Tempting Love on Holly Lane (Island County Book 5)

by Karice Bolton

  I flung open the door, and Nick smirked.

  “You’re cute even when you’re sick.”

  I rolled my eyes and invited him in.

  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you get sick—”

  “I expect you to take care of me,” he interrupted, stepping inside and glancing at the television. “I see your taste in movies is the same as music.”

  I laughed.

  “I swear I have more interests.” I felt the tickle in my chest and ushered him away as I started coughing into the crook of my arm.

  Nick was already in the kitchen pulling out cough drops, flu medicine, and a bottle of something I didn’t recognize.

  “What in the world is that?” I asked, leaning against the dining room table.

  “Rock and rye.” He grinned. “It’ll knock you on your ass, but it’ll cure what ails you. At least, that’s what the label says.”

  “Sounds like an old wives’ tale.” I grinned.

  “Probably, but I bet it will make you sleep well.”

  “Then pour it up.” My head started spinning, and I slid onto a dining chair. “Are Sophie and Natty doing better?”

  Nick grimaced. “Worse, actually. That’s how I knew to go get what I could now. I also got you some sports drinks.”

  “Why?” My brow arched.

  “So you don’t dehydrate.” He brought over two glasses with the liquor in it.

  “Is this just an excuse so you can have some?” I teased.

  “Kind of.” He grinned and took a sip, sucking in his cheeks. “Whoa.”

  “That’s not exactly what I wanted to see.” I smiled, noticing how I was already feeling better just having him around.

  He tossed a pack of throat lozenges on the table and took another sip, prompting me to do the same.

  The moment the liquid hit my lips, I wanted to spit it out, but I swallowed the first sip.

  “That’s strong.”

  “Should kill the virus quickly, no doubt.” He took the last sip, and I took another gulp.

  By the time I finished, I was feeling ready to go back to bed.

  The credits were running on the movie, and I stretched, feeling the warmth of the liquor running through my veins . . . or maybe it was being around Nick.

  “I think I’d better get to my chair to sleep.” I spoke through a yawn.

  “Don’t you think a bed would be more comfortable, or at least, the couch?”

  “I like the chair. Some sexy woodworker builds them on the island,” I told him.

  “Is that so?” he asked. “How sexy?”

  “Too much so for his own good. He’s not the type to settle down.”

  “Where’d you hear that?” His brows quirked up.

  “Just something I know,” I slurred.

  “How about I help you into your bed, and you call me if you need anything?”

  I shook my head. “My bed deflated.”

  “Of course it did.” He shook his head. “Then that settles it. You’re staying in my guest room until you shake this bug.”

  I took in a breath to object, but the coughing fit that took over only allowed me to surrender without protest.

  “Thank you.” I patted his shoulder. “You’re a wonderful neighbor to have.”

  “And so are you.” The tone in his voice had lost the playfulness, but I was far too exhausted to say anything. “I know this seems crazy, but I’m gonna go get the truck.”

  “It doesn’t seem silly at all,” I said, collapsing my head on my hands.

  “Okay, great.” He put all the supplies back in the bag, poured a little more rye for me to swallow, and took off out the front door without waiting for me to change my mind.

  But I felt too horrible to argue, and the idea of a deflated cot on the floor wasn’t that appealing.

  The rumble of Nick’s truck alerted me to his quick return. He came back inside and helped me to the truck, got me settled, and went back inside to take care of locking up. When he climbed in the truck, I rolled my head over to look at him.

  “Thank you.” I touched his leg and he stiffened. Or maybe it was my imagination.

  “Nothing to thank me for.”

  “Everything to thank you for.” I shut my eyes as he reversed out of the driveway, across the road, and into his driveway. “That was fast.” I giggled, which only turned into coughing as he slid out of the truck.

  This was so not how I wanted to impress him. He helped me out of the truck and into his house filled with warmth and a set of stairs that looked like death in my condition. Without a word said, he scooped me into his arms and carried me up the stairs and into the guest room.

