Love Redone in Hidden Harbor (Island County Book 2)

by Karice Bolton

  “You can’t tell that,” Sophie argued.

  “Yes, I can. I’ve lived it and I know the type. Andrea may be a lot things, but she’s not a cheater, and I’ve encountered enough of them to know the signs.”

  “Funny. I’d think just the opposite about Andrea.” I walked over to him and hopped on the counter. “I’d say if she had Anthony Hill in front of her, she just might.”

  “Andrea is all talk. She wouldn’t do it. But I know the look when someone would, and Cynthia had it written all over her face.”

  “So you’re saying that Cynthia wants to bang you?” I asked, crossing my one leg under the other. This wasn’t a side of Nick I recognized.

  “You know…I could see it. Now that you mention it, Cynthia did seem pretty enamored with you.” Sophie came over to us and took a seat next to Nick.

  “Oh, please.”

  “Well, she doesn’t really seem to care about wedding flowers,” Sophie said smiling, knowing that would get under my skin.

  “Her wedding is only a couple months away. Her to-do list is probably off the charts.”

  Sophie and Nick traded glances, which worried me.

  “What?” I asked.

  “I really don’t see this working out well for Cole.” Nick stretched in the chair.

  “Since when do I care about Cole’s feelings? Listen, I love you both, but I think you’re only seeing what you think I want to see. What I saw today was a man, who I happened to date long ago, introduce me to the woman he’s in love with and planning on marrying. My only goal for dinner is to figure out a way to get them to take Pickles with them.”

  “I told you that damn cat was a traitor,” Sophie chuckled, glancing at the clock. “I’ve got to get going, but fill me in on everything. I want details.”

  Sophie trundled out of the flower shop, leaving Nick and I alone to discuss the plans for the night.

  “I still need to get some details about their wedding. I was so out of it, I didn’t even find out if I was providing flowers for their cake or not.” Nick’s gaze caught mine, and I knew he was up to something.

  “I’ll be sure to keep you on track.” He patted my knee and I laughed.

  “Just keep me away from the alcohol, and I should be just fine.”

  He was quiet for a few seconds.

  “I broke up with Andrea.”

  “You did not.”

  “I did.”

  “Why?”

  Just in case he decided to get back with her, I bit my tongue. I’d learned that lesson the hard way.

  “Well, besides the fact that we had nothing in common, and she basically disliked who I was as a human being, it was doomed from the beginning. She didn’t like you and she didn’t like Sophie. After we left that night, she bad-mouthed you both and that was it. I’d been prolonging the inevitable.”

  “What in the world did she say about us?” I asked, completely indignant. I’d been nothing but nice to her. I’d even give her free lattes for crying out loud.

  “You don’t want to know.”

  “Well, since you brought it up. I kind of do.”

  “She thought you were stuck in the past.”

  “That might not be completely inaccurate,” I muttered.

  Nick squeezed my knee. “It was how she said it. But really, we all know it wouldn’t have worked out. I honestly don’t think she liked me. She just liked the idea of dating an artist. Not to mention I’m good at sex.” He wriggled his brows.

  I swatted his hand and laughed. “I wouldn’t know, and I plan on keeping it that way.”

  Nick grinned and shook his head. “Your loss.”

  “You wouldn’t be able to handle this.” I ran my hands along my legs, smiling.

  “In all fairness, could anyone?” His eyes danced with mischief, and I was grateful he’d be with me tonight. He always added much needed levity. “So should we pretend to be something more than friends tonight or play our dull, normal selves?”

  “I take offense.”

  He chuckled. “I say we play something more.”

  “I’m not very good at acting.”

  “Well, you did a great job of looking like you weren’t interested in Cole today.”

  “Really?”

  “I doubt he thinks you’ve ever given him a second thought,” Nick confirmed.

  “Except that when I came out of the cooler, believing I was Wonder Woman, I didn’t know he was already in the shop, and I proclaimed to Sophie how I was finally over Cole Hill.”

