“Then why are you blushing?” Tori asked. “I’m a redhead, and those flames on your cheeks would outdo mine.”
“This must be my punishment for all the years of torturing my little sister.” I flung my gaze to the ceiling.
“What’s the guy look like?” Tori pressed on.
“I have no idea.”
“It’s an adventure blog.” Natty crossed her legs in the chair and took a sip of soda. “How can he post pictures of his adventures and you don’t know what he looks like?”
I shook my head. “It’s not like that. His blog is mixed with photography, so most of his shots are pretty artistic.”
“But there’s not one photo of him?” Nick asked, suddenly suspicious.
“Not that I’ve found.”
“That doesn’t make sense.” Nick propped his elbows on his knees.
“Sure it does. Like if he’s rock climbing, you see a picture of his hand clenching a piece of the red rock and ropes dangling around, or like when he was heli-skiing, there were shots as he jumped out of a chopper, bits of trees framing the photograph. He doesn’t need to be gliding down a mountain taking selfies. He’d run into a tree. It makes complete sense why he’s not in the photos.”
I glanced around the room, taking in the simplicity of the décor. The walls were painted soft beige, and white curtains framed each window. Sophie had recently come in and worked her magic, choosing a new color palette from the vibrant colors Natalie had tried out. What Sophie came up with was nice and soothing. The colors didn’t take away from the view outside. Instead, Sophie’s design led the eye out. Not to mention, there were huge pillows everywhere in varying shades of silvers and pale blues.
I glanced back at the group, realizing all eyes had stayed on me, and they were waiting for me to continue. “It’s hard to explain, but the pictures he posts are gorgeous.”
“Sounds like a classic case of catfishing.” Nick shook his head.
“No, it’s not,” I objected. “He’s not pretending to be something he’s not. He’s just running a blog, and if people like what they see, great, and if not, then whatever.”
“How do you know?” Natty asked. “He reached out to you through your blog.”
“He was interested in a book I’d read and reviewed, and he liked my thoughts on the story. He didn’t mention his blog. I just tracked him backward.”
I’d said too much.
“And you’ve been leaving comments on his posts and he’s been doing the same,” Natty supplied.
Thank goodness I hadn’t told her we’d also traded private messages. He’d go into more detail about trips or what he’d been up to, and I’d slowly been opening up to him in the messages about what I’d been up to or books I’d read but didn’t post on the blog. There was a sense of safety knowing I’d never meet him in person. Granted, the security in that was probably false, and damage could still be done, but I enjoyed our chats.
“It’s not catfishing, because neither of us care beyond what we see online. He’s an interesting character, but I know I’ll never meet him, and I like that about the guy. I’m beginning to realize I like men from a distance, but up close, they’re not that great.” I flashed a grin at Nick. “Present company excluded.”
“Where does he live?” Nick asked.
“I don’t know. I think New Mexico or something. I’ve never asked because it doesn’t matter. The less I know, the better, and vice versa. We’re just two bloggers trying to make it in the world,” I joked, rolling my eyes.
“I sense Jewels is getting a little testy.” Sophie giggled. “I think it’s time we give her a break. Between her near-death experience and being grilled by family about a mysterious stranger, I’d say she needs a break.”
“Especially if you ever want me to come back,” I teased, glancing at Natalie.
“Well, forget about your outdoorsman. If you want to find out more about Jake,” Nick began, “I can probably hook you up.”
“You and I are the only singles in this room. I would’ve thought you had my back.” My gaze turned in his direction, a smile on my face.
“I hear ya.” Nick sat back just as the oven dinged and Natalie popped up.
“Saved by the bell,” I said, standing up to help.
“This is a new recipe, and Cole wanted nothing to do with it. So you guys are my guinea pigs.”
“What is it?” Tori asked.
“Tamale pie,” Natalie answered far too simply. Cole loved everything to do with my sister, so a tamale pie wouldn’t bother him.
