27. Chapter 27
Lydia
It has been a week since Susannah’s birthday party.
I haven’t seen Nick, but we’ve texted every day.
He is busy at the shop, and I’m keeping busy at the bookstore and around the house.
I’ve found a few small pieces at the local thrift store.
I’ve realized I love thrifting older pieces that radiate character.
Nothing in the house really matches. It’s eclectic and old-fashioned, but cozy, full of lamps and blankets.
I quickly learn I hate overhead lighting and gravitate toward lamps, all fitted with soft yellow bulbs.
I love coming home to my little cottage.
I am proud of what I’ve created. I like to think I am just a girl in her weird nineties-grandma era. It’s fun here.
One thing I still need is a couch, though I have the perfect spot for it. I love my secondhand treasures, but I draw the line at a used sofa. Who knows what has been on those cushions?
So today, I head to the furniture store in town. I’m not sure how I’ll get a couch home, but maybe they offer delivery. I’ll have to ask.
The second I walk in, I spot a dark green velvet sectional. It looks luxurious, comfortable, and exactly what I want. But I’m sure I can’t afford it. I walk over anyway, running my hand along the back. It’s so soft!
I hold my breath as I check the price tag.
Holy hell. It’s exactly in my budget. No way my luck is this good. I turn, scanning for someone to ask about delivery.
Long story short, the couch is in my budget, but they don’t offer delivery. Not even after my best attempt at shamelessly flirting with Jim, the sales guy. I probably scared him off.
It is so perfect that I’d rent a truck if I had to.
Then I remember: I know a guy with a truck.
Could I really ask Nick for help?
Is that okay?
I’m proud of everything I’ve done on my own since coming here, but I don’t see another way. If Nick can’t help, I’ll have to give flirting with Jim another shot, and I really don’t want to.
I pay for my new treasure and tell Jim I’ll be back soon to pick it up. Hesitantly, I pull my phone from my pocket and dial Nick’s number as I walk out. Suddenly, I’m nervous. I don’t want to seem needy, but before I can overthink it, his voice comes through.
“Hey, pretty girl. How are you?”
There it is again. I really love when he calls me that.
“Hey, you. I’m good. How’s work?” Chewing my thumbnail, I hope he can’t hear the nerves in my voice.
“Work is work, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tax stuff is all caught up, and I can finally breathe a bit. I was actually going to call you when I left and see if you wanted to grab dinner. I miss your pretty face.”
Ugh. Swoon.
“That’s good! I’m glad you can take a bit of a break. You’ve been working so hard.” I decide to just dive in. “As much as I would love dinner, how do you feel about moving a couch instead? Pizza on me after?” I ramble, then hold my breath, waiting.
“I’d be happy to help.” There is no hesitation in his voice. “When do you need me?”
I breathe a sigh of relief, not sure why I was expecting anything else. Nick has always been so kind and reliable.
“How soon can you get here? They said I can take it home today. I was hoping they had a delivery service, but no such luck. Sorry to ask you for such a big favor.”
“Lydi, you can ask me for help anytime. I don’t mind at all.” I can hear keys jangling in the background as he gathers his things. “I’m leaving the shop now. I’ll be there in just a couple of minutes.” This man is just…so good.
True to his word, Nick pulls up minutes later. A trailer, perfect for my couch, is hitched to the back. Another man is with him. I can’t remember his name, but I saw him at the party.
They get out and round the front, Nick gesturing to the other man. “Lydia, this is River. One of my guys from the shop.”
I reach to shake his hand, but he takes mine and kisses it instead.
“Nice to see you again, ma’am.” He raises his head and winks. I can’t help but laugh, embarrassed. Is he serious?
“Kiss her again and you’re fired,” Nick practically growls at my side. River just chuckles. He is obviously joking but Nick isn’t having it. I realize then he has a jealous side, and on him, I like it.
He glares at River for another beat, then claps his hands together. “Alright, let’s move a couch!”
I snicker at the quick shift in his tone. Boys teasing boys, I guess.
“It’s in here. Jim said we’re good to move it.”
I lead them through a maze of recliners and coffee tables to the back corner where my couch waits. I glance over at Nick, who sizes up the couch with an appraising look, then nods, confirming it will fit perfectly on the trailer.
Nick and River lift it easily while I guide them out.
They have it loaded and strapped down in minutes.
I stand here, a little in awe of the confidence and masculinity Nick exudes.
