Zoe’s stomach flinched. “Maybe.” It wasn’t like they had to be best friends, goodness knows, she never wanted one of those again. But as the older of the two, and likely more experienced in whatever Rachel’s issue was she probably could help her.
Nick lifted a brow. “It’s up to you.” He placed three scones onto a plate and a handful of sandwiches then scooped out a generous helping of whipping cream. “See you in the morning. Oh, and before I forget, my brother and nephew are taking the first ferry over and will be here for the rest of the week. Don’t worry about preparing a big meal for them. Aiden is five and prefers kid cereal to eggs and toast, and my brother eats like his son.” Without a backward glance he unlocked his apartment door and disappeared inside.
Zoe stared at the closed door and contemplated her boss. There was more to the man than met the eye, but she had no desire to dig deeper. Her track record of late was sorely lacking when it came to discernment.
****
NICK THRASHED HIS head from side to side. “No!” He bolted upright. Another dream. They’d plagued him since Jenna’s death. Pounding sounded on the door at the top of the stairs. Bleary-eyed, he trudged up the stairs and pushed the door into the kitchen open. “What’s wrong?” He kept his voice low.
“I was going to ask you the same thing.” Zoe stood there with bare feet, wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Concern etched her face. “You were shouting.”
His face heated, and he was thankful for the dimly lit room. “Sorry. Bad dream.”
“Must’ve been a whopper. I can make tea or heat some milk if you’d like.”
“No. Thank you. Go back to sleep.”
“But, Nick—”
“Leave it alone, Zoe. I’ll see you in the morning.” The hurt look on her face nearly did him in, but he didn’t want to think about his dream, much less talk about it. Sure she had only suggested something to drink, but he knew she’d want him to talk and he couldn’t, not tonight, maybe not ever.
He tromped down the stairs and flipped on the television. Maybe the noise would help him relax. He grabbed a blanket from his bed and wrapped it around his shoulders then settled onto the couch. I Love Lucy played on the screen. He kicked his feet up onto the coffee table and rested his head back, listening to the banter between Ricky and Lucy.
Mitch and Aiden would be here early. He had a big day tomorrow—or rather today. The shingles would be delivered, and he’d enlisted help from Chase Grayson, a guy he’d run into while ordering supplies. He lived on the island and was a handyman of sorts, on top of being a landscaper and landscape architect. At least one of them would know what they were doing—correction two of them. His brother made a living in construction and had installed many roofs.
A frown touched his lips. It was June, a busy time of year for construction. Why did his brother have the week off? A sinking feeling caused him to grit his teeth. He’d been duped. Mitch was once again coming to his rescue. His excuse of having the week off was a ruse.
He hated that his little brother felt he had to deceive him, but more so, that he really needed Mitch’s help. He’d chosen medicine and wasn’t super handy when it came to house repairs. His brother had followed in their dad’s footsteps. He pushed up, clicked off the TV and padded to his bedroom. There was still time for a few zzz’s before the B&B would become a construction zone.
****
ZOE POURED A CARAFE of coffee and placed a ham and cheese omelet on a tray beside toast and orange juice. She hummed as she breezed out of the kitchen and up the stairs. With a light rap on the door, she placed the tray beside the threshold, then turned to leave.
The door opened. “Good morning, Zoe. Thanks for breakfast.”
“You’re welcome.”
Rachel rested her arm across her flat stomach. “I haven’t felt well lately and the toast helps settle my stomach.”
Zoe stopped in time from blurting out that Nick was a doctor. That was his business to share, not hers, but she would mention her concern for their guest to him later. Instead she said, “If there is anything I can get for you, let me know.”
“I will. Thanks.”
Zoe studied Rachel’s face and noticed her radiant skin. To look at her you’d never suspect she didn’t feel well. “Nick said they will begin work on the roof later this morning.”
“Right. I plan to take my laptop to a park today. How late do you think they’ll work?”
“He didn’t say. Would you like me to ask?”
