Island Refuge (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 1) (9 page)

Chase’s red face said it all.

Nick stifled a groan.

The door opened again, and Zoe barreled out. “What’s going on? I heard someone scream.” She looked from Nick to Chase then touched a hand to her lips when she spotted Rachel standing to the side of the doorway. “Oh.” Her giggle grew to all-out laughing within seconds.

Rachel’s lips twitched.

Nick couldn’t stop the laughter that bubbled up either. He noticed Chase’s sheepish grin and eventual smile. Finally Rachel joined in.

Chase whistled, effectively silencing them all. “You’re a bunch of hyenas. Miss, I apologize for spraying paint all over you. My only excuse is that I was listening to my tunes and you got caught in the rhythm.”

“I’ll survive. I should have announced I was opening the door.”

“Wouldn’t have heard you anyway. Let me buy you dinner to make up for it, or at least pay to have your clothes cleaned.”

Nick raised a brow.

“Thanks, but not necessary.” She turned to Zoe. “Think you could hose me off?”

“Sure.” The ladies hurried around the side of the house.

He followed. “Don’t get the house wet.”

“I won’t. You do your thing, and we’ll do ours.” Zoe waved him off.

Just as well. If he hung around any longer he’d start laughing again, and it really wasn’t funny. Another chuckle escaped his lips as he headed around to the back. It’d been a long time since he’d laughed like that—it felt nice. Hopefully there would be many more laughs to come, but not at the expense of his guests.

He hadn’t even reached the back when he heard the ladies arguing. Now what? With a sigh, he scrambled to the corner of the house where he could see what was going on between the women. Rachel stood with her arms out like an airplane, a scowl covering her face. Zoe seemed to be getting way too much pleasure from spraying their guest.

He approached the duo. “How’s it going? The paint coming off?”

Zoe turned off the water. “Mostly. I’ll run in and grab a towel. Be right back.”

Rachel’s T-shirt and shorts hung heavy with water. Her hair lay limp against her face.

“Thanks for being such a good sport about this, Rachel. I know it’s tough being here while we renovate.”

“No worries. This wasn’t going to fit much longer anyway. Which reminds me. Zoe suggested I ask you about prenatal vitamins.”

He raised a brow. Rachel had shared her secret—interesting.

“I was hoping you could recommend some, or maybe pick up a bottle for me the next time you leave the island. I’ll reimburse you of course.”

“Sure. I can do that. How are you feeling?”

“Tired, but the morning sickness isn’t as bad as it was.”

“I’m glad. I know an obstetrician I think you’d like. It’s a good idea to get checked out and make sure everything is going as it should.”

Zoe rounded the house and approached Rachel. “Here you go. Leave your sandals at the door. They’ll dry faster outside than in your room. I’ll bring them up to you later.”

“Thanks, Zoe.” Rachel looked at him then nodded and rushed away.

He waited until he heard the door close then turned to Zoe. “What were the two of you arguing about?”

“Nothing important.”

“Okay, but as long as she is a guest here, I expect you to treat her accordingly.”

“I’m aware. I assure you, there is nothing to be concerned about.”

Unable to find a reasonable counter to her argument, he decided to let it drop. “I’d better get back to painting if this place is going to be ready for guests by Monday.”

Zoe blinked her green eyes and her bottom lip protruded in a pout.

“Everything okay?”

“When you said guests, it reminded me of something, then just as quickly it left my brain. I think it was important.”

She crossed her arms, closed her eyes and scrunched her nose.

Adorable
. He shook his head at his wayward thoughts. He couldn’t be thinking of Zoe as adorable. It was disloyal to Jenna. Besides she was more than adorable, she was amazingly beautiful. “If you remember, you know where to find me.” He turned on his heel anxious to escape the feelings Zoe ignited. What was happening to him? He couldn’t develop feelings for Zoe. It wouldn’t work. They were two wounded souls both struggling to heal.

****

Z
OE SLIPPED OUT
of Rachel’s room after leaving a bottle of prenatal vitamins on the table where she was sure to see them when she returned. Now that the B&B had a new roof and a fresh coat of paint, the place was at capacity. In two weeks’ time this house had gone from drab to fab, and it was busy. Sadly she was one person doing the job of two.

