Chapter Nine
As Nick approached Claire’s house on Saturday evening, there were already several cars parked in her winding driveway. Good. It was probably best he wasn’t the first to arrive.
Since Friday, he’d been awkward around her, and he’d sensed an awkwardness in her as well. When they’d finally left Haven at the end of the work day, it had been a relief.
He just had to go and mention the whole ‘I’m keeping a low profile’ thing.
Could he have sounded like more of a prick?
Since the moment Handymen had started to get attention, he’d always tried to be friendly and approachable. Hell, his brothers might say he was too approachable at times, but he’d never been comfortable with giving off a prickly vibe. It wasn’t his personality.
And yet he’d managed to sound prickly with Claire.
Great job, Nick.
All she’d wanted to do was use his photo for a newsletter.
Somehow, he doubted the Haven newsletter had millions of subscribers.
There was really no need for him to have gotten nervous.
The woman ran a cat sanctuary, for God’s sake, not a rag magazine.
If anything, his photo might actually have created a bit of positive buzz for a good cause.
After all, he doubted many folks in the cat community kept up with HashtagNicksDick.
Then again…
Nick parked at the end of the line of cars and grabbed the twelve-pack of beer from the passenger side of his truck. Swallowing past the itch at the back of his throat, he walked up to Claire’s door. He took a deep breath and rang the bell.
Their cameraman Louie opened the door, beer in hand.
Nick hid his disappointment at not seeing Claire at the door. “Hey, Louie. You the bouncer?”
“Nick, buddy.” He turned to the assembled crowd behind him. “The man of the hour’s here!”
A happy shout went up among the crowd. It looked as if the entire crew had shown up. Michael was there with Emily, Eli and Bernie stood near the kitchen door and Lacey was mingling with some of the crew members at the far end of the room.
Nick walked in, set down his twelve-pack and kicked off his shoes. He began to shake hands with his friends and colleagues. Everyone wanted to congratulate him on Nick of Time, which was really nice.
He just couldn’t see Claire anywhere.
Lacey came over and handed him a cold beer. “Here you go, star of the show.”
“I don’t know about that, Lacey.”
“I know you Zorns are uber-modest about your success, but this is not the time. Tonight’s all about you, Nick. You deserve to bask in the glow.”
“Let’s see how the show does before I start basking.”
“Heads up, by the way. The contract department has emailed you. You can take some time to get your lawyer to review it, but I’ve been assured you should be very happy with the terms. All you need to do is sign it and return it.”
A contract.
Nick’s hackles went up.
Contracts made things official.
“Nick?”
“Yeah, thanks, Lacey. Sounds good. I’ll look for the email when I get home.”
Of course, he’d known the contract was coming. He knew how these things worked, and yet it still managed to throw him for a loop.
He took a swig of lager, but the cold liquid didn’t seem to ease the burn in his throat.
Nick craned his neck.
“Let me guess,” said Lacey, one eyebrow raised. “You’re looking for Claire.”
“Well, it’s her house. I just wanted to say hi.”
“She’s in the kitchen.” Lacey leaned in. “Don’t worry, Nick. Your secret’s safe with me. Only I hate to break it to you. I don’t think it’s much of a secret.”
He closed his eyes for a moment and sighed.
“Hey.” She patted his arm. “Why the long face?”
“I thought I was being discreet.”
“Oh. You thought those long, wistful looks were discreet. I see.” She laughed. “You Zorns are a riot. You’re easier to read than picture books.”
“Shit. If you know, if everyone else knows, then—”
“Yup. Claire probably knows.”
“Shit, shit, shit.”
“Why’s that a problem? She’s really sweet and I bet you guys would be good together.”
Nick didn’t respond. He didn’t really know how to respond.
She lowered her voice. “It’s the Kristy thing, isn’t it? Look, Nick, I hate that it happened. I really do. I know you cared for Kristy and she messed up. She never did apologize to you directly, did she?”
He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to talk to her.”
“It does matter. She should have taken responsibility. I know she said publicly that her drinking binge was a one-off, that she had been stressed about work, but she still should have reached out to you.”
“To be honest, she did try, but we didn’t connect.
I tried too. I just don’t think either of us tried hard enough.
” There had been a couple of short, awkward voicemails, but that was it.
