by Nancy Naigle
“Are you moving here?”
“No,” he said without hesitation. “My home is in Alaska, but I can get you an updated catalog of the pieces I have available.”
“That would be great.”
Ford pulled out his wallet—a leather one that had once been Pop-pop’s. It had seen better days, but he had no desire to carry anything else. He and his dad might not be able to see eye to eye but his grandfather had always understood him. He’d been the only one supportive of his decision to move to Alaska. Ford plucked out a business card and handed it to him. “I have some new things no one has seen yet. I’d love for you to have a look.”
Gary perked up. “Now wait a second. Count me in too.”
“If you want to give me some extra comped time in the studio, I’ll do a special one-of-a-kind piece for you while I’m here.”
“I think I might get the better half of that deal,” Gary said.
“You just might, but I like to keep those new techniques sharp. As much as I enjoy teaching, it doesn’t give me the creative outlet I need. I’m chomping at the bit for some time of my own.”
“You just let me know when you want time and I’ll make it happen. Stay longer if you like,” Gary said.
“If you decide to stay a bit longer, I hope you’ll come visit our gallery in Norfolk,” William said. “I think you’ll be really pleased with how we’ve got you displayed. We look forward to growing that collection.”
“Great. I’d be happy to help you with that. Any other questions I can answer? I’ve got twelve creative minds waiting on me in there.”
“No. Thanks for giving us a bit of your time this morning.” William stepped to the side. “I may stay and watch for a bit.”
“Sounds good. I’ll get the updated catalog emailed over to you tonight when I get done here, and I can ship out whatever you like as soon as I get back to Alaska.”
“Ford’s residency with us is for a month.” Gary raised his eyebrow. “Unless I can talk him into staying longer.”
William paused. “I hope you can talk him into staying for the benefit of the institute, but part of me wants him to get back to Alaska so I can get my order filled. I’ve kept you long enough. Thank you for your time, Ford.”
“Pleasure was all mine.” Ford walked into the studio feeling like things were starting to go his way. This trip was paying for itself in ways he hadn’t expected. Gaining new collectors, an offer to come out to another gallery in the spring, and Flynn.
He was in such a good mood that he picked two students out of the class to stay and do a thirty-minute session on advanced techniques, since tonight Flynn and Angie were meeting up with girlfriends.
When Ford got to the Blue Skies Cafe, Jackson had already staked out a table. He walked inside and slid into the booth across from him. “Where’s Billy? I figured you’d have him tonight.”
“He’s at a Cub Scout meeting. By the way, Billy’s still talking about that tent you made out of a sheet last week. You’re a bigger deal than Santa Claus.”
“We had a blast doing that,” Ford said. It had been the night he knew exactly what he wanted his future to look like.
“He is the coolest kid, isn’t he?” Jackson’s expression said it all. “From what Angie says, Flynn seems to think you’re a pretty cool kid too.” Jackson punched Ford in the shoulder. “You dog. Don’t you break her heart, or I’ll never hear the end of it. They’re best friends. This is right up there with dating sisters.”
“Flynn said something?” He balled his hand in a fist and opened it, trying to release some of the nervous energy. Ford had planned to mention his feelings to Jackson, but now he was way more interested in hearing what she had said about him.
“You are interested in her, aren’t you?” Jackson looked at him, waiting for an answer. “Your lack of answer is answer enough.” His friend dropped back laughing.
Ford leaned forward. “How crazy would you think I was if I admitted I’d been thinking about her for a while? Like since your wedding?”
“No way.” Jackson pushed his hand through his hair. “Do you know how much crap I’m going to have to listen to from Angie? She swore y’all would be a perfect match at the wedding. I told her she was crazy.”
The waitress stopped by the table and took their order.
“Well, at least now I understand why you’ve been so busy over there at her house.”
“It was part of the deal. You know that. I stayed for free and helped her with her to-do list.”
“Whatever you say, man. Sounds like you may have had your own agenda all along, but don’t worry. No one else will hear that from me. I like seeing you like this.”
“Like what?”
“All googly-eyed like a teenager over Flynn.”
“Who says?”
“I was your wingman in college. I know how you act when you’re not serious. And the way you’re acting today is not like that.”
Couldn’t hide things from a best friend. They’d call bullshit on you so fast it would sting. “It’s been fast, but yeah. I like her. A lot.”
“If there’s even a maybe, you’re an idiot if you don’t at least give it a chance. Flynn is a nice gal.”
“I know that, and I’ve really liked spending time with her, but I don’t think she’d ever leave Boot Creek.”
“Have you asked her?”
“No, but she loves that house.”
“That’s not your decision to make. Just be honest with her, and let things move from there.”
“I don’t want to look like I’m moving too fast.”
“Right now you’re not moving at all. You may as well be a taxidermy moose head.”
“I’ve made a couple of subtle moves.” Were they too subtle? He did only have three weeks left before he headed back home.
“What do you have to lose?”
“Nothing or everything.” And he didn’t want to lose her before he even had her.
