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His brow furrowed. “Did I hurt you?”
She shook her head. “No, no, I’m fine, but your stamina is over the top.”
“It’s you, Sophie. But I do need to head into the office, so another shower will have to wait. Let’s go back inside.” His voice grew husky.
Her heart clutched. “There’s something I should tell you,” she began as she followed him inside.
He gazed back at her. “I don’t like the sound of that.”
“No, no more deep dark secrets. It’s about your office manager.”
He quirked a tawny brow—a gesture she was beginning to recognize. “Heather?”
“Well, I wanted to tell you why you hadn’t heard from me earlier when I received the flowers. Thank you again, by the way.”
He leaned back against the counter and gestured for her to continue with one hand.
“So, I did call you right after I received the flowers because I was excited.”
Nick’s lips flattened into a tight line. “When? I didn’t get a call or message.”
She smoothed her tangled hair back from her face. “Well, that’s the thing. I called you right after I opened the card, and Heather answered the phone. She said she’d tell you I called. And then I never heard back from you, so I was bummed.”
Nick’s scowl deepened. “What? You called me at the office? Why didn’t you call my cell?”
“That’s the thing. I did call your cell.”
He smacked his coffee cup onto the counter. “What? What is she doing answering my cell phone? She never told me. She better have a good explanation.”
Good.“I thought it was strange and didn’t know if they were blow-off flowers. If Alyssa hadn’t come over, I wouldn’t have figured it out.” One more confirmation that his office manager’s feelings were one-sided. Maybe he’d fire the plastic-face, store-bought-boob snake.
His nostrils flared and his jaw tightened.“Forgetting to deliver a message is one thing, but answering my private cell is just unacceptable. I’m glad my sister told you.”
Nick crossed the kitchen in two strides, pulled her into his arms, and slanted his mouth against hers. After a few satisfying minutes, he stepped back.
“Well, that won’t happen again. Speaking of work, I really need to get into the office. But you can take all the time you need. Just lock the door behind you.”
She bit her lip. “Umm…this sounds awful, but where are we? I don’t have my car and didn’t…umm…pay attention on the ride back to your house last night.”
Nick grinned. “Yeah, that was quite a ride. We’re just up the hill from the cottage, on the other side of the grove of trees.”
“What? I’m living on the same piece of property as you? I had no idea.”
“Convenient, right? I can give you a ride down if you’re ready or again feel free to take your time and walk back.” He winked. “I wish I had some more time because I have some plans for you, beautiful.”
Nerves bubbled in her throat. Did she want to live right down the hill from him? What happened if it ended? Swallowing her trepidation, Sophie forced a laugh. “What makes you think I don’t have plans for you too?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Can I see you tonight? Dinner?”
She stepped in again for a last kiss. “I’d love that.”
“I love you. I’ve got to get ready.” He stroked her cheek.
“I love you, too.” Thrilled to say it and mean it, no matter how fast it had happened.
He headed out the door, and she sank onto a barstool, wrapping her arms tightly around her waist. How had her life changed so much in a few short weeks? Could she trust these feelings? Could she trust him? She hadn’t been looking for love.
They’d declared their love for each other. After less than a month
