Whisper of Love (The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, Book Five)

by Melissa Foster

  “Was his place that great, or was it him?” Jillian asked. Leave it to her to get straight to the point.

  They walked around to the side of the building and sat on a bench.

  “I don’t know how to answer that. It’s not like the house is anything special, but at the same time, the whole place felt like it was waiting to be special.”

  “Um…? You’ve lost me.”

  “His house needs work, and he hasn’t done a lick of decorating, except in his son’s room. But you know how you walk into some places and it feels like home? Not just a house? I don’t think most people would feel it when they walked into his place, but when you’re there with them, you can feel their love, you know? It’s like decorations don’t matter. And there’s no one around, so it’s peaceful and they have goats and chickens. I feel like it’s all calling to me. You know what I mean? And he…he…” She inhaled deeply and blew it out slowly. “He’s quiet but strong, and he’s so dedicated to his son, it practically oozes out of him. He’s as protective as our brothers are toward us. Maybe more so.”

  “Wow. That’s saying a lot.”

  “Right?” Tempest’s heart warmed with the memory of Nash’s hand running over Flip’s head and down his back. “He looked at his little boy like he was the only thing that mattered on earth, and then there was the soulful way he spoke about his family. When he wasn’t being gruff.”

  “Gruff?” Jillian’s face grew serious. “That doesn’t sound great.”

  “Well, he was only that way at first, when he was carrying Flip around—”

  “Flip?” Jillian laughed. “Like…Flip Wilson? Who would name their kid Flip? Flip. Flip. Flip. Actually, it’s kind of cute. Like, really cute.”

  “Jilly!”

  “Sorry. Go ahead. I’ll behave.”

  “Anyway, after he put Flip to bed he was a lot less gruff. I think he has two personas, the one that protects his son with all his might and the man. You know what I mean?”

  “Do I ever.”

  “It’s like there’s this part of him that is trying so hard to be what his son needs, and that’s so sexy, right? And then there’s this other part of him that’s maybe not used to being let out to play. It’s hard to explain, but I could feel him sort of coming out of his shell, then pulling back.”

  “You explained it perfectly.” Jillian squeezed her hand. “I can see why you’re drawn to him. It sounds like he’s mysterious, and a farmette? That’s so you.”

  “There’s more.” Her chest tightened at what she was about to reveal, but talking about Nash was helping her to see him more clearly. “He lost his father, and I have no idea where Flip’s mom is, but I get the sense that there’s a painful story there. I just wish there was a sign, or something I could draw on, to know if renting from him is the right thing to do, or a big mistake.”

  “Let’s do pros and cons.” Jillian reached for Tempest’s bag and dug around in it, pulling out one of her notebooks and a pen.

  Tempest laughed. “Help yourself.”

  “I did.” Jillian drew a line down the center of the paper. “Okay, pros?”

  “The location is perfect.” She watched Jillian write, Perfect location, then He’s hot. “Jilly.”

  “What? That’s a pro, regardless of what my brothers say.”

  “Whatever. Pros…” Tempest smiled at a young family walking by. From where they sat on the bench, she could see the shops on Main Street and the ones around the corner. She liked watching people going about their evening, and she wondered what Nash and Flip were doing. Were they collecting eggs? Was Nash reading him a story? She hadn’t seen a television, which was a big plus, because she’d always felt that televisions were distractions from getting out and living life. Then again, everyone watched shows on their phones these days. She tried to picture Nash watching some mindless show on his phone, and she couldn’t do it. His bookshelves were packed with classics, and titles like In the Heart of the Sea.

  “Earth to Tempe.” Jillian waved her hand in front of Tempest’s face.

  “Sorry. Pros. The rent is reasonable. I think we’d get along well, and he said he doesn’t have any strange habits.”

  “Says the man. Just remember, what we think is strange he might think is perfectly normal.”

  “True.” Tempest watched a couple walk out of the diner across the street holding hands. The man spun the woman in his arms and kissed her. Tempest looked away, feeling like a voyeur.

  Jillian leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Can you imagine that?”

  “Imagine it? I hope for it.” Tempest laughed. “I’ve dated plenty of guys and never felt that wanted. But you have.”

