Page 29 of The Inn Dilemma (Give a Bookish Girl a Biker)
We jump apart like our sparks just caught fire, and I rush to answer the call. There’s a look of disappointment on Nova’s face. At least, I think it’s disappointment.
“Aunt Birdie,” I answer.
“Where are you?” she asks. “I was just at your cabin, but all the lights are off and neither Titan or Tootsie barked when I knocked.”
I scratch the back of my neck. “I’m at Nova’s.”
“Oh?” She sounds ridiculously pleased. “And what are you doing there?”
“Just hanging out.” Before she can pump me for information I’m not ready to share, I ask, “What’s up?”
“Put me on speakerphone; it’s perfect you’re with Nova. I want her to hear it too!” I do as she asks. “I just couldn’t wait until morning to share it with you!” Aunt Birdie exclaims in her joyful way.
“We got the approval from the historical society to make those minor changes. They overruled Gladys! Can you believe it? That woman who’s been nothing but a thorn in my side finally got a taste of her own medicine. I just saw the email.”
“That’s wonderful!” Nova’s face lights up. “So when do we start?”
“Tomorrow, if you’re up for it.”
Nova nods. “I’ve been up for it since you told me your ideas. I’ll probably move a little slower than before, but I can’t stand being stuck at home all day another day.”
“You take the time you need! I just can’t wait to see what you do with my mess of thoughts.”
“They’re not a mess of thoughts. They’re brilliant, and it’s going to look amazing once we’re done.”
My chest warms at Nova’s genuine excitement. I never pictured her becoming so invested in the small-town inn, something that means so much to my family. My dangerous emotions only grow at this side of her.
“They will!” Aunt Birdie agrees. “Well, this old body needs more sleep than you two. I’ll let you get back to your movie night.” She makes a noise as if she just remembered something. “Holt, let me speak to you privately again.”
I take her off speakerphone, then motion with my head to Nova that I’m going to step aside. She dips her own head in understanding.
Once I’m on the other side of the patio, I say, “Okay, I’m alone.”
“Stop stalling. I know why you’re there. Tell the girl how you feel and get on with the relationship. Marriage, then babies. You’re not getting any younger.”
I chuckle and run my free hand through my hair.
Nova looks over at me with a question on her face. I hold up a finger, telling her I’ll be done soon.
“I’m working on it,” I whisper.
“Work faster!”
I run my hand down my face. “Patience is a virtue.”
“Oh, I guess you’re right. I won’t keep you any longer. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I sit on the couch after hanging up, and Nova pops the DVD in, then comes over to the couch to sit down.
The cushion dips with the force of her plop and causes her to fall into me.
Without hesitation, I lift my arm up and drape it over the back of the couch behind Nova.
She leans forward and grabs the remote before leaning back and perfectly settling into my side.
We’re not exactly cuddling, but not exactly not cuddling.
Regardless of the specifics, I’m comfortable.
“ Breakfast at Tiffany ’ s ?” She looks up at me expectantly.
I rub down the side of my face with my free hand. “Of all the classic movies out there, why Breakfast at Tiffany ’ s ? They’re both practically prostitutes?—”
Nova’s mouth drops open. “Nuh uh! She’s a paid informant. He’s…” She bites her lip and looks away sheepishly. “He’s a male prostitute. Okay, fine. What movie do you want to watch?”
Nova has loved Audrey Hepburn for as long as I’ve known her.
She didn’t have posters of boy bands in her room; she had framed pictures of Audrey Hepburn.
Even now, she dresses like the icon when she’s not vegging out at home.
Her outfits have more of her own flare with the plaid flannels, and sometimes even boots, paired with dresses now.
“How about Roman Holiday ?”
Her lips lift in a mischievous smile.
“You’re clearly in the mood for an Audrey Hepburn film, and Roman Holiday is one I do actually enjoy.” I give her a dark look. “That stays between us.” I motion between her and me.
“I know, I know. It can’t get out that the big strong Navy SEAL can be soft.”
I slide my hand down her shoulder and pull her firmly against me.
“I have no problem letting people know that I’m soft when it comes to you.
” Searching her eyes, I add, “Always have been and always will be.” My focus dips to her lips, and when they part on a surprised breath, I can’t help but admire how soft and supple they look. Fire fills my veins.
Just when I lean forward to lay claim to what I’m growing to need as mine, Titan jumps onto Nova’s lap and nudges her hand. Almost instinctively she starts petting him.
I take that as my sign that now isn’t the time to finally kiss Nova Price. Or worse that this is all one-sided. She told me she wants to take a break from dating for a while, and after what she’s been through, I can’t blame her. I’ll be her friend and I won’t push for anything more.
At least for now.