Chapter 11
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Kate hung the vintage red silk wraparound dress in her closet.
With its deep neckline, its front tie waist, and its long, loose sleeves anchored with cuff ties, it was perfect.
She knew she had unpacked her favorite strappy heels, she just needed to remember where she’d put them.
On her hands and knees, she rummaged around on the closet floor until she found them.
They wouldn’t be great in the snow, but she’d deal with it; the shoes were perfect with the dress.
Kate’s phone vibrated, causing Lucy, who was curled up on the bed with Nyla, to open one eye, yawn, and stretch. Glancing at her phone, Kate saw two more social media notifications about Jacques. She opened the app and clicked on the post.
The shoes slipped from her hand and dropped to the floor as she stared at the photo of her ex . . . with his new girlfriend, a tall, thin woman of French descent. Jacques had his arm around the woman, and her hand was thrust in front of her, showing off an enormous diamond on her ring finger.
Stunned, Kate shut off her phone, curled up on the bed next to her fur babies, and cried herself to sleep.
A pounding on the door awakened Kate, and she ignored it until the knocks became more insistent.
She sat up, grabbed her phone, and smoothed out her mussed hair and adjusted her clothing on the way to the door.
She opened it to find Nick, concern etching his face.
He wore jeans, a dark blue sweater, and a leather jacket.
He took in her puffy eyes, stepped forward, and cupped her face. “What happened? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine. Come in.”
He dropped his hands and trailed her to the living room.
He sat close and knocked her shoulder with his. “You can tell me. We’re friends, right? You were upset when you glanced at your phone earlier. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“It’s nothing. I overreacted to a social media post.”
She opened the post and handed Nick her phone. “My ex.”
Nick studied the photo. Her ex, GQ-type handsome, had his arms around a French beauty showing off a large diamond.
“We were together for seven years,” Kate said. “The night he dumped me, I thought he was going to propose.”
“Ahh. When did you break up?”
“Almost seven months ago.”
Nick did the math. Kate had made a major life decision based on her broken heart.
“I know what you’re thinking,” she said.
He closed his hand around hers.
“I bought the church when I was here visiting in July. I made a spontaneous decision because of my breakup, but I also wanted to pursue my dream of owning a business. When I overheard people wanting a coffee shop in town, a light bulb went off. When I inquired about the nearest bakery, your mom said the town once had one, but it closed when the owner moved.”
Nick nodded. “Patty. She moved to Florida to be closer to her grandkids.” He squeezed her hand. “No matter what played into your decision to open Sacred Grounds, I’m glad you’re here. Plus, I’m a huge fan of coffee and donuts—especially cake donuts with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.”
Kate smiled. “I’ll remember that.”
He let go of her hand and tapped her thigh. “Come on. We’re going snowshoeing.”
“Really? I’ve never been.”
“I need to show you the trails, right? You’ll need to experience them in the winter so you can direct your customers. The lodge rents snowshoes and cross-country skis.”
“Give me five minutes and I’ll be ready.”
“Only five? I’ve never known a woman to get ready that quick.”
“What about your sister?”
“True. Okay, no one I’ve ever dated.”
“Maybe you’re dating the wrong women,” she said.
“I probably am.”
“That’s why I’m good for you. A friend who’s a woman, I mean.”
“How’s that?”
“You’re experiencing the traits of a woman you like as a friend and then you can look for your perfect mate based on things you like or dislike about said friend. It’s a win-win.”
He shook his head as she hurried toward the bathroom.
She had a point. He liked Kate—their ongoing banter, and the way she cared for others.
He had already started a list of traits he’d like in a girlfriend.
So far, Kate would be perfect. If only his profession didn’t make him so determined never to commit to a serious relationship.
* * *
Kate struggled to lift herself onto the truck’s tailgate. Nick’s vehicle was huge, and she was vertically challenged.
Nick lifted her up with ease. “I hope you didn’t break your back,” she joked, her insecurities rising because of the earlier post. Being cast aside and feeling upstaged by Jacques’s new fiancée didn’t help her self-image. Tall and model thin, she was not.
Nick’s brow quirked up. “Not hardly. Here. Let me help you with these. The leather bindings are tricky.” He placed her boots into the snowshoes one at a time and tightened the straps.
“These are referred to as Bear Paws,” he said. “They’re rounded for varying snow conditions, used in deep forests and on long-distance hikes.”
“They’re beautiful.”
“Thanks. I made them from a kit.”
“Impressive.” She pointed at the snowshoes already on his feet. “Did you make those as well?”
