by Kay Correll
He could have had this.
But he gave it all away to follow his career.
His mess of a career.
He stifled a sigh so Annie wouldn’t pick up on his confusion. She leaned against him, staring into the fire and absent-mindedly trailing her fingers up and down the skin on his arm where his shirt was rolled up.
Her touch seared him, and he wanted to clamp his hand over hers and stop her. But he didn’t.
She stirred, leaned forward, and turned to look at him. “It’s getting late. You should probably head back. You don’t want to be out very late on these roads in case they freeze up again.”
“I don’t want to leave you here.”
“I’ll be fine.” Annie’s words were firm.
He didn’t like leaving her here, but he knew how she was when she set her mind on something. “How about I stay until you get ready for bed and I know you’re safely tucked in your bed?”
She rolled her eyes at him. “If it makes you feel better.”
She got up from the couch and grabbed her crutches. This time she safely maneuvered her way around the coffee table and headed down the hall. “It won’t take me long. Then you can head out.”
Nick placed his hand on the sofa beside him, still warm from the heat of her sitting there. What was he doing? Not that he was able to stop himself. Something was drawing him back into Annie’s life, under her spell.
He let out a low groan. Instead of the simple time he’d planned with his escape to his safe teaching job… he was getting a big serving of complications.
He jumped up at the sound of Annie’s scream and a crash coming from her bedroom. He rushed into her room and found her lying on the floor. “Are you okay?” He scanned her quickly with the instinct of many years of medical practice.
“I’m fine. Just embarrassed.” She reached up and touched the back of her head. “Ouch.”
“You’re hurt.”
“Just hit my head a bit.”
“Let me see.”
He helped as she struggled to sit up. He looked at her head. It wasn’t cut, but she was going to have a good-sized bump on it. Then, of course, he was going to worry because she’d hit her head. “Do you feel dizzy?”
“Nope. Just silly.”
He cradled her tightly against him. “You scared me.”
“Hey, I scared me.”
“Listen, I know you want me to leave, but I really, really want to stay. I’ll sleep on the couch. You just call me if you need me.”
Her blues eyes looked up at him, and he could see her determination waver. “I’ll worry all night if I leave. Won’t get a wink of sleep.” He brushed a lock of her hair away from her face.
She let out a long sigh. “Okay. But we’re not going to make this a habit. I’ll get better with these crutches soon, and the doctor said I’d probably only need them a few days or so.”
He reached out and touched her chin. “Thanks, Annie.” He gathered her into his arms and with one swoop stood. He carefully placed her on the bed. “There.”
“Thanks. I’ll be fine now.” She scooted under the covers.
He settled the quilts around her. “I know you will be. But call if you need me. I’ll just be out on the couch.”
“I feel bad that you’re sleeping on the couch.” A frowned crossed her face. “You could sleep in Dad’s room.”
“The couch will be fine.” The last place he wanted to sleep was her father’s room. Where he wanted to sleep was right beside her, making sure she was safe. He backed away before his resolve weakened and he kissed her again.
“Goodnight, Annie.” He switched off the light.
“Night, Nick.”
He walked back out to the family room and stretched out on the couch. He punched a throw pillow into comfortable submission and tugged the afghan over him. He watched the flames dance in the slowly dying fire. His muscles screamed at him for all his snow-shoveling good deeds today.
So much had happened since he’d returned to Colorado. Seeing Annie. Becoming friends again, and maybe more. Kissing her tonight had been so right.
But what was he doing? What were they doing? He was only here for a short time, then he’d be off, hopefully to a new research job. It’s not like there were research jobs in his field in Sweet River Falls.
And as much as it pained him to think about it, he was pretty sure history was going to repeat itself. He was going to go off to follow his career, and Annie would be left behind.
If they continued on like this, he was going to hurt her again. And that was the last thing in the world he wanted to do.
Those kisses they’d shared tonight, they’d be the last ones. He’d talk to Annie in the morning.
Annie looked down at Nick sleeping on her couch. He must have been exhausted because he hadn’t stirred when she’d clumped to the kitchen and made coffee. The morning sunlight streamed through the window and fell across his brown hair. A few strands of gray were threaded through his thick, wavy locks, and his temples were slightly gray. Yet, in his sleep, he looked so like the boy she’d been so in love with.
But this was now. She wasn’t in love with him. She wasn’t going to make that mistake again.
Nick stirred in his sleep and opened his eyes. He smiled at her. “Morning.”
“I made coffee if you want some. I would have brought you a cup, but I figured just walking around with these crutches was about the best I could do. Couldn’t juggle a cup, too.”
He sat up and stretched. As much as she tried, she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. Here. In her cabin.
“You okay? You have this weird look on your face.”
She steadied herself on her crutches, her knuckles white on the handles. “Nick, we can’t do this.”
He looked directly at her and started to speak, but then closed his mouth. He nodded slowly.
“Last night… the kiss. The kisses. They were a mistake. We can’t go down that road again. I can’t.”