“What’s the catch?” I whispered, following Natalie into the kitchen. She grabbed two potholders and went over to the double ovens, opening the top one. “Cole thinks you walk on water and certainly wouldn’t shun your cooking.”
I removed a roll of tin foil from the stove and put it under the sink right before she set the glass casserole dish on the burners.
“It’s tuna.”
“Why would you think that’s a good idea?” My face scrunched up involuntarily as I eyed the casserole dish.
“I love tuna noodle casserole and I love tamales.”
“This sounds like a meal for Pickles,” I said, shaking my head and grabbing another chip out of the chip bowl.
“Leave my cat out of this. She only eats organic dry kibble.”
“Sounds like she’ll be eating better than the rest of us tonight.”
Natalie rolled her eyes and lifted the lid off the dish, and sure enough, she was serving us a tuna tamale casserole.
“Well, I think you figured out a way to chase Nick away for the rest of the evening.” There was an odd coating on the top of the food. My stomach actually turned at the thought of having to eat it, and I was the furthest thing from a picky eater a person could be.
“Why does it smell like Taco Bell decided to get into the fish business?” Nick asked, rounding the corner into the kitchen. His usually attractive face shriveled into a mess of wrinkles and pursed lips.
“Because Natty decided it was time to try a tuna tamale pie invention,” I informed him, taking another chip from the bowl.
“You know, I think my date might have texted me that she caught an earlier ferry.” He glanced at the clock on the oven. “Yeah. Wow. She sure did. I had no idea it was so late.”
“I can see right through you,” Natty said, narrowing her eyes on him. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”
“Maybe Jewels can call that guy she’s stalking online, but I’m out. I don’t need to be adventurous when it comes to chow. I’ll get something on the way to the ferry.”
I nodded in agreement, wondering if Natty expected us to eat the cornmeal tuna slush. A shiver shot through me at the thought, and I took a step back, planning my own exit strategy.
Nick sauntered over to Natalie and gave her a peck on the cheek and a quick hug. “Great appetizers, and I’ll see you next Friday when Cole returns. He’s a lucky man not to be here for this experiment.”
“What a disappointment you turned out to be,” she said, giving him a long look of disapproval. “I thought we had each other’s back.”
“Self-preservation is key,” Nick said. He stopped to give me a quick hug and wandered into the living room, announcing the treat they were in for. It only took a few seconds until the front door closed.
I glanced over at Natty, and my heart sank. She looked sad, and I knew I’d have to try the tuna.
“You know? I’m sure it will be great. Guys are just guys.” I nodded reassuringly, probably more for myself than her.
“You think?” she asked, reaching for the plates as my stomach flopped.
“Totally.”
“So Nick freaked us out a little,” Tori said, venturing into the kitchen with Sophie right behind her.
Sophie smacked Tori’s shoulder and shook her head. “I’m sure it will be delicious.”
Their eyes landed on the casserole dish as Natty scooped the first helping, and I watched Tori’s eyes grow huge. I had to glance away to keep from
laughing.
“Hun, what is that?” Tori asked. “Canned chicken?”
“Tuna,” Natty answered, handing her the first plate. The look of excitement stirred in Natty’s gaze, and it literally hurt my heart. I didn’t care if this was the worst casserole I’d ever eat. I would never tell Natalie that. She’d obviously put thought into this creation and couldn’t wait to share it. “Tuna and tamale all in one dish.”
My phone dinged, and a dart of relief dashed through me. Was there an emergency at the library? Was Coco threatening to jump off Pelican Point? Was my graciousness about to reward me?
All I heard from Sophie was a simple “oh” and I held in a chuckle. We were all in this together.
“I’ll be right back. Gotta check my message,” I informed Natty.
Tori shot me daggers as she stood holding her plate of glop.
“I’ll be right back. Promise.” I eyed Tori and smiled.
“You’re not gonna make a break for it, right?” Sophie whispered.
“Absolutely not.” I smiled and skipped over to the phone, thankful for the distraction.