She ambled down the stairs being careful to not appear flustered in front of the guests. She knew that the slower pace of the B&B was nothing compared to the stress of her old job, but she’d quickly grown accustomed to having few guests and little pressure. Now that the renovations were complete, Nick’s business was steady, and she needed to adjust.

Nick stood in the reception area talking with a couple who were unhappy. She took the steps slowly, hoping to overhear and understand the problem.

“I called two weeks ago and spoke with a woman about staying for the weekend. We’d wanted to come last weekend, but she explained the place was under renovation.”

Zoe caught her breath. That’s what she’d been trying to remember to tell Nick. How could she have forgotten? Her stomach tightened as she sidled up to the small group. “Excuse me, if you will give us a moment. I believe we can sort this out.”

Nick turned startled eyes to her. He nodded to the couple and followed Zoe into the kitchen. “What did you do?”

“Remember last week, when I said there was something about guests that I needed to tell you?”

“Oh, no. They’re that something.” He groaned and ran a hand through his hair. “What am I going to do? One bad review and this place could be sunk. I guess the only thing to do is refund their money and offer a discount on a future visit. I suppose I could pitch a tent in the backyard if they can’t find other accommodations. It’s better than nothing if they are set on staying on the island overnight.”

Zoe hadn’t thought about a bad review. The tent idea was a guaranteed bad review. Maybe Rachel would be willing to bunk with her for the weekend. Better yet… “I have an idea.”

“I’m listening.”

“It’s one o’clock. Tell them check in is at three and that their room will be ready.”

“Impossible. We are booked solid.”

“They can have my room.”

“What? Where will you sleep?”

“I haven’t figured that out yet, but I can store my stuff in your apartment for the time being while I clean the room and make it ready for them.”

He shook his head. “I don’t know, Zoe. Won’t it take a while to move out of your room?”

“No. I barely have anything. Besides, it’s the only option. Think about it. My room is as nice as any of the guest rooms.”

He nodded. “You have a point, plus your bathroom is high-end.”

“I’ll never understand why they put that kind of money into the cook’s room.”

“Regardless, you’ll save my hide.”

“It’s the least I can do, considering I’m the one who got us into this mess.”

“How exactly did it happen? You’re adept at making reservations.”

“I know, but the reservation book was missing.”

A knowing look crossed his face. “Ah. I know what happened. I take the book to my apartment sometimes to work on stuff. Next time you accept a reservation and can’t find the book, leave a sticky note on the desk.”

“I don’t know why I didn’t think of that at the time, but I promise this won’t happen again.”

He lightly squeezed her shoulder. “Let me go tell them we have a room available, and then we’ll figure out what to do with you.”

Zoe rushed to her room, pulled the suitcase out from under the bed and tossed her stuff into it. She looked at her sad collection of belongings and decided it would all easily fit in the trunk of her car.

She hoisted the suitcase off the bed and wheeled it to the back door. There was no need to bother Nick about a single suitcase. She’d store it in the trunk of her car. Where would she sleep for the weekend? She didn’t feel comfortable crashing on Nick’s couch, and staying at a competing B&B was out of the question. She needed to be close at hand. Nick’s tent idea flashed into her mind for about two seconds. She’d never enjoyed camping, and the idea of sleeping on the hard earth didn’t appeal either. There had to be another option.

After putting her suitcase in the trunk of her car, she rushed inside and got to work cleaning her room. In less than forty minutes the bathroom shone and the bed had fresh linens. She ran the vacuum through the room, dusted, and then opened the window to freshen the air.

Now to get the afternoon tea prepared. She had to impress the couple if she wanted to keep her job, because after this fiasco Nick was sure to replace her. And she wouldn’t blame him.

CHAPTER NINE

N
ICK WAS STARTLED TO SEE
Z
OE
in the sitting room visiting with some guests—a first, but since she didn’t have a room of her own, where else would she find a comfortable place to sit and relax? He pursed his lips. The tent still sitting in the original packaging in his closet downstairs wasn’t plush by any stretch of the imagination, but it would solve the problem of where Zoe would sleep tonight.

He’d take the tent and loan her his bed. Yes, that was the answer. He spun around and strode to his apartment. An hour later he stood in the backyard staring at the green disaster.

