Tempting Love on Holly Lane (Island County Book 5)

by Karice Bolton

  “This is really why you brought me here, isn’t it? You were just craving brownies.”

  He stopped abruptly, and I almost crashed into him.

  “Now this is a sensational tree.” He took a step back, admiring the fluffy Douglas fir.

  “It is pretty fabulous, but what if there’s another one even better?”

  He scowled. “I don’t know. This one’s pretty good.”

  “But we’ve barely scratched the surface. There are thousands of trees in front of us.”

  “But this tree is beautiful. It’s a perfect fit for the space.”

  “There’s no doubt about that.” I twisted my lips as I bounced the branches with the back of my hand. “I just think we need to keep searching. We can come back to this one.”

  “What if someone else snags it?” he asked.

  “Then it wasn’t meant to be.”

  “Why risk it?”

  “I like to live on the edge.” I grinned.

  “Do you really?” He motioned for another bite of brownie.

  “Sometimes. At least when it comes to Christmas trees.”

  “All right, let’s keep going, but we’ll come back to this one. Guarantee it.”

  “Fine. Wanna bet on it?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “Sure.”

  “Okay, if we don’t find a more perfect tree for my cabin, I’ll make you a basketful of Christmas cookies.”

  “And if we do find a better one?” he asked.

  “How about you have to endure a night of eighties movies?”

  He laughed as I polished off the first brownie, readying to unwrap the second.

  “Deal.”

  “Speaking of which, you still haven’t had a pickle and peanut butter sandwich.”

  “Had one this morning. It’s my new breakfast food.”

  “It is not.” We began hiking through the maze of trees, spotting lots of great ones, but none quite as good as the first.

  “See what happens when you think the grass is greener?” he teased.

  “I don’t think the grass is greener.” I stopped and turned to face him. “I just don’t want to miss out.”

  He watched me as the revelation slowly developed.

  “I’ve got another bet for us.” He tossed the saw on the ground.

  “Lay it on me.”

  Nick took a step closer and my pulse spiked.

  “If we’re both still single on New Year’s Eve, how about we take a trip together—” He stopped himself.

  “Ha.” I laughed, catching his gaze. “To where?”

  “Do you ski?” he asked.

  “I can make it down a hill.” I nodded.

  “Then I’ve got the perfect place.”

  “You’re so strange.” I studied him. “I can’t tell what it is you want out of this.” I motioned between us. “And how is that even a bet?”

  He shook his head. “Maybe it’s not.”

  “Maybe it’s just a way to make sure you have a date for the second most dateless night of the year.” My brow arched.

  “That’s exactly what it is,” he agreed.

  “You know what, buddy? I’m gonna call you on your bull.” I tapped my foot against some dried pine needles. “If you’re still single and I’m still single, you’re stuck with me.”

  “This bet sealed with a kiss instead of a handshake?” he asked, seeming unfazed by this life-changing agreement.

  “Is that what you want?” I felt a tidal wave between my ears as my blood rushed through my head. I felt lightheaded, but I wanted nothing more than to be kissed by Nick.

  He closed the gap between us, and with his free hand, his finger combed through my hair, bringing me closer as I looked up into his eyes.

  “What are you doing?” I asked.

  “Something I should’ve done a long time ago.” His voice lowered. “You’re irresistible, and Lord knows I’ve tried to resist.”

  “Have you?” I whispered before his lips sank to mine.

  The electricity traveling through my body as I slipped my free arm around his waist, feeling his body next to mine, was thrilling.

  I parted my lips, feeling his tongue push deeper, and I could barely stay upright. It was like all the flirting and kindness had finally exploded into a tangled knot of emotions of want and need.

  Everything about the way he moved his hand through my hair, the deliberate stroke of his tongue, and his ragged breathing was sexually charged with the same longing I’d been holding onto.

  I tore my lips away, barely able to breathe, wishing there was a place to continue, but my heart was racing so quickly, I needed a second. I was afraid.

  Afraid I wouldn’t be able to turn back to our friendship if things went wrong.

