Smitten

by Colleen Coble

  “What is this . . . women’s intuition?” he asked.

  Her face lit up. “Something like that.”

  “We’ve been friends since Shelby moved into town. Never been anything more than that.”

  “So you say.”

  Willow’s comment tickled his funny bone. What kind of insight did this kid have? “She’s nice to have around, I will say that,” he said more in a manner of thinking out loud than in response to Willow’s comment. He found her gaze on him.

  “I’ll let you know if anything changes, squirt. How’s that?”

  He grinned.

  “I think you already have.”

  “I think it’s time we went back to get some lunch, Little Miss Matchmaker.”

  “Okay,” Willow said, easing her dainty fingers into his big, rough hand as they headed back to the house.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Thanks again for letting me bring my sewing machine out here, Nick. I can work so much better without all the racket of saws and hammers rumbling through the house,” Shelby said as she got out of her car and headed toward Nick’s outbuilding.

  “What about your dog?”

  “Penelope?” Shelby grinned. “A neighbor girl is checking in on her.”

  He nodded. “Before you get started, how about joining me for some coffee?” He lifted his cup.

  She’d take any excuse to spend some more time with him.

  “It’s enough that you’ve let me come here. You don’t have to serve me coffee too.”

  “Just two friends having coffee before work.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  A twinge of disappointment crossed her heart, though she couldn’t say why. That’s what they were, just two friends.

  “Well, if you make it tea, you’re on.”

  He wrinkled his nose. “I don’t have any tea.”

  Shelby pulled a packet out of her purse. “It just so happens I carry my own stash.”

  Nick grinned. “Great. Let’s go.”

  Ignoring the butterflies in her stomach, she followed him to the house, taking in his long-legged stride, his swinging muscular arms. She forced herself to look away. Sunshine spilled over the treetops, shrouding them in a whitewashed glow. Birds called from thick branches. Pine mixed with the fresh scent of autumn tickled her senses. Though the air was cold, the warmth of Nick’s home embraced her the moment she stepped inside.

  Willow greeted them. “Can I come over to the building and work with you while Dad’s out in the forest?”

  Shelby glanced at Nick, who smiled assent, then turned to Willow. “You certainly may,” she said. “I would love the company.”

  “Great. I’ll go get dressed.” Willow took off so fast in her stocking feet that she almost slipped on the hardwood floor.

  “I’ve never seen a kid so excited to work. Nice of you to let her use your spare sewing machine, by the way.” Nick walked over to his teakettle, poured tap water from the faucet, and placed it on the stove to boil. He filled his coffeemaker with coffee and water and went back to join her. “I didn’t even know she could sew or do that thing with yarn—”

  “You mean crochet?”

  “Whatever it’s called.”

  Shelby laughed. “She’s very good at it. Talented kid you’ve got there.”

  Nick stretched to his full six foot three, tucked his thumbs under his arms, and said, “What can I say? She takes after her old man.”

  “I don’t doubt it for a minute.”

  Nick slid into a chair across the table from Shelby.

  She took a deep breath. “I wanted to talk to you this morning about something.”

  “Uh-oh, that doesn’t sound good.”

  “Well, it’s like this. I thought I had a place to hold my high tea for the girls, but it’s fallen through. We hadn’t talked about anything other than holding my classes here, and I wasn’t sure how you would feel if we held the tea here too.”

  “What’s a high tea?” he asked, glancing toward the teakettle and coffeemaker.

  “It’s the final event of our class. The girls learn how to host a tea. This time we’re inviting some extra people besides parents— teachers, pastors, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Each girl will host a table of up to eight guests—people, including their parents, who have impacted their lives.”

  “That sounds nice.”

  “Since Willow is new to Smitten, she can fill up her table with some of my friends. The event will raise money for the town.”

  He looked at her. “You raise money?” He drummed his fingers on the table.

  “Yes. People have to buy a ticket to attend, and they’ll be given an opportunity to donate money toward revamping Smitten as well. It’s our way of giving back.”