“No.” She bent over and grasped the tray. “Thanks.”
“Enjoy.” Zoe trotted down the stairs and found Nick pilfering the cupboards.
“Morning.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “I smell something delicious, but I can’t find it.”
She grabbed a hot pad, pulled open the oven and removed a plate. “You need to know where to look. How does a ham and cheese omelet with toast sound? The juice is in the fridge, and the coffee is fresh.”
He grinned wide. “Thanks, Zoe. You’re a lifesaver.”
“That’s why you pay me the big bucks. Incidentally, what are my duties while your family is here? Do you want me to make lunch and dinner for them?”
Nick reached for the plate.
“Stop! It’s hot.” She lifted it with the pot holder. “Where are you sitting?”
He pointed to the bar and sat on the stool. “Thanks. How’s your hand doing?”
She shrugged. “Better. I’m still using the ointment.”
“Are you in pain?”
“No.”
He held out his palm. “May I?”
She laid her wrist in his hand and watched as he carefully peeled back the bandage.
The corners of his mouth lifted. “This looks great. I think you’re safe to remove the bandage and stop applying the ointment.”
“Really? It hasn’t even been a full week since I burned it.” She pulled her hand from his gentle grasp and peeled the bandage completely off. She’d been afraid to stop treating the burn thinking it would hurt if she did. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. It wasn’t that bad of a burn and you’ve healed nicely. It doesn’t hurt, right?”
“Well, no.”
“Good.” He took a bite and nodded. “This tastes great. Now, regarding my family, we can fend for ourselves at lunch, but I won’t turn down the offer for dinner. Remember, Aiden is five, so nothing fancy. He loves mac and cheese, hotdogs, burgers—”
She raised a hand. “Enough. I think it’s time to broaden your nephew’s palate.”
“Probably not a good idea.” He forked another bite into his mouth.
She touched a finger to her chin. “What about fish, a dinner salad and a side of homemade mac and cheese made with whole wheat noodles?”
“Maybe. Give it a try. But don’t go overboard.” He chuckled. “We don’t want them moving in here permanently.”
She laughed and got busy planning meals in her mind. “Hey, Nick?”
“Hmm.” He stood and poured a cup of coffee.
“Isn’t your brother’s wife coming?”
“He’s divorced. Long story short, she had an affair, left, divorced Mitch and married the other guy. They share joint custody of Aiden.”
Her thoughts darted to Kyle and Tara. It seemed she wasn’t the only one who had to deal with betrayal. She frowned. “Who will watch your nephew while you men are on the roof?”
Nick stilled. “Oh boy. I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t suppose you could…”
“No way. Kids and I aren’t good together.”
“I’ll give you a bonus.”
“Nick, I don’t know the first thing about taking care of children. I’m an only child who had lousy parents and a horrible childhood.” She’d said too much. She clamped her lips together and poured herself a cup of coffee. “I’m sure we can figure this out.”
Nick gulped his coffee. “This week is a disaster waiting to happen. I’m open to suggestions.”
“Rachel is young, a
nd if you ask me, has way too much time on her hands. Maybe she would watch him.”
“I thought you had a bad vibe about her.”
“I never said that. She’s nice. A little odd maybe. Which reminds me. She said she hasn’t been feeling well lately. Maybe Rachel is a bad option.”
Nick raised a brow. “She didn’t look sick last time I saw her. Maybe I should go see how she’s doing?”
“Good idea.” She hoped Rachel was up to watching the boy, because the last thing she wanted was to spend the day with a child. Being around children reminded her of her own childhood—she shuddered—too many memories.
****
NICK KNOCKED ON Rachel’s door.
“Come in.”
He pushed the door open. Rachel sat at the table situated in the bay window, which overlooked the Sound. She probably had the best view from any room in the house. “Zoe said she thought you aren’t feeling well.” He ran a hand along the back of his neck regretting his hasty response to Zoe’s comment. He did not want it to become known that he was a doctor.
