by Elle Boon
“Um, no. I mean she was running. No, you didn’t run her off, she was on her way out.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. Can we start again?”
He chuckled; the deep baritone was reminiscent of a country singer she’d heard on the radio. Not that she listened to country music much, but the singer in question was one tall drink of water, and that voice was one even the most jaded of women had to love.
“Are you finished for the day, Nova?” Keifer asked.
Chapter Four
He shouldn’t take pleasure in the fact she appeared to be as affected by him as he was her, but dammit he was. Last night, he’d been unable to sleep without thinking of the little minx. A first for him. Usually, he was able to forget a woman shortly after he left their bed, or the bed they’d shared. He’d not had a woman in his bed since his wife’s death, hadn’t wanted to, until last night. Not that Rachel and he had shared the same bed before her death, but for his daughter’s sake, he didn’t bring women to his home. He still didn’t know if he liked the idea of Nova taking up so much space in his mind, but he knew his own way of thinking and if he didn’t face things head-on, he’d obsess over it and that just wouldn’t do.
“Yes. I was just going to make sure everything was turned off and head out for some coffee.”
“Hmm, coffee this late at night? Won’t that keep you up until the wee hours?” He was one of those people who could drink caffeine of any kind and still go to bed a half hour later without issue.
“Nope, my body doesn’t respond to java like normal people,” she said with a smile.
“We have that in common then. May I join you for coffee?”
He watched her stare at him as if debating whether to let him tag along or not. He knew women and was aware she found him attractive, yet she was wary. Good, he liked knowing she didn’t just fall in line and do as a man said. Of course, he’d make sure she understood the rules once they started...he pumped the breaks on his thoughts. This was a coffee date, or rather the two of them going for coffee, not a date.
“Yes, you may,” she agreed.
Keifer had almost decided to skip coffee and go back to the empty suite at the hotel since Delilah was spending the evening with her grandparents. They’d invited him to go with them, but he thought they needed a little time alone since they hadn’t seen Delilah in a couple years. His fault of course. Ruthlessly he shoved the memories of why he hadn’t come to Rachel’s hometown to the back of his mind. “Shall we go then, or do you still need to check the place over?” Rachel’s parents blamed him for her addictions, but she’d been addicted before they’d met but had gone to rehab and been clean for a year. He’d had no clue at the time. Addiction was a terrible disease, one that could rear its ugly head time and again. Once Rachel fell into depression after a miscarriage, the doctors had prescribed her meds, which had he known about her problems he might’ve done more, researched more. Hell, he fucking blamed himself so the fact her parent did wasn’t shocking. It was why he’d avoided them.
“Give me five and I’ll be ready.”
He assumed she’d be like all women and her five actually meant fifteen. While she spun back toward the room he and Delilah had been in the previous day, he went over to the quaint waiting area, finding the seats remarkably comfortable. He’d only scrolled through a few emails when Nova announced she was ready. To say she’d surprised him would be an understatement.
“When you said five minutes, you meant five minutes.” He got to his feet, noticing she’d changed into boots and already had her coat on. She’d also appeared to have brushed her hair before putting on a hat, but he couldn’t say she’d done that for him. Nova Leigh was a conundrum. She was young and gorgeous, yet she was efficient and caring.
“Why aren’t you married with two point five children?” he asked.
Nova shrugged, leading the way to the door. “I’m still young, plenty of time for that.”
Her words had him clenching his teeth. Just how young was she. He was thirty-eight with a fifteen-year-old daughter. Shit, she could be closer to his daughter’s age for all he knew. “Just how old are you?”
“Why, Keifer, don’t you know it’s not nice to ask a lady her age. I’m twenty-seven-years young though. If you were to ask my Nana, she’d tell you some crazy story about age and wisdom and walk you around the block, verbally, so that by the time she finished, you’d question your sanity.” Nova’s voice was filled with affection even he could hear.
“She sounds like a lovely woman.”
