Page 11 of Falling Too Soon (Seasons of Love #1)

DAPHNE

A fter that awkward chat in the kitchen this morning, Nathan went to shower and get ready for the day, so I took the opportunity to call Lexi and fill her in on everything that had happened.

She, of course, was over the moon and couldn’t wait for us to have a round two.

I assured her that would not be happening, but she wasn’t hearing any of it.

In fact, she was convinced that this was exactly what would help me get over Marcus and all of his bullshit.

I believe her exact words were something along the lines of, “You can spend the week fucking that asshole out of your system.”

Well, that wasn’t on my agenda and I was looking forward to spending the week avoiding Nathan like the plague.

The man appeared way too perfect to be real, and the last thing I needed was to get attached to yet another man who would ultimately disappoint me.

My heart was just starting to feel lighter after only being away from Marcus for a few days.

His type of “love” took a toll on my heart, and I didn’t need to be thinking about getting mixed up with someone new.

When I hung up with Lexi, I showered and got dressed in a thick flannel top with a pair of my favorite jeans and comfy booties, my basic bitch uniform, if you will.

I was excited to go out and explore the town.

This place was a fall lover’s dream, and I was determined to enjoy every single minute of my time here.

My stomach growled, making me realize I hadn’t eaten anything since the popcorn during the movie last night and it was now almost noon. The popcorn. The kissing. The chemistry. The orgasms. Nope, nope, nope. I had to stop thinking about last night. Maybe a walk around town would help clear my head.

As I emerged from my bedroom and entered the living area, I spotted Nathan set up at the dining table, tapping away on his laptop.

He looked up at me over his glasses as I approached, and good God, did he look good.

I had to get it together. I had to get out of there.

“Hey, I’m gonna go check out the town and grab a bite to eat.

I’ll see you later, I guess,” I said as I turned and walked to the door.

I heard the scrape of a chair across the wood floor and turned to see Nathan stand and ask, “Mind if I join you?” Um, yes, sir, I would mind that very much. “I’m starving, and I could use a break.” Shit. How do I say no? I guess it wouldn’t kill me to have lunch with him. Would it?

“Um, okay.” I seemed unsure because I was.

This wasn’t what I imagined when he said I’d have plenty of alone time, but I also wasn’t an asshole, and I wasn’t about to deny the man a meal.

He disappeared into his room and came back wearing a long-sleeve Henley that looked like it was painted onto his damn skin and a pair of jeans that fit him perfectly.

This mother fucker.

He insisted on driving, and I let him because I wanted to take in the scenery in the daylight.

I had gotten to the cabin at dusk, but now I could fully appreciate the changing leaves and cute cottages that lined the road that wound past the lake.

It looked like it was straight out of one of those cheesy fall Hallmark movies—I loved it.

I spent the drive taking in the scenery and snapping pictures with my phone, so we hadn’t made much conversation.

When we parked on Main Street, Nathan jumped out of the car so fast that I had barely leaned down to grab my bag off the floor when he was already opening the passenger door for me.

“Oh, thanks,” I said as I gawked up at him with furrowed brows.

He was being awfully chivalrous for someone who said we were going to be keeping things platonic.

Main Street was exactly as I had imagined it would be, with a typical cozy small-town feel.

Mature trees lined the street, and their fallen leaves littered the sidewalks.

There were several small shops, a market, a café, and a bookshop.

Yes, please! The town was so picturesque.

It was easy to see why this was a popular destination for social media influencers, but I was thankful that it wasn’t a zoo.

It would totally ruin the vibes if it were overrun by people snapping selfies all over.

We made our way into the cute diner on the corner from where we parked.

Walking in was like stepping back in time.

It looked as if it had been recently restored to its original glory, and I appreciated that they didn’t try to modernize the decor.

It was perfect and reminded me of my favorite diner in the city, where Lexi and I frequented.

I was admiring my surroundings when we were greeted by a friendly, older woman with a warm smile, who held menus and directed us to a booth by the windows.

Nathan and I were silent as we perused the menus.

I was still avoiding his gaze. Why did he make me so nervous?

Prior to Marcus, I had been a confident woman.

I was playful, a smartass. My time with Marcus had changed me.

I didn’t realize what had happened until it was too late.

I had become docile and accommodating, avoiding confrontation at all costs, trying not to “wake the beast,” as it were.

Marcus never hit me or became violent toward me, but he didn’t have to.

His mood swings were chaotic, and I thought they were my fault.

I did everything I could to keep him happy to avoid them.

I know now I wasn’t responsible for his moods or how he treated me, but you don’t get over shit like that overnight, and Marcus wasn’t giving me the time or space to do that.

Since I’d been gone, Marcus had called a few times and sent a few texts, all of which echoed the same theme—he was sorry and I needed to come home so we could work things out.

He seemed genuine in his messages, but I knew better.

