Chapter 13

Thirteen

Abby

I was confused by Nick’s change in mood at Giovanni’s. He was attentive and sweet at first. Even flirty and quick to touch me. He had me imagining all the things he could do with his lips and mouth. But when we were playing Frogger, I sensed a shift in him. He stood apart from me, not touching me or whispering in my ear.

When I saw Ben talking to him, I could only imagine what he’d said. He meant well, but he didn’t understand what was going on between us.

We’d been intimate before and managed to move on unscathed. We could do it again. I was thinking of how a physical relationship might work. No expectations. Certainly no emotions or feelings. We’d just satisfy our physical needs.

We both understood we couldn’t be anything more.

I’d even dropped off Hunter at the batting cages for practice without any weird tension between us. At least that’s what I told myself because if I was honest, there was something in his eyes. It was similar to the interest I saw at the wedding when we’d met. Would he be open to a physical relationship despite his reservations the other night?

“Abby? Joan and Michael wanted to hear about the photography packages.”

“Of course.” I refocused as I moved closer to them to show them my book of packages and samples of pictures. While Joan was interested, Michael looked like he’d rather be anywhere but in Gia’s office talking about wedding details.

I answered Joan’s questions on autopilot. We’d done these consultations many times now, and I was comfortable in my role. We explained our respective packages and jumped in to answer any questions. Gia was the best at handling difficult clients. She eased their worries and assured them we’d handle everything. We worked well as a team.

My job was relatively easy. Most clients wanted as many pictures and memories of their wedding as possible, even if they were video recording the ceremony itself. The problem came down to price. Some balked; others tried to negotiate. But one thing Gia had taught all of us was that we needed to stick to our listed prices. We charged what we were worth, and if they didn’t agree, they could take their business elsewhere.

I used to be wishy-washy about it, but at the end of the day, I needed to pay a mortgage, feed my kid, and pay for his very expensive activities. I’d learned a lot from Gia over the last few months.

At the end of the meeting, we walked Joan and Michael out. The couple had more questions than I’d anticipated. Wondering what time it was, I checked my phone. It was twenty minutes after practice should have ended. “I have to run to pick up Hunter,” I told Gia.

My phone showed several missed messages and calls from Nick, and I quickly gathered my things, stress creeping up my neck.

Gia waved me off. “Go. We can finish up here.”

My heart was in my throat as I rushed to transcribe a message to Nick. I’m on my way. I’m so sorry. My meeting went late.

I drove as fast I could across town, but the rush hour traffic and number of red lights that were not working in my favor slowed me down. I finally arrived at the batting cages forty minutes late.

My hands shook as I slung my purse over my shoulder. It was only the second practice, and I was already making Nick wait for me. I was positive he wanted to get home and eat dinner. I expected him to be waiting with the boys by the front door, but they weren’t.

Inside, I scanned the room, finally spotting Nick with his hands curled around the fence to the batting cages. I moved closer to find Hunter inside and Brody on the other side of Nick.

I bit my lip as I watched the muscles in Nick’s arms flex as he observed Hunter swing. “You’re right there.”

I waited until the last ball was pitched from the machine and Hunter was gathering the balls.

“Sorry I’m late. My meeting went over, and I lost track of time.” I didn’t like to be one of those people always looking at their phone, and Gia removed all clocks from her conference room for that very reason. She wanted us to focus on the clients, for them to feel like they were the most important thing in our life. Which wasn’t entirely true. I wondered if I should get one of those watches that forwarded messages from my phone because Hunter was it for me.

My heart pounded in my chest as Nick lowered his arms and faced me. “It’s not a problem. We got s’more swings in.”

“Are you sure? I feel awful.” I wasn’t ready to let myself off the hook yet.

“Abby. I said it wasn’t a problem.” That time, his voice was stern.

What person didn’t mind waiting around for someone else to show up and pick up their kid? One time might not be an issue, but I couldn’t make a habit of it.

“Mom! I thought Aunt Brooke might be the one to pick me up,” Hunter said as he exited the cage.

“Nope. Just me. Sorry I’m late.”

Hunter shrugged. “We got to bat.”

“He doesn’t care about much if he’s playing ball.” I smiled weakly at Nick.

