Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
“Well, I don’t have to ask if you’re having a good day.”
Rose looked up with a jolt. She’d been so busy daydreaming, replaying every sensuous moment from last night, she hadn’t even noticed the line of customers gathering in the shop. “Hi!” she blurted, greeting Aunt June with a flushed smile. “Welcome. How can I help you?”
June smirked. “How about sharing some of the hot gossip that’s written all over your face?” she asked, and Rose’s blush deepened.
“I don’t know what you mean,” she lied, turning to fuss with an arrangement of winter roses.
June gave a knowing laugh. “I’m sure you don’t. Nor does Nick, either. I just passed him in the square, whistling like it was the man’s birthday and Christmas all tied up in one. And I can just guess what’ll be waiting for him to unwrap under the tree this year…”
“June!” Rose exclaimed, trying to sound scandalized. But June was closer to the mark than she’d ever know.
The things her holiday tree had already seen…
“Did you need some more holiday wreaths?” she asked, changing the subject. “I have a lovely set with tartan ribbons, I just finished making them.”
Barely. Rose was way behind her usual schedule. Between her sexy morning in bed with Nick, and then the instant replay running in her mind all day, she hardly had a moment to focus on her actual job, as busy as things were just a couple of days before Christmas.
“Relax,” June told her with a smile. “I won’t take up too much of your time. Just these poinsettias, thank you. A woman should always have flowers, even if she has to buy them for herself.”
“I don’t believe it,” Rose teased, ringing up the purchase. “You never spend the holidays alone.”
“There’s a first time for everything.” June smiled. “Quite a reversal for the two of us, wouldn’t you say?” she added, a twinkle in her eye.
This time, Rose wasn’t going to deny it. “You never know how things are going to work out,” she said, tying up the flowerpot with a festive velvet bow. “Who knows? Your next husband could come sledding into town at any moment.”
June laughed. “From your lips to Santa’s ears.”
She waltzed out, leaving Rose with a smile. She’d certainly never planned for a holiday like this. Instead of snuggling up alone, or dragging Scott to all the festive events, she was having a secret, sexy fling.
And she couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate.
She felt the buzz of a text in her pocket and pulled out her phone. It was from Nick.
‘Pizza or Thai food?’
‘For…?’ Rose replied.
‘For our victory party tonight’.
She smiled at his confidence. ‘We haven’t won the hunt just yet. After the sleigh crash, we’re way behind.’
‘I have faith. The champagne will be waiting on ice ;)’
It was just like Nick to assume everything was going to work out. But maybe Rose could learn a thing or two from him, and be more relaxed, letting events unfold and not always wondering about the future.
And what a future with Nick Sterling might look like…
“Excuse me? I need a bouquet for my mother-in-law. She’s allergic to everything.”
Rose snapped back to reality—and her store full of customers. “Of course,” she said, tucking her phone away. “I have some artificial flowers right here.”
The requests kept coming, everything from a bucket of mistletoe to pet-safe wreaths that would withstand a nibbling puppy.
Rose was almost run off her feet, and she barely noticed the day fly past until it was afternoon, her shelves were bare, and she was in desperate need of coffee.
She texted Jules, suggesting a caffeine break, and then set about tidying the store and replenishing her displays.
“Wow, this place looks like a hurricane just touched down.”
Rose stopped, startled by the familiar voice. It was Scott, sauntering through the door in his navy jacket and worn hiking boots. He looked around. “Need any help?”
“No, I’ve got it,” she replied, wondering what he was doing there. Since the break-up, he’d stayed away, even though he usually spent hours camped out with her, brainstorming new plot ideas or reading aloud from his latest work-in-progress.
She guessed Becca was doing that for him now.
“You know what this time of year is like,” she added, retreating behind the counter. “Everyone panics, needing something to bring for that big holiday dinner.”
“And you save the day for them, as always.” Scott flashed another easy smile. “I’m surprised they haven’t given you a medal just yet.”
She nodded slowly, still trying to figure out the reason for his unexpected visit. “Are looking for something for Becca?” she asked. “I don’t have much left, but I could rustle up some nice evergreens, if you like.”
“I’m actually not here for her.” Scott strolled closer. “I wanted to talk to you.”
“Oh?” Rose straightened up her giftwrap supplies. “What’s up?”
“I wanted to warn you.”
She looked up, surprised. “About what?”
“Nick Sterling.”
Scott had such a grave expression on his face that Rose couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m serious,” Scott insisted. “He’s not the right guy for you. You’re sweet, and kind, but a man like that, he’s only interested in his next conquest. He’ll move on, the minute he gets bored. He doesn’t have any loyalty.”
“Unlike you?” Rose found herself asking.
Scott frowned. “What do you mean?”
“You moved on, didn’t you?” she said boldly. “We barely dated for a couple of months before you decided you were over it. Over me. Then you started dating Becca in a matter of days. That’s not exactly loyal now, is it?”
Scott stared at her, clearly surprised —by what she was saying, and the fact that Rose was saying it at all. And he wasn’t the only one. Rose couldn’t believe she was being so honest. But maybe it was about time.
“That’s not the same,” he blustered. “You know I care about you.”
“I don’t, actually.” Rose said quietly. “All I know is I was crazy about you, and you barely paused for breath. You really hurt me, you know,” she added, looking over at him.
But even as she said it, she knew it was in the past. Whatever hold Scott had over her heart had faded, and now she couldn’t believe she’d wasted so much time.
He had done her a favor, ending things so soon. Imagine if she’d stayed in that relationship for months, even years, never knowing the kind of partnership she truly deserved.
“I’m… I’m sorry.” Scott said, sounding genuinely thrown. “I didn’t realize.”