“I’m fine, just having a little nausea off and on.”
“Have you been to a doctor?”
“I have, and it’s nothing contagious.”
He cleared his throat, unwilling to take her word for it. “I’d feel better if you’d let me check you out.”
“Excuse me?” Her voice rose an octave, and she leaned away from him.
“Don’t be alarmed. Before I decided to buy this place I was a doctor. Guess I still am, but I sold my practice.”
“Oh.” She settled back into the chair. “Thanks, but I’m fine.”
“But—”
“Sorry, I know what’s wrong with me, and there’s nothing you can do to help.”
He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorjamb. “Are you sure it’s not contagious?”
She laughed drily. “Positive. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She lifted a coffee cup to her lips.
“I guess I will have to take your word for it.” She actually looked to be in optimum health. Looks could be deceiving, but for some reason he believed Rachel and was willing to let the subject drop. Besides, if she was contagious, they all would have caught it by now, since she’d been in the house for a while. “My brother will be here this week helping with the roof.” He shook his head. “Actually, I’m helping him since he’s the expert. He’s bringing his five-year-old son along, and I was wondering if you would consider watching my nephew while we work.”
Rachel scowled. “Why would you ask me? Don’t you have a friend on the island who can help?”
“Truth—No, and I’m desperate. Aiden will be here shortly, and I can’t let a five-year-old wander around alone, especially since his dad and I will be working on the roof.”
“Hmm. I can see how that would cause a problem. I take it Zoe turned you down?”
He nodded. Rachel’s face was a mix of anxiety and excitement. What could possibly cause a woman to respond like that to watching a young child?
“I’ll do it, but on a day-by-day basis. If today doesn’t go well, then you’ll have to figure out something for the rest of the week.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate this. Aiden is a great kid. I’m sure it’ll work out fine.”
“Let’s hope so.” She eyed him and stood. “Since you’re a doctor, anything I tell you is privileged information, right?”
“Not necessarily. You’re not my patient. But as long as you’re not breaking the law I’ll keep quiet.”
She heaved a deep breath and let it out in a puff. “That will do.” She crossed the room, peered into the hall, and then lowered her voice. “I’m pregnant, but please keep it to yourself. I don’t want anyone fussing or gossiping about me.”
With practiced ease, he hid his surprise. “Congratulations!” That certainly explained the vomiting and mid-afternoon naps. He should have figured that out—yet another reason to support his decision to change careers. Clearly he was off his game.
“Thanks.” She looked to the floor then back at him with uncertainty in her eyes. “You don’t think it’s odd that I’m staying here for the summer?”
Nick tapped his smooth chin. “Let’s examine the evidence. You’re young, I assume unmarried, and seemingly unemployed. Nope. Not odd at all. You scored a steal of a deal for this room with the previous owners, and it gives you time to figure out your plans.”
She shook her head and a tiny smile lit her eyes. “You’re almost right. My husband died from a cancerous brain tumor two weeks after we married. It was so sudden, and he went incredibly fast. We didn’t even know he had cancer until it was too late for treatment. No one knew we’d married since we eloped and we didn’t have a chance to share our news before he died. Everything was surreal when his parents arrived. They were distraught and it never came out that I was their son’s wife. ” She cleared her throat. “His parents owned this place before you—it was his childhood home.”
“Did you know them before you were married?”
“Not really. We met in the hospital.”
“Forgive me for being nosey, but why are you here?” He shook his head. “I mean, why are you staying the summer in your husband’s—”
She looked down. “I’ll watch for your family and come down when they arrive.”
He backed out of the room. “I should apologize for being insensitive. Are you sure you’re up to watching Aiden? He’s well behaved, but he can also be rather energetic.”
“That’s why I said I’d take it a day at a time.”
He nodded and headed down the stairs. As a doctor it had been his job to question his patients since many were not forthcoming, but guilt assaulted him this time. Rachel wasn’t his patient. He pushed into the kitchen and found Zoe sitting at the bar poring over a cookbook. “I thought chefs didn’t use those.”
