me think he’s waging some sort of internal war. He helps the woman into her coat, and they disappear out the door.
I go back to the stage, and it’s nearing nine when I finally finish. I thank everyone for organizing it and slip on my coat. Nate drove me here, and I could wait for him to finish his date to drive me back, but it’s such a gorgeous clear night, the stars glistening in the velvety black sky, that I decide to walk, get my thoughts in order.
I might have revealed a little too much of my feelings for Nate tonight. Perhaps that’s why he had that strange look on his face. Oh God, I hope he doesn’t think I’m falling for him, or that I’m asking for more.
Tonight, when he comes to my bed, I’ll have to make sure he knows otherwise. It’s almost the end of the lobster fishing season, and he’ll be out of here soon. We had set upon terms when we started this, and I want him to leave here with a clear conscience. He didn’t do anything wrong. I’m the fool who went and fell for him.
I walk by the Grand Banker and glance in the window. I catch sight of Nate and his date through the glass. They’re sitting at the same table I sat at with Nate my first night here. He doesn’t see me, and attentive man that he is, he is entirely focused on the woman, and my heart swells. I love that about him. No matter who he’s with, he gives them his undivided attention.
I zip my coat to my neck and hurry my steps. The house is quiet when I arrive. All the guys are on dates, and Izzy is helping with cleanup at the Anchor. I pull my coat off, toss another log into the fire, and walk around the house, admiring the freshly painted walls. My heart swells a little more when I think about Nate working with the boys. Tears fill my eyes, and I’m thinking another mocha latte to calm my emotions might be in order.
“Gram, I’m in love with a fisherman and have to sell this house when I don’t want to. Please tell me what to do.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, the fire flames brighter, and I turn to it, feeling Gram’s presence like a warm hug.
I can almost hear her whispering in my ear. It will all work out in the end.
The only problem is, I can’t see how anything can work out for Nate and me, or for the B&B, in the end. I head to the kitchen to put on a pot of tea, and after I make it, I go into my office and lose myself in my work for the next couple of hours.
A noise outside pulls me from my equations, and my heart beats a little faster when I hear Nate’s voice. I head to the kitchen to investigate and peek out to see him chatting with Ellen, but no Bridgette. I open the door, and my breath catches when he turns those green eyes on me.
“Hey,” he says, quietly, and before I can answer, he presses his lips to mine. His kiss is so tender, so steeped in desire and need it does weird things to my insides. My lids flutter, right along with my heart. I step into him, despite the cold, but he puts his arms around me and warms me with his body.
Ellen moos, and we break the intimacy. “How was your night?” I ask.
“Mrs. Hendricks is an amazing lady. Her stories about her life, this town, I loved them all. I would love for you to meet her, Kira. She even told me tales about your grandfather.”
“I would love that,” I say, and begin to well up all over again.
“How did you get home?” he asks.
Home.
There was that word again.
“I walked,” I say, loving his show of concern.
“I went by the Anchor to pick you up, but Izzy said you left hours ago.”
“I had some work to do, and the walk was beautiful.”