  “Nah.” Jillian waved a hand dismissively. “Wanted yes, but not like that. That’s in-love wanted. I’m more of a let’s-get-crazy-for-a-while girl. Although don’t get the wrong impression—I don’t sleep around.”

  “I know that.” Tempest didn’t want to talk about sexy times with men. That would just make her think of getting hot and bothered with Nash, and that would not help at all. She turned her attention back to her dilemma and said, “Pros. His son is incredibly cute, and quiet, like Nash.” She loved the way his name rolled off her tongue.

  Jillian stopped writing. “This isn’t even a question, is it? You’ve got that look in your eyes that I get when I’ve made up my mind about something.”

  “No, I don’t. I can’t. I’m too worried about moving in and wanting to attack my landlord.”

  “Now we’re talking.” Jillian pressed pen to paper, writing as she spoke. “Pros. Nash is attackable.”

  “Cross that out!” She reached for the pen and Jillian pulled it out of reach. “Seriously, Jilly. I’ve never wanted to attack anyone in my life. I roll my eyes when girls say that. I can’t even believe I said it.”

  “That’s because you’re all universe-oriented and hippie-girl cool. You float through life on a serious cloud of helping others and enjoying the simple things in life, like gentle breezes and butterflies.”

  If anyone else had said that to her, it would have sounded sarcastic, or off-putting, but despite how different they were, Jillian understood those parts of Tempest that others sometimes found odd or boring.

  Jillian put her arm around her and said, “You always put yourself last, so it makes sense that you’ve missed out on this kind of fun, sexy stuff. You don’t look for it the way some of us do.”

  “I wasn’t looking for it last night, either.” She really hadn’t been. After their phone call she’d been ready to face a stoic, grumpy guy.

  “That’s why I think you should stop worrying so much and let yourself enjoy it. If your connection is that strong, and you truly wanted to attack Nash, it has to mean something.” She tapped the paper with her pen. “But I know you’re all about making careful choices. So let’s go over the cons.”

  “Nash is attackable,” Tempest said with a heavy sigh.

  Jillian laughed. “Attackable, pro and con. You’ve got that right. And…?”

  “That’s all I’ve got,” she admitted. “The room is small, but there’s a claw-foot tub—which doesn’t work, but it still looks cool—and a fantastic deck off of the bedroom where I can play my guitar, and it has the most amazing views.”

  “Oh, my sweet cousin. You’ve got no cons? The only thing holding you back is that you’re attracted to him?”

  Tempest nodded. “My brain says it’s not a good idea to move in, but…” She shrugged, not wanting to describe what parts of her were telling her not to walk away.

  “I know you’re a big believer in signs and all things cosmic, but sometimes you just have to go with your gut. Take my business, for instance…”

  As Jillian talked about the risks involved with starting her business, Tempest thought about Nash’s expression when he told her about losing his father, and the way he’d looked at Flip throughout their visit. And the way he’d looked at her. Or at least the way she thought he’d looked at her.

  Jillian
grabbed her arm. “Oh my God,” she whispered. “Talk about hot.”

  Tempest followed her gaze across the street. Her heart stumbled at the sight of Nash lifting Flip up. His biceps strained against his short sleeves as he kissed Flip on the nose, then lifted him higher, turning him around and settling the little boy on his shoulders. He reached up with one hand and circled the boy’s lower back, while the other held his ankle. Flip giggled and patted the top of Nash’s ball cap as they approached the walk-up ice cream window.

  “I’m suddenly hungry for ice cream.” Jillian rose to her feet, and Tempest absently reached for her hand. “What?” Jillian asked.

  “That’s him.” There’s no bigger sign than seeing the man I’ve been thinking about since last night.

  “That’s Nash?” Jillian whispered. She wrenched her arm free and started across the street.

  Oh no. No, no, no. Lord only knew what type of inquisition Jillian would give him. Tempest hurried after her.

  “Tempest!”