  “Ooh.” Nick rubbed his temple and glanced around the room. “On second thought…”

  I grabbed a rag and began wiping down the counters across the room. The smell of my shop from today’s selection of roses, stock, and lavender filled the air. This was my happy place. I’d found a passion in life and went for it. I didn’t need to be bogged down in this unpredictable slog of second-guessing. I knew what I liked and I knew what I wanted. I liked my life and wanted to keep it that way.

  “The dinner can’t go too late. I have to catch the early ferry in the morning to go to the flower wholesaler. My special order is coming in for the wedding on Sunday, and they are only open in the morning on Saturdays.”

  “So does that mean you won’t be coming home with me after dinner?” Nick’s devilish grin made me chuckle.

  “Have I ever?” I teased.

  “No, but I can hope.”

  “You said yourself, you wouldn’t know how to handle me.”

  Nick stood up and held his palm over his heart just as my phone rang, and I saw my sister’s name flash on the screen. I’d told her about the situation, and she was, no doubt, calling to see how things went.

  “Are you gonna answer it?” he asked.

  “I guess,” I grumbled, sliding the phone onto speaker. “Hey, Jewels. You’re on speaker and Nick’s here.”

  “Hey, sweetie. Did you survive?” she asked. “And hi, Nick.”

  “She did so well surviving, we’re now going out to dinner with Cole and his fiancée,” Nick hollered from across the room.

  “Are you serious?” she asked.

  “Yup.” I circled my fingers on the counter and breathed out a sigh.

  Jewels lived in Colorado and it was times like these, I missed her smiling face. She’d moved away two years ago with her husband, and I still hadn’t even managed to visit.

  “Are you sure you’re up for it?” she asked.

  “I can’t cancel. That would just look weird. Not to mention, this might be the one and only chance to find a home for Pickles.”

  “Since when do you want to give away Pickles?” Jewels had watched Pickles while I was at college and she’d grown somewhat attached.

  “Since she fell in love with Cole’s fiancée.”

  “Yikes.” She stayed quiet for a second or two. “So what does Cole look like?”

  I glanced at Nick, and he shoved his hands into his pockets.

  “He looks like I remember,” I informed her before lowering my voice. “Only better.”

  “I’m trying to convince your sister to let him think we’re together,” Nick said, walking over to me.

  “I think that’s a great idea,” Jewels agreed. “Then you won’t feel like a third wheel.”

  “I won’t feel like a third wheel and who cares if I do? This is Cole and Cynthia’s time to shine.”

  Nick grinned and grabbed the cell from me.

  “This is the lowdown, Jewels. I think Cynthia’s a cheater, and I think Cole regrets his decision about ever leaving Natty.”

  “Is that so?”

  “That is not so,” I corrected, pulling the phone back from Nick.

  “I have a sixth sense about these things,” Nick continued. “I’m sure I could prove it. In fact, I’d be willing to make a little wager.”

  “But you won’t because we’re all adults,” I interrupted. “Anyway, I’ll just be happy when April comes and goes.”

  “What’s in April?” Jewels asked.


  “Their wedding.”

  An email flashed up on my screen and Nick caught the sender.

  “Speak of the devil,” Nick said.

  “What?” Jewels asked. I knew she hated to be missing out.

  “Nothing. Cole just emailed something over, probably for the wedding.”

  “Not according to the subject line,” Nick said.

  “What’s it say?” Jewels questioned.

  I pressed my palm over Nick’s lips and begged him to stay silent.

  “Hey, girl. How are you doing?” Tori asked, wrapping her arms around my neck, almost bringing me down in the process.

  These were my people. Cole was coming back onto my turf so why in the world was I letting him make me feel like the oddball?

  Getting the email from him didn’t help either.

  “Absolutely incredible,” I said dryly, as she released her clutches. I’d gone to school with Tori Aickens, and she’d recently moved back to the island. Her boyfriend, Mason, came right up behind her. It was a nice surprise to see these two familiar faces while waiting for the bride and groom-to-be to show up to the restaurant.

  “In case you couldn’t tell by the exuberance in her voice, she’s lying,” Nick said, sliding a shot of icy vodka in front of me.