They stood in the alcove outside the salon while Nova locked the door, then she waved up at a camera. “Your grandmother watching you, or are you just making sure it’s recorded that you left with me, in case I’m a serial killer?”
Keifer figured it was the former, but he was trying to be funny, something his daughter said he’d been lacking since forever. She had drawn the last word out in her typical teen way.
“You’ll have to be a really good killer to get one over on me. I’m slippery like an eel and a ninja.” Nova made a few karate chopping motions with her hands, ending with a little yell.
He chuckled at her display, placing his hand on her elbow as they walked down the street. The gesture was a little difficult through her thick coat. “Impressive. Good thing I’m only here to take you for coffee then.”
The coffee shop wasn’t far from the salon, which he was grateful for, since he still only had the coat he’d brought, that was more stylish than good for the blowing cold they’d encountered. If they were staying any longer, he’d have purchased a new one.
“I’m paying for coffee since you got dinner last night,” he said, not caring she’d planned to come there first.
“Okay, but I’m gonna warn you I’m getting a pastry too.” She smiled up at him, happiness making her dark eyes sparkle.
Shit, he needed to look away or he’d say something stupid like he’d buy her the whole damn store. “What’s good here?”
“From what I’m told everything, but by this time we’ll probably have a limited selection. Hi, Flora,” Nova greeted the woman behind the counter.
“Nova, it’s so good to see you again. How’s Nell doing?” Flora leaned on the counter.
“She’s doing better. The swelling wasn’t as bad this morning as it was over the weekend. I’ll tell you, that woman doesn’t know the meaning of taking it easy, but she’s listening better, since she knows she can’t go back to work unless the doctor gives the go ahead.”
He had been picturing a little grey-haired woman who sat around crocheting. He wondered what kind of work she could possibly do in the small town. He stayed quiet thinking they’d divulge more.
“What can I get for you two?”
“What’s the special for the day?” Nova asked, bending down to look into the case.
If they’d been anywhere else and she’d not been wearing the thick coat, he’d have been able to ogle her curvy little figure. Shit, he really needed to get his mind off of Nova and sex.
“We still have some tomato basil bread. I can whip together a couple sandwiches and soup. Plus, I have raspberry danishes, and of course, any latte or coffee is fresh as well.” Flora smiled his way.
“Oh, I bet Nana would love a sandwich and soup. How about you, Keifer?” Nova stood back up and looked over her shoulder.
At that moment, his stomach growled, answering for him. “Sounds delicious. Make that two for me and whatever the lady wants.” He fished his wallet out while perusing the coffee selection. He hadn’t lied when he said he could drink the stuff before bed and still fall asleep within moments, usually.
They placed their orders then found a table. He took Nova’s coat before she sat, hanging it on the back of her chair before doing the same with his own.
“Thank you.”
He didn’t miss the way her cheeks turned an enticing shade of pink at his actions. Either she wasn’t used to men doing things for her, or she was as aware of him as he was
her.
“So, tell me about yourself, Nova.” He clasped his hands on the table in front of him, truly wanting to know more.
Nova pulled her gloves off before she answered him, making him think she wasn’t going to. “I’m pretty boring, actually. Twenty-seven, only child to two amazing parents who met by chance and decided they didn’t want more babies after having such a perfect one first. Hint, I was the perfect child.” She winked at him. Her dark lashes, which he knew plenty of women paid big bucks for but hers were probably real, feathered over her high cheekbones for a moment.
“Your modesty is remarkable. Do go on.” He sat back as the waitress delivered their sandwiches on glass plates along with their drinks.
“Okay, your turn,” Nova said.
Keifer shook his head, knowing she was steering the conversation away from her, but he was a master at doing the same. “As you know, I’m the proud father of a fifteen-year-old who clearly had, notice the past tense, a fake ID. I’m sure she can procure another one once we get home. I’m hoping that she stops and thinks really hard before doing so. I plan to be more present and aware in the future.” An admission he hadn’t made to anyone else.