Nick’s hand fell to my shoulder, squeezing reassuringly. “Seriously, it’s not a problem. We didn’t have anywhere to be.”

“Do you want me to buy you dinner? I want to repay you somehow.” I needed to assuage my guilt.

“Why don’t you cook us dinner one night. We miss home-cooked meals, and then the boys can play.” Nick’s request was simple enough.

“Can we?” Hunter asked, his voice pleading.

I couldn’t say no. Not when I was the one who’d made Nick wait for me to pick up my kid. “Of course.”

My heart thudded in my chest. Did he mean tonight? I was beyond exhausted and wasn’t sure I had ingredients to cook more than boxed mac and cheese.

“Text me a good time.”

I racked my brain to remember my schedule. “How about Sunday? I don’t have any events or photography sessions scheduled in the evening.”

“Perfect,” Nick said with a smile.

The boys packed their bags, and we headed to the parking lot.

I wondered if his request for a meal was just missing good food or if it was an excuse for us to hang out.

I was so busy most of the time, I didn’t have the energy to socialize outside my immediate family. But for some reason, the promise of seeing him in a more intimate setting at the end of the week appealed to me. It was something to look forward to. I hadn’t felt that hum of anticipation in a long time.

We parted ways at the door, promising to see each other at practice on Sunday. So far, my promise to keep my distance from Nick wasn’t going as planned.

Saturday, I left Hunter with Brooke and Ben to attend a wedding. They were going to the town’s harvest festival. I wanted to go too, but Happily Ever Afters was booked with fall weddings through November, then Christmas weddings and parties, and in the new year, New Year’s weddings. Valentine’s Day would finish off our busy season, and then we’d have a short break until spring and summer—our busiest season of the year.

Thinking about how I would manage baseball, school, and my work calendar made it difficult to take a deep breath. I needed to pull it together because I couldn’t do my best work when I was stressed.

A headache was forming at the base of my neck and radiating into my skull. I hadn’t eaten since breakfast because there hadn’t been time.

I made it through the ceremony and most of the reception before heading to the kitchen to grab something to eat.

“How are you holding up?” Gia asked as I grabbed a plate from the cook.

“It’s going great. It’s a beautiful wedding.” I inhaled a few bites before Gia spoke again.

“I wasn’t talking about the wedding. I was asking how you’re holding up.”

“Okay.” If only I could remember to eat and I didn’t feel insurmountable guilt when I thought of someone else taking Hunter to the festival. I was a photographer. I’d always have events on the weekend when Hunter was playing games and other things were going on.

“Have you thought more about hiring any help?”

“No one else can take pictures,” I insisted stubbornly.

“An assistant would be able to help you with lighting, poses, wardrobe issues,” Gia said.

“I haven’t.” If I thought about money going to an assistant, my chest tightened even more.

Gia tipped her head to the side, considering me. “Our calendar is filling up.”

“I know.” I finished the last bite and took the plate to the dishwasher.

When I returned to where Gia stood, she said, “You have to expand for the business to grow. Hiring someone doesn’t take away from the business; it only enhances it.”

“What if I hire the wrong person and they aren’t any help? What if I can’t afford to hire someone?” I asked, listing off the things that kept me awake at night.

“Do the numbers. I’m sure they support hiring someone at least part-time. I’m hiring another wedding planner, and I have a receptionist.”

That made sense for her. She’d eventually need more than one or two planners. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to take on more weddings.

I blew out a breath. “I hate looking at numbers.”

Gia grinned. “I don’t mind looking at spreadsheets, but you should find an accountant you trust.”

“I’ll do that,” I said.

“I’d better get back out there. You have to wait for the cake to be cut, but after that, you can go,” Gia said to me as she walked out.

I wasn’t in a hurry to return to the reception. I’d gotten enough pictures of the dancers on the dance floor, and I could afford to take a few more minutes. Instead, I thought about what Gia said. I didn’t want to pay for an accountant to tell me whether I could afford help.

But whenever I thought about the boxes of invoices and receipts, I got overwhelmed all over again. I enjoyed taking and editing pictures and talking to clients, but the business side was tough for me.

I thought of myself as a creative, but Gia was the one who kept encouraging me to be smart with my business decisions. I knew she was right even if the thought of advertising and interviewing someone was daunting.

