Harlequin Special Edition September 2014 - Bundle 1 of 2: Maverick for Hire\A Match Made by Baby\Once Upon a Bride (7 page)

Jazzy shook her head. “You poor thing.” She paused. “But maybe he has feelings for you,” she said. “Why else would he be so determined to keep you in Rust Creek Falls?”

“He says I'm his best pal. He can trust me because he knows I don't have romantic feelings for him and because I don't need anything from him except friendship,” she said glumly.

Jazzy gave her arm a squeeze. “I think you should focus more on the men you've been dating. Surely one of them is attractive. Plus, there's no reason you can't keep looking. Love can happen when you least expect it. I speak from experience.”

Cecelia smiled but shook her head. “Your experience is definitely different from mine.”

Jazzy gave her a quick hug. “Just tell me you won't give up quite yet. The right man could literally be right around the corner. I'll talk to Brooks and see if he knows some good single men.”

“You're a good friend,” Cecelia said as they got closer to Jazzy's car. “It was good seeing you today.”

“For me, too,” Jazzy said. “We'll get together soon. In the meantime, have some fun.”

Jazzy climbed into her car, and Cecelia waved as her friend left. Have some fun. How could she have fun when she couldn't stop thinking about Nick?

Chapter Six

O
n Friday night, Cecelia dressed for her evening out with Tim Gordon. She felt guilty because she was looking forward to a good meal. At the same time, she had no romantic feelings for Tim. She hoped that would change.

Tim waited for her at the bottom of the stairs of the rooming house. Melba was also there. “Don't you look gorgeous,” Melba said.

Cecelia felt a flush of embarrassment. “Thanks, Melba,” she said and kissed her landlord on the cheek.

“She's right,” Tim said and tipped his hat. “You look great.”

Cecelia couldn't help thinking of the hook and the fish, but she pushed the thought aside. “Thank you. I've been looking forward to tonight.”

Tim escorted her to his truck and immediately turned the heat on high. “It's chilly tonight. I thought you could use some extra warmth.”

Cecelia felt herself soften. “That was thoughtful.”

“I aim to please,” he said with a grin and headed out of Rust Creek Falls toward a new restaurant that had just opened halfway to Kalispell. “So, how was your week?” he asked.

Cecelia launched into a brief discussion about her work then turned the question around. “How was yours?”

Thankfully, Tim monopolized the rest of their travel time and dinner with a discussion of his difficulties with his cattle and home.

Cecelia ordered a steak and baked potato and decided to savor her meal. Suddenly Tim stopped talking and she felt she needed to fill the silence. “Did you know we have a guy from Australia in Rust Creek Falls?”

“Australia?” Tim said. “Why would he be here?”

“His mom lives here and he's trying to fix up her house,” she said.

Tim shook his head. “It's crazy, but I understand. My mom and dad are in the house they've lived in for the past thirty years with no intention of leaving. At least I don't have to commute across the planet,” he said.

“True,” she said. “So what do you have on tap for next week?”

Apparently, that was the right question. Tim went on and on about calling his veterinarian and replacing drywall in his home.

Finally, he paid the check and escorted her to his truck. The ride back was silent except for the country music radio station. Thank goodness for country music. She hummed along with Miranda Lambert.

Soon enough, Tim pulled in front of the rooming house. She bit her lip, praying he wouldn't kiss her. She wasn't ready for it. She didn't want that from him. But she wanted to want to kiss him.

Mentally swearing, she met his gaze. “Thank you so much for the wonderful dinner,” she said and patted his arm. She thought that would be better than shaking his hand.

“Uh, okay.”

“It was just great,” she said. “I had a nice time.”

“Yeah,” he said, looking awkward. “I'll call you.”

“Good night,” she said and scooted out her door. She raced upstairs to her room, thankful that Tim hadn't tried to kiss her.

Oh, no, that wasn't good. How was she going to get romantically involved with a man from Rust Creek Falls if she didn't feel at all romantically inclined toward him?

* * *

The next day, Cecelia made the rounds to pick up donations for the food drive. It was a miserable, drizzly day, but the local church had offered to repackage the food on Sunday night and distribute it to those in need. Stopping at one market outside town, she collected a few bags of donations and returned to her truck. Just as she was leaving the parking lot, she noticed Beth Crowder standing next to her ancient blue Ford with the hood propped open.

Cecelia pulled up beside her. “Hey, Beth, can I help you out?”

