Tempting Love on Holly Lane (Island County Book 5)

by Karice Bolton

  “Is it a second house?” I asked.

  “They already sold their house in Illinois. That’s actually why they’re on a cruise. All of their items are in a long haul truck on the way here, and they needed a place to be.”

  “How in the world?”

  “They like me.” He smirked. “What can I say? I have that effect on people. I wanted to tell you, but . . .”

  “No, this is good. This is actually really good. I’m glad you didn’t tell me. It bypassed all the worrying and we just got to the end result. My family, as eccentric as they might be, will be close.”

  “Really?”

  I nodded.

  “Yeah. I’m glad they’re moving here.”

  Nick let out a deep sigh. “Thank God.” He rubbed my shoulders. “I did, however, put them on the other side of the island.”

  I laughed. “See? We are a perfect match. Does my sister know?”

  “I don’t think so. They’re arriving on the 28th.”

  “Of December?”

  Nick laughed.

  “I think I’ll save that for after she gets back, or she might want to stay on Hound Island.” I ran my hand along the bed. “I just can’t believe how beautiful this is. I’ll never want to leave.”

  “That was by design.”

  “Is that so?”

  He nodded, a familiar gleam in his eye.

  “Well, would you like to open one of your gifts? It’s nothing this extravagant,” I told him, suddenly feeling kind of sheepish.

  “You are my present.”

  “And you just know the right thing to say.”

  He slid his hand into mine, and I led him into the family room. I found the package I was looking for under the tree and handed it to him.

  I drew a deep breath as he unwrapped the small box and opened the lid.

  He unfolded the piece of paper and looked up at me.

  “Reservations for New Year’s Eve?” he asked.

  “Sophie said you liked this ski resort—”

  Nick swooped me into his arms, kissing me as my body melted into him. I thought back to the first night we met and how much had changed, but also how much had stayed the same. He still made me weak in the knees and could make my world spin just from one look.

  “So you like it?” I asked.

  “I love it.” He slid his tongue along his bottom lip, and it took all my willpower not to keep kissing him. “When did you make this reservation?”

  “The day after we picked out the Christmas tree.”

  His smile covered his entire face. “Well, that explains why it was booked.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He slid his phone out of his pocket and showed me an email.

  “I called to make a reservation, but they said someone had just snagged the last room. They put me on the wait list.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  He shook his head. “You beat me to the punch.”

  I saw a set of car lights pull into my driveway, and I glanced at Nick.

  “Recognize the car?”

  Nick craned his neck and nodded.

  “Who is it?” I asked.

  “You’ll just have to wait to see.”

  I smacked him playfully, but he pulled me into his arms and didn’t let go.

  I kept my gaze firmly planted out the window, wondering who in the world might be showing up on Christmas Eve.

  A woman climbed out of the car and reached inside for a large bag. She closed the door and looked toward my cabin. I didn’t recognize her and wondered if I was supposed to.

  As she got closer, I saw a familiarity that was impossible to ignore.

  “Is that your mom?” I asked.

  “She didn’t think she’d be able to get off work and didn’t know until today.”

  “What does she do?” I asked.

  “She’s a nurse.” He looked into my eyes. “I didn’t mean to spring this on you, but I didn’t want you to worry, and since I didn’t know for sure—”

  “I’m not worried. I’m excited. I can’t wait to meet the woman who brought you into the world.”

  I flung open the door and Nick’s mom smiled.

  “Aren’t you the cutest thing in the world?” she asked as Nick took her bag away. “I’m Alma. You must be Holly.”

  “That’s me.”

  The warmth radiating from Nick’s mom showed me the apple didn’t roll very far from the tree. It also told me everything I experienced with Nick was genuine, and I didn’t know how in the world I got so lucky.

  Alma gave me a long squeeze, and when Nick was out of earshot, she whispered, “Thank you for showing my son another way.”

  She let go of me and hugged Nick while I stood in amazement.

  Moving to Fireweed had been the best thing I’d ever done.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  I was standing at my window, watching the snow swirl to the ground. It was a little after one o’clock in the morning. Nick’s mom was across the street at his house, and Nick was down the hall, getting ready for bed.

  We’d all gone to a midnight service, and once it had ended, the snow started to fall. My sister texted me that Santa was spotted south of us, along with some photos of the farm. It was gorgeous. The entire farm was lit up with Christmas lights, and where she was staying looked right up my sister’s alley.

  I took a sip of hot cider and felt Nick come up behind me.

  “God, you’re a beautiful creature to see,” Nick said, draping his arms over my shoulders.

  “I think I like how this feels.” I wiggled my back into him.

  “I know I do.” He took the cup away and put it on the table.

  I turned around and laid my head on his chest as he held me tightly.

  “I have to tell you something,” he whispered, and my body stilled.

  “Is everything okay?” I asked, feeling his warm breath scatter across my head.

  “I know I want to marry you someday, Holly.”

  I lifted my head and our eyes met.

  “I—”

  “This isn’t a proposal,” he continued. “It’s an explanation. I wanted my grandmother’s wedding ring. She and my grandfather were married for sixty years. They did it right. My mom wasn’t sure when she could come back out, so she brought it with her.”