“I did. They’re referred to as Ojibwe. Usually beginners start out on them, but . . .”
“They’re as long as I am tall?”
Nick laughed. “Basically. Plus, they’re used mainly for deep snow in fields and hills.”
With her straps secure, he helped her down onto the snow-covered pavement. “Wait here while I lock up and grab some supplies.”
Lifting her feet one at a time, she walked several steps, getting the feel for the shoes.
“They feel okay?”
“I think so.”
“Just walk normal. I’ll help you over the snowbank.”
When they reached the trailhead, Kate noticed all the snowshoe prints. Nick held onto her elbow as she lifted each foot over the small ridge.
She did well and stayed on her feet, an accomplishment. Nick explained the snow was more packed here on the main trail and made for an easier walk.
“Let’s veer off the trail a bit. There’s a picnic table about a half mile from here.”
Hoping for a snack, she asked, “Did you happen to bring food?”
“I did. And water.”
“Good. I haven’t eaten anything yet. I do intermittent fasting, and I’m getting hungry.”
“All right. You’ll have to explain that to me.” Nick pointed ahead. They’d been walking in deeper snow, but a few people had made a trail. “Are you having fun?”
“I’m having a blast. I’ll feel my hamstrings tomorrow.”
“Good. And yes, you will feel the muscles you probably haven’t used in a while. I know I will. I haven’t been on snowshoes since last year.”
They approached the empty pavilion, and Nick pulled off his backpack. “I have wraps Mom made. She said you watch carbs and thought the fajita wrap would be a good choice.”
“Thanks. That was sweet of your mom to remember. Yes, I watch carbs mainly because of the sugar.”
“That’s what she said.”
Kate loved that Ruth remembered her eating habits, and she’d shared a few things with her, tips that might help with Jim’s recovery.
They removed their gloves to eat, and the sun warmed them pleasantly.
Famished after their workout, Kate bit into the wrap and groaned. Delicious. The strips of beef, mushrooms, onions, and green pepper in a tangy sauce were a perfect blend. Nick stared at her, then shrugged and bit into his wrap. After he finished chewing, he said, “You know how to enjoy food.”
Kate wiped her mouth. “I appreciate the tastes. I used to enjoy food too much. The wrong types of food.”
“Yet you’re a baker.”
“Ironic, isn’t it?”
He lifted one shoulder. “I admire you being able to balance your profession with your ability to know when it’s too much.”
It was Kate’s turn to stare at Nick. “Thank you. It’s difficult. I’d like to include a line of healthy-alternative desserts at my bistro. Especially for those dealing with heart issues and diabetes. I’ve developed new recipes, and your mom wants me to make them for her to sample.”
“I’m always up for samples. I love trying new treats.”
“You already did. The brownies I brought to Chloe’s were keto friendly.”
“I don’t know what that means, but I look forward to finding out. I remember everyone singing your praises, including me.”
The trail was getting harder to see in the diminishing light.
“You up for a race?” Nick asked Kate.
“You’re asking a highly competitive person. Of course.”
“See that sign ahead?”
She squinted. “Yep.”
“That’s the start of the trailhead near the parking lot.”
Kate readjusted her gloves. “I think you should give me a head start since I’m new to this.”
“Sure. Get ready. Get set—”
She took off at the speed of light, her feet landing perfectly in the snow.
“Go!”
She didn’t dare look back, because she could hear Nick approaching. Fast. She glanced briefly as he passed her. Big mistake. She tumbled forward and landed in the soft snow, then looked up to see if he had noticed her not-so-graceful fall. He had and was already racing back.
Effortlessly, he unstrapped his snowshoes and dropped to his knees. “Are you okay?”
Kate laughed and couldn’t stop. She flipped to her back and covered her eyes with her snow-soaked mittens. The snow melted on her heated face. She shivered and managed a nod.
Nick moved her hands away from her eyes and wiped the moisture from her cheeks with his scarf. Her eyes skimmed his wavy hair and the dark scruff covering his square jaw as he leaned in. The intensity of his stare sent heat through her cold limbs.
“I’m okay,” she said with a laugh.
“Good. I thought you were crying.”
“I bet that would be scary.”
“You have no idea.” He fell back into the snow, smiling.
“Nick?”
“Yeah?”
“I don’t think I can get up on my own.”
He got to his feet and held out a hand. She grabbed hold, and he yanked her up so fast she crashed into his chest. He peered into her eyes and wiped the remaining moisture from her brow.
Is he going to kiss me? Oh no. What was that rule? Keep physical contact to a minimum?
“Umm, thanks,” she said and stepped back.