Chapter 10
NOLAN
“You sure I can’t have a peak at your design so far?” Blakley asks Bree as she snaps several pictures from the edge of the bluff on my property.
Ever since Jasper returned the plane to the sightseeing tour company’s hangar yesterday, it’s been a whirlwind of Bree making demands during the day and shutting out the world at night to work furiously on the website.
Her take-charge personality has been a pleasant, attractive surprise.
I spent the night tossing and turning, wondering if there’d be room on the payroll to create a permanent position for one creative, chaotic, anti-itinerary using Bree Harper.
She’d probably crush the marketing. Never mind that none of us has seen a glimpse of what she’s currently creating to justify whether such a hire was a good decision or just one I seem to be making with my dick.
But the thought of her leaving Monday morning eats at me in a way I never expected it would.
Three days.
That’s all the time I have left.
I’ve tried to convince myself it’s just lust. She’s the first woman who’s even turned my head since I called off my engagement.
When Chantel ripped up the prenup she refused to sign, I thought that was it for me.
I thought I was done with women, relationships, and settling down.
Then Jasper called me about coming for a visit to North Haven.
I hopped on the next flight. Before I knew it, Caribou North was born, and I had a chance to be a part of something meaningful.
Something that would fill the void. I was okay with it being just Gary and me, out on this quiet piece of land.
Then Bree Harper stepped off the plane like a friendly hurricane, and my life hasn’t been the same since.
This morning, I waited until noon before I headed to the hotel, equipped with two iced coffees and the willingness to make good on the second request should it arise. But to my disappointment—and surprise—she was already gone.
“Sorry, it’s not ready for anyone to see,” Bree says to Blakely about the website. “It’d be like sharing unedited photos and expecting people to see the vision.”
“Ah, that makes sense.”
“I already tried to wear her down,” I chime in. Bree’s gaze briefly catches mine before she looks back out at the ocean.
I can’t tell if she’s avoiding me or just in her creative tunnel vision.
She disappeared into her hotel room after dinner with the crew last night.
And she spent today with Vanessa, Blakely, and Josie on the hunt for inspiration for the website.
I wasn’t even sure I’d see her today until she called me to tell me she needed access to my property for a photoshoot.
And like some lovesick fool desperate to see her, I didn’t even argue with her request that would invade my privacy.
I lift a bottle of Caribou Creek Amber to my lips as I pretend not to watch her staring out at the water, Gary sitting so close to her leg he’s practically wrapped around it. I’m usually a dark brew kind of guy, but ever since I caught Bree sipping the amber, I crave it.
I crave her.
Fuck, did I cross a line in the plane yesterday, and now she’s avoiding me? I know better than to mix business with pleasure, yet, I hardly thought through what I did. After her hand slammed against my erect cock, I lost the ability to think rationally.
She’d gotten to me.
That stupid orgasm comment nagged at me, and I couldn’t stand the thought of her thinking I wasn’t capable of pleasuring a woman.
So you did it on a fucking plane with her grandma in the front seat. Smooth. Real fucking smooth jackass.
“Hey, you two should get a picture together,” Blakely says, indicating Bree and me.
“Us?” Bree says, looking a little like a deer in headlights. Fuck, she is avoiding me.
“Hurry, before Jaxson gets here,” Blakely says of her husband. “We have to pick up the girls from my brother’s place, and the later we wait, the bigger fuss they’ll make.”
I hold back, waiting for Bree to nod her approval before stepping in front of the camera and putting my arm around her.
When Gary settles at our feet, she finally slips her own arm behind my back.
I can’t get over how natural this feels.
The three of us, taking a picture together with a stunning view in the background.
It’s the type of photo that ends up in a frame on the fireplace mantel.
“You’ve been avoiding me,” I say in a low voice, keeping my smile in place and my eyes on the camera.
“I’ve been working. Like you hired me to do.”
Before I can reply to that, a diesel truck pulls up the drive.
“That’s my ride,” Blakely says, putting her camera and tripod away. “Bree, you need a ride back to the hotel?”
“I can take you,” I say. “If you want to stay a little longer. Gary insists.”
She glances down at the pup who seems very much on my side with those big eyes pointed up at her.
Good boy, Gary. Then she looks at me for several beats, as though considering my offer.
An offer I rarely make to anyone. I don’t mind attending cookouts and gatherings the J-Squad puts on regularly, but I’ve yet to host my own.
I don’t invite people out here. I like my privacy and solitude.
But ever since Bree Harper breezed into town, my little slice of peace feels…lonely. And having her here just feels right.
“I have a few things I need to chat with Nolan about,” Bree says. “About the website.”
“If you’re sure?”
“I am,” Bree says, looking at me as if to say, See? Not avoiding you.
“I’ll get these photos edited tonight, after we get the girls to bed. Will that work for you?”
“That sounds perfect. Thank you, Blakely. You’ve been a godsend.”
We stand beside one another, watching them drive away. When Jaxson’s truck disappears down the drive, Bree turns to me. “I haven’t been avoiding you.”
“Really?”
“I’ve been inspired.”
I’m caught off guard by this answer, but I can’t help but feel a little smug. “Me giving you an orgasm in the back of a bush plane inspired you?”
“Look, it’s been a while, okay? But, yes.
I told you. Iced coffee and orgasms. They’re like magic fuel when I’m on a deadline.
” She seems to catch herself, and adds, “And before you jump to conclusions, no I do not make it a point to let my clients or bosses supply those orgasms. In fact, you’re the first one. ”
“I am?”
Bree swats my chest with the back of her hand. “Stop looking so pleased with yourself and tell me you have a coffee maker.”
“You want coffee now?” I ask as she heads toward the house, like it’s already hers. Gary trots after her.
“Night owl, remember?”