  Tori bit her lip and glanced at Nick. “Does it have to do with Cole Hill being back in town?”

  I let out a sigh, dropped my head, and chuckled. Word traveled fast.

  Oh, and did I mention the lack of privacy when living on the island?

  “So I guess that answers that,” Tori said, scooting a stool next to mine.

  Nick rubbed my shoulders to get me back in the game.

  “Do you know how long he’s going to be on Fireweed?” Tori asked. “Is he moving back?”

  “No. His visit is only for the weekend. Thank God.” I patted Nick’s hand on my shoulder and grinned. “He’s planning his wedding.” My voice went up an octave.

  “Oh, dear,” Tori let out a deep breath. “Well, at least he didn’t ask you to do the flowers.”

  I rolled my eyes and groaned.

  “What am I missing?” Mason asked, watching me slam the shot.

  “Cole and Natalie went together forever, and then they broke up in college. If I remember, it was kind of sudden.” Tori gave the short version. “I was certain they would be that one couple from high school who outlasted everyone and would marry and live happily ever after. But please tell me that you aren’t doing his flowers.”

  “I’m not doing his flowers,” I chuckled, glancing at Mason. “Well, maybe I am.”

  “In fact, that’s why we’re here,” Nick informed Tori. “She’s finalizing the details.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Tori’s eyes widened. “That level of cruelty is just… I don’t have words.”

  Good thing she didn’t see the email Cole sent over.

  “Ooh.” Mason rubbed his fingers along his jawline. “That’s not good.”

  “He didn’t know I owned the floral shop.” I suddenly felt the urge to protect Cole, which Tori picked up on as she narrowed her gaze on me.

  “The fiancée got so excited that she ran into some people from Cole’s childhood that she insisted on a mini-reunion,” Nick continued. “So they’ll be here any second.”

  “Yikes. So Cole hasn’t mentioned your history.” Tori continued to eye me, and I shook my head.

  “Guess not.”

  “You might need another one of those.” Tori pointed at my empty shot glass.

  “You think?”

  “I know.” She tapped on the bar and ordered another one for me. “So have you met the other woman?”

  “Not the other woman. The only woman,” I corrected. “And yeah, I met her. She seems…”

  “Completely opposite of Natalie,” Nick interrupted.

  I shot him a dubious look.

  “I meant it as a compliment.” Nick grimaced. “I’ll take another one too.”

  The bartender smiled and nodded, filling up a shot glass with the clear liquid.

  “Do you need backup?” Tori asked, glancing at Mason who nodded.

  “I wouldn’t turn it down. Cynthia—that’s the fiancée—wants to meet Cole’s old friends and would love it.”

  “Not sure about Cole, though,” Nick joked. “This has the potential to go so wrong on so many levels. My sense is that Cole’s a little leery. But wants to see Natalie.”

  If only Nick had seen the email.

  Now, I only needed to make it through the dinner without complication.

  “Nah.” I flapped my hand freely in the air, feeling the heat of the second shot slip down my throat. “Two and through by the way. I need to be able to remember what they say.”

  “Speak of the devil,” Tori whispered, eyeing the front door of the restaurant where Cynthia and Cole stood talking to the hostess. “He certainly is easy on the eyes.”

  “Yes. Thanks for pointing that out. I hadn’t even noticed,” I teased, standing up.

  “I’ve seen hotter,” Mason joked.

  “I’m glad you think she’s not all that,” I relayed.

  “I wasn’t talking about his fiancée.” Mason grinned. “But same goes for her. And remember, I work in construction and always carry a shovel in the truck.”

  Tori poked his side, and we started laughing.

  “There should be no need for shovels, trunks, or long rides to the desert. I might have taken you up on that offer a while ago, but I’ve grown. I’ve matured.”

  “Since when?” Tori laughed.

  “Since this morning when I locked myself in the flower cooler.”

  I loved my friends. Now, onto the mission ahead: avoid Cole’s gaze, laugh, and touch, and find out how to quickly marry these two lovebirds with very little collateral damage.

