Avery traced Shilah’s perfect pecs as they lay languid in his bed. The past three-and-a-half weeks had been a whirlwind of unbridled sexual escapades. She was so at ease with him, so relaxed. She’d called in sick twice, which was completely unprecedented. Every time she did go to work, the entire staff stared at her in wonderment. She knew she was ripe and glowing and she didn’t care.
Her mother had lost the election to Colin’s dad by a landslide. According to her father, Sandra was devastated, and kept saying, “Sometimes it really pays to own a bar.” Avery wisely stayed away from her childhood home.
Now Thanksgiving was less than a week away, looming like a stranger on a foggy day. She’d been trying to decide how to approach the subject with Shilah without sounding like a total girl. Riddled with conflict, she wanted him to come to her family’s celebration, but she didn’t want to pressure him. She wondered if her mother would make him feel uncomfortable and wasn’t completely sure what type of reception the rest of the Harpers would give him, either.
“What’s on your mind, Avery?” His chest reverberated under her cheek as he spoke. She raised her head and looked into his dark, thoughtful eyes. A soft smile played on his lips, as he seemed to drink her in. She melted under his gaze. Exchanging looks with Shilah was a strange and glorious contradiction. His gaze excited her and relaxed her at the same time. She could lose herself in his eyes.
“Thanksgiving.”
“Ah, yes. A celebration of the day your ancestors broke bread with my savage ancestors,” he deadpanned. Avery smirked. She'd become familiar with the subtle tells of his beautiful features and she knew he was toying with her by the way his luscious lips twitched at the right corner.
“Yep. Amongst the many other atrocities, my people made your people put on clothes. Bastards.” He beamed down at her appreciatively and ran his large fingers delicately along her thigh.
“What are your plans for the blessed event?” His tone was light, but she noticed his smile didn't meet his eyes. She hesitated, but only for a millisecond.
“Large family feast. Want to come with me?” Her heart fluttered and it took every ounce of willpower she could muster not to look away from his eyes. Some strange expression flickered across his face. She hadn't seen it before, but if she had to guess, she suspected it was fear. She decided to attack it with humor.
“You’re not scared, are you Shilah? Big strapping warrior like you?” Shilah uttered a laugh and caressed Avery’s cheek.
“I’ll go on one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m not teaching anyone how to hunt or fish.” Shilah smirked as Avery uttered a surprised laugh.
“Sounds fair.” She flashed him a toothy grin, unable to contain her excitement. Shilah glanced at the clock on his bedside table and exhaled.
“I’ve got to get to work. Jason is watching like a hawk for an excuse to tattle on me and I don’t want to give him any ammo.” As he climbed out of bed, Avery shot him a concerned look. She hadn’t seen Jason since Nicole’s party, and this was the first time Shilah had mentioned him. Seeing her expression, he shrugged nonchalantly.
“It’s really not a big deal, Avery. I can outperform Jason with my hands tied behind my back.”
“It’s just a bunch of bullshit. We broke up forever ago.”
“He still thinks you’re his. It’s going to take some getting used to. I’d feel the same way if I were in his shoes.”
Avery toiled over Shilah’s words all the way to Stone Valley. As heartless as Jason often seemed, she hated that she’d hurt him. She knew Shilah could handle himself, but she loathed that he had to work side by side with Jason. At times like this she wished she lived in a larger city; the incestuous nature of Jefferson Point could be so stifling.
As she entered Onyx, tempting smells made her mouth water. The popular breakfast buffet brought in many locals during the off-season. Tables in the restaurant were only half full, but it was early. To her surprise, she spotted Nicole by the windows with one of the wealthiest women in town. Nic had been busy making a reputation for herself, zipping through design jobs. It appeared she was about to land another client, and this one was a hell of a catch.
Avery peeled off her coat and headed to her office. Several local businesses had contacted her about booking rooms for their company Christmas parties, and she needed to organize the rooms by party size and dates. She had just pulled up her email and calendar when Nicole appeared at her door.
