She slipped on the gloves, grabbed a can of bug spray from under the sink, and then jogged back to the shed. Nick held a box, and his face lit when he spotted her. A tingle zipped up her spine. What was she doing? Was Nick her rebound guy?
“That was fast.” Nick placed the box on the grass. “Want me to open it and make sure there are no surprises inside?”
Zoe held up the can of bug spray. “I’m armed and ready.” She gulped—what if there was a dead rodent or something equally disgusting? “But maybe you should open it to make sure there’s nothing living inside.” She watched as he pulled up the top. Her breath came out in a whoosh—old canning jars.
He chuckled. “Looks safe.” He turned and reached for another box.
Zoe dug through the quart size canning jars and found no surprises.
Nick opened the next box –more jars. After going through the remaining boxes, which all contained canning jars, Zoe stood. “I guess that answers that question. The old owners canned a lot.”
“Yeah.” Nick tossed a look her way then his eyes widened with alarm.
“What is it?” She glanced over her shoulder toward the house.
“Hold still.” He reached toward her head and quickly brushed his hand against it.
She held her breath. “Is it gone?”
“Yes. You had an eight-legged visitor in your hair.”
“Eww!” she squealed, bent over and frantically ran her hands through her hair. “Get it out!”
“Relax. I already got it.”
“What if there are more?” Her whole body shook. “I have to go.” On wobbly legs she darted for the house. A shower was the only thing that would help.
“Zoe, wait!”
She didn’t stop. Some things couldn’t wait.
Twenty minutes later she stepped out of her room into the kitchen where Nick sat at the counter. He’d clearly been waiting for her.
“Are you okay now?”
Zoe’s cheeks started to burn. “Yeah. Sorry for freaking out. You might as well know so you’ll understand why I lost it. When I was a kid I was bitten by a brown recluse and nearly died. I’ve been terrified of spiders ever since.”
He nodded. “That makes perfect sense. You can rest easy, that wasn’t a brown recluse. Just your average barn spider.”
“Oh.” Her stomach sickened at the visual his words created in her mind. Some of those things were as big as silver dollars! Her breathing came out in short bursts, and her vision spotted. Everything went black.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
NICK LEAPED FORWARD AND DREW ZOE to his chest before she fell to the floor. He hoisted her into his arms, carried her into the sitting room and placed her on the sofa. Never in his wildest imagination did he think she would pass out at the mention of a barn spider. Especially since she’d actually had a spider in her hair and hadn’t responded so dramatically.
He knelt beside her and brushed her damp hair away from her face. “Zoe, wake up.” Her long dark lashes rested peacefully on her peaches-and-cream face. “Hey.” He gently patted her face and breathed in the delightful citrus fragrance that scented her hair.
Her eyelids fluttered open. “What happened?”
“You passed out.”
She groaned and draped an arm over her head. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“No need. You have a severe phobia. I should’ve known better than to…” He ran a hand over his face. He almost mentioned the kind of spider again. Good thing he caught himself since he didn’t want to risk a repeat fainting spell.
Zoe shifted and sat up, but didn’t leave the sofa. “How’d I get in here?”
“I carried you.”
Her cheeks turned rosy. “Oh. Thanks for being there for me.”
“You’re welcome.” He liked being there for her. Nick studied her face. Her color had returned to normal and her eyes were alert. “You okay now?” He realized he still knelt in front of the sofa, and stood.
“I think so, but I’m embarrassed.”
“Hey, we covered that already. Besides, everyone is afraid of something.”
“Oh yeah? What are you afraid of? Seems to me you’re about perfect.”
“Thanks for noticing,” he teased, but inside the truth of his lack of perfection hurt. If he was perfect, his wife would still be alive. Zoe should know better too, considering he’d told her about his wife. “You know I’m really not all that great.”
Zoe stood and patted his arm. “Could’ve fooled me.” She tilted off balance.
He grabbed her arms. “Steady there. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, a little lightheaded is all. I’m going to get some fresh air. Thanks for saving me—again.”
He released her arms and stepped back.
She ambled to the front door. “I have my cell if you need me.”
He stared at the closed door. What was it about that woman that made him want to be a better person—the person she believed him to be? But he would never be perfect, no one was. The sooner she took him off that pedestal the better.
He went after Zoe. No time like the present to set things straight. Outside, he wound around to the backyard and spotted her on the swing hanging from the arbor. Stepping from stone to stone he followed the pathway instead of walking across the grass that needed mowing.
Zoe’s voice gave him pause. He stopped and listened.
“Lord it’s been a while since we talked and I’m sorry for that. My friend reminded me today that I need to be talking to you. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve never been so indecisive, and such a baby. I’m a confused mess.”
Nick stood still as if glued to the stone. Zoe was a Christian? He’d had no idea. She’d never given any indication that she had a relationship with God. He watched as she gently toed the grass beneath the swing, causing it to sway back and forth. He shouldn’t eavesdrop. He turned to leave.
“I thought by coming here and leaving Kyle and the restaurant behind everything would get better, but now I’m more confused than ever. Especially about Nick.”