  My heart was pounding and I was trying to keep my bearings.

  “When my mom showed up tonight, I knew something was wrong.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, worry running through me.

  “The reason my mom was able to get off work is because she’s sick.”

  “What do you mean sick? How sick?”

  “I noticed she was walking differently. She’s stiffer, slower. I questioned her about it earlier and she told me everything was fine.”

  “But it’s not fine?” I asked.

  Pain darted through his gaze and he shook his head.

  “When I got her settled in at my house, I questioned her again. She told me she was diagnosed with MS several years ago and didn’t want to tell me. My mom thought by now they would’ve found a medicine or a cocktail of drugs that would have slowed its progression, but now she’s not as confident. I guess it’s been creeping up on her, and she’s not sure how much longer she’ll be able to work. Financially, she’s fine.” He bit his lip. “She’s got a large savings.”

  “But physically . . .” My voice trailed off.

  The swell of emotion in my chest was painful, gutting, as I saw the worry in Nick’s gaze.

  “I just wish she would have told me.”

  I nodded, feeling the sadness running through him.

  “The medicines have improved greatly, but they haven’t found the right combination for her yet.”

  “They will.” I nodded, trying to be reassuring.

  “She’s lost a lot of strength in her grip, and she’s dropped several things at the hospital she works at. I’m not sure how much longer she’s going to be able to work.”
r />   “I’m so sorry,” I whispered.

  “I didn’t want to tell you tonight, but I wanted you to know.” He let out a deep breath. “And it feels so good just having someone to tell.”

  “I’m here for however you need me,” I assured him, wrapping my arms around his waist. “I know I can’t fix this or make things okay . . .”

  He pulled me in tightly, and I sucked in a deep breath.

  “Thank you, baby,” he whispered, and I felt the sting of tears. “You make things more than okay.” He held me tighter. “I just love you so much, Holly. I don’t think you know how much you’ve changed my life.”

  “I feel the same.” I took a deep breath, inhaling everything about the man I loved so deeply.

  “You tempted me with a life I never thought I wanted.”

  “You tempted me, period.” I giggled.

  “Just don’t lose that light.”

  “I’ll try not to,” I promised.

  “That’s what I needed to hear.” He smiled.

  “Do you want to open another present?”

  “Should I?” he asked, and I took a step back.

  “I would if I were you.” I wiggled my brows and he laughed. “Might take your mind off things.”

  “Then how can I say no?”

  “Okay, hopefully, I don’t fall over myself getting to the tree.” The only light was the glow from the Christmas tree, which made things a little dangerous.

  “We could just turn on the lights,” Nick suggested, taking a seat on my favorite chair.

  “And ruin the mood lighting? No way.” I dug through the packages, found the one I was looking for, and handed it to him.

  “I don’t know whether to be excited or nervous.” He began untying the bows on the small package, and I couldn’t hide my smile as I sat on the floor in front of him.

  “This has to be the coolest tool belt I’ve ever seen.”

  “I was excited to find it, but look in the pouch,” I told him.

  He dug his hand inside and pulled out a red negligée.

  “You never stop tempting me.” Nick smiled, and I grabbed the red lace.

  “Remember how I said I had a few fantasies?”

  His eyes darkened, and he scooted forward in the chair.

  “Well, one of them has to do with that tool belt and this little thing.” I stood up and straddled him on the chair, but he lifted me up.

  “No, you don’t,” he warned as I wrapped my legs around his waist. “This time, we’re doing it my way.”

  “Ooh. This sounds good.” I smiled, nuzzling into his neck.

  “If things get really crazy, we can whip out the zip ties.” He chuckled.

  “It’s like you can read my mind,” I teased.

  Nick carried me and the tool belt into my bedroom while I clutched the red lace. He placed me on the bed, pulled off his shirt, and got out of his pants, strapping the belt around his waist.

  “You’re actually doing it,” I squealed. “I can’t believe it.”

  “Why wouldn’t I?” He smiled, his gaze falling to the red lace.

  “But I want all the way.” My eyes narrowed on him and his smile grew.

  “Fine.” He pulled off his boxers and my heart nearly exploded. Even when something was silly and unexpected, he managed to make it look sexy.

  “Yours is easy to put on,” I told him, slipping out of my clothes.

  “Then let me help,” he said, unfastening my bra while sprinkling kisses across my skin and slinking the lace over my head.

  “That works nicely. Maybe I’ll always have you dress me.”

  “I wouldn’t mind.” He slid me up the bed, taking in every inch of me and making me feel like I was the most gorgeous woman to walk this planet.

  “Best Christmas Eve ever,” I said, circling my arms around Nick and bringing him close.

  “I couldn’t agree more,” he whispered, bringing his mouth to mine.

  Feeling the stroke of his tongue as our kisses deepened sent me into another orbit as I imagined getting to spend the rest of my life with him. Everything meant so much more now, and I didn’t even understand why. He hadn’t asked me to marry him, but knowing we were both wanting a future together made this moment even more special. It made this Christmas feel more permanent, the memories more important.