  Nash turned at the sound of Nick’s deep voice calling her name, his eyes slammed into her, landing like a bolt of adrenaline to her already rapid pulse. His lips curved up. Nick called her name again, and Nash’s eyes shifted over her shoulder. His chin tipped down, his eyes became hooded, and his smile turned to stone.

  Chapter Four

  NASH HADN’T FELT the muscle-clenching determination of competition in years, but as three large men converged on Tempest and her friend, all those instincts flared to life. He drew his shoulders back and stepped closer to the woman he had no claim on, meeting each of the men with what he knew would come across as a fierce and protective glare.

  The heavily muscled, dark-haired guy who had called Tempest’s name came to her side, giving Nash a serious once-over, then turning his attention to Tempest and her friend. “Y’all ditched us?”

  “No, we didn’t.” The petite dark-haired woman who had crossed the street ahead of Tempest was visually devouring Nash one inch at a time as the other two guys stepped up beside them.

  The tallest of the three was rough-looking, tatted up, and eyeing Nash and Phillip. Nash tightened his arm around his son, weighing the situation. The third man was fairer haired and appeared more curious than threatening.

  Nash lifted his chin in acknowledgment to them.

  Tempest’s eyes flicked up to him. She had worry written all over her face, making him feel even more protective of her.

  Stepping closer, he said, “Everything okay?”

  A tentative smile spread across her lips. “Hi. I was just thinking about you. I mean, your place. The room you have for rent.” She spoke so fast her words ran together.

  An amused expression washed over the lighter-haired guy’s face as words spilled in fast succession from Tempest’s beautiful, full mouth.

  “These are my cousins. This is Jillian.” She motioned toward each of the men, “My cousins Nick and Jax, and Jace, Nick’s friend.” Pointing to Nash, she said, “This is Nash Morgan, and his son, Flip.”

  Damn, he loved hearing her say his name like that, breathless and nervous, but from the look on the other guys’ faces, they had noticed, too, and hadn’t liked it nearly as much.

  Jace stood up taller and crossed his arms. The dude was seriously ripped and had a few inches on him—and no child on his shoulders. Nash inhaled deeply, standing tall and proud against their scrutiny.

  “Nice to meet you,” Nash said, offering his hand to Nick first.

  “You, too. Cute boy.” Nick’s tone was serious, but Nash appreciated his acknowledgment of Phillip.

  “Thanks.” He shook Jax’s hand. “Jax.” Then he held a hand out to Jace, whose threatening gaze held his a beat too long. “Jace,” he said with a touch of humor in his voice. Nash had never been easily intimidated.

  Jace shook his hand, his eyes flicking up to Phillip. “Good-looking little man you’ve got there.”

  Thank God he wasn’t a prick. “Thanks.”

  “Are we done ruffling our feathers?” Jillian patted Jace’s shoulder. “Down, boy.” She looked up at Nash. “Sorry. We’re a bit too closely knit sometimes, but at least you’re getting a full dose of it before you two share a house. You know we have to ask you all the requisite questions since Tempest is thinking about renting a room from you.”

  “I am,” Tempest said. The confidence he’d seen last night returned in the squaring of her shoulders and the determined set of her jaw.

  Nash raised his brows. “You are…?”

  “Renting a room from you. I mean, if the offer is still good.”

  “It is. That’s great.” Would it be rude of him to do a fist pump?

  “You are?” Jillian couldn’t hide the surprise in her voice.

  You hadn’t decided until just now?

  Nick shot a half-smile, half-warning look at Nash. “Guess we should start those questions now.”

  “Back off, Nick. The guy’s got his kid on his shoulders.” Jax sighed. “Don’t hurt her, screw with her head, or otherwise do anything offensive to her. Got it?”

  “Jax!” Tempest groaned. “Sorry, Nash. I failed to mention that in addition to overprotective brothers, I also have a few overprotective cousins.”

  He didn’t like having to defend himself to strangers, but he was glad Tempest had strong family ties and people who would look out for her without hesitation. He admired that, although he could see it mortified Tempest.

  “No worries.” His eyes slid over each of the men. “I’m just a single dad trying to grow my business. I’ll treat her with the same respect I’d hope each of you would treat a woman living under your roof.”

  Jillian and Tempest exchanged a look of approval.