Nick had also texted her, feeling he needed to have some closure, but she’d never responded.
He was fairly certain she’d blocked him after that.
Annoying, considering he’d only been trying to make sure she was okay.
Now, he didn’t have anything to say to Kristy.
Sure, he could get mad, if he wanted. He could stomp and rage and demand answers, but what would it prove?
Besides, stomping and raging had never been his style. He didn’t need to be drawn into the drama all over again. It had been hard enough showing his face right after the video went live.
“I can see how you’d be hesitant to get into a new relationship,” said Lacey. “But, at some point, you’re going to have to take a leap.”
“I’m not looking for a relationship. I want to give Nick of Time my all.”
Lacey grinned. “I’m glad to hear it. Launching a show is a lot of work, and you might have to make it your number one priority for a while. After all, you’ll be the only one out front, soaking up all the glory.”
“Or taking the heat?”
“Be positive. You can do this.”
Just then, Claire emerged from the kitchen with a friend.
They both carried bowls filled with potato chips.
Nick recognized the tall, dark-haired woman from photos around the sanctuary.
She must be her buddy Adele, the vet. Although he hadn’t met her personally, he’d heard lots of good things about her.
Claire spotted Nick, and a huge smile lit up her face.
Lacey noticed. She elbowed Nick. “I know everyone here wants a piece of you tonight, but you should go talk to her.”
“What about making the new show my number-one priority?”
“I’m not saying you should run away with Claire. I’m saying you’re allowed to have some fun.”
“Fun, huh?”
“Yeah. You’re Nick Zorn. You remember fun, don’t you?
You have a million friends who adore you.
Your fans can’t get enough of you. And you’ve always been a hit with women.
Hell, I’ve seen you pick up women at garden shows, for God’s sake.
You’ve always been ready with a laugh or a bit of flirting.
It’s what people love about you. You’re the King of fucking Funtown. So, go enjoy yourself. You deserve it.”
Lacey was right. He was fun, but he’d let a stupid, two-minute video change his life and his outlook. He’d been spending his time hiding in dark corners, instead of walking proudly into rooms. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d called up one of his buddies for a beer.
It was time to start enjoying himself, before his work became too demanding.
And if that meant he could flirt a little, maybe even with Claire, even better.
With that in mind, he made his way over to her.
Claire set her chip bowls down on one of the living room tables, glad to see the crew members tucking in.
She’d been so worried about having enough food, but in reality, all she’d had to do was throw in a few nibbles.
Lacey had arranged for the Inspiration Network to cough up the funds for catering, and had taken the burden from Claire’s shoulders.
Not that hosting a party for Nick was any sort of burden. She was glad to do it.
Adele spoke in a hushed voice. “Wow. I can’t believe the Zorn brothers are actually standing in your living room.” She gave Nick a quick once-over. “I’m glad to see the camera has not exaggerated anything. That man is hot.”
Claire’s cheeks heated. “They’re all hot.”
“Yeah, but Michael and Eli are married, so our concern is with Nick right now.”
“Nick’s not a concern.”
“Really? From our conversation last night, I think he might be a going concern.”
“Adele.”
“Okay, okay. He’s coming over.”
As if Claire didn’t already know. The heat had gone up in her corner of the room.
She smoothed down her blouse so that it skimmed over her pants.
They were her nicest pair of skinny jeans, the ones that accentuated her hips.
Thank goodness she was wearing a sleeveless top.
If she’d worn sleeves, the room would have been stifling.
Was anyone hot? No one else looked hot.
Dammit. Mia was right. Her body temperature had always given her thoughts away. Could Nick read them just as easily?
As he walked over, his gaze dipped to take in her top and jeans.
God, why had she worn this outfit?
Because, in your warped way, you kind of thought this might be some version of a date.
Just a weird one, with a huge group of people along for the ride.
“Nick, hi. You made it.” She would pretend she hadn’t heard the squeak of eagerness in her voice.
“Hi.” They did a weird sort of dance, as they tried to figure out whether to shake hands or kiss on the cheek. Nick finally leaned in and patted her back, in the stiffest hug she’d ever received. “Thanks so much for doing this, Claire.”
“I didn’t have to do too much, thanks to Lacey. There’s a ton of food in the kitchen. Help yourself whenever you’re ready.”