After breathing in the scent of her fruity shampoo, he cupped her cheek.“It’s going to be okay.”He forced a smile.“We can do this.”
“Yeah.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
His heart already aching from the loss, Nick kissed her.He put everything into that kiss.His need for a life with her, his desire for her happiness and all the pain he would endure until he could touch her again.
When she trembled, he put his strength into the caress.When a tear slipped from her eye, he kissed it away.And when her hands shook, he held them until the tremors subsided.
He needed to be strong for her, for them.
He could fall apart later.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Three weeks later
Fairfield, British Columbia
Nick stood in Tom and Mary Matheson’s back yard, in front of their new pergola, and smiled into the camera.“And remember, before you construct your pergola, think about how you’re going to use it.Are you looking to incorporate a dining area into the space, or are you just looking for a quiet place to enjoy your garden?Choose your materials wisely, and don’t forget to check with your local utility companies before you dig.I’m Nick Zorn.If you have a home repair project that is causing you stress, drop us a line.It might just be in theNick of Time.”
Teagan circled a finger in the air and called it a wrap.“Nick, that was perfect.Boy, I’m going to start calling you the one-take man.You’re really bringing your A-game.”
“Thanks.”
“You were always charismatic onHandymen, but there’s a different light in your eyes now, a real focus.”
“I appreciate you saying so.”
He had been focused.In fact, Nick had been giving his new job every ounce of energy he had.The first week had been a whirlwind of activity, and the jet lag hadn’t helped.There had been new crew members to meet, agendas to sync, and meetings with suppliers.From the moment Nick woke, he thrust himself into his daily activities, and he spent his evenings sorting the next day’s tasks.
He didn’t see his hotel room unless it was to sleep.He typically grabbed breakfast on the road, and didn’t return to the hotel until late evening.Because the crew was on the road, their days tended to be longer than what he would have experienced withHandymen.They needed to make use of as much sunshine as they could and deadlines were tighter.
Nick had no choice but to maintain his focus.
If he didn’t, he’d remember the way Claire slipped out of her clothing before getting into bed with him, or how cute she was in her old rubber boots, or the way she savored that first sip of coffee in the morning.
He couldn’t afford to dwell on any of those things while he was on the job.
Of course, he hadn’t forgotten her.There was no way he could.She lingered at the back of his brain all the time.It wasn’t until he got back to his hotel that he allowed those thoughts to overwhelm him.
And they did.He couldn’t think of her without being completely overwhelmed.He’d turned into a sappy mess.
As they’d promised to one another, they either spoke or video chatted each night.He looked forward to those brief connections, such as they were.To look into her eyes or hear her sweet voice on the phone was like getting a warm hug.
It just wasn’t the same as actually holding her.
As they finished with the Matheson shoot, he loaded his tools into his rental pickup truck, wishing he had the comfort of his own vehicle.
A memory shot into his consciousness.Claire, sitting next to him in the restaurant parking lot, the night they’d first slept together.
‘Ican think of one woman who would love to experiment with you.’
Christ, he missed her.
“Okay, stop it,” he muttered.“The sooner you finish up here, the sooner you can go home.”
