Chapter 9

9

NIKKI

I decide to spend a little time in the library doing research before moving out to the bench in front of it to take notes of conversation fragments. For a while, I allow myself to sink into the quiet, mellow vibe of being surrounded by so many books.

It occurs to me that Carson was completely chill this morning. Sure, there was that intense, fiery spark between us. But he didn't make a move. There we were, in an empty house, after what we just did last night, and he didn't…make any assumptions.

Meanwhile, a lot of the problems that happened with my mother, my sister and my friends were all because their men hadn't respected their boundaries, or their jobs.

I mean, I don't know exactly what Carson thinks of my work. But it's only a summer gig. What's important is that he respected me and didn't take advantage of the opportunity.

Plus, he jumped right into help at a moment's notice, even though he knew it would make him late for his own job. I guess that just feels…wholesome. Like he understands responsibilities.

I finish some of the conversation compilation datasets I've been working on, then glance outside to see the wind becoming so gusty that there aren't many people lingering out on the street. I might as well stay inside and work for a bit longer. I sip my coffee, then pull up the research on the family histories I've been putting together.

There are several families who have been here for at least a couple of generations, but by all accounts, the Wolfe and Dirty families were here first. I sink into the data, zoning out as I sift through old documents and property ownership maps.

Apparently, this section of the mountain wasn't developed until the main road was blasted through a chunk of the mountain around 1860. Then Carson's great-grandfather Aiden Dirty and his friend Adler Wolfe moved here and bought up some land. A lot of land. Like… damn .

It's interesting that they both purchased quite a bit but left certain areas very deliberately. The center of the slight valley is the most logical place for the town center, and they left that entire area up for grabs, except for the land for anything municipal like the town hall, which they paid for and built. Several other families moved in shortly after. The names Cooper, Brody, Robards and Armstrong all come up several times. It makes sense that a family group would move together.

My fingers drum on the table as I look outside to see that the wind is still blowing hard. Then my gaze flicks back to the laptop, as I stare at the map of town and the surrounding area.

Oh, interesting.

If the Wolfes and the Dirtys moved here together, does that mean they came from the same place? Maybe they were related?

An hour later, I take a break from staring at the screen. My phone's still on silent, but I notice that at some point I've received a text.

Carson: I'm not sure where we stand on Official Dates. But whether you'd like to call it a date or a hangout, I would love to make you dinner tomorrow night.

That text arrived half an hour ago. Even as I'm reading it, another one pings.

Carson: I'm thinking barbecue? Burgers and grilled corn. Super casual hangout. I just want to see you.

Carson: And, obviously, try to impress you with my incredible burger making skills.

The little details touch me. He didn't ask to see me tonight…although I would really love to…but chose tomorrow night to insert a bit of space into what feels like a breakneck whirlwind relationship.

"Your work must be going well."

My head jerks up to return the smile of Mrs. Honeywell, the librarian. "Yes. I think everything's coming together."

"Perfect. That's what I like to hear." She walks away to shelve a couple of books, then returns to her mug of tea at the front counter.

Something hits me with all the force of a winter gale.

If Carson and I became a real couple, I'd move here. Live here. The valley would be my home, and this would be my library, and Corina's would be my coffee shop. Forever.

I need to decide fast before I lead him on too much. Even worse… Before I break my own rules and possibly break my own heart before I've made any logical decisions at all.