the inn was a place of healing. I couldn’t help but wonder if that contentment I felt was part of what she’d told me. I knew practically nothing about Nick other than what Dana had shared.
“We both found peace here, then.” Nick grinned, and the action transformed his face. He was a big man, and a handsome one, but his appeal increased tenfold with a smile. Rather than stare at him, I looked away, irritated with myself for being physically attracted to him. I couldn’t, wouldn’t, let myself get drawn into another romantic relationship. But I had to admit Nick Schwartz tempted me.
I released an involuntary yawn.
“You’re tired. No need to keep me company.”
“I don’t mind.”
“Go. I’m feeling like I could sleep now myself.”
He was right, I was tired, but at the same time I didn’t want our conversation to end. It was the dark, I suppose, the anonymity of it, sitting close to each other like this. There was a certain freedom in that. The moonlight made it more like we were in the shadows. I could just barely make out his features. It was the most comfortable Nick had been around me, and me with him.
Despite what he said, he didn’t move and neither did I. The silence was companionable.
“I apologize for the way I acted when I saw you on my property,” he said.
This man was full of surprises. Like he’d done with me earlier, I shrugged off his apology.
“If you want to run through the orchard, then feel free.”
I had to struggle to keep from smiling, grateful he’d changed his mind. “Thank you. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Elvis.”
On hearing his name, the German shepherd lifted his head.
Nick stood, ready to be on his way. “Come on, Elvis.”
The pooch remained curled up.
“Elvis.” The demand in Nick’s voice was unmistakable.
“Doesn’t look like he’s quite ready yet. Stay a few minutes longer,” I urged.
“You’re tired.”
“I enjoy sitting here with you.” I probably shouldn’t have told him that, but Nick sat back down.
“Are you going to mention my late-night walks to the owner?” he asked.
“Probably.” Then I added, “But knowing Jo Marie, she won’t mind. And if she does, I’ll tell her you’re like a security guard, making sure we’re all safe.”
“Thanks.” He seemed genuinely grateful.
Seeing that I seemed to be in his good graces, I carefully broached the subject paramount on my mind. “It looks like the house renovations are coming along nicely.”
“It’s coming.”
“Is the progress taking longer than you want?”
“Not necessarily. I’m not in any hurry. I’ve got the time and the patience.”
“You don’t need to work?”
He shrugged off the question. “My mother was an only child and I came into a small inheritance when her parents passed. I’m taking a year to whip the house into shape; once I’m finished, I’ll go back to construction.”
“You’re a builder?”
He nodded. “General contractor.”
“So when you finish, what are your plans?”
“For what? The future?” He spoke with an edge, as if my question challenged him.
“For the house?” I pressed, unable to hide my curiosity.
“Don’t know. I haven’t decided that yet.”
As best I could, I hid my eagerness to suggest he sell it to me. “It’s a beautiful home. I’m sure it’ll make someone happy.”
“It’s a good, solid house, that’s for sure. My grandfather built it with his own hands after he returned from World War Two. He and my grandmother married before he shipped out to fight in Europe. My grandmother worked at the Bremerton shipyard doing secretarial work until my grandfather returned. They both saved their money and decided to build their own home. He made sure there would be enough room for the family they intended to have.”
“How many bedrooms are there?” I hoped my curiosity didn’t give me completely away. I’d already mentioned that I was house hunting.
“Five. My dad was the middle child of the five. Three girls and two boys.”
“Wow, five kids.”
Nick nodded. “If I do sell it, and that’s no guarantee, I hope it’s to a young family.”
This wasn’t what I wanted to hear. “Did your grandfather plant the orchard?” That was one of my favorite aspects of the property.
“No, it was there long before. At one time the land was homesteaded. Several of the trees are over a hundred years old and don’t bear much fruit any longer. I plan to tear out the older, less productive trees and plant new ones, but that’s several months down the road.”
The thought of losing any of those trees saddened me.