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ALLIE AND LILY ARRIVEDjust as Nicole left the guys to finish stacking the old wood close enough she could get to it for firewood. She didn’t risk mentioning her lack of experience with wood-burning fireplaces in case they used that as another reason to visit. Looking out the front window, she spotted a vehicle coming up the drive and parking behind the trailer. It was a good thing the narrow road from the highway to the house was long enough, she mused. With the fence finished, she could scratch one big chore off her list, and that put her in a much better frame of mind concerning unexpected guests. At least for today.
Nicole opened the door for the blonde and the brunette, each carrying a tote. One or both emitted a hunger-inducing aroma.
The blonde sporting one purple streak in her hair held up her carrying case. “I hope you like pulled pork. I’m Allie Kincaid, Brett’s wife.”
“And I’m Lily Regan, going to be Reed’s wife next spring. This”—she held up her contribution—“is Ina’s cheesy potato casserole but my homemade cookies.”
Stepping back, she gestured for them to come in, finding it hard not to appreciate them for the food alone. She hadn’t realized how tired her taste buds were of slapped-together sandwiches. “Nicole Wells, and I appreciate the food as much as your guys’ help this afternoon.” What the house lacked in upkeep, it made up for with space. The online pictures hadn’t done justice to the large rooms, and she pointed toward the dining area off the kitchen where her table opened long enough to seat eight comfortably. She’d adjusted to the extra space inside much quicker than all those empty acres surrounding her. “The place is outdated, but I can vouch for its cleanliness.”
“It’ll be awesome once it’s restored. The woodwork is beautiful,” Lily stated, setting her tote on the table next to Allie’s.
“If you want help, we’re good at rolling up our sleeves and pitching in.” Allie flipped her a cheeky grin. “We’ll even give you advanced notice before we come over.”
Nicole narrowed her eyes and laid the paper plates in front of the chairs as the guys were entering the mudroom and might hear. “Did Slade say something about my attitude?”
“Don’t worry. We got a kick out of it, considering how unsociable he can be at times.”
“Your wife is talking about me again, Brett.” Slade didn’t hesitate to take a seat and reach for the steaming potatoes. “You’ve got to try the Hendersons’ restaurant, Nicole. Sit down.”
She took a seat where she was, next to Slade. the opposite end of the chair next to his he’d pulled out. Everyone except Slade grinned as they sat down, Allie saying, “Oh, I do like you, Nicole.”
Ignoring that, she scooped pulled pork onto her plate then addressed Slade. “Only if it’s close to a grocery store. That’s priority one tomorrow after the contractor leaves.”
Reed took the dish from her. “You’re in luck, then. Ina and Howard own the closest shopping option, right next to their diner. The mercantile carries everything, including groceries.”
Her gaze flicked down the table. “Slade mentioned a mercantile not too far. Thanks.”
Turning her attention to eating, she listened to them talk, nodding or replying with a “thanks” when someone would offer a suggestion, but otherwise staying quiet. Sam had dashed into the bedroom upon seeing the crowd inside, and she couldn’t blame him. The table no longer appeared spacious with three large men taking up so much room, and they were both used to a quiet living environment. In Chicago, her apartment, Tony’s house, and her parents’ place had been her refuges from noise and people after a day spent going from campus to working part-time at the downtown bookstore managing the children’s section then stopping by the shelter.
Nicole breathed a sigh of relief when Lily stood, picking up a few empty plates, and announced, “We have to go. Nicole, both Allie and I work a lot from home now and can go to lunch with you, if you’d like. My brother is passing through tonight and will stay tomorrow, but any other day this week will work for me. How about you, Allie?”
“I’m available. How about Wednesday?”
“Can I let you know? I appreciate the invite, but it’s a busy week and a lot depends on what the contractor says tomorrow. I have deliveries scheduled for the end of the week.” All of which was true, so she didn’t care about Slade’s skeptical look, even if she was happy to see them leaving.
Of course, Slade would have to be the last to walk out, pausing on the threshold when he donned his hat. The others were out of earshot as he leaned in, his wide shoulders and big body filling the doorway.
“I left a card on the kitchen counter with my number to add when you put in Allie’s and Lily’s.” He pinched her chin, his low, deep tone slithering through her like hot lava. “Be nice. Give them a call and yourself a break.” With a tilt of his Stetson, he pivoted and left.
Refusing to stand there and ogle his sexy, loose-limbed stride from the back, she closed the door and leaned against it, fanning herself instead. Her chin tickled from the press of his calloused thumb, her blood flowing with a warm surge that pooled between her legs, leaving her damp. Nicole couldn’t recall when, if ever, she’d experienced such an intense, heated reaction to a man’s nearness while still clothed. He wasn’t even her type, but nonetheless, she vowed not to let a case of lust detract her from her goals.
