4. Nash
four
nash
D amn, this woman has one deadly right hook. Cora. The name fit the fiery beauty dragging me towards the kitchen, muttering half hearted apologies every few feet. I make the mistake of smiling, and pain radiates from where I’d been punched along my jaw. Moving it back and forth sends bolts of pain through my whole face, but at least I know it isn’t broken.
Cora flicks on the blinding overhead lights in the kitchen, releasing my wrist as she opens the freezer door. She rummages around for a few moments before exclaiming, “Got it!”
Just when I think she’s going to hand me the bag of frozen mixed vegetables and be on her way, she crosses the kitchen and stands right in front of me.
I blink at her.
“Take a seat,” she instructs, pointing to one of the tall wooden stools by the kitchen island.
“Yes, ma’am,” I reply, taking a seat and enjoying the fact that we’re level now. A pair of emerald green eyes make my heart falter. “How does it look? Think I’ll have a bruise?” I ask, trying to break the awkward tension.
“Oh, it will absolutely leave a bruise. You really should check beds before you go hopping into them. The next person you do this to won’t be as nice as me,” she teases, a small smile blooming on her perfect plump lips.
I immediately wonder what those lips would taste like. Best to not try and figure it out, unless I want a matching black eye. I inwardly groan. How did I not know that Jack has a gorgeous cousin?
Before I can think about it more, Cora unconsciously presses her body close to mine, and I clear my throat to hide the moan that almost escapes. I’m given a front row seat to her beauty. A waterfall of fiery red curls falls gracefully to her shoulders. The hue reminds me of my favorite time of year, when autumn leaves bring vibrance to those lucky enough to see them. Her freckles are like stars.
“How does that feel?” Cora asks, the delicious heat emanating from her body feeling better than any ice pack ever could.
“Much better, thanks.” Reaching up to take the bag from her, she relinquishes it, but not before my fingers accidentally brush against hers. The touch lights up every nerve ending in my body. I don’t miss the way she pulls her hand away quickly.
Cora’s thin tank top displays a large tattoo of flowers that takes up nearly her upper shoulder. The swirl of colors has me transfixed.
“That’s a gorgeous tattoo.” I shift on my stool to get a better view of it. A small honey bee reveals itself, and I’m taken by how well it represents its owner. We may have just met, but it’s easy to see that like a honey bee, she’s sweet until she’s forced to use her stinger.
“Thanks,” she replies, and I swear a hint of a blush reddens her cheeks. “My parents had all different types of flowers planted around our house when I was growing up.” A hint of sadness on her face warns me to not push for more information.
“I haven’t said it yet, but I truly am sorry for scaring you. Scouts honor—” I flash the three fingered hand sign to her “—it will never happen again.”
She laughs with her whole body, adorably scrunching her nose. Damn, she’s cute. That laugh, high and musical, shoots straight to my cock.
I’m a goner.
Taking a seat on a stool across the island from me, she rests her chin in her hands, giving me a soft smile. “Well, this certainly has been an eventful first day.”
Removing the vegetables from my jaw to give it a rest, I realize how tired Cora looks. Jack had mentioned that a family member was driving into town, but this level of exhaustion makes me think that there’s more to the story.
“What brings you to Abalone Bay?” I ask.
Her eyes quickly avoid mine. Spine straightening, she crosses her arms protectively in front of her. The smile from moments before is replaced with a thin line.
“I just needed a change.” Cora’s reply is brief and guarded. I’ve clearly hit on a sore subject. She abruptly stands up, nearly knocking the stool over, and a fake smile void of her previous warmth is plastered on her face. “It’s pretty late, and I should be getting to bed. It was nice to meet you, Nash, and I’m sorry again for punching you.”
She practically runs from the kitchen, and seconds later I hear her door click shut. And of course, I’m frozen in place at her speedy exit, like a dumbass.
Real smooth, Nash. I sigh to myself, hand running down my face before accidentally irritating my jaw. I wince. Cora’s vibrant presence in the kitchen is already missed, which confuses me. This woman is a stranger, but something in her eyes—something lively and teasing—inexplicably draws me in.
Glancing at the clock on the wall, I realize that if I don’t get some sleep now, I never will. The couch calls my name. I sink down into the worn cushions and rest my head on one of the limp pillows. I pull the blanket off the back of the couch and allow myself to drift off, my dreams filled with a curvy little redhead.