I was all too familiar with his brand of manipulation.

“What are you having?” Nathan pulled me back into the present. “I’m starving.” He was looking at me as if he wanted to eat me. Or was that wishful thinking?

No, Daphne, down girl.

“Mmm, me too. Probably a grilled cheese and soup. I’m a sucker for a good grilled cheese. I have to at least try them everywhere I go, especially if they look like this.” I pointed to the picture in the menu as I licked my lips to make sure I didn’t drool on the table.

“Oh, that does look good,” he agreed as the waitress came back and took our orders.

Nathan and I fell into easy conversation. We talked about our families, our childhoods, and what we did for work. There weren’t any extended silences unless our mouths were full of food, which was delicious. It was comfortable and easy. The awkwardness from this morning was gone.

Nathan leaned back in the booth. “So, tell me more about being an ICU nurse. What made you get into that? Seems like a stressful job.”

“Yeah, it can be stressful and sometimes sad, but it’s also super rewarding. When a particularly sick patient makes it out of there and comes back to say ‘thank you’…there’s nothing like that in the world.” Shit, I was tearing up. “Sorry.” I wiped a napkin under my eye.

Nathan reached a hand across the table and rested it on my arm. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. You care, and that’s why you are probably a great nurse. Your patients and their families are lucky to have you caring for them.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that. But to answer your other question, I don’t have some grand, selfless story of why I got into it.

I wanted job security, and the sight of blood didn’t bother me,” I laughed.

“I know it’s not the reason most people expect, but it’s the truth.

But it turns out I absolutely love what I do and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. ”

“Hey, there’s no shame in doing something because it pays the bills, but you’re lucky to also love what you do.

” Nathan’s hand still rested on my arm, and he gave me a squeeze.

“I have so much respect for nurses.” His eyes closed, and I could almost feel his pain as he continued, “My mom passed away a few years back, and the nurses were the true heroes whenever she was in and out of the hospital. Don’t get me wrong, most people were helpful and kind, but her nurses were absolutely amazing. ”

“Oh, Nathan, I’m so sorry. I can only imagine how difficult that must have been.” I placed my hand over his and gave him a squeeze.

“Thank you. It was hard for all of us, but no one more than my dad. She was the love of his life.” He seemed to drift off into a memory.

“But I’m glad they had the time they did together.

They give me hope for the future.” He paused, then pulled his arm back.

“Okay, enough sad shit, let’s go explore the rest of the town. ”

After we finished up and Nathan paid, despite my protests, we headed out to walk along Main Street.

I was eager to explore the town, and Nathan being here wasn’t going to stop me.

There were quite a few more people out now than had been before we went into the diner.

Couples strolled hand in hand, friends laughed, and families took in the sights. It truly was like a scene from a movie.

We passed several storefronts, stopping briefly here and there to window shop.

Occasionally, I’d feel Nathan’s hand on the small of my back, guiding me through the crowded parts of the sidewalk.

I did my best to remain unaffected by him, but it was almost impossible.

He was so charming and easy to be around, and every time he touched me, he set my skin on fire.

This week was going to be harder than I thought.

Maybe I should still investigate some accommodation options?

I spotted the bookshop a few doors down and grabbed Nathan’s hand, apparently forgetting what his touch did to me, and started to drag him toward it.

“Daphne, what are you…” He started as I clearly caught him off guard.

He squeezed my hand and planted his feet.

“Ah, maybe that’s not the best idea.” His sudden worried expression confused me.

“Why? Afraid too many adoring fans will accost you?’ I teased. He swallowed. “Wait, are you famous or something? What’s your pen name?”

“N.J. Pierce.”

Holy fucking shit . I hadn’t thought much of it when he said he was a romance author—I mean, isn’t everyone these days?

I also hadn’t thought to ask if I might have read anything that he’d written.

Because what were the odds, right? And when we talked about his work, he didn’t mention anything that would lead me to believe that he was a well-known, bestselling author.

Fuck me.

I had, in fact, heard of him. I even had a few of his books on my Tbr, but I hadn’t read anything from him yet, and I most definitely had no idea what he looked like. I attempted to regain my composure and not fangirl like an idiot. “Oh, shit.” I failed.

He laughed and pulled me closer. I was still holding his hand, and the act looked and felt more intimate than I’m sure he meant it.

“Hey, I’m just me. It’ll be fine. Let’s go in.

” His eyes searched mine. He said it so casually, like we’d known each other forever.

I was looking up at him, blinking, and I swear that if he had tried to kiss me again at that moment, I would’ve happily let him.

Instead, he started walking to the bookshop with my hand still in his.

Nathan opened the door to the bookshop and guided me in with his hand on the small of my back again. Those small gestures fed my romance-starved heart. I couldn’t remember the last time Marcus had done anything like that, or if he ever did.