  “Hope this is okay,” he said, placing me gently on the bed.

  “More than,” I said, shutting my eyes.

  “Your mom’s coming over to check on you. I called your sister and let her know I was moving you to my guest room from your deflated bed.”

  My eyes flashed open.

  “Muppet’s not coming over, I hope.” I let out a labored breath.

  “Bird-free zone,” he promised. “Plus, we wouldn’t want to get Muppet sick.”

  “God forbid.” I grinned, feeling the softness of the comforter surrounding me.

  “Here’s the remote for the television. I’m sure there are some good eighties flicks On-Demand for you. I’ll bring up some soup in a little bit.”

  I smiled.

  “You would make a sensational boyfriend.” I studied him, the rye confusing my senses. “It’s a shame, really.”

  His lip curled up slightly. “Holler if you need anything.”

  I nodded as he left the guest room, and that was when I realized I wasn’t the luckiest neighbor in the world. I was the unluckiest woman to ever move to Fireweed.

  With that thought, I fell back asleep, only to hear my mom’s voice in the room. I opened my eyes to see her talking to Nick in the corner of the room. At some point during my sleep, I must have stuffed tissue up my nose.

  Great!

  “Hey,” I said, but another eruption happened and I started coughing.

  This was definitely not the way to show a man how sexy I could be. There was no doubt about it. We were in the friend zone.

  “You look horrible,” my mom said, rushing to my side and sweeping some of my hair from my face.

  “Thanks,” I said sarcastically.

  “Well, you’re sick. You can’t help it,” she continued.

  “Thanks again.” I smiled and Nick came over.

  “I think she looks cute.” Nick glanced at my mom, and they traded some weird all-knowing glances while I sat with tissue stuck up my nose. “Want some more rye?”

  “That sounds perfect.”

  He laughed.

  “Just try to get some more sleep. If you need anything, Dad and I’ll cancel our trip on the water that’s tomorrow. You’re more important.”

  “Love you,” I said, smiling.

  “Love you, too, Shortcake.”

  Nick’s eyes flew to mine.

  “I used to love Strawberry Shortcake,” I answered without waiting for him to ask the question.

  “Makes complete sense.” A smile swept across his mouth.

  “Get some rest. I can show myself out.” My mom gave a quick wave and left Nick and me alone in the room.

  “Feeling better or worse?” he asked.

  “Worse, but better for being here.”

  “Good. That’s what I wanted to hear. I made some soup, but you fell asleep. Are you hungry?”

  “Not really.”

  “Well, let me bring some up anyway.”

  I nodded, but before he left, I asked a question I really didn’t want answered.

  “Are you this nice to all your friends?”

  “I hope so. Friends are hard to come by, and good friends are almost impossible, so if you find a good one . . .”

  “You think you’ve found a good one?”

  “I know I did.” He ruffled my already messy hair,
and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I’d never get out of the friend zone. Maybe that was okay because I certainly wouldn’t want to lose a friend like this over a lusty fling that jeopardized anything.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Five days later, I was starting to feel human again. Today was my first day back at the shop. My sister was taking today and tomorrow off, which was more than well-deserved since I’d been out of commission for the last few days. It had been a busy Tuesday, which made it go quickly. I was surprised to see the sun had already set, and several customers were busy sniffing teas and bringing tins to the counter.

  I never had days go by so fast at my old job. The minutes usually felt like hours.

  It had been a good day and a great several days. I had my head back on straight. I knew what I had with Nick and Fireweed was a good thing. I didn’t want to lose the sensational feeling of both, so keeping Nick in the friendship bucket was the smartest thing to do.

  “Do you think the spicy hot chocolate is too much for Grandma?” A little girl asked her mom.

  “No. I think it’ll give her the kick she needs.” The mom turned to look at me. “It’s not too spicy, is it?”