My blog post just went live about the book and series I’d fallen so in love with earlier in the week. I’d finished the last chapter the evening I’d had the tree mishap, but I didn’t write my post until last night. I needed some time to decompress and think about what I wanted to tell my followers. Not to mention, I’d already missed the characters deeply and needed some time away so I didn’t sound like a sappy mess.
But since the post went live, the comments streaming in were amazing. This was one of my most active posts in months. I scrolled quickly through the list of commenters, and my heart jumped when I saw BlznBookie comment.
Have to admit, I’m not a romance kind of guy, but maybe I’ve been missing out. The nuances you described sound like I’d thoroughly enjoy this story and the characters. But life is an adventure, right? And what better way to experience adventures than with a soul mate? I’m in.
He hadn’t said anything sexual or even personal, but somehow, his words stirred something in me. Yes. Life was an adventure.
Whether big or small steps were taken, we could all afford to be a little more daring, and I, for one, was about to start with my sister’s tuna tamale pie.
I was wandering down the aisle of the farmer’s market two streets down from my house, looking at all the fresh produce and crafts. I’d managed to make it out unscathed the night before from the tuna tamale pie, and it wasn’t the worst thing I’d ever eaten. The flavors definitely weren’t meant to mingle with one another, and the texture was a little questionable, but the important thing was that no one got sick. We’d all survived.
I squeezed my bouquet with brightly colored dahlias and daisies poking out the top of the brown paper wrapping and bent over to sniff a lavender-vanilla sachet.
“We grow all our lavender on Hound Island,” the woman volunteered. She’d been sitting behind the table in her booth and stood up to shake my hand. Her sparkling blue eyes took me in as if I were a longtime friend, and I noticed her hair had several silver streaks running throughout. “I make all my own soaps, scrubs, sachets, and dryer sheets. The dryer sheets are reusable. Just add a little of this to the fabric.” She held up a tiny glass bottle.
“Everything smells incredible. So you have a farm on Hound Island?”
She nodded. “We have eight acres of lavender. My one son lives there with me and tends to the propagation since my husband passed away. My other son lives here on Fireweed.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.”
The woman’s smile deepened. “Don’t be. My husband had a full life, and we were lucky to be loved by him. He probably lived more in his years here than many ever do in a lifetime. Plus, he’s still very much a part of our life.”
I nodded and smiled, noticing a familiar spark behind the woman’s gaze.
“I’m Jewels Jennings. I grew up on Fireweed and just came back here to live.”
“I’m Hildie.” She handed me a business card. “This is our first farmer’s market on Fireweed. My son, who lives here, thought it would be a good one to try.”
“Was it a good idea?” I asked, setting my bouquet down and grabbing a couple of bars of soap. Judging by the bustling crowds, I’d assume it had been.
“So far, so good, and everyone here is quite friendly.”
“Not like that on Hound?” I asked, handing her cash for the soap.
Hound Island was a tiny island not far from here, but they only had ferry service a couple of times each day, and it wasn’t a tourist island like this one. A person generally needed a reason to go to Hound to even remember it existed.
“Everyone is extremely friendly on Hound Island, but there aren’t many people to be friendly with.”
I nodded, stuffing the soaps in my purse. “I’d imagine that to be the case.”
Hildie’s gaze shot over my shoulder, and a huge grin lined her lips before she brought her gaze back to meet mine.
“It was nice to meet you. Hope to see you again,” I said, taking off toward the gourmet popcorn booth.
“See you again,” she called after me.
“Would you like a sample?” the man asked, holding out a kernel of caramel corn in between the tongs. He wore a striped hat and tie, and his completely white hair matched his mustache.
“Would love one.” I shifted my bouquet and held my hand open, popping the fluffy kernel in my mouth. The buttery-sugar goodness melted in my mouth. Thank goodness I went to the cash machine. “I need a bag of this.”
The man chuckled, and we exchanged cash for popcorn as I went on my way. I was so busy concentrating on how to get the bag open with one hand that I crashed right into a very solid someone.
