3. Lexi

"Poof." I gesture with my hands. "All normal human logic just vanished in a few seconds."

As I explain my situation, Summer smiles weakly at me. We're sitting in Jolly Joe's, the local hotspot that fills our needs, from coffee to burgers to ice cream. A throwback to a soda shop, complete with a jukebox in the corner. And Summer? We've been friends for years, and whenever I visit Lake Spark, I head straight to her.

"Remember when you were in Austria and you met those two backpackers, then later that day you ended up paragliding? You've always been spontaneous and impulsive," she reminds me.

I sigh as I stare at the menu to keep myself occupied. "I know, it's just… This is on a different level. Damn, I haven't seen Holden in a couple of years, and suddenly in the span of 24 hours, I've nearly drooled at his hot dad look and complied with his ridiculous demand."

She snorts a laugh. "Well, if it's any consolation, I've heard every single mom in a ten-mile radius is trying to discover his favorite food so they can casually stop by and offer him a store-bought cookie that they pose as their own baking. So, the sexy look doesn't seem to be in your imagination."

Licking my lips, I tip my head slightly to the side. "I hope it's my brain going on a break, because the vibe between us just seems… I can't pinpoint it."

Summer smiles softly before glancing out the window onto Main Street. "That's a good thing to have. I can't wait to watch this all unfold."

"Nothing. It's nothing. Besides, Holden has a chaotic life. His kids? Holy crap, wild."

"Well, it makes staying on his property all the more entertaining. You're still the woman who has no desire to settle down, so maybe that can be your strength to stay in line."

"Hopefully. Besides I'm not sure what I'll be doing once this project finishes. My lease for my place in the city was up long ago, and I've just been housesitting various places while I traveled. I'd love to be near you more and have a change of scene, I'm just not sure there are many opportunities for me here."

She clucks the inside of her mouth. "Ah yes, Lexi is still a wandering soul. Still, I'm excited for the unfolding of your predicament." Summer has a cheeky smile.

I scoff at that encouragement. Then it dawns on me that my ludicrous change of events in my life are minor compared to her life. After a pause for a few seconds, I lean across the table to place my hand gently on top of hers.

"Uh, how has it been?"

Her eyes slide to me as her lips quirk out. "You mean, with a husband?" Summer eloped with her best friend, Zac, for reasons even I don't quite understand. It was recent and sudden, and all I can do is give her an ear. Coincidently, her now in-laws used to own the Dizzy Duck.

I shrug. "Yeah, I guess."

A wry smile emerges. "I'm not exactly sure what I dragged myself into, but for some reason, it feels right."

Squeezing her hand one last time, I then let go. "I don't know what to say. One day you're going to have to explain."

"When it's clear to me, I will let you know." She sounds at peace with whatever is happening.

I don't press her further, especially when Summer's gaze seems to tip up and over my shoulder, with the corners of her smile lengthening. "Someone just arrived, and this might be my entertainment of the day."

I turn my head to catch a glimpse of what she's looking at. Or rather who she's looking at.

An opportunity to pull in some clarity to my brain just vanished as Holden slowly strides to our table with a sly grin. "Grabbing a coffee to gather strength before you pick up your suitcase to move on in?"

Summer snorts a laugh as she watches this scene progress.

"Why, of course, dear master."

Both Summer's and Holden's eyes grow wide at my sarcasm. Because, of course, when it's me, then everyone takes my words out of context.

Holden now keeps his smirk fixed then tips his head behind his shoulder. "The usual," he tells someone behind the counter.

My face puzzles. "You get coffee here?"

He looks at me as though I'm crazy… and maybe I am. Holden even shares a look with Summer who seems to agree.

"It's the best damn coffee around, and I need one for the road before I head down to Bluetop," he explains.

"But you own the Dizzy Duck, shouldn't that be the best coffee around? You're a traitor to your own hotel?" I'm bewildered.

Holden chuckles as he crosses his arms. "Nah, ours will be the best. Just ordered new machines, and I'm waiting on the import of beans from Colombia. They need to have a soft taste for cappuccinos but a sharper hit to your tongue if it's an expresso."

I nod in agreement. "That's fair enough. I guess you must need to consume a lot of coffee after what I saw this morning."

Noticing the way his tongue darts out to sweep to the corner of his mouth, it draws my eyes to his lips, and it causes a simmering warm wave to travel through me. "Well, problem soon solved by your presence," he reminds me.

"Not a nanny," I firmly inform him yet again.

"Of course, you're not. You will just be living on my property?—"

My palm flies up. "Guest on your property."

"Sure. A guest who might casually notice morning routine gone to hell and say, ‘Hey, Holden, anything I can do to help before I head to the Dizzy Duck?'"

"Absolutely, because compliancy was on my resume when you hired me to interior design your inn, not nanny."

Holden grabs the to-go coffee that one of the staff hands him, except Holden doesn't give the woman even a drop of attention because his eyes are fixed on me, or rather, glued in a gaze with mine because I can't tear away from the view either.

Then he leans down, every inch closer causing my nipples to peak even tighter. "But I believe your words were… I always aim to please." His voice is nearly husky with his breath even breezing into my space.