The tent was supposed to be simple to put up; however, it turned out to be anything but. No matter, it was home for the duration of the weekend. He’d toss his sleeping bag and pillow inside later, but right now, he needed to locate Zoe and fill her in on his plan.

As he entered the house through the kitchen door, he heard laughter. At least someone was having fun. He pushed through the swinging door to the dining room and nodded to a couple playing Clue. He’d nearly forgotten about the stack of board games the prior owners had left behind.

Zoe sat in the overstuffed chair beside the fireplace, her eyelids drooping and her head resting against the back of the cushion. He slowed. She normally wore her hair pulled away from her face, but now it cascaded in golden ringlets around her shoulders. The soft feminine look melted his insides. He cleared his throat.

She looked up and her eyes widened. “Is there something you need?” She jumped up from the chair and strode toward him.

“Yes, I’d like to talk with you.”

Fear flashed in her eyes. Why would she be afraid? Had something happened? He took her arm and guided her through the dining room and into the kitchen. “Take a seat.”

“I’d rather stand.” She squared her shoulders and eyed him warily.

“Suit yourself. I set my tent up in the backyard. You’re welcome to use my apartment. I’ve always wanted to try camping.”

“What? Camping?” She shook her head, her eyebrows pulled down. “You mean I’m not fired?”

“Of course not. Where did
that
come from?”

She shrugged. “I thought since I’ve messed up so many times—”

“Don’t worry. Your job is safe. I need you too much to let you go.” Zoe had proven herself capable, and for the most part, an asset. He frowned—had he somehow slipped about looking for someone else in the beginning?

Her brows were furrowed, and she was clearly distressed.

“Listen to what I said. You’re a good employee. And I like having you here. Relax, Zoe.” He smiled.

Her eyes widened and her cheeks bloomed a pretty prink. “Oh, well thanks. Umm… I feel funny kicking you out of your apartment since it was my error. Let me stay in the tent.” Her emerald eyes begged him to agree. “Please. It would make me feel much better knowing I wasn’t putting you out.”

“You wouldn’t be putting me out. Like I said, I’ve always wanted to try camping, and this way, the comforts of home are only a few steps away.”

She crossed her arms. “No. You stay in your apartment. I’ll take the tent. Besides, I’m already packed.”

He hadn’t anticipated an argument. What woman would rather sleep on the cold hard ground than in a comfortable bed? He shrugged. “Okay. You win. The tent is yours. Do you need a sleeping bag?”

She nodded. “And an air mattress if you have one.”

“Sorry I don’t, but I have some extra blankets you can use.”

“That’ll work. Thanks. Guess I’d better set out the afternoon tea.”

“I’ll help.” He pulled open the fridge and grabbed the glass water pitcher Zoe always placed on the table for the guests.

“Don’t forget the lemon slices.” Zoe breezed past holding a platter of cookies and another filled with fruit and cheeses.

He reached for the small dish of lemon slices and followed the woman who increasingly baffled him. There was an air of vulnerability about her that he couldn’t figure out. No matter, he had a business to run and playing psychologist wouldn’t get him anywhere.

Zoe placed the platters at the opposite end of the table where Mr. and Mrs. Wisdom still played Clue. “I’ll be right back with hot water for tea.”

Cups and saucers had already been placed on the table along with napkins and plain white plates. Considering the frou-frou factor of the B&B, the simple plates were a surprise. He rather liked the eclectic selection of dishes the prior owners had collected. That was one thing he would keep for sure.

Zoe glided into the room again and deposited a carafe of hot water and one of coffee along with a basket of tea choices.

Nick couldn’t resist the lemon tea cookies and reached for a delicate looking morsel. He tossed the whole thing into his mouth. A hint of lemon and spice tempted him to grab another, but he knew better.

Zoe watched him expectantly. “How are they?”

“Good.”

“Not too dry?”

“Nope. Didn’t you try one?”

“No. I have a weakness for sweets, and I’ve been eating too many since coming to work here.”

He drew her into the kitchen with him. Maybe this is what she’d been so pensive about. Perhaps Zoe was diabetic and didn’t want him to know. “Feel free to serve whatever you would like at tea. But please don’t go overboard. I need to make a profit.”