours. The exhaustion would linger longer than the cough, and Jordan, who lived a very busy life, would have to slow down.
When she woke, he ordered the food and left her in charge of finding a movie. Probably not his best idea, since that meant he’d probably be spending the next few hours watching a chick flick. Still, it could be worse. The company was nice.
Entering the kitchen, the under-cabinet lights cast a warm glow over the space. He liked it here. The house felt like a home, and even though he was taking advantage of not having his grandparents around, he was glad he’d come here to recover.
His grandmother seemed to know when he needed help and when he needed space. Mostly. Sometimes she overstepped, but for the most part, Nona let him heal on his own terms.
Getting a beer from the fridge, he almost whacked his head when Jordan’s raised voice startled him.
“Shoot the damn puck! What are you waiting for, an invitation? Sweet Jesus! SHOOT IT!”
Okay. Not a chick flick.
Grabbing the bag and a beer, Nick found her in the den, kneeling on the couch. It looked like she was ready to lunge at the TV. Gertie was curled up on the chair nearby, watching Jordan intently. For himself, Nick stood in the doorway for a good ten seconds and she never noticed he was there. That’s how intently she was focused on the game.
It was the last thing he expected.
Hockey. The girl was a hockey nut.
She coughed several times, and that was Nick’s cue. “Couldn’t find a movie?” he said as he set down the food.
Barely breaking from the game, she glanced over. “I never looked, once I saw this…” Turning to him, she tilted her head. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“No. Not at all. I just didn’t know you were a fan.”
“Oh, insane. My dad and I—” Her eyes darted back to the screen and she leaned forward, almost falling into the coffee table. “HIT HIM! Don’t let him do that… oh, my God!”
The coughing was worse this time, and Jordan pulled up the neck of her T-shirt to cover her mouth. She kept going, catching her breath and tipping onto the pillow at the end of the couch.
Finally, it settled. Tugging her shirt back into place, Jordan sat up and turned her eyes back to the TV.
“There was a break in play while you were bringing up a lung.”
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “Funny. You’re going to joke about my illness? What kind of doctor are you?”
“A bad one who brought you lots of unhealthy food.” He pulled the to-go containers out of the bag, along with some silverware and napkins.
“What did I say about judging?” Jordan took a sip from a glass of water on the end table.
“Uh huh.” God, she was fun. She was all sass and brains, wrapped in a gorgeous package. She made Nick think about having fun again. Something he hadn’t done in a long time.
“What did you get there, Doc?”
He flipped open the top of the container and there sat a specialty burger. Loaded, with fries.
Jordan gasped in faint indignation. “A burger, Doctor Healthy?”
“Don’t. Judge,” he snapped. “Or you won’t get any of these.” He raised a third to-go box in the air, just out of her reach.
“What’s in there?”
“Gruel,” he teased.
“Gruel,” she laughed. “You’re fresh. Gimme.”
This was too much fun. He moved the box closer, and as soon as Jordan reached out, he pulled it away.
Folding her arms, she glanced back at the TV, content to watch the between period recap. That’s what he thought, until she pounced and grabbed the box.
“Ha! Don’t let your guard down around me.”
“You’re impossible.” She was fantastic.
Women who were demure and agreeable were never Nick’s type. No, he went for a woman who would challenge him, who would push all his buttons. Jordan was bold, and pa
cked with attitude. He could get used to her.
When she flipped open the box, she groaned with pleasure. “Onion rings. These things are practically a religious experience and you were going to keep them from me?”
The look on her face when she took a bite was almost orgasmic, and Nick wondered what it would be like to get that look for himself. He’d pictured it more than a couple of times. Jordan, pressed into a plush mattress, little giggles and groans coming from her as he brought them both to the edge of reason.
Physically, Nick had always found her attractive. Long, lean, and model gorgeous, how could he not? But now that he’d gotten to know her? The attraction was deeper, more visceral. Even with her face scrubbed clean, and her hair pulled into a mess of a bun, she was easily the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on.
He had to get a hold of himself, refocus. “I had no idea you were such a rabid Mariners fan.”
“Oh, yeah. Since I was a kid. Dad and I have had a ticket package since I was around ten, I think? We’d go to at least twenty games a year. Until this year.”
He thought about their history. With Jordan being without her mother for most of her life, her dad was everything. The gravity of the loss she was facing became very real.
“I have tickets for a game in a couple of weeks. I’ll have to give them away, I guess.”
“Why?” Nick grabbed an onion ring from the box. “If you take it easy, and you know, don’t jump over the boards during the game, you should be okay.”
“Yeah?” Jordan nodded and took a healthy bite of her burger. The homemade sauce his nona put on the sandwich oozed out the sides of the bun, making it a special kind of mess. Jordan had no shame and took another bite. “Want to go with me?”
“What? To the game?”
With her mouth full of burger, she nodded, then swallowed. “Sorry.” She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I eat like a starving longshoreman. So, do you want to go? We have great seats, and you can make sure I don’t overdo it. It will be fun.”
Would it be fun, or would it be too hard for her since this was something she always did with her father? “If there’s no one else you’d rather take…”
