“All I have is my little coupe, and I would have to make several trips.” I leave out the part about the spare tires and car tools taking up all the space in my trunk. “I need something bigger to take a decent supply over to the farm, along with a sign, and maybe some business cards?” I ask, nibbling my lip as I wait for his response.
“Okay.” He nods. I think it finally clicks that I’m in his arms, thighs wrapped around him, my needy omega scent rubbing all over him, because he releases me, more gently than I was expecting. I kind of thought he might toss me across the room like I did that poor ornament I was working on.
R.I.P. to my little candy cane.
Nick pushes his hand through his brown hair, looking more than a little flustered as he takes a few steps away from me. The alpha looks everywhere but at me as he stands there trying to compose himself. I cross my arms over my chest, watching him.
“Do you think you could possibly help me out? I can wait longer if you need me to?—”
“No. I said the fifteenth, and I meant it. I can bring the truck here that morning,” Nick says, cutting me off mid-sentence. “Will you need help that day to get everything you need ready as well?”
“I can have everything ready to load when you arrive. Just tell me what time you want to come,” I reply, feeling giddy as I imagine all the ornaments I can make between now and then. It’s not until I see the dark look in his eyes that I realize the way I said it. I wiggle my brows at him before winking, and he glares back.
“I’ll be here at ten, after I finish my morning chores,” Nick says flatly. “You can stop by anytime you want before then to see the space. They’ll be next to Sable’s candles, but taking up a decent portion of the wall.”
“Okay. Thank you again, Nick. This is a really amazing opportunity for my small business, and I really appreciate it. I was already planning to spend as much time as possible at your Christmas Village this season,” I say with a laugh. “Sometimes I wish the holiday season started in July.”
“I don’t think I could handle hosting half the town for any longer than we already do,” Nick says, cracking a smile. “They’re already a pain in my ass for three months every year. Adding another four would be too much.” He sighs, shaking his head. “Rhian has been trying to convince me to start something up for Valentine's Day too.” He scoffs. “As if opening the farm for three weeks is simple.”
“Awe, that would be super cute, though,” I tease, but honestly, knowing Nick and his brothers, it would be pretty awesome.
“Maybe, but that's also when the farm is the busiest with actual farmwork to get ready for the spring planting. We’ve always grown our own produce to sell during holidays and at some local stores, but I’ve been wanting to set up a monthlyfood donation program for the people in town. If it’s successful, the goal would be to make it biweekly, or even weekly,” Nick explains with a sigh, crossing his arms over his chest, and there’s this look in his eyes, like all the little details are flooding his mind all at once. “The logistics of it are complex and not something I’ve been able to figure out on my own yet. Stella wants to contribute, too. She swears her fiancé can help me with the complicated details, but I don’t even know the guy.”
I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard Nick say at one time. While talking to me, at least. But even more surprising is what he just said.
“That sounds incredible, Nick. I have a similar dream, so if there’s ever anything I can do to help, I would love to. Even if it’s just helping you pass out boxes once you get everything running.” I blush bright red, nibbling my lip as my nerves take over, and I almost don’t say more, but this is Nick. He’s safe. I can trust him with this part of me. “I’ve actually done a lot of research on the subject over the years, so if you need help getting started, that might be something I can assist with as well. Only if you want, though. I don’t want you to think I’m being pushy.”
“Have you?” he asks, frowning for a moment.
“Yes. It’s something I thought I could do at one point but gave up on. I didn’t have access to a farm full of animals and produce, or all of the connections to the different businesses,” I say, grinning. “If anyone can do it, I believe it’s you.”
“Alright. Thanks, Plum. I’ll remember that.” He looks bashful all of a sudden, his cheeks turning pink as he rocks back on his heels. “I should get going. Oh, and if you wanted to thank me, you could always bring by a jar of your homemade jam.”
“Alright, I can do that.” I already have several stored away, ready to be gifted. Maybe I’ll bring him some when I go to the farm to check out the wall where my ornaments will go. “See you soon.”
Once Nick has left, I spend the rest of the afternoon on my ornaments and planning.
I lose track of time as the hours pass until Benson texts me, and I remember I made plans for tonight with him. Fuck. We’re meant to be figuring out the finer details of our new fake relationship, and I don’t feel the slightest bit ready for the conversation.
In hindsight, maybe taking my last chance at flirting with his brother wasn’t the best idea I’ve had, but does it really matter? Benson and I haven’t spoken about rules yet, and I’ve been flirting with Nick for years. He knows that.
I guess I’ll find out tonight when I bring it up...
Chapter Six
Benson: Five still good?
Plum: Yes, see you soon.
We agreed to meet at my place at five, but I’ve been here getting ready since three. Seeing Nick flustered me, but I still managed to finish my ornaments for the day, plan out what to make for his shop, and decide what I could take that’s already stocked. I left early, wanting enough time to shower and dry my hair, but I still haven’t been able to decide what to wear tonight.
I twirl my phone in my hands, feeling guilty about calling Sable because I know she’s busy, but I can’t call Stella. Not right now.
Stella is a great friend, and I know I can normally trust her with my deepest secrets. However, she’s naturally curious. Honestly, she’s downright nosy. I already know she’ll ask too many questions, and I can’t tell her a damn thing, not about this. If I try to tell her I’m dressing up for no reason, it won’t fly. She’d grill me relentlessly, which means I can only call Sable.
I hit the button to video call her, instantly feeling impatient for her to answer.
Sable is the kind of friend who would help you bury a body, so long as you had a good enough reason for committing the crime.
