See you in a week or two.
Harlow
P.S You said a connection with me is one long game. Three visits for us… It would appear that you’ll get your hat trick.
9
STONE
Igive a sharp glare at Stuart behind the front desk of the Dizzy Duck Inn.
“Are you sure these cookies will be okay tonight?” I ask for the second time.
He gives me an odd look. “The kitchen said yes. As mentioned, they were baked this morning, and you can always warm them in the oven.”
I glance down at the box tied with a ribbon then slide my eyes back up. After thinking it over, I decide it’s time to give up. “Fine.”
“Leave the guy alone. You’re such an ass sometimes.” I hear a deep voice from behind me, and I know when I turn that I will be greeted by Holden. He played sports during my own years as a professional athlete. But our paths always crossed, and I consider him a friend, which is why I wasn't hesitant to invest in this place.
Pivoting, I throw on a grin to match his. The guy never wears a suit, only dark jeans and button-downs. “I’m only a jackass when it’s important.”
Holden indicates with his head to join him in the lounge on a low couch. My eyes squint, as they do every single time, at the moose head over the fireplace. “For the love of God, get rid of that thing,” I plead. “This isn’t a hunting lodge.”
He chuckles. “I know. Next summer, I’m getting an interior designer in.” Holden leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “Tell me something exciting. I’m tired of listening to my pre-teen and ten-year-old argue and complain.” He has two kids with no wife or mother for his kids in the picture, only a constant flow of nannies.
“Yikes.” I reach over to pat his shoulder. “No envy there.”
“Really? You had a one-night stand with my ex-nanny way back,” he deadpans.
I wince, as that wasn’t my proudest moment, nor are my womanizing ways of the past.
“Anyway, what’s with the cookie demands?” he quickly changes topics.
I roll my shoulders back. “It’s a nice Dizzy Duck touch. Everyone raves about them.” Holden doesn’t believe a word; his face informs as much. I give in. “I have someone visiting and thought it would be a nice surprise.”
His brows raise. “A woman?”
I nod. “Met her here at the writers’ retreat we had a while back.”
“Ah, so you have a new girlfriend.”
I chuckle. “Not exactly.”
“Seeing where things go?”
“Maybe.” I shrug. Harlow is right, there is no definition for us. Other than that, I want to make every second with her count and surprise her in ways that are creative, even for me. I don’t feel I need to impress her, our ease with one another doesn’t call for that.
Holden seems fascinated. “I’ll be damned. Someone is under the influence of feelings.”
“Funny.”
“Who is it? Does she live nearby?”
I shake my head. “Harlow doesn’t live here. She’s flying in this afternoon, and I’ll pick her up.”
“Harlow… a cute name.”
“She’s beautiful and… knocked the wind out of me.”