“I always thought you’d be the first one of us to get married and here you are the last one of us.”
“Thanks for the reminder. It’s not for lack of trying.”
“You must be one dud of a roommate.”
“I’m a great roommate. I pull my weight.” But he’d never lived with a woman. That wasn’t his style.
“Then just think about what I said. I don’t care one way or the other, but I’d hate for you to miss out on the kind of life I’m living now. I’ve never been happier. Don’t say anything to Flynn, but Angie and I have been trying to get pregnant.”
“That’s great, man.” Ford felt a twinge of jealousy. Even from the outside looking in, Jackson’s life looked pretty good.
Flynn pulled into the driveway. Just as she got out of the car, Ford parked at the curb in front of the house.
She walked up the sidewalk, then waited for him on the porch. “How was your night with Jackson?”
“Good.” His long stride put him at her side in just a few steps. “Did you girls have fun?”
“Always do.” She pulled her keys from her purse and unlocked the door. “I wonder sometimes why we don’t do it more often.”
“Easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. We should all prioritize the things that make us happy.”
She twisted the key in the lock and opened the door.
“I wish it was that easy.” She put her purse down on the table inside, but paused for a moment. He made her happy. Being with him made her feel uniquely like herself. Unaware of anything else. It was comfortable, like they’d been together for a long time, even though they’d only spent days . . . not months together. And perfect. And so not perfect. He was exactly what she said she didn’t want. Why was it always that way?
“It can be that easy. Should be, really.”
She shrugged. What could she even say to all of that? He was right after all. It should be easy. But her relationships never had been. “I’m going to try to schedule more time to get out and do things over the next year.”
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br /> “Like what?”
“I don’t know. Maybe some weekend trips. A class here and there. Work on that bucket list I plan to start.” She walked into the living room with him following along.
“The one with Alaska on it?”
“Maybe.” She glanced around the room. It wasn’t her style, didn’t even really represent her. But. “I love this place. Maybe it’s the memories that this house holds. My mom grew up here. My grandparents spent the best years of their lives here. I spent the best days of my childhood here. Maybe I kind of hoped being here would make that happen for me.” She took in a deep breath. “Is that so bad to wish for?”
“Not at all. Everyone dreams of finding that right person to complete their life.”
She hadn’t said anything about finding someone; he’d kind of read that into what she’d said. But he was right.
“And taking some classes,” he said. “We should always keep learning. What kind of class are you going to take?”
She was glad for the topic shift. “Maybe I’ll take a glassblowing class. Watching your students was really interesting.”
“I could make that happen for you.”
She shook her head. “I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be worthy of an instructor of your caliber. I was thinking maybe a beginner class or something.”
They sat down across from each other, and Ford leaned his elbows forward, resting them on his knees. “I’d really like to teach you. I’m a good teacher. I told you I teach tourists. I’m very patient.”
“Why would you want to do that when you’re teaching all day long?”
“I’d much rather teach you . . . a friend . . . a very beautiful friend . . . than a stranger, any day of the week.”
A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. He thought she was beautiful. She tried to hide the smile with a funny face. “I’ll probably be your worst student ever.”
“Let’s find out.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Completely.” Ford sat back. “And if you’re really that bad, we’ll probably still have fun. What are you doing tomorrow afternoon around four?”
“Nothing that can’t wait.”
“Meet me at PRIZM. You and I have a glassblowing date.”
The word date made her ears tickle. Don’t get your hopes up, she thought to herself. Things were going so well since she’d made the decision to just take things a day at a time and learn to love her life without someone else in it. Stay the course. At least until tomorrow.
“I’ll come on one condition,” she said.
“What’s that?”
“That you let me reciprocate by helping you with something one day.”
“Done.”
“Excellent.” She clapped her hands, then raised them in the air like a gymnast who’d just stuck a perfect landing. “This is going to be fun.”
“It’s going to be great.” He stood and tucked his shirt tighter into the back of his jeans. “I’ve got an early morning tomorrow, so I’m going to get to bed. Don’t make breakfast for me. I won’t have time for it.”
“Okay,” she said. “Good night.”
He reached down and gave her shoulder a squeeze.
“That feels nice.” She laid her head over to his hand still on her shoulder.
He placed both hands on top of her shoulders and started kneading her muscles, slow and deep. She closed her eyes and breathed in. “Did you take a class in massage?”
“No, but I have been told I give the best back massages around.”
“You’d get my endorsement.” She tipped her head to the right. His warm hand grazed her cheek as he continued to rub. She wished he’d take her into his arms.
He stopped. “Sleep well, pretty girl.”
“Good night, Ford.”
She sat with her back to the doorway, listening to his footsteps as he walked through the room toward the stairs.
Disappointed.
She closed her eyes, promising herself that she wouldn’t let herself get carried away. Ford’s friendship had become extra special, and his timing was perfect.
She was thankful for his help with the B&B and how he’d helped her remember to prioritize her own things. That would have to be enough.