“Lots of kids have them. If it’s any consolation, she didn’t appear as though she was used to brandishing the ID, nor did it look like mine that has been used and abused many times.”
Thoughts of the gorgeous woman across from him being used and abused made him clench his fork tighter. No woman should ever be...he cut off his thoughts and the primitive need he had to take care of Nova. She was a woman he’d met by chance and would never see again after they left Colorado.
“Yeah, well if I have anything to say about it, she won’t be getting the opportunity to do so again. Fifteen is too damn young to go into places meant for adults. Getting her hair done is one thing. Clubbing and all the things that can happen in a big city are quite another,” he growled.
“For sure. I’m glad you found out now, instead of by a late night or early morning phone call. You seem like a very good and caring father. Just remember, she’s a girl with all the hormones that come along with being one. Sometimes she might need a woman to talk to.” Nova took a sip of her coffee after her little speech.
Keifer’s first instinct was to deny her words. He’d always been the one his daughter ran to when she had a problem. He wanted to be there for her if and when she needed him, but what Nova said made sense. Making a mental note to think of who in their circle he felt was best suited to be that person, he relaxed back in the seat. “You’re right.”
NOVA PRETENDED TO BE shocked, looking around the restaurant frantically. “Oh, I feel like I need a witness for this. Do you mind if I record you saying that again? I don’t think I heard you correctly, nor do I think you say that often.”
His laughter had several other customers turning toward them. She had to admit, his laugh was every bit as sexy as his voice. She was only half joking about recording him, maybe. Okay, inwardly she could admit she really wanted to hear his voice even when he was gone. It had to be due to the fact she hadn’t had a date in a few years, not since captain jackhole.
“Alright, your turn. Did you always want to be a stylist?” Keifer asked.
She thought of all the barbie dolls who had been victim to her experimental days as a kid and nodded. “I think so. Well, I did think I was going to be a rockstar once. I was in the school choir, and I must admit, I was quite good. Now, while most people will say they can’t carry a tune, but I’m not one of them. I’m no Lady Gaga, but I can hit the right notes. Sadly though, it was not meant to be.” She put her hand to her forehead, letting out a sigh that would do even the best actress proud.
“I’d love to hear you. What’s your favorite music to listen to?”
While they finished eating and drinking their coffee, they discussed their favorite things, finding they both enjoyed rock from the eighties and a little bit of everything in-between. They were both fans of Chris Stapleton, and loved The Blues and R&B. She couldn’t imagine the impeccably kept man across from her actually listening to some of the bands he had claimed to like, but when she’d quizzed him on lyrics, he’d known them.
“Alright, one more. Who sings this ‘Hangman is coming down from the gallows and I don’t have very long’?”
Keifer sat back, placing his hands over his stomach, drawing her eyes. “Seriously? That’s an easy one. You sure you don’t have something a little more...challenging?”
She sat forward, dragging her eyes away from his hands. “Are you stalling for time, Mr. Sparks?”
“Oh mama I’m in fear for my life from the long arm of the law. Styx, baby. The jig is up,” he sang another bit, finishing with a laugh.
Her stomach fluttered, a thousand butterflies taking flight at his rendition of one of her favorite bands along with the way he’d called her baby in his deep voice. Goodness, she was sure her panties were totally soaked from their casual banter.
“Can I get you two anything else?” Flora asked from beside their table.
Nova looked at the time, wondering how it had gotten so late. “Shoot, I need to check on Nana.”
Flora waved her hand. “No need, hun. She called a few minutes ago and asked if I saw you, to tell you that Harold had brought her dinner. She also wanted me to let you know he was visiting her for the evening.”
“Who is Harold, and what does that mean?” Nova lifted the napkin off her lap, wondering if Harold was a good man, or shit. What kind of person doesn’t know who was coming to her Nana’s house?
