28. Chapter 28
Nick
After placing the pizza order, I wander around the small living room, taking in everything Lydia has changed since the last time I was here.
She has made it cozy and inviting, and the couch is the perfect finishing touch.
I notice the blanket I bought her when we first met, draped over the wingback chair in the corner. I can’t help but smile at the memory.
I pace a little more, catching my reflection in a framed photo on a side table, and smooth my shirt, suddenly aware I’m still in my work clothes.
I didn’t even get dirty today, just sat in the office staring at spreadsheets and invoices.
I’d thrown on a ball cap when I left the shop and debated taking it off.
I can only imagine the mess underneath, so I leave it on.
I run a hand over my beard and check my breath.
I don’t know what to expect from tonight.
I told Lydia we can’t be together while she’s married, and I mean it.
But she’s started the divorce process. That has to count for something… right?
No. She’s still legally someone else’s wife, and even if what we’ve shared means something, it’s still a line I won’t cross. Yet.
But damn, I want to, and I hope like hell we get there. What I feel for Lydia is nothing like anything I’ve ever felt before. Not even close. It’s like I’ve known her far longer than the few weeks she’s been here.
I glance down the hallway, listening for her.
Anticipation kicks my pulse up, a nervous energy thrumming under my skin.
I can’t shake the feeling tonight might be a turning point, the moment everything shifts.
I can’t keep pretending what’s building between us isn’t the best thing I’ve ever felt, or that I’m not aching to make her my entire world.
It’s too soon to feel this strongly, but I can’t deny it.
I realize I’m pacing and drop onto the couch before she comes out and catches me looking crazy. The second I sit, she turns around the corner. I can’t stop the grin spreading across my face.
“You’re stunning,” I say again without permission. Man, being around this woman has brought out my mushy side. And I’m a thousand percent okay with it.
Lydia blushes, ducking her head. She comes over and curls up beside me, tucking her legs under herself as she faces me.
“Ooh, it’s comfortable, isn’t it?” She runs her hand along the back, feeling the velvety fabric.
“It is. You made a great choice. I like this color.”
“Green is my favorite, I think. It’s funny. I don’t think I’ve ever had one before. Everything was black, grey, and beige. Now I want color everywhere. And I really like this shade.” I can’t help smiling at the expression. I love when she rambles.
I reach over and tap her knee lightly. “Are you nervous?”
She lets out a long breath. “Yes. Like…a lot.” Tiny lines crease at the corners of her eyes when she smiles up at me. I want to kiss every one.
I meet her gaze and squeeze her knee gently. “Me too. But that’s a good sign, right? Means this really matters to us.”
She opens her mouth, but a knock at the door cuts her off.
“I’ll get it.” I get up to grab the pizzas. As I do, she walks to the kitchen, coming back with a roll of paper towels and a couple of beers.
“I own one plate, so we’re roughing it,” she says, passing me the beer as I place the pizza boxes on the coffee table.
“I’m good with roughing it.” I chuckle, gladly taking the beer.
We each grab a slice, mushroom for me and sausage with green pepper for her, and eat in silence. After a minute, she clears her throat and thanks me again for helping her today.
“Lydia, I meant it. I’m happy to help. I like being needed.” I hold her gaze so she knows I’m serious.
I’ve always liked helping, whether that be my mom, my sister, or any of my neighbors.
After that, conversation comes easy. She talks about the bookstore and how much she’s enjoyed getting to know some of the townspeople. I tell her I’m glad the paperwork I’d been putting off is finally done. Maybe now I can get some work done on some of the projects we have in the shop.
We talk about things we want to do. I promise to take her out on my boat the next time the weather is warm; we talk about places we’ve been and where we want to go. Living in Texas, she never got to explore the mountains Colorado has to offer, and she’s excited to go hiking.
We’re halfway through the pizza when Lydia’s phone starts ringing.
Her back stiffens as it rings twice, three times. Finally, she gets up and walks over to where it is on the small entryway table. She lets out an audible sigh of relief.
“Hi, Norah.” She looks over at me, chewing on her bottom lip. Was she expecting someone else?
“I’m good. How are you?” She pauses briefly, listening to my sister. “Yeah, actually Nick is here. He helped me move the couch I bought today.” She keeps worrying her bottom lip. I want to pull it free before she hurts herself.
I try not to listen, but there’s only so much I can do. I lift my beer to my lips, realize it’s empty, and feel like an idiot. So much for being nonchalant.
“Yes, I can come see you in the morning. What time?”
She nods her head a couple more times. “Okay. I will see you then, Norah. Thank you.” She hangs up, and I see she’s gone pale. I walk up beside her, gently pulling her lip free. It’s swollen from how hard she’s been chewing it. “Is everything okay?”
She keeps staring at her phone. “I think so. Your sister said she had some news she needs to share with me and asked me to come in first thing tomorrow morning. What do you think it is?” She looks up at me, nerves evident on her face.
I frown at how pale she’s gone.
“Is this about Simon?” I ask, keeping my voice gentle.
She nods, barely. Her fingers tighten around her phone. “Norah…she said it’s about the divorce. Something new she’s learned, I guess. She didn’t sound upset, just…like it couldn’t wait.” Lydia’s voice is fragile, frayed around the edges.
I run my hands gently up and down her arms. “If Norah’s found something important, then it’s good she’s telling you.
Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together, okay?
” I grip her hand, trying to ground her with the warmth of my touch.
“I’m here for you. As much as you’ll let me be, Lydi. I’m not going anywhere.”
She gives me a small, grateful smile. “Thank you. I just wish things with Simon didn’t keep haunting me.” She takes a deep breath, steadying herself, and I squeeze her hand again.
Lydia lets out a shaky laugh, the tension in her shoulders softening just a little. “It’s silly, I know. I keep telling myself it’s almost over. But I can’t help thinking something’s going to go wrong at the last minute.”
I squeeze her hand again, wanting to do more but not sure what she needs.
“That’s not silly. You’ve been through a lot.
It makes sense to be anxious, especially when there are still loose ends.
But Lydia?” I dip my head so she meets my eyes.
“He won’t ever hurt you again. Never. I won’t let him near you, I promise.
” I hope she sees how serious I am. I will be damned if that fucker ever comes anywhere close to her.
She looks up at me, her eyes searching my face for any wavering of doubt. She won’t find any.
“Thanks,” she whispers. “Really. I don’t know what I’d do without you right now.”
I hold her gaze, my expression sincere. “Well, luckily, you don’t have to find out.” I nudge her gently, coaxing a real smile. “You want to finish the pizza? Or maybe some ice cream for dessert?”
Lydia rolls her eyes, but the smallest laugh escapes. “Ice cream sounds perfect.” As we move toward the kitchen together, my hand settles at the small of her back. The heaviness lingers, but it feels a little lighter.