  I looked into Nick’s eyes, and my heart felt like it was going to shatter. I didn’t understand the emotions running through his gaze. Were they matching my worries?

  Was it regret, longing, need? What was it?

  He skimmed his thumb across my cheek and brought his lips back down to mine, sending my worries far away as the warmth of his mouth made my world spin.

  Nick let out a low and sexy growl, and my entire world stood still. His mouth moved from mine, his lips hovering so close.

  “You taste so good,” he whispered, his other hand threading through my hair as I felt his hardness against me. I dropped my paper cup and teased my fingers along his back, feeling the warmth of his skin under my fingertips.

  His mouth fastened back on mine, and every nerve in my body was tingling in anticipation as our kisses deepened. I’d wanted this man from the moment I saw him, and now I was getting a taste.

  Nick’s breathing changed and his kisses slowed, even though my pulse quickened as I opened my eyes.

  “You’re the sweetest thing I’ve ever come across,” he whispered, his eyes dazed with longing.

  “Nick . . .” I took a breath. “I’m scared that we’ll never get this back. The before, I mean.”

  His eyes flicked a shade darker, and I swallowed the strange feeling of longing and remorse tied into one big mess. Everything I wanted with Nick tore me in opposite directions. I wanted our friendship to stay the same, but I wanted more from him, something more that he might not be able to give me, and I refused to let that jeopardize our friendship.

  Nick brought me into him, and I pressed my head against his chest, hearing his quickened heart rate.

  “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

  “You have nothing to be sorry for,” he said softly, still holding me.

  Tears pricked my eyes, and I wondered if I’d just thrown away the best thing that could have been.

  Chapter Fifteen

  My sister and I were with Sophie in Seattle for some Christmas shopping. I hadn’t told a soul about the kiss or the not-quite bet, but that didn’t mean both thoughts didn’t invade just about every vacant moment.

  Nick’s lips had to be the softest I’d ever experienced, and his technique?

  It made me weak in the knees just thinking about it, and to spend New Year’s with him?

  Even better, but I was confused beyond belief for several reasons.

  The top reason being that I hadn’t heard from him since. Five days, six if you count today, had gone by, and nothing—not a text, phone call, or drop-in. It was like he was working overtime to ensure he spent the holiday with someone else.

  Now I was left to deal with the aftermath of the accidental kiss. At the time, I didn’t think it was accidental, but now I was positive.

  While he was able to go on his merry way, I was daydreaming about how amazing that kiss was.

  It didn’t help that Nick’s truck hadn’t been at his house the last three days. Maybe downtown Seattle was treating him too well.

  I grunted.

  “Were you even listening?” Maddie asked, holding up a pair of earrings.

  “Quite possibly not,” I said sheepishly.

  “I said, do you think Mom would like these?”

&
nbsp; I stared at the simple gold earrings. They were pretty, but Mom usually liked a little more oomph.

  “Boy, you really weren’t listening.” My sister sighed. “You buy these charms for the earrings. Isn’t it a cute idea?”

  Maddie held up a pair of ruby red charms that were meant to dangle from the gold earrings in the other hand. I fully saw Mom written all over them.

  “Perfect.” I glanced around, not seeing Sophie.

  “What’s gotten into you lately?” Maddie asked.

  I couldn’t tell her.

  “Just wondering what I want to do with my life. No big deal.” I grinned and saw a scarf my mom would love. I motioned for the sales associate, who helped get it out of the case.

  “That’s always good to do right before the holidays.” She giggled.

  “Isn’t it though? Where’d Sophie go?” I asked as we paid for our items.

  “The bookstore across the street. We’re going to meet her at the coffee shop inside.”

  “Awesome.” I decided to purchase the scarf and took my bag from the clerk. “It’s nice to have Mondays off so we can hang out together without tea surrounding us.”

  “It’s a nice change.” She took her bag after paying for the earrings, and we wandered outside, feeling the crisp air alert us to another change in the weather.