As much as I should be scared because it feels like a caution, I only smile. The kind that informs him I'm having fun, although my words are difficult to muster in this moment.

Holden stands and switches his attention from me to Summer. "Good to see you."

"Surprised you noticed I was here." She chortles a laugh.

Holden finds that amusing as he takes a sip of his coffee. "Any chance your brother-in-law has broken his radio silence and might actually return to Lake Spark to take interest in his 10% that your in-laws were so intent were mandatory for the hotel sale?"

Summer's face hardens a tad, her smile strained. "I'm the last person to ask about Nash," she grits out. "And you probably know just as much as I do."

Mentioning Nash's name around Summer always seems to cause her to tense. Nobody knows why, and that unfortunately includes me, too.

Holden doesn't pause for a tick because maybe he too noticed Summer's demeanor change, but then he brushes past the subject anyhow. "By the way, we have a job opening coming up. I need someone to handle the staff and the bookings. It's part-time, but the last manager is moving to California due to her husband's work. When your father-in-law dropped by recently, he mentioned that it might be your forte."

Her lips quirk out. "Huh. Maybe. I kind of like working for the city council, though."

Holden shrugs. "Well, if you change your mind."

"First I need to see how you treat your interior designer, since you are her current boss." Summer flashes her eyes at him.

Holden's jaw tenses, and he smiles awkwardly. "I like to think of Lexi and me as equals in a partnership… to improve the Dizzy Duck."

I want to hold onto the table for stability because I think my mind just tricked me into hearing allusions of underlying meanings. My eyes sideline to Summer, and her look informs me that it is not in my mind.

"Well then, good luck with that, or rather her." She indicates me with her head.

Holden's sexy smirk is back. "I think that I can keep her in line. See you around, ladies." He walks toward the door. "You even sooner, Lexi," he calls back.

When the bell dings to inform us that he's left, I notice Summer's mouth has gaped open. "Uh-oh, someone is in for a wild ride. Wow, you guys have chemistry."

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, I know. His sweltering gaze needs to be locked in a box."

Summer brings her cup of coffee to her lips. "I'm sure you will find a box for that… probably in his bedroom."

I huff a breath. "Well, now you know my predicament."

"This is going to be fun. I get to be the bystander that watches from the offside." Now she has a bright smile that's good to see.

Sliding out of my seat, I say, "Happy to provide entertainment. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get to the inn to talk with the contractor."

"Keep me updated."

I wave her off.

* * *

After informingthe contractor how I want to redo the fireplace mantel in the lobby, yet preserve the stones and also keep the original wood where we can in the inn but paint over or polish, I feel good about where I can take this immense project. I have so many ideas, but my vision is clear for what will make the best statement when someone walks through the door.

But now I find myself closing the door to Holden's guesthouse behind me. Stuart at reception gave me a key. To be fair, this little place, although missing a kitchen, is a great location behind the house, getting an even better view of the lake. The interior is simple but with a few added colored pillows so the white is taken down a notch.

Again, my mind is spinning with how fast the last day has transpired, but Summer was right when she reminded me that I am a spur-of-the-moment kind of person. I'll just go with the flow and follow the direction of where this rollercoaster takes me.

Opening my suitcase, I search for clothes. It's getting late for dinner, but I'll just order something in, although I'm positive when Holden is back from his meeting he will welcome me to his property like the gentleman I'm sure he isn't. My instinct tells me that he won't let me go to sleep without a reminder of his smug assurance that he has me wrapped around his finger, or at least in his head.

Walking to the window, my eyes wander to explore my surroundings. There is the lake with a dock for a boat, and there's a hot tub near the house. Then there is a tire swing on a big tree and a basketball hoop near the back of the garage. When I admire the stone patio, my eyes draw a line up and I land on a window upstairs. A big window with the curtains open.

The same window where I can see Holden walk into the room. He must have just gotten back, and he quickly yanks up his t-shirt. Oh no, my entire body energizes in a way that seems to be on repeat lately. My eyes refuse to take my sight and mind back to my own room, and instead, my feet stay planted as I study his shirtless chest. The man keeps himself in shape, that's clear.

I hear my soft gasp that I get to see this, but then I deeply question if I owe him privacy when he unbuckles his jeans. Fuck that, I deserve a prize for doing this favor for him. His black boxer briefs appear when he slides down his jeans, and I see his thick and toned thighs.

Am I drooling yet? Nah, that's not me. I'm a confident woman who has no problem allowing herself a peek. He isn't a stranger to me. Although it's been a while, I've known him for years, I guess. Back then, of course, I thought he was hot with a lot of swagger. It didn't matter that he was a dad by twenty-five, he still went out when he could just like any other guy in their twenties. Now? He's aged well, and he still has an aura that pulls you in.

I should question this appraisal more, especially when he turns around and the boxers disappear too, which means I have a clear view of his ass. My brows rise, as I'm not at all complaining about his body. My fingertips glide down my neck, unsure if I should touch myself or hide further behind the curtain. Holden grabs a white towel, and the pool forming between my legs is my sign that I too should hit the shower.