  Nick’s hands drifted underneath the lace, scattering goose bumps with each stroke of his hand, his mouth following and sending a wave of chills through me. The leather tool belt dug into my skin, and I had to smile as I ran my fingers along the edge until I found the buckle.

  Another one of my bright ideas.

  I unfastened it and tossed the belt on the ground. His eyes connected with mine, and the heated expression running through his gaze made my entire body respond to his. I moved my hips toward him and he smiled, placing soft kisses down my breasts to my belly.

  His mouth trailed down my stomach as he shoved the lace up, fueling my desire. He teased and taunted me with his tongue going lower and lower until he nudged open my legs. I felt his hot breath along my thighs as my fingers coiled through his hair, savoring every single second of what he was giving but not wanting it to end.

  “Kiss me,” I whispered.

  Coaxing him up gently, he tugged the lace over my head and leaned over me, his mouth crashing to mine. I slowly trailed my fingers down his back, feeling the curves of his tight body as he slowly worked his knees between mine.

  He cupped my behind, bringing my knee up as he entered, and my entire world spun into ecstasy as I ground my hips into him with each thrust, the heat rolling off his body as his fingers worked lower and in unison. He kissed me hard, and I felt my entire world surrender to his.

  His breathing quickened, and I buried my mouth into his arm as the first cry of ecstasy escaped my lips. The sound made him respond by burying deeper, his heart pounding as he propped himself on his elbow and slowly brought down my leg.

  “I love you,” he whispered next to my ear, and I wiggled into his body still propped against mine.

  “I might love you more,” I confessed.

  “Wanna make a bet?” he teased.

  It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

  I curled into his body and felt our breathing slow as we fell asleep in a bed full of more love than I ever thought possible.

  Morning came before I was ready, but waking up next to Nick was the best Christmas present ever. The way his arms draped over my waist and his chin nuzzled into the crook of my neck spelled nothing but happiness for me.

  Hearing his steady breaths made my world complete. I looked out the window and saw that several inches of snow had come down overnight. It was the perfect Christmas.

  “Merry Christmas,” he whispered, and my entire body melted into his.

  “Merry Christmas.”

  He stretched, and I turned over to see how cute he was in the morning. His short, dark hair was a flat and tangled mess. He flashed a sleepy smile.

  “Waking up with you feels good. You feel so right in my arms,” he said, his voice gruffer than usual.

  “Don’t be so surprised,” I teased. “I knew it all along.”

  “Is that so?” He pulled me deeper into him.

  “Very so,” I said, giggling, as we lay tangled in the comforter. “I guess we should get up. I don’t want your mom to think we stay in bed all day.”

  “She’s a late sleeper. I doubt she’ll be up for another hour or so.”

  I twisted myself into a sheet and pulled it off the bed with me as I went to shut the curtains.

  “Just in case.” I wriggled my brows.

  “I could get used to waking up with you every morning.”

  “There are a lot of things I could get used to,” I hollered, hopping in the shower.

  Nick came in to brush his teeth, and something popped into my head.

  “You know, if your mom needs to move closer to you someday, I’m guessing there might be a cabin available in the future.” I wiped the wa
ter off the shower glass, and Nick’s eyes connected with mine. “And I’d be more than happy to have her live here. It would make me happy.”

  “What are you saying?” he asked. He was only in a pair of boxers, and it made my heart happy.

  “I’m saying if she ever needs more care, this cabin would be perfect. It’s light, bright, and cheery. If what you said last night is true, I might not be living here for decades to come. That’s all I’m saying.”

  “Oh, it’s true. I’m not letting you get away.” Seeing the love and relief flash through his gaze made me want a repeat of last night. “But you’d do that for my mom? There are plenty of rental properties on the island.”

  “I can’t imagine not doing it.” I shook my head. “Things always happen for a reason. We can’t predict the future, but we can certainly live right in the present.”

  “My life can’t get any more right with you in it.”

  “I feel the same way, Nick.” I dried off and stepped out of the shower.

  Nicks eyes fastened on mine, and he came over, sweeping me into his arms. My bare body pressed into his, and I knew there wasn’t another place I’d rather be.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “You know what I think?” I hollered into the hotel suite and didn’t bother waiting for a response. “I think we should up the ante on the whole Polar Bear Dip.”

  I pulled the tie around the robe and glanced in the mirror. Nick had surprised me for my birthday and brought me to the same hotel where we’d spent New Year’s. It was tucked away in the mountains, yet it had everything a person could possibly need.

  I walked out of the bedroom and took in a sleepy yawn. I thought Fireweed was relaxing, but this place took it one step further. It was a perfect February escape. We woke up this morning to a couple’s massage, breakfast in the village, and shopping, but now it was my turn to surprise Nick.

  “What do you think?” I called to Nick. “Ready for my idea about the Polar Bear Dip?”

  I scanned the small living room and kitchenette, not seeing him. I’d been in the shower, but he didn’t say anything about leaving.

  “Nick?” I asked. The curtains leading to our private Jacuzzi patio were closed, so he wasn’t outside.

  Just as I was about to call for him again, I heard the keycard in the door. He swung open the door carrying a plate full of chocolate covered strawberries.