“Hey. I’m coming in on Black Friday to decorate for Christmas. Did you call Aaron about the trees?” For some reason, Nicole had kept to herself since the night of her Halloween party. She’d flat out asked Avery to call Aaron about placing an order, and Avery couldn’t blame her. Though Joy had come to her party with Jason, she’d taken Aaron home. No matter what Nicole said, it was as clear as glass to anyone with eyes that she and Aaron were crazy about each other. Unfortunately, neither of them seemed to get it. The only person Nicole seemed to be spending any time with (besides Ike, of course) was Colin O’Connell. Both times Avery had called her about lunch plans Nicole was already at lunch with Colin. To be fair, Avery had been busy with Shilah; she couldn’t completely blame Nicole for their lack of girl time.
Avery wasn’t sure what had happened between Nicole and Lauren, but neither woman wanted to discuss the subject. Jules was tightlipped about the entire situation, and even though Jack and Lauren had left for their cruise, Nicole had been avoiding CoffeeSmith’s like the plague.
“I called Aaron. They’ll be delivered on Thanksgiving Day, just like you asked.”
Nicole simply nodded in response. Thanksgiving Day was the only day Stone Valley and Foster’s were both closed. The country club had placed a rather large order and Aaron had said he would supervise the delivery personally. Avery intentionally neglected to mention that part to Nicole and said nothing to Aaron about Nicole receiving the delivery. She knew Nicole was avoiding Aaron and that she would stress about it if she was told in advance, and no one was going to want to take her place on Thanksgiving Day. Besides, they were both being ridiculous and deserved it.
“Hey, Nic. You want to go have dinner tonight? I’ve been dying for nachos from Azul.”
“Sure. Mind if I bring Ike?’
“You have to ask? Of course not!”
“What do you think? 6:00?”
“It’s a date.”
Azul was bustling at 6:00 and Avery was glad she’d called ahead for a booth. The cold rainy weather had the town in the mood for Mexican food. Ike entertained himself attacking the chips and salsa. Nicole’s phone kept buzzing and she’d repeatedly glanced at texts looking troubled.
“What the hell, Nicole?” Avery sighed after the fourth time she’d checked her texts.
“It’s Colin. He’s bugging me to ask you if Ike can spend the night with you Friday so he can stay over.” Nicole toyed with the straw in her margarita and frowned.
“I’d love to take Ike,” Avery replied, running her hand over Ike’s newly buzzed hair. Oddly, since hearing about Ryan’s indiscretions, the idea of Nicole dating hadn’t bothered her as much. Colin was a cool enough guy, though he had a reputation for being a bit of a player. Nicole seemed less than thrilled.
“I don’t know. I’m going to be busy decorating at Stone Valley that day.” Nicole looked out the wet windows at Main Street, barely visible in the darkness.
“Ike and I will have a blast. Live a little, why don’t you?” Avery watched Nicole’s body language. Her trepidation was undeniable. “Nervous?”
Nicole met her gaze and the expression she wore was so complex, Avery was taken aback. Her eyes seemed misty and seeing her friend in that condition made Avery’s throat close. She sipped her tequila and opened her mouth to barrage her with questions, then closed it abruptly when she saw Nicole start to speak.
“He’s fun. He plays guitar. He’s got great taste in music, which is very refreshing after Ryan and all his jock rock drivel. And h
e understands what I’m talking about when I mention Afremov.”
“Who?”
“He’s an artist, but thanks for proving my point. Colin’s the first guy I’ve ever dated that I have anything in common with. Plus he’s really sweet.”
“And gorgeous…” Avery saw Nicole’s eyebrow twitch and the sides of her mouth curved with a smile.
“He’s sexy as hell.” Nicole practically giggled.
“So why are we still talking about this?” Avery leaned her elbows on the table.
Nicole paused. “It’s more complicated than it should be. I just don’t know if I should go down that road. What about you and Shilah? How are things?” The conversation volleyed back into her court and it caught Avery off guard. She shrugged.
“He’s phenomenal. I invited him to The Hell House for Thanksgiving.”
“And?”
“He’s coming. I hope it was a good move. I’ve never brought anybody home except for Jason.”
“Don’t you think it’s time you move past Jason?” Nicole’s serious expression gave her pause, but she plunged forward with her retort.