“Whoa. Need a little help?” the man’s voice sounded recognizable, but I couldn’t quite place it.
I took a step back and lifted my gaze to see Jake Harlen, recluse fireman, smiling at me with an amused glint in his eye. He was a good six inches taller than me, and his scruffiness from a few days without shaving looked really sexy. His blond hair was mussed, and I noticed his beard was slightly darker.
I also noticed myself noticing and quickly looked away.
“I got it. Just needed an extra hand or two to get this bag open.”
“Today’s your lucky day. I’ve got two right here.” He wiggled his fingers, and his blue eyes locked onto mine. There was no denying the man was attractive, and by all appearances, he knew it and used it to his advantage.
“I’m fine,” I told him.
“Bag’s still not open,” he said, glancing down at the popcorn I was clutching close to my chest.
“I’ve decided I don’t want any until later.”
“Oh, okay.” He glanced over toward the lavender booth and waved. Jake was dressed in a pair of low-slung cargo shorts and a black t-shirt. A red and blue plaid, unbuttoned shirt clung to his shoulders like he’d burst out of it with one simple movement. There was no doubt he took good care of himself out on his twenty acres doing goodness knows what.
“Burn feeling any better?” he asked, and my eyes flashed up to his. A grin threatened to take over from the sparkle in his eye once he realized I’d been checking him out.
“Yep. Burn is totally good. I think today is my last day of having to wear sundresses.”
“Well, you look beautiful in it.” The heat in his gaze nearly shredded my senses to bits.
Even though the temperature was probably only in the seventies, my entire body turned into a molten mess. I wasn’t prepared for witty interaction, let alone flirtatious compliments from a man who looked this good. I’d been married for six years, and prior to that, I was in college studying hard all the way through until I came out the other side with my Masters of Library Science. Flirting wasn’t in my arsenal of daily living.
I glanced down at my dress and back up at him. “Thanks. My ex-husband bought it for me, and I’m not particularly fond of it or him.”
I crin
ged, unable to believe those words left my mouth. The poor guy tried to compliment me after saving my life only days before, and that was what I’d managed to tell him?
“Duly noted.” He didn’t take his gaze away, his smile unguarded as he studied me.
In an attempt to redeem myself, I pushed my shoulders back and looked him straight in the eye, which did nothing but give my stomach a reason to believe it got swooped into the middle of a tornado. I wasn’t sure if it was the beautiful color of his eyes or how he used them to look at me that shifted my entire world off-kilter.
“Thank you again for the whole rescue thing.”
“My pleasure. I didn’t expect it to make the front page, but I guess it is a small town with a low crime rate.”
“They wanted to infuse everyone’s weekend with some humor, I suppose.”
“How so?” His brow arched, and he took a step toward me, catching me off-guard.
“I didn’t realize I wasn’t as high off the ground as it felt.”
“The camera distorted things,” he assured me, his smile completely disarming.
“It would be quite the distortion.”
“It was,” his voice was low as he reached for my arm reassuringly and squeezed it softly.
Jake seemed nothing like the recluse the island folks had been making him out to be.
“You two know one another?” Hildie didn’t even wait for a response. “I should have known that’s why I liked you.” She came up behind us. “Any friend of my son’s is a friend of mine.”
“Oh, I don’t actually—” I began, but Jake cut me off.
“She’s the woman I told you about who was stuck in the tree.”
I pressed my lips together as the wind in my sails blew right out to sea and my shoulders sank into the bay.
“Oh, yes, dear. That’s why she looked familiar.” She nodded and smiled. “Well, she’s lovely.”
“She is indeed. I’m trying to convince her that the camera can distort images greatly, depending on the kind of lens used.”
“So very true.” Hildie nodded and waved at one of the other vendors. “Well, she is lovely.”
“Thank you,” I said, wondering if those two remembered I was here.
Forever Love on Fireweed Island (Island County Book 4) Page 4