  “Sure, you can use the building. Should be large enough for your needs, and there’s plenty of room for parking too.”

  “That’s what I thought. Thanks, Nick.” Her tense shoulders relaxed slightly. “The other thing is, it’s a formal affair.

  The dads will escort their daughters into the room while each one is announced.”

  Nick whistled. “Poor guys.” His fingers stopped abruptly.

  “Wait.” He looked up at her as though he’d swallowed a chicken bone.

  Shelby giggled.

  “Me?” He pointed to his chest. “I have to do this with Willow? I have to dress in a suit and tie?”

  Just then Willow walked into the kitchen. She came up behind him and hugged his neck. “Won’t it be fun, Dad? The first time we’ve really done something special together. Don’t worry, though. I have plenty of nice dresses to choose from.

  You won’t need to buy me anything.”

  Shelby’s heart grew tender toward this thoughtful child who was clearly becoming a lovely young lady.

  Nick sighed. “Well, if I’m going to dress up for anyone, I’d only do it for you,” he said. He looked at Willow and winked.

  Seemingly satisfied, Willow took her toast and went into the living room.

  “You don’t mind if we have the tea here, then?”

  “No, that’s fine. As long as you’re out of there by Thanksgiving, we’re good. I have to get my building set up with Christmas decorations for sale, garland ropes, a few wreaths, all that, because the day after Thanksgiving we’re open for business.”

  “I understand. Thanks so much, Nick. You’re the greatest friend ever.”

  He grinned and rubbed his whiskers. “Yeah, whatever.”

  Gaining courage, Shelby ventured on. “You might want to shave before the big event. Just an idea.”

  His eyes grew wide. “What? Wait. A. Minute.” He frowned. “Now you’re crossing the line. I’ll wear a tie, but these whiskers stay.”

  Shelby held up her hands. “Okay, okay. But I have to know, are you like Tom Selleck—don’t want to be seen without your mustache kind of thing?” She was teasing now, and by the look on his face, she could tell he knew it.

  “Maybe.”

  “Might be nice to see what you look like underneath all that stubble.”

  The teakettle whistled. Nick got up and poured Shelby’s hot water into the mug and handed it to her. She dipped her peppermint tea bag into the steaming water and let it steep.

  They continued to discuss the big event and the Christmas tree farm. When Shelby had finished her tea, she pulled on her jacket and got up.

  “Thanks for the tea, Nick. That was nice.”

  “You’re welcome. It serves a purpose, you know.”

  “The tea?”

  “The hair.” He rubbed his stubble.

  She crossed her arms in front of her. “Oh? What purpose is that?”

  “It keeps me warm in the winter months.”

  “What about the summer months?”

  “Uh, then too. All that air-conditioning, you know.”

  She laughed. “I’ve got to get to work.” She headed for the door, fighting the urge, with every step, to stay right there with Nick.

  Nick kissed Willow before he
walked out the door to head into the woods. He’d joked with Shelby, but he wasn’t the least bit happy that he had to dress up for the girly tea. But what could he do? It was important to Willow, so he’d have to follow through. If only he hadn’t opened his big mouth and offered his building, he wouldn’t be in this mess. Willow wouldn’t even be in Shelby’s class.

  A tinge of shame pricked him. It was clear Willow was enjoying herself. He should be supporting his daughter rather than complaining about dressing up. It was no big deal. His boots scuffed the path as he checked trees for insects and any sign of disease or distress. With a deep inhale, he breathed in nature the way God intended it. Other guys could have their fancy clothes and cars. He wasn’t wired that way. He had tried to explain that to Camilla, but she never accepted it. She had wanted a man who would wine and dine her, wear fancy clothes, smell like a perfume factory. For a while he’d tried to do things her way, but once he realized he’d never measure up to her image for him, he gave up. She used to grumble, “You can change the clothes, but you can’t change the man.”