“And don’t you think it’s time you moved past Ryan? Let me take Ike, Nicole.” Nicole stared into her margarita as if it were a crystal ball.
“All right. Have you prepared Shilah for your mother?” The thought of her mother holding court with Shilah caused her to wince.
“No.”
“Well then I’m traumatized for him.”
Avery had a sinking feeling of foreboding at Nicole’s comment, and as the door to the restaurant opened, she watched Nic’s gaze shift automatically as a burst of cold wind hit them. Avery had her back to the door and the metamorphosis of Nicole’s features from amused interest to horrified anger caused her to whip her head around. Aaron had just entered the restaurant and was holding the door open for a familiar looking woman. Avery wracked her brain trying to place her.
“Why do I know her?” Avery asked aloud.
“The dominatrix, Hooker Boots.” Nicole’s voice was cold as the waiter approached with their plates. Aaron led his date to the bar, where they sipped their beers without removing their coats. Avery assumed they were waiting for a takeout order. Nicole seemed to ignore that side of the restaurant and pushed her food around on her plate. The merriment of the Mexican music so dramatically contrasted the mood at their table that Avery wanted to laugh out loud.
“Should we just get some boxes? You don’t seem very hungry.” A simple nod was all the response she got. As Avery motioned for the waiter, she saw Aaron and his date heading back toward the door with their carryout. Aaron spotted them first and to Avery he looked guilty and sad. Avery and Aaron exchanged nods and Nic refused to look in his direction, busying herself wiping off Ike’s hands. The look Hooker Boots gave them could have withered a redwood tree.
“He gets around,” Nicole mumbled, pursing her lips. They watched the couple climb into Aaron’s truck.
“No doubt.” Avery wondered how tense the Christmas tree delivery would be now. “Lauren said that Joy changed her relationship status to ‘single’ on Facebook the day after your party and there was some long rant about ‘men who act like little boys.’”
Nicole seemed to hang on her every word. When her phone buzzed again, she uttered an exasperated sigh and looked at Avery unhappily.
“So I take it you’re not bringing Colin to Thanksgiving?”
“Your mother would have a stroke.”
Aaron guzzled coffee from his thermos as he backed the delivery truck up to the country club entrance. He’d brought two guys along to unload the 20 Christmas trees, 20 tree stands and 100 strings or greenery. His mom would have a fit if he was late for lunch on Thanksgiving and it was already 10:15. For the past several days, Chrystle, Paige’s friend, had been doing her damnedest to get into his pants. After ending things with Joy he figured, ‘What the hell? Jump right back up on that horse.’ Unfortunately, every time Chrystle came at him with that oh-so-talented mouth, his thoughts turned instantly to Nicole. He was sure he was sick—mentally deranged. At this rate, he was never going to get laid again.
He hopped out of the truck and hurried around to the back. His two employees were already opening the truck and attaching the ramp. His under-caffeinated brain cloudy, he decided it would be a smart idea to head inside and see where Avery wanted each tree, so they had a plan of attack. Entering the restaurant, he walked past the water wall and was greeted with a view of the restaurant’s main dining area. He heard someone moving around behind the bar and was about to call Avery’s name, when he spotted Colin pouring himself a drink. Taken by surprise, he ducked back out of view.
What the heck is Colin O’Connell doing behind the bar at Onyx?
The caffeine kicked in all at once. Sean had told him Colin was seeing Nicole, his loyal buddy/loyal brother way of keeping the peace, trying to break the news to him before he saw them together. He assured Sean that it was none of his business. Colin’s presence could only mean one unfortunate thing: Nicole was here in Avery’s place. Aaron made a mental note to shake the hell out of Avery the next time he crossed her path.
Feeling like a little bitch for hiding, he peeked around the corner. He rolled his eyes at himself.
Cowboy up, dude.
As he was about to reveal himself, he saw Nicole come out of the back room, her hands full of supplies. As he watched her join Colin behind the bar, Aaron’s jaw clenched as he admired her golden hair, which was up in a ponytail. She was dressed in clingy sweats. Her beauty nearly brought Aaron to his knees. Colin apparently felt the same, because he grabbed the toolbox she was carrying from her and placed it on the bar, pulling her into his arms.