“Harold Rhett’s the postmaster, and he’s a super awesome man. No need to worry, hun. Now, if you two don’t need anything, I’m going to go into the back. Just holler if you need me.” Flora took the empty plates.
“Everything was delicious, Flora.” Keifer indicated the table, which had been cleared.
The other woman beamed down at him, sending the green monster of jealousy into a frenzy. Ugg, she was such a weirdo. She had no hold on Keifer.
“Are you ready to go?” Keifer asked.
“Oh, sure.” She pushed backward, feeling like a fool.
Keifer pulled his wallet out, putting a twenty on the table. Clearly, he was a good tipper. She hated that her first thought was he was wanting to make a good impression so that Flora remembered him.
“Here, let me help you.” Like the gentleman he was, he held her coat for her while she struggled to get control of her emotions. The man would be leaving and then so would she, both going back to their real lives. Why then did she wish she could have more time with him?
“See you two later,” Flora called, walking out with a smile.
“Bye, Flora.” Keifer called but didn’t say more.
“Burr, it’s cold out.” She shivered on the sidewalk.
“That it is. Since your Nana has company, would you like to have a nightcap with me in the lounge at the Bed and Breakfast? Delilah is staying with her grandparents, and while I usually find myself looking forward to digging into work, tonight I don’t.” Keifer moved to stand in front of her, his back to the wind, blocking it from her.
“That sounds lovely. Maybe we can do karaoke,” she joked.
His white smile flashed down at her. “Don’t bet on it.”
He gripped her elbow and began walking toward the Sweetheart Bed and Breakfast. She shivered for another reason all together. Tonight, she was going to go with the flow and grab whatever happiness, or rather pleasure, she could. There, she’d admitted that to herself. Happiness and pleasure had been in short supply for her. Not in her business and friendships, but in her personal life, it had. Her ex had done a number on her psyche, making her think it had been she who had made him run to others throughout their two-year relationship. While she’d been a virgin, she’d thought she had been good until that fateful blow up.
Entering the Bed and Breakfast, the warmth enveloped them. She looked around for the owners, or anyone who might know her or her Nana, relief filling her with
renewed energy at the empty space. Luck was on her side when nobody she knew was around. Keifer steered her toward the large room where guests would gather near the fireplace and a large piano. She guessed one of the owners must’ve played at one time or another.
“Can you play?” she asked Keifer.
“No. You?” he asked, stepping behind to help her shrug out of her coat.
Nova could play pretty well, actually. She sat on the bench and cracked her knuckles. “How about you get us that drink while I warm my hands up?”
“Coming right up. Any requests?” Keifer held both their coats over one arm while working his tie off with the other hand.
“Anything sweet.”
He nodded as if that was all he needed to know. Nova watched him turn away and walk toward the other side of the large entryway. When she realized she was staring, she moved to sit a little on the bench to get into a comfortable position. Her fingers were a little cold and stiff, so she played a few keys, then did a little warm up with a tried and true that every pianist knows.
Her rendition of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy came easily, with her only messing up a couple times.
“Ah, I see you are more than a novice at the piano. While some might think the song you just played is easy because of its simple rhythm, melody, and fingering style, the joy isn’t lost. In fact, I think it’s even more potent because we forget the simple ones.” He handed her a glass of wine.
Nova took a sip, smiling at the sweet tasting goodness. “Ah, I bet the bartender didn’t think you were into fruity wines?”
Keifer looked at his own squat glass with amber liquid. “I think he knew better. Cheers to us and to a night of singing between strangers.”
She lifted her glass in a toast. “May your ears survive.”
Somehow, she found herself in his suite. No, she knew how she did. She had wanted him, so when he suggested they go up there after a half hour of them singing and drinking, the hussy in her was more than happy to follow where he led. The heat in his eyes lit a fire in her that had been on simmer since she’d first seen him storm into the salon. There was only one way to douse the flames, and that was what she hoped was going to happen.