  “I better go let the hostess know there will six of us, not four.” I hugged Tori and hopped off the stool. “I owe you guys. Big time.”

  “Not at all. I have a feeling tonight will be super entertaining and cheaper than a movie.” Tori smirked and gave a sideways glance in Cole and Cynthia’s direction.

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Mason seconded, wrapping his arm around Tori’s waist.

  “You okay to go by yourself?” Nick whispered and I nodded.

  I took in a deep breath and turned around. Everything was going to be fine. All I had to do was not stick my foot in my mouth, stay focused on Cynthia, and try not to trip on my way over to greet them both.

  I slid my palms down my jeans to remove the dampness and took a deep breath in. I’d managed to go home and trade out my plaid flannel shirt for a red wool sweater, and now I was dying of suffocation.

  But it probably had nothing to do with the sweater and more to do with Cole as his gaze landed on me. Cynthia had wrapped her arm around Cole’s waist and was busy talking with the hostess as I made my way over, but his eyes never left me.

  “There’s actually going to be six of us tonight,” I told the hostess.

  “Perfect.”

  “Cynthia, nice to see you again,” I said, touching her shoulder and ignoring Cole.

  Cynthia turned around and looked genuinely pleased to see me and why wouldn’t she? In her mind, I was nothing more than an old high school buddy who would tell her all the details she wanted to know about the love of her life.

  Ugh.

  “Likewise. I’m so glad you agreed to meet us. This will be so fun,” she chirped, unwrapping her arm from Cole’s waist.

  “I actually ran into another blast from the past, and they’re going to join us,” I informed her. Cole stiffened slightly and I had to hide my smile. It gave me twisted pleasure to make him squirm. “Her husband’s with her.” I turned my attention to Cole and raised my brows. “It’s Tori Aickens. Do you remember her?”

  I should never have turned to look at Cole. His eyes were brutally engaging as his gaze swept along my body before answering.

  “I do. You two weren’t really in the s
ame circle.”

  I shrugged. “She moved back to the island this summer. It’s amazing what time can do. Anyway, it should be fun.”

  The hostess grabbed six menus and marked something off on a sheet before motioning for us to follow her. Cynthia took two steps in front of me, leaving Cole behind. He raised his hand, guiding me forward with a gentle push on my back. The gesture was completely platonic, yet his touch shot a warm and familiar sensation through my body.

  The hostess led us to a table that overlooked the water as Nick, Mason, and Tori joined us. Tori had a drink in each hand, and placed one in front of me, and I threw a grateful smile her way. An awkward silence bounced between us all, and I wondered if this was what we had to look forward to the rest of the evening.

  “I still can’t believe Cole grew up here.” Cynthia shook her napkin out and placed it in her lap.

  “Really?” I was curious to hear how she saw Cole. To me he’d always fit perfectly well in small-town living.

  She nodded. “He loves takeout at ten o’clock at night and from what I can see, nothing stays open past nine.”

  I prickled at her observation of the place I called home. Not to mention, she was wrong. Most places stayed open until ten o’clock.

  “Well, what I can’t believe is that Natalie Jennings owns the one and only flower shop in town.” My eyes flashed to Cole’s and my heart skipped a beat as he licked his lips. “I mean how in the world does a woman who’s allergic to everything under the sun, including flowers, wind up working in a profession that revolves around pollen.”

  “Really? You have allergies and you’re working with flowers all day?” Cynthia seemed intrigued.

  “Well, it’s not exactly like that. The flowers don’t seem to bother me at all. Pickles on the other hand…” my voice trailed off as I watched Cole’s smile deepen.

  “Pickles what?” he prompted.

  “Besides that she hates me, I’m allergic to her, but it’s better that she’s at the shop. I can just sweep the tile floors up and there’s no furniture for her to roll all over.”

  “How could Pickles hate anyone?” Cynthia asked, in between ordering her drink. “She is the sweetest cat.”

  Tori laughed and shook her head.

  “Not even. Pickles is known as the island’s attack cat. Natty even had to get stitches from her.”