  “All right, then,” Jax said. “How about some ice cream?”

  Nash glanced at Tempest, who lifted one shoulder in the cutest shrug he’d ever seen. He would rather spend time alone with her and Phillip, getting to know her better, but this would have to do. A twinge of guilt followed that thought, because it had nothing to do with his aversion to hanging out with three guys he didn’t know and everything to do with the awareness coursing through him as he compared Tempest’s nervous smile to the easier ones from last night and the way her clear blue eyes were moving between him and Phillip, then shifting away when he caught her watching them.

  The next few minutes were uncomfortable as they ordered ice cream and settled in around a table on the patio to eat. Within a few minutes the conversation moved from scrutinizing him as a potential housemate for Tempest to lighter topics, which was a damn good thing. Nash was nervous enough wondering if the electricity buzzing between him and Tempest was as palpable to the others as it was to him. Phillip sat happily on his lap, devouring his ice cream while they talked. They made cute remarks to Phillip and generally proved they weren’t the assholes he’d thought they were when they had chased Tempest across the street. Jillian jumped in and out of the conversation between texting. And Tempest…Tempest was as sweet and alluring as she’d been last night.

  “So you all live around here?” Nash asked no one in particular. It’d been a long time since he’d sat around a table with anyone other than Phillip, and he had to work hard to quiet the untrusting voices in his head. Part of him was itching to leave. But another part of him, the part he had tried, and failed, not to think about for the last twenty-four hours, was in no rush to leave Tempest.

  “I travel quite a bit,” Nick said. “But this is home base for me. Family, you know.”

  Family. Yeah, he remembered what it was like to have a family. He kissed the back of Phillip’s head. Phillip was his family now. There was a time when Nash had lived a bohemian lifestyle. Moving from state to state, going wherever he could to sell his artwork. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

  “Jax and I live here, too,” Jillian said as she finished her ice cream and her phone vibrated again.

  Tempest was watching Phillip with a soft gaze and a genuine smile. It did something funky to his stomach to see her a
dmiring his boy like that. Trying to distract himself, he turned his attention to Jace. “How about you? Are you from around here, too?”

  Jace shook his head. “I move around a lot with my business. I design motorcycles and have a number of shops throughout the United States. But speaking of moving around, I’ve got to cut out. I’m heading out of town to see my sister, Mia, in New York.” He pushed from the table.

  Nash stood, bringing Phillip up with him as he extended a hand to Jace. “It was nice to meet you.”

  “Thanks, man.” Jace cracked a smile at Phillip. “See ya around, little man.”

  Phillip buried his face in Nash’s chest.

  “I’d better go, too. Lots of designing to do. Right, Jax?” Jillian gave Jax and Nick a very obvious, let’s-leave-them-alone look, and they both took the hint. She hugged Tempest and smiled at Nash and Phillip. “I’m so glad we had a chance to meet. I’m sure we’ll see you soon.”

  “Sorry for the abrupt introduction,” Jax said, and patted Nash on the back as if they were old friends.

  Nash tried not to bristle, but the habit came too fast. “It’s all good. You can’t be too careful these days.” He said goodbye to Nick, and as he sat beside Tempest again, her cheeks flushed. “They seem nice,” he said, hoping to ease her discomfort, and maybe his own.

  “I’m so sorry.” She looked tenderly at Phillip. “I didn’t expect to see you, much less intrude on your time with Flip.”

  He opened his mouth to correct her, but she was embarrassed enough. He didn’t need to make her feel funny about mishearing his son’s name. “I’m glad you did” came out before he had a chance to think it over, and her cheeks burned redder. “Look, there’s no pressure for you to rent the room. Take your time and think it over.”

  “I have. I want to rent it. That is, unless…Oh my gosh. They scared you off. I don’t blame y—”

  “No, they didn’t.” Their eyes connected, and for a minute, the world around him silenced.

  “Are you sure?”

  Sure? Oh, right. “Positive.” He placed his hand on Phillip to keep from reaching out to brush a lock of hair from in front of her eyes. “They’re just looking out for you. You’re lucky to have them.” Luckier than you might know.