I checked my phone. A few more minutes and then I could see Hunter. I hoped he’d want to watch a movie and relax on the couch because that was all the energy I had left.

After the cake was cut and I was satisfied with the pictures I’d taken, I said good-bye to Gia and texted Brooke to tell her I was on my way. I expected them to be home, but she immediately called as I turned on the car.

“Hey, I can be there in a few minutes.” I was eager to get home and take off my heels. They were pinching my feet from being in them all day.

“We’re still at the festival. There’s a bonfire near the harbor. Can you meet us there?”

That was the last thing I wanted to do, but Brooke sounded excited I was coming. “Sure.”

It took longer than I hoped to park, then find Brooke and Ben in the crowd. When I finally spotted them, I was prepared to tell her we were headed home. I hadn’t even brought a change of shoes.

“There you are.” Brooke hugged me and then pulled back. “Look who we ran into.”

Nick was talking to Ben, and Brody and Hunter were chasing each other through the crowd. Cammie was sipping something in a to-go cup as she watched the boys’ antics.

“Can you get them to stop? They’re going to hurt someone,” Brooke said to Ben and Nick.

“I got it,” Ben said, holding his hand up to Nick.

“How was your day?” Nick moved closer, his expression filled with concern.

“Long. I’m just glad it’s over.”

Nick’s gaze traveled down my body, heating it as he went. “You must be tired.”

“I’m ready to get out of these shoes.” I held a toe up for him to see the heels.

“Why don’t you sit, and I’ll grab you a warm cider.”

“That sounds amazing.” Before I could look around for an open spot, Nick cupped my elbow as he maneuvered us through the crowd to a bench nearby.

“I’ll be right back,” he said before I could protest.

From my vantage point, I could see Hunter, and I knew Brooke and Ben were keeping an eye on the kids.

I felt like I hadn’t sat down all day. The tension eased from my muscles as I relaxed. While it wasn’t my couch, it wasn’t bad.

A cup appeared in front of me. “Here you go.”

“Thank you,” I said as I took the offered cup. The cider smelled delicious.

Nick sat next to me.

“I’m surprised you came to the festival.” I would have thought he’d want to avoid town events and gossip.

“Brody wanted to go, and I can’t tell him no.”

“You’re such a good guy,” I said, tipping my head back. The moon was almost full as it reflected over the water. It was a beautiful night.

“See, you keep saying that—”

“But you don’t believe it. Even though you got me hot cider and found me a bench to sit.” Then I shivered. The evening was cool, and I was only wearing a dress with a thin cardigan.

“Here,” Nick said as he took off his light jacket and arranged it over my shoulders.

I held it tight around my shoulders with one hand as I sipped the cider. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

As we sat in comfortable silence, I wondered what he would taste like if I kissed him. Would he taste like apples and spice? I wanted to find out.

Nick seemed unaffected by my presence as he stood to toss his cup in a nearby trashcan.

Ben approached. “You about ready to head out?”

I stood, almost groaning at the pain in my back. I contorted into awkward positions sometimes to get the perfect angle on a couple. I rubbed the spot on my back. “I’m ready for bed.”

Brooke shook her head. “You work too hard.”

“During normal work hours, it’s quieter for me. This is my busy time.” When everyone else was socializing and having a good time. It was fine most of the time. It meant my family was free to babysit when I worked. But other times, I hated missing out on the memories.

“We parked in the garage,” Ben said.

I pointed in the opposite direction. “I found street parking.”

“I’m near there. I can walk with you,” Nick offered.

Ben and Nick exchanged a look, and then we said our good-byes. The boys walked ahead of us, picking up random rocks, examining them, and tossing them aside.

“How was the rest of your night?” Nick asked conversationally.

“Mmm. The wedding was beautiful. I got some great pictures. The one I was most proud of was the moment I caught the groom kissing his bride when no one was looking. He had this expression on his face like he was the luckiest guy in the world to be marrying her.” I looked at Nick to find him gazing at me with admiration.

“You’re good at your job.”

“I hope I am.” I wanted to earn a living from my passion. It wasn’t a lot to ask, but sometimes it seemed like it was.

“Do you always work weekends?”