I know he is strong and obviously good with his hands, but to see him lift and maneuver something so easily is such a turn on.
He glances at me after tightening the last ratchet strap. I am shamelessly staring, and from the smirk on his face, he definitely notices.
He clears his throat. “Lydia, hop in the truck. We’re all loaded up.” He says it gently but with authority. I like bossy Nick.
“Um, yeah. Okay. Thank you for this,” I say, gesturing to the couch before turning toward my house. “I can just walk and meet you there. I hate to crowd your truck.” Nick’s truck is a single cab, and with the two large men, it will be cramped if I climb in.
“You’re not walking. You can sit between River and me. He promises to keep his hands to himself.” He glares at the man, who holds his hand up in a “Scout’s Honor” motion, a devilish grin on his face.
Arguing would be pointless, not that I want to anyway. I will gladly take any excuse to be as close to this man as I can.
He helps me climb inside and buckles me in, his fingertips lingering at my hip. I feel his breath hitch when his head dips close to mine. Is it hot in this truck? It is definitely hot. I feel like my body is on fire.
“Thank you,” I whisper for only him to hear. His lips brush lightly across my temple and then he’s gone, settling himself into the driver’s seat next to me. River climbs up into the cab then, and we are off.
My house is only a couple streets over, so the drive is quick. But having Nick’s thick, strong thigh press tightly against mine has my mind racing with all kinds of thoughts. Dirty, dirty thoughts.
We pull into my driveway and Nick cuts the ignition. “If you hold the door open, I think River and I can handle getting it inside.”
I nod. “Got it, boss.” I throw him an ornery smile and a small salute, and I swear he growls. The man just growled at me, and I love it.
He helps me out, once again holding on a little longer than necessary, his fingers tightening around mine before letting go. Standing chest to chest, he looks down at me with fire in his chocolate brown eyes before retreating half a step when River clears his throat.
I turn, jogging up the porch steps and pull open both doors, waiting for them to haul the couch into the house.
Again, they lift it like it weighs nothing. They set it in the exact spot I envisioned, and it fits perfectly.
I step back, surveying the living room with a content sigh. The space feels like mine, cozy and welcoming.
As I stand with tears springing to my eyes, Nick immediately notices and comes to my side. “Hey, what’s wrong? Do you not like it?” His warm hands settle on my shoulders.
“No, no. That’s not it at all. I love it so much.
It finally feels like my home.” I gesture around the small room.
“I’ve never had my own space like this, and it finally feels like everything’s coming together.
I’m happy. Really happy.” I smile, looking between them.
“Thank you again, both of you, for your help.”
River gives me a nod and starts to back up toward the door. “You’re welcome, Lydia. I think I’m just going to walk back to the shop and get my truck. Holler if you need anything else moved.” He’s out the door before I can say anything.
I stare after him for a beat before feeling Nick gently squeeze my shoulder. Turning, I look up at him. “Can I buy you dinner as a token of appreciation? I could go for some pizza.”
“I’d love some pizza, but you’re not buying anything. What do you like on yours?”
“You bought dinner at the diner. Let me get the pizza. You really helped me out today.”
“And I will always pay when you’re with me. Call me old-fashioned. Now, I like mushrooms. How about you?”
I can’t help but grimace. “Ew, no. Sausage and green peppers all the way. Mushrooms are fungus.”
He lets out a loud laugh, then pulls his phone, calling the local pizza place. I mouth “thank you” and motion that I’m going to go change and will be right back.
As I walk into my room, a wave of nerves washes over me. Nick and I have obviously grown closer over the last few weeks, but he made it clear we can’t pursue anything. Does he still feel the same way?
There have been touches, kisses, and lingering stares. We danced in the middle of the road, for Christ’s sake. That was easily one of the most romantic gestures of my entire life. The memory of that night plays on a constant loop in my mind.
Now he’s in my home and we are having dinner.
He knows I’ve begun the divorce process.
Does that change how he feels? I couldn’t care less about Simon.
What I feel for Nick, I’ve never felt before, and I think he feels the same way.
This is new and exciting, and I want more.
Hell, I have touched myself more times in the last couple of weeks to thoughts of Nick than I ever did throughout my marriage.
I change into some comfy but cute sweats and my favorite hoodie. I spray a bit of perfume and deodorant, then swipe some Chapstick on my lips. There. Not too obvious, but presentable. Cute, even. After glancing one more time in the mirror, I take a deep breath and open the door.