He glanced over his shoulder. Even though he wanted to hear more, his conscience said no. He picked his way back across the stone pathway and slipped inside as guilt pressed down on him. That he considered listening was more proof he wasn’t perfect. One way or another Zoe would figure that out.
Another more pressing thought struck him—why was she talking to God about him? And who was Kyle?
****
ZOE OPENED HER eyes relieved to have unloaded her burdens on God. Why hadn’t she thought to do that sooner? Her foster parents taught her to pray, and yet it took a virtual stranger to give her the nudge she needed.
She was no closer to knowing what to do about the restaurant than she was fifteen minutes ago, but at least she had a sense of peace—a definite step in the right direction.
Her cell rang. She pulled it from her pocket and checked the caller ID. “Hey, Mom.”
“How’s everything? You’ve been on my mind all afternoon. Are you okay?”
Zoe smiled and shook her head, amazed at her mothers’ intuition. She ambled away from the property toward the Sound. “I don’t know how you do it, but you always seem to know when to call.”
“It’s the Lord. What’s going on?”
Zoe told her about Autumn and the job offer and about praying.
“My goodness, you have had a time of it lately, haven’t you? So what’s your plan?”
That was one thing about her mom that she appreciated—she never minced words. “To put it in God’s hands and wait for clear direction.”
“Good girl. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks.” Zoe strolled to the shoreline, allowing it to lap against her flip-flop covered feet.
“You must really like that place. Your dad and I would like to come for a visit.”
“Really, Mom that’s not necessary.” She loved her foster parents, but having them here would be weird. She wasn’t ready to risk seeing disappointment i
n their eyes, since she wasn’t working up to her potential.
“I didn’t say it was, but it truly sounds lovely there. We’re heading up to Seattle for a long weekend. We’ll stop in on Friday afternoon for a few hours.”
“But that’s tomorrow!”
“You’re right. Hmm. We’ll call when we get there. See you tomorrow.”
“Hello? Mom?” Silence. Zoe pocketed her phone. Her parents would be here in less than twenty-four hours. Where should she take them? What would they do? They couldn’t very well hang out at the B&B. She frowned and turned from the scenic water. Maybe Nick would have an idea.
****
“MY PARENTS WILL be here in less than twenty-four hours and I don’t have a clue what to do with them. It’s not like I can invite them in and tell them to make themselves at home.”
Nick swept dust from the front porch as he listened to the distress in Zoe’s voice. “Relax. They’re your parents. What’s the big deal if they stop in for a couple of hours?”
“But I work here.”
He stopped sweeping and set the broom against the house. “Listen to me, Zoe. This is your home—at least it is as long you work here. Your friends and family are welcome to visit any time, so long as it doesn’t interfere with you doing your job.”
“Are you sure? I feel weird about them coming.”
“Positive. My family came for a week. Yours will only be here a few hours. Relax.”
“Okay, good. When Michelle said they were coming I panicked.”
“You call your mom by her first name?”
“She’s actually my foster mom.”
“You must be close if she’s still keeping tabs on you.”
“Michelle and Richard Brown are more my parents than my biological parents ever were.”
Nick sat on the railing and balanced with one foot. “What happened to your biological parents?”
Zoe shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut. “I can’t go there.”
“Okay.” Nick’s stomach lurched at the pain on Zoe’s face. He wanted to hold her, and tell her everything would be okay, but clearly life hadn’t been easy on her, and nothing he could say or do would change the past. He pushed off the railing. “If you change your mind, I’m here.” He pulled the front door open and stepped into the house.
He’d experienced his fair share of junk, but nothing compared to what he expected Zoe had dealt with. He’d brought his problem on himself, but Zoe had been an innocent child when the adults in her life had failed her. No wonder she had trust issues.
He couldn’t wait to meet her foster parents, who had clearly gone far above what many would have. Why hadn’t they adopted her?
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ZOE HAD SPENT EXTRA TIME CLEANING the kitchen and now she finished up in her bedroom. She ran the dust cloth back and forth across the bombé chest until it shone. She circled, taking in all the bedroom surfaces. Everything was spotless, including all the guest rooms she’d managed to clean extra fast today.
She hadn’t seen her foster parents in months, and her stomach churned in anticipation of their visit. What would they think of her room, and more importantly, her job? Was their coming here a ruse to check on her and make sure she was happy? Probably, but that wasn’t a bad thing. That was what loving parents did. Besides, she really did want to see them. Sure they’d spoken on the phone a few times, but a face-to-face was different—more special.
Her cell rang. “Are you here, Mom?”
“Yes. We just got off the ferry. How do we find your B&B?”
Zoe gave the directions then hustled from her room.
Nick stood at the kitchen sink rinsing a handful of blueberries.
“They’ll be here any minute, so don’t make any messes.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “Yes, dear.”
The wry grin on his face caused her cheeks to heat. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be so bossy. Michelle is a clean freak, and I want the kitchen to be spotless.”
He shut off the water and placed the berries in a glass dish beside the sink then faced her. “Will you relax? The kitchen is immaculate and so is the rest of the house.”
His words soothed like ginger ale to an upset stomach. “I know you’re right, but I can’t help myself.”