  So why bother?

  And another thing. He wasn’t about to start shaving every day. He wouldn’t ever shave if he didn’t have to, but he wasn’t going for the Santa Claus look. Hey, maybe he should give that some thought, given the Christmas tree farm and all.

  Nick headed back to the house. He glanced into Willow’s room as he walked by and spotted the pictures she wanted hung on the wall. He needed to get a new level since he loaned out his old one to someone and hadn’t gotten it back.

  He’d run into town, get a new level, then dash back while Shelby was still there. It would give him an excuse to stay nearby.

  He let Shelby and Willow know where he was going, then pulled his truck up to Carson’s hardware store. He glanced at the wreath on the door as he went inside, muttering under his breath.

  “Hey, Nick,” Carson said. Griffen was there too.

  “Don’t you ever work?” Nick teased Griffen. “This is the second time I’ve caught you in here.”

  “I could say the same for you,” Griffen threw back.

  Nick laughed. “Good point.”

  “What brings you in?” Carson asked.

  “Need a level.”

  Carson pointed to where they were shelved.

  “Hey, Carson, I’m curious about something. I already know Griffen’s position on this, but I have to know what you really think deep down—aside from Natalie’s view—about the women making this a girly town.”

  Carson laughed. “They’re not making it a girly town.

  They’re making it a romantic town. There’s a difference.

  Besides, I’m good with it. Natalie helped me to see that anything that helps the town is worth pursuing. So I put aside my manly pride, and here we are.” He nudged Nick with his elbow. “Romance isn’t only a girl thing, you know.”

  Nick groaned while Griffen and Carson laughed.

  “Come on, dude. It’s not so hard to give in.” Carson slapped him on the back. “Remember, it’s for the good of the town.”

  “Yeah, I guess.” By the time Nick finished talking with the guys, he felt like a class-A jerk for being so stubborn about it all. He’d just have to let this one go. Digging in his boots wasn’t going to change anything.

  “Hey, fancy meeting you here,” Nick said, catching up with Shelby.

  Shelby turned, and her stomach did a flip. She hadn’t talked much to Nick in the past week or so. She’d been busy planning for the upcoming tea, and he’d been busy getting his trees ready for their busy Christmas season.

  “Hello.” She flashed a smile.

  “So what brings you to the town square on a Friday night?” he said.

  “I love to hear the Garner Sisters play. It’s so relaxing.”

  Nick shoved a hand in his pocket. “Yeah, it is nice.”

  “Wait. I thought you were a jazz man.”

  Nick lifted his chin. “I have a bit of culture, ma’am.” He bowed, took her hand, and pressed his lips against it, nearly taking Shelby’s breath away.

  “Oh my,” she said, pretending to fan herself with all the charm of Scarlett O’Hara. Little did he know she was only partially pretending. “Where’s Willow?”

  “She’s at a friend’s house tonight. I just dropped her off and spotted you, so I stopped.”

  “Aha! So you aren’t here just for the culture.”

  He winced. “Busted.”

  “Well, are you going to stay?”

  “Sure. Why not.”

  “Want to sit over there?” She pointed to a spot not far from the string trio.

  “Looks good.”

  They walked over, and she spread a blanket on the ground. “I’m sorry, I only brought enough tea for myself.

  I would have brought more had I known you were going to join me.”

  “No problem. I don’t need anything.” He patted his stomach.

  She laughed, taking in the fact that his shirt had a nice crisp look to it and his casual khaki pants, not jeans, had a pressed crease down the middle.

  Who was this man?

  “I’ve got to say I’m surprised by the hair,” Nick said, pointing to her ponytail. “That’s only the second time I think I’ve ever seen you wear it that way.”

  “I let down my guard every now and then,” she teased.

  “Especially on a beautiful fall night like this one.” She tugged on her sweater.

  “Listen, I want to apologize for being a jerk about the whole town makeover. You can leave that wreath on the door.

  I’ve just had to work through my manly pride.”