“Normally I don’t, but I’m trying to find inspiration for your nephew’s meals.”
It seemed he’d complicated everyone’s day. He’d make it up to her after the roof was completed. “You could always run over to the general store for hotdogs and boxed macaroni and cheese.”
She tossed a towel at him.
“Hey.” He dodged to the right, laughing.
“Well, hello. What’s going on here?”
Nick groaned and whirled around at the sound of his brother’s voice. “Mitch.” His raised brow insinuated a clandestine affair.
CHAPTER FIVE
NICK WANTED TO PLUCK THE GLEAM out of his brother’s eyes. He motioned to Zoe. “This is Zoe, my cook and housekeeper.” He nodded to his brother. “This troublemaker is my brother Mitch, and this is his son Aiden.” He grinned at the boy who stood beside his dad. “Did you like the ferry ride?”
“It was awesome!” Aiden grinned and tugged on Mitch’s hand. “I have to go, Dad.”
“Right. Hold tight, buddy.”
Nick knew better than to make his nephew wait. He strode to his apartment door, unlocked it, and then pulled it open. “The bathroom is downstairs. You won’t miss it.”
Aiden tore through the doorway. Mitch shot him an apologetic look. “I better make sure he doesn’t get into anything. Be right back.” He followed after his son.
“They seem nice.” Zoe turned and faced him. “I hope you convinced Rachel to watch the little guy—he reminds me of the Tasmanian devil.”
Nick chuckled. “Your awful childhood included cartoons?”
“My childhood is off limits.” She frowned and turned back to the cookbook.
Whoa, he’d definitely struck a nerve.
“I’m thinking of making dinosaur eggs and worms with hot lava for dinner.”
“Translation?”
“Spaghetti and meatballs with red sauce.”
“Sounds like a winner.”
Aiden galloped into the room. “I like your apartment, Uncle Nick. You have a big TV. Even bigger than ours.”
“Thanks. You ready to meet the nice lady who is going to watch you wh
ile your dad and I work?”
“Dad said I could help.”
Mitch stepped through the doorway. “I said maybe. Who did you get to watch Aiden?” He glanced toward Zoe, who still had her back turned.
Nick shook his head and motioned for them to follow but stopped when the phone rang. Noting the caller ID he quickly snatched it up. He covered the mouthpiece and said, “Excuse me, I need to take this.” He’d been waiting for what seemed like forever for the employment agency to call about a gardener.
****
ZOE’S INSIDES TREMBLED as Nick walked from the kitchen with his family close behind. She’d noted the caller ID on the wall and it didn’t bode well for her. Here she’d thought she’d proven herself. Must be he still wasn’t convinced she was the right person for the job. She groaned and rested her head on her arms.
When would she stop irritating her boss? He was teasing about the cartoon, and she’d acted like he committed some grievous sin. Michelle had told her more than once to relax and not take herself so seriously, but she always remembered that lesson after it was too late. She pushed back from the bar and stood. Maybe it wasn’t too late to make nice.
Strolling into the dining room, she heard voices. She followed the sound and found everyone, including Rachel, in the sitting room.
Nick’s gaze skittered over her. Her cheeks warmed, but she ignored the sensation. “Dinner will be served at six in the dining room. I’m making dinosaur eggs, and worms with hot lava.” She watched Aiden closely.
His little nose scrunched then his face relaxed into a wide grin. “Cool.” He looked up. “Why don’t you ever make that, Dad?”
“Uh… I don’t even know what that is.”
Nick chuckled. “You’re welcome to join us, Rachel.”
“Thanks—I think.” She stepped close to Zoe. “We aren’t really eating worms are we?”
Zoe shook her head and whispered, “Spaghetti.”
Rachel nodded then lifted a messenger bag and slung it across her shoulder. “You ready to go to the park, Aiden?”
Island Refuge (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 1) Page 4