He let out a long, drawn-out sigh. “I know. I agree with you. Kind of. It’s just…” He ran his hand through his hair. “I’ve missed you.”
Her determination crumbled at his words. He’d missed her. But that didn’t change things. She gathered her courage. “I’ve missed you too, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re leaving soon. You have your career. I belong in Sweet River Falls.”
He looked down at his hands, straightened his shirt, then twisted his watch back into place on his wrist. When he looked back up at her, a sadness lurked in his eyes. “But we can still be friends, right? I still want to help you with remodeling your shop.”
She wanted to say no to that. She wanted to say they couldn’t even be friends. But she’d missed his friendship. She needed his help with the remodel, especially after messing up her foot.
And if she was honest with herself, she wasn’t willing to give up all contact with him now that he was back. Not yet.
Which was probably dangerous, but she couldn’t just not see him while he was so near.
“Yes, we can be friends. But friends only. No more… well, nothing more than that. And I do appreciate you helping me with the remodel.”
“Okay, then we’re agreed. And we are a pretty good team at construction work.” Nick rose from the couch. “Now, let’s have some of that coffee, and when you’re ready, I’ll drive you into town.”
Annie was glad they’d gotten all that settled. Friends. Just friends.
Then why did a wave of sadness flow through her? It was what she wanted, right?
Chapter 17
Annie couldn’t remember ever feeling this alive. Every moment seemed precious. Now that they’d cleared the air and were resolute in their decision that they’d only be friends, she could relax and just enjoy Nick’s company.
He came over almost every evening to work on the shop. She was pretty sure they were going to have it finished before the May Festival. At least Nick said he would do anything and everything to make sure it was
ready.
The sprained ankle had slowed her down, but not Nick. And she’d enjoyed their easy camaraderie as they worked. After a week, she’d hung up her crutches and hobbled around helping him.
They stood in the loft one evening, looking at the box of flooring she’d ordered and discussing which way they’d lay the planks. She turned at the sound of someone coming up the stairs. Mr. Dobbs stood at the top of the stairs, red-faced and slightly out of breath.
“Mr. Dobbs, nice to see you.”
“What do you want?” Nick wasn’t nearly as polite as she was.
“I heard you were still planning on opening the loft for business by the May Festival.”
“Yes, I plan to.”
“I didn’t see any paperwork for final occupancy permits filed with the planning commission.”
“They will be.” Annie clenched her teeth. Dobbs could be such a thorn in her side.
“You on the planning commission?” Nick took a step forward then stopped, turned back, and returned to her side.
Maybe he remembered she didn’t need him standing up for her. This was her battle. Everything was a battle where Dobbs was concerned. But she was glad he’d stopped and let her handle things.
“Thanks for checking, Mr. Dobbs, but everything is in order. I’m glad you’re concerned that I’ll be able to open by the May Festival. That’s sweet of you to check.” She didn’t mean a word she said, but whatever, she’d appease the man so he’d leave.
“Make sure it all gets filed in time. We can’t have anyone up here if it’s not all finalized and legal in time.”
She felt Nick stiffen beside her, but he didn’t say a word.
“Oh, not to worry. It will all be filed in time.” She forced out the words in a cheerful tone of voice.
“I’ll be checking.” Dobbs turned and headed down the stairs.
Nick stalked to the window. “I don’t know why you put up with his… nonsense. He doesn’t have anything to do with the planning commission.” Nick frowned. “I wonder why his sudden interest in the planning commission.”
“I don’t know, but he has everything to do with the town. He’s on the town council. He can cause trouble. It’s easier if you don’t rile him.” She walked over to stand by him.
“He’s an idiot.”
“He might be, but he does have power in this town. It’s best not to get on his bad side. Which I’m probably already on because of the river walk brouhaha.”
“I can’t stand it when people try to abuse their power.”
“Nick, I have it under control. We’ll be finished in time to get the final inspection. I’m not worried. And I have you to thank for getting me this far along. I’d never have made it on my own. I probably wouldn’t have had it finished at all for the tourist season, much less by the May Festival.”
“I’ve enjoyed it. I’d forgotten how much I like doing construction work. It’s gratifying to see the project come together.” He smiled at her.
That smile of his. The one she reminded herself meant they were just friends.
“How about we take a night off on Monday and go to Antonio’s?”
“You don’t need to come and work every night. You can take any time off you want.”
“No, I didn’t mean that. I just thought it would be nice to go have a quick dinner. Besides, I’ve been craving Antonio’s food.”
She wasn’t sure this was such a good idea. Construction work together? Sure, that was fine. But going out to eat?
“Friends have dinner together.” His tone was matter-of-fact.
“Sure. That sounds nice.” Why was she being so silly? Of course, friends had dinner together. What difference was it from being with him here at Bookish Cafe or at Antonio’s Cantina?
But it seemed different.
“Great. Now, let’s get this decision made on the flooring.” Nick turned and walked over to the planks spread out on the floor.
