Sexy Jerk(20)

Fiona puts her head on Ethan's shoulder so I can see her. "Just remember, it wasn't me."

I shake my head.

Ethan turns to look at her. "Tess said that was enough."

"I know, but I want her to understand that-" Fiona tries to say.

Before she can finish, Ethan pushes his wife down on the mattress and she shrieks in surprise. I love the giggle I hear in her voice. "Gotta go," she calls.

Shaking my head with a huge grin on my face, I hit the disconnect button because I'm not sure they are going to remember to.

My cell rings before I even set my phone down. I figure it's Fiona, but when I glance at the screen and see the name, I consider not answering it. He's called three times already, but I decide to pick it up this time. If not, I know he'll just call back.

"Hello," I answer.

"Miss Winters, it's Derrick Williams. How are you today?"

"I'm good."

"Great to hear. Listen, I was just wondering if you have signed Mr. Bigelow's lease yet? I could run over and pick it up."

I glance toward Max. "I'm sorry Derrick, but I won't be taking the property after all." 

Derrick clears his throat. "Can I ask why not?"

"I found something better suited for my café, but thank you for your time."

"Yes, of course. Do you mind telling me what price you were quoted?"

I tell him. Not sure why he even cares. The deal is done.

"What should I tell Mr. Bigelow?" he asks.

"What I just told you, I suppose."

He clears his throat again. "May I ask where you found a more suitable location?"

"In Printer's Row."

Derrick is silent for a long while. "Thank you for your time, Miss Winters," he says and then hangs up.

That was strange.

Shrugging it off, I set my phone down and join Max to help him string the snowflakes. During the process he somehow manages to convince me he doesn't need to take a nap today.

It's almost three when Nick returns, our agreed upon time for the change of shift

"Hey," he says as he comes up the stairs.

He's wearing a ski jacket, beanie, and jeans, and my heart does a little pitter-patter when he comes into full view. I can't stop my reaction. He just looks so masculine. I promised myself I wouldn't compare Nick to Ansel, because come on, that is just stupid all the way around. And yet I find myself doing it. Whereas Nick is long and lean, toned and muscular, Ansel was thin. Fit, but thin. Whereas Nick fills out his clothes, Ansel's were never snug.

I run my tongue over my bottom lip.

I should stop.

But I don't.

Nick works out. Yes, he works out a lot. Ansel, on the other hand, refused to do anything but run. He said he was worried he'd get too bulky. Now I wonder if he was more worried he wouldn't. And yes, that puts a grin on my face.

Shoving the comparison aside and vowing never to do it again, I refocus on Nick. "Hey, what's all that?"

It's just now that I notice in his arms he is carrying a number of bags. "Groceries, just in case we end up getting snowed in," he remarks.

I leave Max to string the last of the cut pieces of paper around the bottom rail of the staircase banister and rush over to grab one of the bags from Nick. "God, I hope the storm doesn't get that bad. I have so much to do."

Nick sets the remaining bags in his arms down on the counter. "All the weather channels are predicting conditions will worsen overnight. You might have to postpone that to-do list of yours for a day or two."

I set the bag I'm holding down next to the others and sigh, knowing there is nothing I can do about the coming storm except stay inside to keep warm.

Nick begins to unpack the groceries, and I stand here, watching his muscular form as he moves around the kitchen.

When he hands me a can of coffee to put in the cabinet behind me, I catch a gleam in his blue eyes.

He's caught me staring again.

"Uncle Nick. Uncle Nick. Uncle Nick. Look!" Max shouts with excitement as he points to our snowflakes he has now successfully put on full display.

Nick grins over at Max, but I know he's smirking at me. "Wow, did you make all those?"

Feeling a blush coating my cheeks, I quickly look away from him and toward Max.

Max nods, pride evident in his eyes. "Auntie Tess and I did. Come see."

"In a minute, champ."

"I got this," I tell him, taking the boxes from his hands and being very careful to avoid coming in contact with his skin.

"You sure?" he asks, his eyes skimming down my body in a way I don't recall them ever doing.

I fight back a shiver. "Yes, go. Max has been waiting for you."

His gaze sharpens when it climbs back up and reaches my eyes. "Yeah, I bet he has. I promised him I'd take him outside to build a fort when I got back, but I don't think it's a good idea."