Page 56 of One Kind Soul

“I’m extremely excited,” he said. “But I’m playing it cool. Keeping my dignity intact.”

“Oh, you lost your dignity twice now in checkers, Chrissy. It’s too late for your dignity.”

He hopped off the tailgate and grabbed her. Twirling them both, he set her on her feet, but held her close. “Second condition of this extra week. A checkers rematch.”

“Umm, that would be a re-rematch. Why don’t you give up? A win is not in your future.” She headed for the house, eager to fulfill Christian’s first condition of staying at the farm with him.

“Hey, five minutes ago, you staying longer in Vermont wasn’t in my future either,” he said as he followed her. “But now it is. You have to have faith, Nixen. Anything is possible.” He opened the door and yelled, “Tessa, I’m stealing Nicole!”

Tessa appeared from the kitchen. “I’ll sell her to you for a million dollars.”

“Hey, I’m worth at least a million and a half,” Nicole said.

“I was giving him the friends and family discount.” Tessa grinned.

“Nicole is staying an extra week,” Christian announced. “But she said she needs out of these crummy accommodations so I’m taking her to my place.”

“OMG, I did not say these accommodations were crummy, Tessa.” Nicole pushed Christian toward the hallway that led to the guest room. “Go start packing my stuff before I change my mind.”

He dropped a kiss on her nose. “Can we still play connect the dots on that dress?”

“Go, Chrissy!” She pointed down the hallway and he disappeared. She turned to Tessa who was laughing at them. “You know I loved staying here with you.”

“I do.” Tessa hugged her. “But I’m encouraged that what I said to you at dinner tonight maybe didn’t fall on deaf ears if you’re staying another week.”

“It didn’t fall on deaf ears because it was whispering in my head to begin with.” Nicole rubbed her forehead. “I’m not sure what will happen at the end of the bonus week, but I’m not ready to leave here yet.”

“It’s sensible to give it more time. See what develops.” Tessa angled her head toward the guest room where Christian whistled an upbeat tune. “He’s certainly happy.”

“I’ve never met anyone like him.”

“The Henley brothers are a high-quality breed. You won’t find the likes of them anywhere else. I know I warned you away from Christian, but he’s totally different with you.” She hugged Nicole again. “We’re still on for yoga and lunch tomorrow?”

“Of course. I want more time with you too.”

“Nicole!” Christian called from the guest room. “Is there anything in this room you want to steal? Now is your chance.”

“I’d get mad at that,” Tessa said, “but he picked out everything in that room. He should be able to steal it.”

Laughing, Nicole headed down the hallway. “I’ll be sure the room is left in good condition.” She entered the guest room to find her suitcase on the bed and half her clothes inside it. Neatly folded and well organized. “I expected everything to be heaped in there.”

Christian turned from the open closet. “Just because I have a penis—a stunning one—doesn’t mean I’m a barbarian.” He brought two of her cardigan sweaters over and folded them on the bed before placing them gently in the suitcase.

“You’re right.” Nicole leaned against him. “Your penis is stunning.”

He ground his hips against her. “My stunning penis wants in on the connect the dots game later.” He stepped back and poked a finger to a dot on her breast.

“Deal.”

They made quick work of packing up the rest of her stuff. Nicole thanked Tessa and Donovan for their hospitality, promising to see them both often over the next week.

Christian loaded her stuff into the cab of his truck and they drove to his property. When they got there, they both noticed the door of the small store was wide open.

“Hmm. Rada mentioned doing some cleaning in there, but I thought she was coming tomorrow.” He pulled out his phone and turned on the flashlight.

Nicole didn’t like how he picked up a shovel on his way to the store. A moment later, he stepped inside and light flooded the interior.

“Fuck.”