“Oh, Cecelia,” the woman said, exasperation wrinkling her face. “I have no idea what's wrong with my car. It just makes this terrible noise when I try to start it.”

“Could be the starter or the alternator,” Cecelia said, glancing at the engine.

“My problem is I have a load of groceries for the Duncans and no way of delivering them,” she said, clearly frustrated.

“I can take you,” Cecelia offered. “Do you have a travel service for towing?”

Beth winced. “I hadn't gotten around to it.”

“We'll figure something out,” Cecelia said. “Let's get you over to the Duncans first.”

Cecelia helped load the groceries into her truck and the two of them headed out of the parking lot. “I know I should get a more dependable car, but I'm doing the best I can to make ends meet since I left my husband two years ago,” she said then shook her head. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't complain. I'm lucky to have a roof over my and my son's heads and we're both healthy and safe. That's what's important.”

“Excellent attitude, but you're allowed to complain when your car breaks down. Especially when you're trying to do something to help someone else.”

“Oh, the Duncans,” Beth said, her voice softening. “The children are adorable and Will is the best.”

Cecelia cast a quick glance at Beth. The woman wore a dreamy smile on her face. “I'm sure Will has appreciated getting to know you, too,” Cecelia said.

“Oh, I don't know about that,” Beth said. “He's been very gracious, but I know he's got his hands full with his grandchildren.”

“It's funny how things happen. I'm only in my twenties and I feel like a romantic misfit. Will is retired and has a disability, and Nick told me Will feels like his romantic chances are nil.”

“Well, Will's disability doesn't keep him from being a man. In fact, I think he's the most manly man I've ever met,” Beth said.

Cecelia bit her lip to keep from showing her amusement. “I think you're right. I was just saying that it doesn't matter what your age or circumstances, love should always be a possibility. Don't you think?”

“I hadn't really thought of it that way. Heaven knows, romance has been the last thing on my mind during the past two years.” She paused for a moment. “But maybe you're right. Maybe we should still believe in the possibility of love. And you, you're much too young to give up on it yet.”

“I'm working on it,” Cecelia admitted. “Nick has been trying to play matchmaker for me.”

“Hmm,” Beth said. “I always thought the two of you would be a good match.”

Cecelia sputtered with laughter. “He's made it very clear he's a committed bachelor. Committed to not being committed. Besides, he has his pick of the ladies.”

“Dating around is one thing, but a real relationship, the right kind, can be very different. Hopefully, Nick will come to his senses and realize it sooner than later.”

“Yeah,” Cecelia said, but didn't think that was likely. She pulled into the Duncans' driveway. “We're here.”

“I can't thank you enough for bringing me,” Beth said.

“I'll help you with the groceries,” Cecelia said. “I have time.”

“If you're sure,” Beth said, opening her door.

“I am,” Cecelia said and grabbed a bag of groceries.

Moments later, everything had been unloaded.

“Thanks so much,” Will said with his young granddaughter by his side. His grandson was organizing frozen goods.

“My pleasure,” Cecelia said and watched as Beth moved closer to Will. “Anything else I can do? Unfortunately Beth's car gave out on her.”

Will glanced at her. “Is that true? You can use my car.”

“That wouldn't be right,” Beth said.

“It darn well would be,” he said. “You've done a lot for us lately. The least you can do is let us help you in return.”

Silence descended over the room.

Sara walked toward Beth and lifted her hands for a hug. “Can we have a tea party?”

“Of course we can,” Beth said and brought the little girl into her arms.

Cecelia nearly wept at the sweet love exchanged between the two. She squished her eyes together to keep from crying. “I'll call Nick to check on your car. In the meantime I need to get these donations to the church.”

“Thank you for rescuing me,” Beth said.

“I'll make sure she has transportation,” Will said, and Cecelia saw why Beth said Will was such a manly man.

Her eyes still stinging, she left the house and picked up the last of the food donations then drove to the church. By that time, her head was throbbing and her throat was so sore she could hardly swallow.

After she delivered what she collected to the church, Cecelia headed back to the rooming house and stripped and showered. She sank into her bed and prayed she wasn't getting sick.

The next morning, however, her throat was scratchy and she was still achy. Feeling both hot and cold, she pulled the covers over her head and waited for the feeling to stop.

It didn't, so she took a deep breath and rolled out of bed anyway. Maybe she would feel better after breakfast, although she wasn't hungry. After spending a few extra minutes in the shower, she pulled on her clothes and trudged down the steps for breakfast.