“Weekends and evenings. That’s when most people schedule parties and weddings.”

He fell silent for a few steps.

“It sucks, but that’s the job. When Hunter was little, it allowed me to be with him during the day. Now that he’s in school, I’m not able to see him as much.”

“That’s tough.”

“It is. Gia mentioned something about me hiring an assistant. It’s not like I can hire someone to take the pictures, but they’d be able to help with equipment, wrangling the bridal party, and getting me food and drink.” Now that I’d said the potential duties out loud, it did sound kind of amazing.

“You should do it.”

I laughed softly. “You say that because you don’t have to run the numbers, advertise for the position, and interview candidates.”

“I can take a look at the numbers.”

I pulled Nick’s jacket tighter to me, uncomfortable with the suggestion. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

He gave me a pointed look. “You didn’t. I’m offering.”

“That sounds like I’m taking advantage of you. You already helped me out on Wednesday with Hunter.”

He tipped his head to the side. “But you’re cooking me dinner to repay me.”

“Still.” I stopped because we’d reached my SUV.

“I love looking at numbers and spreadsheets. It’s a challenge for me. I promise I don’t mind. Plus, I make my own hours, so I can come over during the week when the kids are in school to look through everything.”

I unlocked the door, and the boys got in the back. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea to be alone with Nick.

Nick’s hands settled on my shoulders as he turned me to face him. “You need help. What’s wrong with letting me do this?”

“I’m not good about asking for help or taking it.”

“You let Brooke and Ben.”

“Brooke’s my sister.”

“And I’m your friend.” His gaze held a challenge, but the palms of his hands were a comforting warmth on my shoulders.

While I should have been pleased with his mention of us being friends, the offer didn’t sit right with me.

He dipped his head to meet my eyes. “Please.”

I couldn’t resist the plea in his voice or the earnestness in his expression. “Okay. Thank you.”

He smiled, and it was so brilliant, I sucked in a shocked breath. “See? Was that so hard?”

He was relaxed, his expression almost boyish, but every muscle in my body was stretched taut. Standing so close to him, his hands on my body, feeling his warmth even through our layers was the difficult part. Accepting his help was a cakewalk compared to that.

Once he stepped back, I felt the chill almost immediately. “Let me know when you have things together, and I’ll take a look at it.”

I laughed without any humor. “It’s telling you know I need to get everything together.”

“Most people do. I think I’m the exception to the rule.”

I was breaking my rules. Don’t sleep with the best man in the wedding you’re working. And whatever you do, don’t see him again. But when he smiled at me, all bets were off. I was lost to whatever he wanted.

He opened my door, and I moved past him to slide inside. My shoulder brushed his very hard chest.

“Brody. Let’s go.” Nick’s voice was gruff and commanding.

Brody scrambled out of the backseat and onto the street.

“Good to see you again,” I said formally as if we’d run into each other by happenstance, which we kind of had.

“It was the perfect ending to a great day,” he said softly before closing the door.

“Mom? What did Coach say?”

I swallowed over the dryness in my throat as I started the SUV and moved it into drive. “He said he’d see us on Sunday.”

I usually didn’t lie to my kid, but I wasn’t repeating what Nick had said. Not that Hunter would have read much into it, but it felt too intimate, like it was meant only for me.

It was the perfect ending to a great day. Despite my exhaustion and stress, when I let go and allowed myself to be in the moment, I enjoyed it. I tried not to think about the fact that Nick had been the one to get me off my feet and bought me an apple cider. He’d been the one to get me to relax. I resisted everyone else’s efforts to do the same.

Ben and Brooke offered to take Hunter so I could go out with friends or even date, but I needed them for work so much, I almost never took them up on the offer. But Nick was making me rethink everything. How I spent my days. How I ran my business.

“That was fun,” Hunter said, drawing me out of my thoughts.

“It was. I’m glad I was able to meet you out.”

“I wish you could have been there the whole day.”

My heart squeezed. Then I thought about what Gia and Nick had said. I should get an assistant. I worked hard. I deserved to be compensated for my work, but I also needed good help. I worried I wouldn’t find someone competent, but I hadn’t even tried.

Then there was the matter of dinner with Nick on Sunday to look forward to. It might just be the perfect ending to the week.