“Try harder. I’d like to invite them to stay for dinner.”
“But I didn’t plan anything.”
He winked. “Leave dinner to me, but let me know if they’ll be staying.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” He grinned. “Sounds like someone’s here.”
“That’s probably them.” Zoe raced past him, pushed through the swinging door and didn’t stop until she reached the foyer. Her heart leapt at the sight of the two people who meant the most to her in the world. She waved through the glass and yanked the door open.
Michelle and Richard pulled her into a group hug. The air left her lungs as she got squished between them. She wiggled free of the embrace and stood back. They hadn’t changed a bit. Mom still had the copper red dye job cut in a cute bob. Dad looked exactly the same except maybe for his mustache, which had more gray than the last time she’d seen him and now matched his hair.
“Come in and see the place.” She looked over her shoulder as she led the way inside. “I thought we’d—” Hands grasped her shoulders, stopping her. She whipped her head around. “Nick, I didn’t see you.”
He grinned and stepped back. “I noticed. You about ran into me. Might want to look forward when you’re walking.” He held out his hand to Richard. “I’m Nick Jackson. Make yourself at home.”
“Nick owns the B&B.”
Richard grasped Nick’s hand. “Pleased to meet you. This is my wife, Michelle.”
Nick flashed perfect teeth and shook her mom’s hand. “I’m glad you both stopped in for a visit. I hope you can stay for dinner. Zoe has the evening off, but I have dinner handled if you’re free.”
Zoe held her breath. What was Nick up to?
Dad nodded. “Sounds great, if we can make it an early meal. We need to catch the five-forty ferry if we are going to make it to Seattle before dark.”
“Sure thing.”
Zoe looped an arm through each of her parents’. “Thanks, Nick.” She guided them through the dining room and into the kitchen.
Mom’s eyes widened. “This is not what I expected after the glimpse I got of the downstairs. The kitchen is modern. Not an antique in sight.”
Zoe chuckled. “I had a similar reaction the first time I walked in here too.” She pulled her room key from her capris pocket then unlocked the door to her bedroom, flinging it open wide. “Welcome to Casa Zoe.”
Michelle raised a brow. “It’s not exactly your taste, is it?” She sniffed. “But it smells fresh and clean. I noticed the kitchen was spotless too. Well done, Zoe.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She strode to the bathroom and slid the door open. “Check this out.”
Richard hung back, while Michelle plunged ahead. “Oh my! Now I see why you want to stay.” She looked over her shoulder. “Richard you must see this. I want to redo our master bath like this.”
Zoe giggled. “Sorry, Dad. I didn’t know this would happen. But my spa bathroom is pretty amazing.”
He patted her shoulder. “Not your fault. She’s been on me about a remodel for the past year.”
Mom snapped several pictures with her phone then turned from the room. “Do we get the grand tour, or is this it?”
“There’s really not much more to see. The sitting room was to the left of the reception area, and we walked through the dining room. The rooms upstairs are all reserved for weekend guests that will be arriving soon, and the entire basement is Nick’s apartment.”
“That’s okay. Maybe we could go for a walk and take in the sights. The island looked beautiful as we were approaching on the ferry—the fields of flowers are breathtaking.”
“I know what you mean. Let’s head out back, and we can walk down to the w
ater. The backyard has an amazing view of the Sound.”
“Wonderful,” Mom said as she strolled beside Zoe. “Tell me about Nick. He’s quite handsome, and dare I say—interested.”
“Mom!”
****
NICK DRAPED THE same white tablecloth over the backyard picnic table that Zoe had used when his family was visiting. The pizzas would be done in five minutes.
“The kitchen smells delicious.”
Nick glanced toward the voice. “Hello, Mrs. Brown. Where are Zoe and your husband?”
“Please call me Michelle.” She placed a tray with the goblets and the tableware he’d set out onto the table. “They’re having a father-daughter talk. I thought I’d come and see if you needed any help.”
“Sure. You can finish setting the table, if you don’t mind. I’ll be right back.” He darted into the kitchen, grabbed the salad and dressings, and then went back to the table. “I hope you like pizza.”
“Love it. Believe it or not, Zoe does too. I know she can come across as a culinary snob, but she likes simple foods as much as the next person.” She placed the last plate on the table and sat on the bench facing him. “Tell me about yourself, Nick.”
“Not much to tell. At least nothing worth talking about.” He cleared his throat. “I was hoping you’d fill me in on Zoe a little. She’s said her childhood was bad, but never elaborates.”
Michelle pressed her lips together and patted the space beside her. “Zoe should be the one to tell you about her past, but I will say this. Her parents were violent. She was removed from their home after they got into a shootout.”
His eyes widened. “That wasn’t what I expected to hear. How horrible.”
She nodded.
“Was Zoe injured?”
Michelle shook her head. “She slipped out and ran to a neighbor’s house. Her parents were lousy shots and escaped unharmed as well. They were in jail for a while, and Zoe was placed in foster care.” She pursed her lips then continued, “It’s all so sad. We wanted to adopt her, but due to a technicality we were unable to.”
Island Refuge (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 1) Page 11