She followed him across the room, still not sure she’d made the right decision about Monday night.
Nora walked into Bookish Cafe for her planned lunch with Annie. Annie had been so busy with the remodel that they hadn’t had much time to see each other. Annie waved from behind the counter and held up one finger.
She wandered over to a book display about Colorado wildflowers and browsed through the pages of the book. She should get a book like this to put out at the lodge. People would probably like to leaf through it or use it to identify flowers around the area.
Annie came up beside her with two boxed up lunches. “I thought we could sit outside on the tables by the river. Might as well enjoy this warm day before that cold front comes through. No snow this time, but I think Colorado can’t decide if it wants to let spring actually come this year or not.”
They walked outside and settled at a table by the river. Annie looked at the boxes. “Chicken salad or turkey, cheese, and lettuce.”
“You choose. Like them both.”
Annie slid one over to her.
She opened the box and peeked inside. Chicken salad on a croissant, fruit salad, and a nice-sized brownie. “Perfect choice.”
Annie had unwrapped her lunch and was staring at the river.
“Whatcha thinking about?” Nora was pretty sure she knew but figured she’d ask.
“I—what?” Annie blushed. “I was thinking about Nick. He’s been such a big help with the remodel. I was wondering when he was going to leave.”
“He hasn’t said?”
“I think he’s still waiting to hear about the research job he wants. It’s in Houston.”
“You going to be okay when he leaves?”
“I will. We’re just friends.” Annie’s words were a bit too defensive and forceful.
“I am glad he was here to help you with all the carpentry work. I just don’t want to see you hurt.”
“It’s been nice working with him.” Annie paused and looked at Nora, then ducked her head. “And we’re going to Antonio’s on Monday. It’s not a big deal though.”
Nora just nodded, but she knew Annie was going to get hurt. It was clear as day to her even if Annie didn’t see it.
Annie was in love with Nick.
And he was leaving.
History was going to repeat itself, and all she could do was be there to pick up the pieces when he left.
Chapter 18
Nick grabbed his phone and saw the phone number. Houston area code. He clicked to answer it. “Hello.”
“Nick. This is Dr. Middleton. I’m sorry it’s taken us so long to get back with you. Things move slowly in the academic world sometimes. Anyway, we would like you to come back for another interview. Are you available to come at the beginning of next week?”
Nick stared out his window. This is what he wanted, right? What he’d been waiting for. “I could make that happen.”
“Would Monday work?”
“Yes, it would. I’ll get my class here covered. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Great, we look forward to talking to you again. I’ll tell you Nick, you’re one of our top choices. I think you’d be a great addition to our research team.”
“Thank you.”
“So we’ll see you on Monday.”
“Yes, I’ll be there.” Nick clicked off the phone. Why wasn’t he ecstatic? He’d been waiting for this. The job would be the perfect fit for him. He’d still be able to help kids with cancer. He could still use his knowledge and experience. It was a way to help so many kids.
And help him not feel so guilty for leaving his practice…
And yet, the only thing he could think of is that he’d have to leave Sweet River Falls. He’d have to leave Annie.
But they’d both known the day was coming. The school term was wrapping up. He planned to stay for May Festival and then hopefully go to this job, or if not, he planned to head back to his home in Los Angeles while he looked for work.
He couldn’t hide out in Sweet River Falls forever.
Then
it hit him. He’d have to cancel his dinner plans with Annie. He raked his hand through his hair. It had taken a bit to convince her to go to Antonio’s… and now he had to cancel.
She’d understand. Maybe even be a bit glad. She hadn’t been one hundred percent certain that going to dinner was a good idea, but he’d convinced her that friends go to dinner.
He stalked over to the door of his cabin, threw it open, and wandered over to the lake. He watched the wind send gentle ripples across the surface. The sun glistened on the water like someone had scattered a million pieces of broken glass to catch the brilliant rays of light. The hint of pine in the air was now a familiar scent to him once again. The chirping of a bird in the distance and the sight of a hawk swooping over the lake were sights and sounds he’d become accustomed to. It would be hard to give all this up and move back to a busy city. He picked up a smooth rock and tossed it into the lake, skipping it across the surface. Simple pleasures like this. He would miss them.
He turned around and headed back to the cabin. He needed to make his plane reservations and cancel his dinner plans with Annie.
He walked back into the cabin, its simple, comfortable furnishing mocking him. He’d been perfectly content staying here these last few weeks. Hadn’t missed his modern, sterile apartment in L.A.
Golden light spilled through the window of Rustic Haven in a welcoming embrace which he resolutely ignored.
With a sigh, he pulled out his phone.
Annie stopped by the lodge Monday afternoon to see Nora. She was out of sorts today, which was ridiculous. It wasn’t a big deal that Nick had cancelled their plans tonight.
Beth’s boys came running out of Nora’s cabin. “Hi, Annie. We’re gonna go to the lodge. Grams says that there are cookies there and we can have some.”
“She said we could each have two,” Connor corrected.