  I shook my head. “Just a hint.”

  “Perfect.”

  As they trundled up to the cash register, I saw Nick walk by the window, slowing to admire the twinkle lights we’d just put up. I gave a slight wave, and the woman followed my gaze.

  “Well, he’s delicious.” She laughed, and I glanced down at her ring finger. She wasn’t wearing one.

  “Yes, he is, and he’s single.” I grinned, ringing her up.

  I figured the more practice I had with not caring about Nick dating around, the better off I’d be. All of his other best friends seem to manage just fine, so I needed to be one of them.

  “Well, maybe I’ll have to bump into him before we leave the island.” She laughed and glanced down at her daughter. “Hope he likes kids.”

  “Well, he likes birds, so I’m sure kids are fine.”

  She gave me a puzzled look as I packaged her items, and I wanted to kick myself.

  This not caring thing was unpleasant.

  “Have a nice day,” I told her as she hurried out the door with her sack of tea and her daughter.

  She accidentally bumped right into Nick, and I did a phenomenal job of not caring as she giggled in front of him, flipping her hair and batting her lashes.

  Nick glanced in my direction, and I immediately dropped my gaze to the counter, pretending to organize the pen jar.

  A woman brought over two canisters of tea and placed them on the counter.

  “An ounce of each, please.” She smiled. “Maddie’s not in today?”

  “No. She’s taking today and tomorrow off. Did you want me to give her a message?” I asked.

  The woman shook her head. “Not at all. Just thought it would be nice to bump into her and fill her in on my son. I live on Hound.”

  “Your son?” I asked. “Are you Hildie?”

  She nodded. “That’s me.”

  “So good to meet you. I’m Maddie’s sister, Holly.”

  Hildie was the owner of the lavender farm. I’d only spoken with her over the phone, but she matched my imagination’s version of her perfectly with sparkling blue eyes and silver streaks running through her dark hair.

  “I thought you looked like Maddie.” She beamed. “You’re both such pretty girls.”

  “Yes, they are,” Nick said, coming into the store.

  My cheeks blushed as I continued scooping the teas.

  “Nick, you are ever the opportunist.” Hildie chuckled, and I immediately relaxed.

  “Yes, he is.” I looked up at Nick, and my heart dropped to my toes.

  Spending sick days with him only made him more appealing. Who was I kidding about being able to dump him into the friend zone?

  “So you’ve heard about him all the way over on Hound Island?” I laughed, shaking my head. “Sounds about right.”

  “I think it’s mostly rumor. He’s got a reputation to uphold.” She winked. “But actually, my son is engaged to Jewels.”

  “Really? I had no idea.”

  “My son is Jake.”

  “The fireman?” I asked, and Nick’s brows rumpled.

  Hildie chuckled. “That’s him.”

  “What a small world.” I swiped her card and handed her the bag.

  She took in a deep breath. “I can’t tell you how nice it is to get some tea without the purple stuff.”

  “Hildie, don’t let that get out,” Nick teased. “That purple stuff is your livelihood.”

  “Lovesick looks good on you.” She tapped his cheek with her thumb.

  “I’m not—”

  “Oh, I must have been mistaken,” she interrupted him, grinning. She flashed a look in my direction. “Anyway, don’t forget to come visit the farm and bring your sister.”

  “We can’t wait. The shop is closed on Mondays, so that might be the best day.”

  “All days work for me.” She held up her bag. “Have a great evening. I’d better go try to catch the last ferry, or I’ll be barging in on Jake and Jewels again.”

  “I’m sure they don’t mind.” Nick laughed as Hildie exited.

  The store was now empty, and the energy immediately changed.

  “So what brings you here, stranger?” I asked.

  “Just had a few errands to run.”

  “I see one of our customers was excited to bump into you.” I wiggled my brows and adjusted my ponytail.

  “Why do I think you sent her outside to greet me?” He shoved his hands into his jean pockets.