  “Do you think we’ll really get snow again?” I asked as we waited for the crosswalk.

  The sun was setting, and the Christmas lights up and down the Seattle streets were turning on, store by store.

  “Possibly. I hope so.”

  By the time we got back inside, my fingers were icicles and I was never happier to see a place that served warm drinks.

  Sophie waved at us as we quickly got our drinks and made our way over to the table by the window overlooking the busy sidewalks.

  “Get everything you wanted?” Maddie asked.

  “I did.” She lifted her bookstore bag. “How about you guys?”

  “Earrings and a scarf for our mom. Getting closer to being done.” Maddie slid into the seat next to Sophie.

  I took the chair across from both and sat with a thud.

  “How are you enjoying your family room?” Sophie asked.

  “Love it. Can’t get enough of it.” I smiled. “Thank you so much for all your help on it. I could never have pulled it off.”

  “You picked it all out,” Sophie said.

  “From a store I couldn’t go wrong in.” I grinned, sighing. “I got my tree up and everything. I couldn’t ask for a better place to call home.”

  “I know.” Sophie wiggled her nose. “I heard about the Christmas tree. Isn’t that a great little place?”

  I glanced at my sister, feeling my cheeks flush.

  “What?” Maddie asked.

  “Nothing,” I said quickly.

  Sophie giggled.

  “Sophie, now you have to tell me.” Maddie smacked her.

  “Nick kissed Sophie at the Christmas tree farm.” Sophie’s eyes twinkled with delight.

  “Are there no secrets on Fireweed?” I said, exasperated.

  “Not many.” Sophie’s smile only widened.

  “And you didn’t tell me?” My sister’s eyes were huge.

  I let out a deep sigh. “There’s nothing to tell. I haven’t heard from him since.”

  Sophie’s gaze dropped to her latte.

  “I’m sorry, Shortcake.” Maddie twisted her lips into a pout. She only used that when she knew I felt like crap, and you know what? She was right. I felt like crap for breaking my own rules and thinking he’d break his.

  “It’s no big deal. I’d been warned about him. It’s my own fault,” I assured her. “But he gives such mixed signals. One minute, he only dates people from Seattle, and the next, he’s treating me to an amazing dinner and a hot tub, and the next thing I know, he has a harem of female best friends he tosses me into.” I looked over at Sophie. “No offense.”

  She laughed. “None taken.”

  “I’m totally cool about it. I’d rather have his friendship than nothing at all. He’s a handy guy to have living across the street.” I looked at Sophie. “I’m sure that’s how you felt too?”

  Sophie shuddered. “Nick has never been more than a friend.”

  My sister even looked at her sideways.

  Sophie threw both hands in the air. “I swear to God. I’ve never been with him, thought about him, been kissed by him . . . ever. It would be way too weird.”

  “So you’re telling me you’ve never been attracted to Nick, even in the slightest?” Maddie asked, almost more stunned than I was.

  “Swear on my life. He’s always been a friend. Same with Tori and Natty. I know for a fact they’ve never been attracted to him.” Sophie’s eyes connected with mine. “Don’t get me wrong. He’s hot, but I just never thought of him as anything but a sweet and loyal friend. I understand why women trip over themselves to get to him, but he’s just never done it for me.”

  I wondered how many women we were talking, considering I was staring at a woman who was with a rock star. It was all relative.

  “So you set your boundaries, and he respected them,” I prompted, trying a different approach at gaining the same information.

  Sophie shook her head emphatically.

  “No. I didn’t have to set boundaries because he was never interested. Same with Natty and Tori. This is a two-way street. No interest from any party. Ever.”

  “In all the years you guys have known him, he’s never tried to kiss any of you?” I didn’t buy it.

  “God, no.” Sophie looked toward the ceiling and smiled. “I wonder if I should be offended.”

  I giggled, feeling as light as air.

  For no reason.

  It wasn’t like Nick had suddenly called.

  “Definitely.” Maddie laughed.