  Shelby let out a good laugh. “Really? Somehow I never saw you as the proud type.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Oh no.” She leaned over and touched his arm. “I meant that in a good way.”

  “How are the plans coming for the high tea?”

  “With Rose’s help, I’m getting the menu pulled together.”

  “Good. Do you have enough tables?”

  “The rental place in town will be delivering tables and linens the day of the tea. Should be fun.”

  “Any entertainment?”

  She pointed to the string trio. “Best in town.”

  “Sounds like you have it all worked out.”

  “I hope so. I tend to get a little stressed as the day draws near.”

  “Thanks for the warning,” he said.

  “Hey, there’s the dad of one of my students. He’s a widower too. You should meet him. Ryan, would you like to join us?”

  Ryan Stevenson greeted Shelby and Nick and settled into a place on their blanket. They made small talk until the music started.

  She hadn’t wanted to invite Ryan, but she needed a distraction from Nick. She couldn’t say why, but she was out of sorts. Uncomfortable. She looked forward to this event every Friday night, but tonight she struggled to get lost in the music.

  No matter how hard she tried to rein them in, her thoughts kept going to Nick and the fact he was sitting so close to her, his woodsy scent tantalizing her.

  The music filled the air, but Nick hardly noticed. He couldn’t figure out what was going on inside his head. Why had he taken care to put on khaki pants and a nice shirt? Yes, he knew he would be driving by the concert and most likely would spot Shelby—or he had hoped he would. And that was what he couldn’t figure out—why he wanted to see her.

  He moved it around in his mind. They were friends, and they hadn’t talked much lately. Maybe that was it. Yet Nick couldn’t get past feeling that something was stirring between them—at least on his part. He glanced at the dude sitting with them and tried not to show his irritation. Why did she invite that guy to sit with them? She obviously didn’t care if they were alone—which irritated him to no end.

  He’d better be careful. They’d been friends too long to mess things up now.

  Still, the churning inside his belly didn’t feel like friendship.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

/>   A gentle October breeze fluttered through the limbs of balsam firs, sending a sweet Christmas perfume into the air. Shelby’s boots crunched pebbles into the hardened patch of earth designated as Nick’s driveway as she went to the building where she held her classes.

  No sooner had she placed the materials on the table than the girls started to file into the building and seat themselves at the chairs around the tables. Though it was a Saturday, they had come together specifically to work on invitations for their high tea.

  One by one the girls settled into work. Shelby walked around the tables and checked on their progress as they cut out the printed form of the woman in the dress that they would then stitch into place on the invitation. Shelby’s occasional hobby of scrapbooking was paying off.

  “Since we only have two sewing machines, you’ll have to take turns. While others are at the machines, if you’ve finished cutting out the woman in the dress, you can cut out the paper for the ruffle, which we will sew into place at the bottom of the dress.”

  “Does this look right, Miss Shelby?” one student asked.

  “Yes, Madison, it looks wonderful.”

  Papers scattered about, scissors in hands, the girls chatted excitedly, each one raising her voice to be heard over the others.

  “Let’s keep our talking soft, girls.” Shelby inched toward a student and leaned in. “Cally, you’ll need to straighten the background paper before you sew it on.”

  Shelby continued walking, her small heels clacking against the cement as she made her way around the tables. She drew in a breath of the cinnamon candle on her desk that scented the room and thought about her time with Nick last night.

  He had been so relaxed. He was the same great friend he had always been, but now she noticed the curve of his jaw, the strength in his arms, the chocolate brown of his eyes. Why hadn’t she noticed those things before? Something in his grin made her stomach flip just to think of it.

  “Okay, girls, make sure you watch those scalloped edges.

  Keep them nice and trimmed.”

  Shelby was pleased with the progress the girls were making on the invitations—until one of them let out an earsplitting scream.

  “What in the world?” Shelby turned in the direction of the sewing machines. “Willow, honey, what is it?”