Page 62 of Storm Warning

Marguerite believed there could be something real between him and Kate. Nick had believed that too—before Jessica came along. Now, though, doubt crept in. Kate had accused him of playing her, and that cut deeper than anything he’d ever experienced. He would never do something like that. The relentless gnawing sensation in his gut urged him to sort things out, yet clarity eluded him.

Marguerite insisted it was Kate’s own insecurities talking, but Nick couldn’t shake the question: What fears could someone like Kate have? She was smart, beautiful, and fiercely independent. Her career was thriving, allowing her the freedom to work on her own terms.

But then she made that comment about writing smut whilehe was a successful CEO. He frowned. Did she not recognize her own success? How was that possible?

His thoughts tumbled in circles, spiraling into frustration. Aargh! If only he could hear what was going on in her mind!

Nick. Zach’s growl echoed through his head.

What’s up, Zach?

Stop thinking so hard. You’re giving me a headache.

What?Confusion swirled in Nick’s mind

I can’t hear your actual thoughts, but you’re sending out a buzzing sound, like static. It’s driving me crazy.

Sorry, I didn’t realize.Shit, he’d been transmitting without knowing. Thank god it wasn’t his actual thoughts!

Don’t apologize. Just fix things. It’s simple, Nick. Can you let Kate go into someone else’s arms?

No! Kate was his!

Nick’s entire body tensed, immediately rejecting the idea. His heart hammered in his chest, each beat echoing the panic swirling inside him as the question hit him like an icy wave.

Thoughts crashed through his mind, but he forced himself to breathe, forced his trembling muscles to relax as he straightened his fingers one by one. The answer appeared absurdly simple, yet the weight of his fear pressed on him. Doubt, thick and bitter, pooled in his mouth. But he had to move past it.

Thanks, Zach. I don’t suppose you know where Kate is, do you?

Saw her head for the beach a few minutes ago. Now go away and stop bothering me.

Gratitude washed through him. Zach always knew what to say.

Time to find Kate, time to confront whatterrified him most.

Nick raced down the stairs,heart pounding with urgency as he crossed the lawn to the beach. The cool morning air brushed against his face while his emotions swirled in a weird mix of hope and anxiety.

Her prints in the sand led away to the north—away from his side of the house. He pushed the thought away—it was doubtful she’d done it purposefully. People instinctively veer right; it didn’t mean anything.

Relief washed over him when his eyes landed on her. She sat alone on a rock at the cove’s edge, the salty breeze ruffling her hair, eyes fixed on the endless expanse of water. Each step toward her weighed heavier than the last. Hopefully, she wouldn’t run when he approached.

How should he start this conversation? Where was the beginning? Jessica, or the whirlwind of emotions that spiraled through him?

His mind raced, making it hard to focus as he reached the end of the beach and Kate’s rock without realizing it.

Kate remained poised on the rock, lost in the horizon, with her knees drawn up and arms wrapped around them. Had she noticed him?

She glanced back over her shoulder. “Good morning, Nick.” Her voice fell flat, devoid of emotion, leaving him grappling with clawing doubts. What was she thinking? Did she feel as lost as he did?

“May I join you? I owe you an explanation.” Nick fought to keep his voice steady, unshed emotions threatening to spill. Thelast thing he wanted was to put any pressure on her; she was the innocent one in all of this.

Her sigh was soft and almost weary. “Sure.”

With little effort, he climbed up the rock and settled beside her, the cool surface pressing against him as he angled himself to gaze out over the view. What did she see out there? His heart raced a little as he turned to her. “Will you listen?”

For a moment, their eyes connected. Something flickered in her eyes before she dropped them to her hands, where they wrapped and unwrapped around her legs. “Yes, I’ll listen.” Her voice held steady, but it didn’t disguise the tension beneath her calm exterior.

“I’m not sure where to start, so I’ll just dive in. I didn’t invite Jessica here, or Jessa, as she’s apparently calling herself now. I do know her; our parents were friends once. They used to joke about marrying our families together, but that was light years ago.” He swallowed hard. “We were kids then, and honestly, I never gave any credence to the idea. I never dated her. I did escort her to a charity gala a few weeks back at her request, but it was only to help an old family friend. It meant nothing.”