Desperately, I now need relief, but I'm scared that I'll imagine him in the shower with me. His lips cascading down until he's on his knees, his tongue eager. I wouldn't last long because I'd want to be on my knees before him too.

Shaking my head, I walk to the bathroom and whip off my shirt and notice the stack of folded towels next to the sink. I reach out to twist the knob in the shower.

Nothing comes out.

I twist the other direction.

Nothing comes out.

Strange. I turn and do the same thing with the sink knob.

Nothing.

Grumbling, I'm not happy about this. More because I have no clue where a switch or something might be to turn the water supply on. He must have turned it off to ensure water doesn't freeze the pipes in the winter if nobody uses this place.

Okay, I'm not going to be able to fix this by myself. Throwing my yoga pants back on and a fleece sweater, I head to the house. I hug myself because it's nippy out as I cross the patio.

Opening the sliding door, I hear pop music is getting overshadowed by a squeaky recorder that might hurt my ears, even though the kids seem to be upstairs. Man, does Holden have to listen to this every day? Another point of sympathy goes onto the scoreboard.

Remembering that Holden was in the shower, I walk to the kitchen to wait. I might as well steal a cookie; I notice the chocolate chip ones from the Dizzy Duck. The ones they leave on guests' pillows at night or offer as a welcome. It's a great touch to the inn, and the cookies are damn delicious and soft, too.

It's a few minutes later when I hear someone come down the stairs as I sit at the island. I know it's Holden because the steps are heavier than what a child's might be.

Strolling into the kitchen, he greets me with a smile, but my eyes only dip down with dread because he's in a fresh pair of jeans and a white fitted t-shirt. "What brings you in? Everything okay?"

I snicker but give him a smirk because I do love our interaction. "Actually, the water doesn't seem to be on in the guesthouse, or at least no water is coming out. I'm not sure where the pipe nozzle is outside."

He licks his lips, and his grin is tight. "This isn't good."

"Why?"

Holden walks to the fridge and pulls out a bottle of beer then pulls out wine to offer to me. Waving my hand no, he places it back in the fridge. Opening his beer, the cap snap fills the silence between us as I patiently wait for his answer.

He takes a long sip as the line on my lips stays permanent with entertaining fear that his response won't be easy.

"I thought for sure that had been fixed," he begins. "I guess not. The plumber did mention if the water doesn't come out, then it's blocked somewhere, and the water can't get through."

My head falls into my hand because this kind of feels like bullshit, but I'll play along. "Is that so?" I cast doubt.

He shrugs his shoulders. "Plumbers don't lie."

I stand up and begin to walk toward him as he leans casually against the counter near the fridge. "Hmm. So, what is the solution to this issue? May I please go back to the Dizzy Duck?"

One step closer and he doesn't flinch; instead, he casually takes another sip. "Nope. I have alternative sleeping arrangements."

My journey lands me close to him, desperate to reach out and touch his chest. I loll my head to the side, ready to soak in this tension between us, except it isn't tension… it's a game where we're on par in our equal level of flirtation.

"Where might that be?" My voice is a soft husk.

He leans down because I'm shorter. "Congratulations, Lexi. The guest room near the laundry room is calling your name," he whispers.

I feared something like this was coming. "Lucky for us we have your kids as the perfect middle line to keep us on good behavior."

A sound escapes his throat. "Is that a ‘yes, Holden. What a great idea. Please can you get my suitcase?'"

My mouth seems to dance around his but not enough to graze. "It's a ‘yes, Holden. Get me…'" I pull back, and my voice grits out, "A hell of a lot of wine."

We both create space, and his hand combs through his hair, and I notice that he frowns. "There wasn't a please," he teases.

I laugh to myself. "Just move me in because logic doesn't exist around me anymore, unless it's related to paint colors and shellac walls."

He reaches for his cell phone on the counter. "Good that you stay focused on the Dizzy Duck. Now, do you take extra cheese on your pizza?" Now he is ordering pizza for everyone as if the last five minutes didn't happen.

Throwing up my hands, I figure I might as well eat. "Get me whatever. I have a feeling your kids won't be happy about this."

Holden's demeanor completely changes to a sort of fondness, but it isn't for me, it's for his children. "They'll be okay. You're not actually a nanny, so that's a positive step in their book. Lori will be feisty, but that's with everyone. Harry is actually quite innocent. Having you around will be better than me running around like a headless chicken anyhow. Don't get me wrong. I've got my shit together, but lately…" He winces. "I could just use even the smallest of favors to relieve some pressure."

His jaw slants to the side and holds as he registers what I'm completely interpreting his sentence to mean.

"Relieve pressure… huh." My nails tap against my hips.

He returns his focus to the screen of his phone. "I can be tame if I choose to be. It might be good for me to have a breath of fresh air in the house that doesn't involve a disgruntled nanny."

"I'm not a breath of fresh air," I point out.He looks up at me. "I'm a hurricane that's about to turn your life upside down."

He laughs. "I can handle you. After all, in the span of 48 hours, you've called me Master and Sir."

"Wine, Holden. Get me that wine faster," I answer dryly.

"Say please and I will."

I shake my head ruefully.

Most fires only start if you light it.

I should probably hide the matches.