“What can I get for you?” Beth asked as she filled a plate for one of the other residents.

“I think I'll just grab a blueberry muffin and some coffee,” Cecelia said. “I'm running a little late.”

“Are you sure you don't want more?” Beth asked.

“Nope. That'll be fine. How's your car?” she asked.

“Will got it towed for me and it's the alternator just like you said. Maybe you should become a mechanic,” Beth said with a smile.

“Lucky guess,” Cecelia said and poured coffee into her travel mug. She wished her throat didn't hurt so much.

She went to her assigned work site for the day and helped tear up some linoleum then began to replace the wood flooring underneath. Sipping her coffee, she felt worse as the day wore on. She'd been told Nick would stop by sometime to assess the counters. She was glad he wasn't here because he would expect her to be chatty and she didn't feel up to it. Her head throbbing, she decided to work through lunch so she could perhaps leave early. Almost done, she stood to get a bottle of water.

Suddenly, the room started to swim in front of her eyes. “Oops,” she muttered.

“Hey, Cecelia,” one of the other workers named Richard called to her. “You okay? You look weird.”

Such flattery, she thought and waved her hand. “No, I'm fine,” she said. “Totally fine,” she repeated and collapsed to the floor.

Two guys immediately rushed toward her. “What's wrong?” Richard asked.

She shook her head. “I don't know. I feel hot and cold. I probably just need some water.”

“Hey. What's going on?” Nick asked, walking in the door and glancing at the two workmen and Cecelia.

“Cecelia just fainted,” Richard said in an incredulous tone.

Cecelia rolled her eyes, but even that hurt. “I did not faint. I did not lose consciousness.”

Nick moved closer, and the way he studied her made her feel as if she were under a microscope. “You're pale,” he said and touched her forehead. “And you're burning up. I'm taking you to the clinic.”

“That's not necessary,” she said. “I just need some water and a nap.”

“I don't think so,” he said. “Fainting?”

“I didn't faint,” she corrected him as he helped her to her feet. She hated how wobbly she felt. “I just sat down quickly.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he said, but she could tell he didn't believe her. “Hey, guys, I'll take her to the clinic and look at the cabinets tomorrow.”

“No problem,” Richard said. “You want one of us to drive her truck to the rooming house?”

“That would be great,” Nick said. “Thanks.”

“Let us know what happens,” Richard said. “I've never seen her like this.”

“Me either,” Nick said and helped her to his truck.

An hour later, after Cecelia tested positive for strep and received a dose of antibiotics, Nick drove her to the rooming house.

“This is ridiculous,” she grumbled. “I never get sick. Never ever.”

“Well, you're sick now and you've been told to rest until your fever goes away. So you can just plan on taking it easy for the next couple of days.”

Cecelia frowned. “I don't like taking it easy. It's boring. Besides, I have things to do.”

“Not until you get better,” he said and pulled up to the front of the rooming house. “I'll help you up to your room.”

“I'm fine,” she said, but he ignored her and ushered her up the steps to the porch.

Beth and Melba met them at the front door. “Oh my goodness, you poor thing,” Melba said. “We've heard the news. You passed out on the floor on the job.”

“And Nick had to carry you into the clinic,” Beth added.

Cecelia looked at Nick. “What?”

He fought a grin, but couldn't quite win. “Small town. Exciting news travels fast.”

“Nick did not have to carry me,” Cecelia said. “He just insisted on it, and his back may pay for it later.”

“I'm strong enough to carry you,” he said and urged her toward the indoor staircase.

“And I did not pass out,” Cecelia said over her shoulder. “I just sat down very quickly.”

Melba shook her head and made a clucking sound. “What's wrong with our girl?” she asked Nick.

“Strep throat. She needs rest, liquids and an antibiotic,” he said.

“I'll start some chicken soup right away,” Beth said. “A big batch,” she added.

“I don't need a big batch,” Cecelia said, stopping at the landing.

Beth's cheeks turned pink. “Well, I thought I would make some extra for Melba and maybe the Duncans.”

Cecelia mustered a smile even though she felt awful. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”

“Stop stalling,” Nick said. “Or I'll pick you up and haul you to your room.”

“Jeez, why are you being such a Neanderthal about this. I'm fine,” she said, but the stairs tilted to the left in a strange way. Cecelia did
not
want to sit down suddenly again, so she paused.