Chapter Sixteen
A heavy storm had rolled through Boot Creek around five, and when the thunder woke her, she’d been unable to fall back to sleep. The morning that greeted her was gray and gloomy. She’d given in and pulled on a pair of yoga pants and an NC State T-shirt that had seen better days. She started the coffee and then went to check the porch for the newspaper.
When she opened the door, mist blew inside. The rain pounded the roof like a herd of wild ponies. Loud and powerful.
The sweet smell of the rain drew her outside. Nothing better than a storm.
She picked up the paper, tossing it inside. Water dripped down her arm. She swept at it, then leaned against the porch column, letting herself get lost in the melody of the pounding rain. Lightning danced in the distance and the thunder rolled.
“It’s coffee o’clock,” Ford said through the screen door. He pushed the door open with his foot and stepped next to her. “I brought you a cup. One sugar and one cream, right?”
His voice sent a welcome feeling through her. “Thank you. Yes.” He noticed how I take my coffee.
He sucked in a deep breath. “It’s nice out here.” He handed her the cup of coffee, the mere touch of his hand sending warmth through her.
“I love storms,” she said. “Kind of ruins my hair, though.” She had to look like Medusa after standing out here in the rain for no telling how long. He looked refreshed and smelled of soap like he’d just gotten out of the shower.
He edged closer to her. “You look good to me.”
A bashful rush of heat flooded her cheeks. “Thank you. That’s sweet.” She pulled her hair back, twisting it into what she hoped was at least a passable ponytail.
“Flynn, I’ve got something I need to say.”
“Is something wrong?”
“No.” He set his coffee cup on the porch rail, then took her hand in his. “Something’s right. So right. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you.”
“I’ve had fun too.” What was he getting at? Did he think she was expecting something from him?
“The truth is I’ve been thinking about you since last summer. When I came back for the residency, I wanted to find a way to spend time with you.”
“You did?” She was flattered, but a part of her felt a little duped too. He’d planned this?
“Yeah. Is it just me?” He looked so hopeful. “I think we have something kind of special going on here.”
“Oh.” She let her hand rest in his, because if she moved it, she was afraid he’d see her shaking. It wasn’t just him. She’d felt it, but she’d resisted. He was everything that she’d promised herself she wouldn’t fall for again. She looked into his eyes, and she couldn’t lie. “It’s not just you.”
The way his eyes crinkled at the corners made her insides dance.
He grasped both of her hands in his and leaned in and kissed her softly. Rain blew against them. Was it the kiss or the cold rain that had just sent that shiver up her spine?
He rubbed his hands up and down her arms and then swept her against him, giving her a squeeze that made her heart thunder.
“I’m scared.” She hadn’t meant to say it out loud. “I’m not good with relationships. I don’t want to make another mistake.”
“Why not see where this goes?”
“You’ll be gone soon. Thousands of miles away.”
He leaned back looking into her eyes for a moment. His eyes begged for her trust, and her heart wanted to so badly.
But part of her wanted to run inside and lock him out of the house to keep him from stealing her heart. She was rebounding. That’s what it had to be. She knew better.
He placed a kiss on her forehead. “Think about it. It could be fun.”
�
�I like fun.” But what she really wanted was so much more. Saying she would concentrate on herself was one thing, but her heart seemed to always be on the lookout for that one who would complete her. She lifted her coffee to her lips. “Ugh. That got cold fast.”
“Let’s go in and get a warm-up.” He held the door for her and she ducked under his arm and went to the kitchen. “Want breakfast?”
“I don’t have time,” he said.
“I have just the thing.” She held up a finger for him to hold on a second, then went into the pantry and sorted through a basket on the left top row. She walked back over to the counter holding three vacuum-sealed, candy-bar-sized packages. “Homemade biscotti. Almond, double chocolate pecan, or white chocolate cranberry?”
“You’re kidding me.”
“Or all three?”
“No ma’am. You’re going to make me fat.” Ford took the darkest one of the trio. “No contest. Double chocolate pecan all the way. I’ll leave some for tomorrow.”
“There’s more.”
“They’ve been in there the whole time?”
“I make big batches of them. The vacuum sealer rocks. They’ll keep for like six months, longer without the chocolate.” She laid the other two on the counter.
“I’ll take this with me for an afternoon snack.” He slid a hand over and snagged the almond one. “Maybe I need this one with my coffee now.”
“I’m sure you do.” She opened the other one and took a bite before pouring coffee for them both. “We’re in for a couple days of rain. We need it, though. It’s been dry for a long while.”
“You okay driving out to the studio this afternoon?”
“I’m not afraid of a little rain. Four o’clock, right? I mean, unless you’ve changed your mind,” Flynn said.
“No, no way am I changing my mind. I can’t wait to share glass art with you. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.”
“Good. The furnace guy is coming back this morning to give me an estimate, but I’m all yours this afternoon,” Flynn said. “What are we going to make?”
“Memories,” he said putting his hand on top of hers.