  “I’d never do that.” I turned off the computer. “But she does meet your qualifications. She’s not from Fireweed.”

  “True. That’s definitely a positive.” He pushed his hands deeper into his pockets. “How are you feeling?”

  “Ninety-nine-point-nine percent better.”

  “So good enough to let me take you somewhere?” he asked.

  “Where’s somewhere?” I turned off the lights in the back room and reappeared without my apron.

  “Christmas tree farm.”

  “At night?” I asked.

  “Best time to go. They have lights.”

  “Well, I do need a tree.” I nodded, grabbing my purse. “And it would be nice to have a second opinion. It is a big decision, after all.”

  “Perfect. I’ll drive.” A devilish grin appeared, and the familiar flutter uprooted me.

  “So did you get that woman’s number?” I asked.

  “I haven’t gotten numbers in a long time.”

  I shot him a look of surprise. “How about texts, messages, swipes?” I chuckled.

  A dimple surfaced in his left cheek.

  “You have dimples,” I gushed. “How cute.”

  “I have one, and very few people can get it out of me.”

  “Boy, you do know what to say.” I shook my head, glancing down to see his boots. “All right, cowboy, let’s get this show on the road.”

  His laughter boomed through the air as I shut off the shop lights.

  “I was helping my buddy with his horses today.” He followed me outside.

  “So you have an outfit for every occasion?” I teased.

  “You’re obviously feeling better.”

  “I told you I’m only a tenth of a percent away from perfection.” I beamed, trying to ignore how aware of Nick I was. It was like I could feel him even a foot away.

  “You’re right about that.” Nick slid his arm around my waist, leading us toward his truck, and the rush of being so close to him threw me off course. Or maybe it was his words.

  The tree farm was only a fifteen-minute drive. It was actually near our homes, but down the main road a few more miles.

  “Do you ever wonder why our road is a state road? It sounds so technical. Where’s the romance? We need it changed to Birchwood Avenue or something.” I grinned, tapping my finger to the music playin
g.

  He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye, and I swore his smile grew wider.

  “What?” I asked as he turned down a gravel road.

  “Your mind. I like how it works.”

  “Okay.” I furrowed my brows.

  He parked next to another pickup, and I had to say, for being a tree farm, the place was really well-lit.

  “Ready?” he asked, hopping out of the truck.

  “For sure.” I climbed out of the truck and glanced at the small shed in front of us. “This place is super cute.”

  “It’s the only place to get a tree.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the small building.

  Green garlands wrapped each of the two windows and entrance. An outdoor snowman stood waving, and several automated penguins skated behind. Nick switched from holding my hand to wrapping his arm around my waist.

  “Before we head out to find your perfect tree, we need to sign in and grab our hot chocolates and saw.” He led me into the office, where a tray of peppermint brownies sat.

  “Hey, Floyd. How’s it going?” Nick asked the older gentleman seated behind a desk.

  “Back already?” Floyd asked, glancing at me before turning to stare at Nick.

  My stomach tightened. Had Nick already brought someone else here?

  “This time it’s not for my house, but for Holly’s.”

  Floyd stood up. “Any friend of Nick’s is a friend of mine.”

  “Nice to meet you.” I shook his hand.

  Nick let go of me and wandered over to the wall of saws.

  “Feel free to grab some hot chocolate and a brownie.” Floyd smiled. “My wife makes them every morning.”

  “Thank you.” I grinned, turning to the table to make the hot cocoa and snatch a brownie.

  I wrapped up two brownies in a napkin and held our drinks as we wandered out the door and toward the acres of Christmas trees. Nick took his drink in his free hand and took a sip.

  “So how long have you been coming here?” I asked.

  “Forever.”

  I took a nibble of the brownie. “Wow. These are incredible.”

  “Here, let me have a little taste.” He glanced down at me, and I held up my brownie since he didn’t have a free hand.

  He took a bite and groaned. “So good.”