  “I just wish I didn’t feel such a connection.” I glanced out the window and saw the wind picking up and swirling around a few dried leaves that never got swept up by the street sweeper. “But I can ignore it.” I nodded, reassuring myself. “Not to gross you out, but that man knows how to kiss.”

  Sophie snorted, and I realized Nick had really good taste when it came to friends.

  “Since you’re his friend, and I’m obviously in his friend category, what’s your advice?” I asked Sophie. “How do I proceed to make sure I don’t ruin the friendship?”

  “But you said you feel a connection,” Sophie said slowly, looking suddenly uncomfortable.

  “Yeah, but that doesn’t matter. It’s got to be both sides, and it obviously isn’t.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” Sophie slammed her mouth shut and looked extremely guilty.

  “What are you getting at?” Maddie asked as my insides turned into a nervous mess of emotion.

  Sophie groaned. “He will kill me. I can’t say.”

  “You think he’ll kill you?” My brows shot up, and I flexed my puny arms. “You can’t leave me hanging.”

  Maddie and Sophie laughed.

  “He’s—” She shook her head. “I can’t.”

  I felt my pulse swimming between my ears.

  “Please. I’ll give you free tea for life.”

  Maddie scowled at me. “Hey.”

  “Add it to my tab.” I glanced at my sister.

  “Nick hasn’t had one Tinder date since he met you.” She chewed on her lip. “He deleted his account.” Her eyes met mine, and she pressed her lips together, looking completely tormented.

  This was huge news.

  That might mean absolutely nothing.

  Or positively everything.

  “He deleted his account?” I repeated, and she nodded.

  “He’ll kill me if he finds out I told you.” She let out a huge sigh. “But it feels so much better getting it off my chest. He’s had that stupid account since Tinder came into existence, I swear.”

  “Does that mean he’s seeing someone from the account, maybe?” My sister asked cautio
usly.

  “Nope.” Sophie’s gaze rested on mine. “Someone’s caught his eye, and he’s completely stumped.”

  “About what?” I asked, confused.

  “He thinks you won’t be able to get past his reputation, which is probably pretty inflated, truth be told.” She leaned closer to the table. “He thinks you’ve been sending clear friend-zone signals.”

  “I don’t kiss my friends that way,” I whispered.

  “I don’t either.” Sophie giggled. “But I think you’ve turned his world upside down. Half the time he talks to me, it’s about how much he can’t stop thinking about you, and the other half, it’s about how he has to forget about you because you’re just not interested.”

  “But—” I clamped my mouth shut, allowing her words to sink in. I wanted to be excited, but I felt like there was a big but with this entire equation.

  “What?” she asked.

  “If he’s interested, why hasn’t he reached out since helping me with my Christmas tree?”

  “That I can’t answer.” Sophie folded her arms across her chest. “I honestly don’t know what’s up. He kind of went off the radar.”

  “He’s not at his house,” I confirmed, but then panic struck. “Is he okay? Could something have happened?”

  Sophie was too quick to shake her head. “No, he’s fine. He just . . .” She shook her head. “I hate this. I’m just not good at keeping secrets.”

  “Secrets?” I asked.

  Sophie groaned. “He’s visiting his dad.”

  “Oh, well that doesn’t seem abnormal.” I watched Sophie squirm.

  “They’ve been estranged since his parents’ divorce,” she added.

  “Oh.”

  “Please don’t tell him I told you.”

  “Not a word,” I promised, unsure of the significance.

  “I’m not trying to be Nick’s cheerleader, but he is going to make some lucky lady very happy someday. Or at least, that’s my hope for him. He’s got a lot of hang-ups when it comes to relationships.” She cocked her head. “Obviously.”

  “Yeah, well I doubt I’ve made it any easier on him.” I smiled, running circles with my finger. “I’ve tried to make it really clear that I value our friendship, but I think I’ve made it too clear.”

  Sophie shrugged. “I’m trying to let you two run your course. I don’t want to influence it whatsoever. Just because I know what I’d like to see happen, it doesn’t mean that’s what’s best.”