Rose shrugged. “It’s behind us now. Like I said, you’ve moved on—and so have I.”
Scott’s expression darkened again. “Is this about Nick? Because I told you—”
“—it’s my business.” Rose said firmly, as the bell over the door sounded, and Jules stepped inside. She paused, clearly surprised to see Scott there. “I can come back,” she said, about to leave.
“No need. We’re done here.” Rose said. “And I am in desperate need of coffee!”
She ushered Scott to the exit and flipped the sign over the door to ‘back in ten’. “Say ‘hi’ to Becca for me,” she said brightly. “I guess we’ll be seeing you at the scavenger hunt tonight.”
“I guess…” Scott echoed, looking bewildered.
“Bye now!”
Rose linked her arm through Jules’ and steered her away fast. “I have got to know what that was about,” Jules said, eyes wide.
“You will.” Rose replied. “But first, there’s a caramel-whip latte calling my name!”
They got their coffees, and then Rose filled in Jules as they strolled across the snowy square; on what had happened with Scott—and her night with Nick.
“I love this for you!” Jules declared, slurping her mocha. “It’s like you’ve been under Scott’s spell for years, and the magic has finally lifted. And all you needed was a handsome English knight, wielding his—”
“Ahem.” Rose interrupted, before Jules could scandalize a group of kids nearby.
“Sword,” Jules finished with a smirk. “Why, what else did you think I was going to say?”
Rose laughed. Dusk was falling, and all around them, the town lights were turning on, twinkling in the evening. She drew her coat tighter around her, feeling a glow of warmth that wasn’t just from her coffee.
“I think I really like him,” she admitted, unable to keep the smile off her face. “It’s weird, we’ve known each other for years, and I thought I had him all figured out, but… The more time I spend with him, I see a whole different side.”
Witty and thoughtful, tender and passionate… She wondered how many more facets Nick was hiding. She couldn’t wait to find out.
“I knew it,” Jules crowed. “You’re not the casual fling kind of woman.”
“I guess not.” Rose agreed with a smile. “The question is, can Nick be more than a casual fling kind of guy?” She remembered what he’d told her about his broken engagement. Was that the reason he seemed so determined not to settle down?
Jules paused. “Has he said anything?” she asked. “About what this thing between you is?”
Rose shook her head. “There wasn’t much time for talking, what with all the seduction. But I don’t know… This is Nick. You warned me he’s not a commitment guy. So did Scott,” she added, and Jules snorted in disdain.
“He’s just jealous,” she replied. “And yes, I was wary in the beginning, but look at you: You’re glowing.
Anything—and anyone—that makes you this happy is worth pursuing.
Nick would have to be a total dumbass not to want more.
And Nick Sterling may be many things,” she added. “But a dumbass? I don’t think so.”
Rose laughed at her joking, but inside, she wondered how Jules could be so sure. There was a big difference between the thrill of an unexpected holiday hookup, and a real relationship.
Was she crazy for even thinking they could be more?
“We don’t need to figure it out just yet,” she decided, trying to bring herself back down to earth. “I mean, it hasn’t even been one day! I should just relax and enjoy this for what it is.
“OK,” Jules agreed, shooting her a sideways smirk. “Good luck with that.”
“You think I can’t do it?”
Jules grinned. “I think real chemistry with someone is a rare and precious thing. So I’ll be rooting for you.”
“Diplomatic answer,” Rose replied with a laugh.
Jules checked her phone. “I better get back. We’ve got a ton of holiday parties at the vineyard, and you know Reeve will play the Grinch and scare them all off if I’m not around.”
“And I better get ready for the scavenger hunt,” Rose agreed. “It’s the big final night, so you can bet, everyone will be out for the win.”
“Have fun!”
Jules headed off to her car, and Rose strolled the long way back to the square, pausing to admire the massive holiday tree, and all the lights in the square. Maybe this time of year was making her feel sentimental, but she couldn’t wait for the rest of the festivities.
Couldn’t wait to share them with Nick.
“Rosie—wait!”
She turned. It was Scott again, looking out of breath. She sighed, not wanting another lecture on how dangerous and spontaneous Nick was—and she wasn’t. “I can’t stop,” she told him, but Scott grabbed her arm and pulled her around the corner, in the shadow of the gazebo.
“I have to talk to you,” he said urgently. “When you said you still loved me, it made me think.”
Rose blinked. “I didn’t exactly say that—”
“—and I was wrong.” Scott talked over her. “Breaking up with you was a huge mistake. You understand me, Rose. You support me. You’ve always been my rock.”
Rose couldn’t help noticing that this grand declaration of love was more of a list of the things she did for him. But it didn’t matter.
“That’s… Very nice of you to say,” she told him gently. “But really, I’m fine. This is all for the best.”
“The best was the two of us, together.” Scott said. “I know you feel it too!”
He suddenly lunged forwards, planting a wet, messy kiss on her lips.
What the hell?!
Rose spluttered in surprise. “Mneuh!” she mumbled, trying to pull away, but Scott held her tightly, making deep moaning noises as he smushed his mouth to hers.
Rose shoved at his chest, and then again, harder. Finally, Scott released her.
“That’s enough!” she recoiled. Had he always been such a sloppy kisser? Rose wondered, wiping her mouth. “It’s over, Scott,” she said forcefully.
“But—”
“Over.” She repeated with a steely glare. “Whatever feelings I had for you are ancient history. And if you grab me like that again, you’ll get hot coffee down your pants,” she added, before turning on her heel and striding away.
Talk about too little, too late. Scott had just proven—yet again—why he wasn’t the man for her, and Rose wasn’t going to spend another moment on him. She had a hot date with a sexy Brit, and a scavenger hunt to win.
Not necessarily in that order.