“So did you talk to Avery? Is she going to take the boy tomorrow night?” Colin hands slid down to Nicole’s perfect ass. Aaron hated that he’d called Ike the boy, and he hated the lecherous look Colin had on his face. Aaron had a terrible fantasy of breaking each of the fingers that were on Nic’s behind. It was freaky how much the vision pleased him.
“Yeah,” he heard Nicole respond neutrally. Colin stopped nuzzling her neck, seeming as surprised by her tone as Aaron was. He wished he could see Nic’s face. He wanted to read her expression, but her back (and that fantastic ass) was to him.
“Jesus, Nicole. You could at least pretend to be excited. Don’t you want this?” Colin wore a frustrated expression. Aaron grudgingly felt empathy for the guy. He knew all too well what it felt like to desire Nicole and for her response to be impassive. That night in Chicago was forever etched in his mind as near perfection, but she’d stopped him and the next morning acted detached. They’d both tried to brush it off like nothing had happened, and they’d never had a real conversation again until the one in her loft when he insisted they’d never be together. He watched her untangle herself from Colin’s embrace.
“Colin, I’m sorry…” Aaron was familiar with her tone and figured the conversation was about to take an uncomfortable turn. He couldn’t stand to witness the poor guy get dumped, so he headed quietly back outside and told the guys to move the four largest trees first. He helped untie and move the smaller ones out of the truck, placing them aside. Unable to distract himself with the physical job, his mind whirled as he speculated about what was happening in the bar. Not five minutes after he’d come back outside, Colin stormed out the door, pausing for a moment when he saw the three of them and the delivery truck. He nodded a curt greeting at Aaron, but it was clear he was furious. As he hopped in his car and peeled out, Aaron rushed inside to check on Nicole with four Christmas tree stands tucked in his arms.
Nicole had her back to him and seemed to be looking at the floor. He made as much noise as he could, coming into the restaurant. She spun around. The look of shock on her face when she saw him might have been amusing under other circumstances.
“A-Aaron,” she stammered, his name sounding almost like a question. Her heart-shaped face looked like she had just walked in from the cold, and those daz
zling eyes seemed to glisten with unshed tears. He wondered if it was hard on her, crushing men under the toe of her tiny sneakers. He nodded at her casually and proceeded toward the windows on the far side of the room. He placed the tree stands against the wall under the windows. When he turned to make a second trip to the truck, she was right in his path. His heart rate tripled and he had the irrational urge to run from her as if she were an axe-wielding murderer; her power over him was terrifying. Feeling cowardly, he stopped in his tracks and waited. Her eyes searched his; it was the longest eye contact they’d had since he’d been to her house. Thankfully, her gaze shifted from him to the tree stands behind them, and she walked around him to reposition them. Amused that her designer instinct superseded any emotional fall out, he grinned.
She proceeded to direct him and his employees, which helped speed up delivery considerably. She jumped in to help them, repositioning furniture and lugging in greenery. Aaron now understood her casual attire—she did not intend to sit around looking pretty while they did all the heavy lifting. She filled all the stands with water as they worked, and sooner than he expected, they were alone again. His employees had bailed to get their Thanksgiving on.
Awkward silence hung between them like a curtain in a vaudeville show. Tired and frustrated by the tension, Aaron plunged into the overdo conversation he’d intended to have at O’Connell’s. She was washing her hands behind the bar and when he approached, she gave him a shy smile.
“Oh! The check! Sorry, here you go. Thanks for coming out on Thanksgiving. I know it sucks.” She handed him the check, which was written for three hundred dollars more than he’d quoted Avery. In the memo line, she’d actually written “Sorry!” and had drawn a smiley face. That little shit…
“Listen, Nicki…” he started and then remembered her aversion to the name. This time, however, she didn’t blink at his term of endearment. She seemed to wait, watching him with those drop dead eyes. “I’m sorry things were so crazy when you first got here. I was a jackass. Do you think we can figure out a way to be friends?”
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