“What’s up with her?” Nick asked, turning toward Harlow with a furrowed brow.
Harlow shrugged. “I’m not sure. She came into Paws the other day with a pet emergency. Her pup, Elvis, ate chocolate, which is deadly for dogs. I don’t think she appreciated my input, which was basically education on substances that are toxic to canines.”
Nick shook his head. “She was being rude to say the least. You treated her dog, so the least she could do was be cordial. I don’t want you to get the wrong impression of folks here in Mistletoe. Let me go set her straight.”
“No!” she said sharply, grabbing hold of his arm before he could talk to Gillian.
“Are you sure? I have no problem with handling the situation for you. I’ve known her since we were kids, so I’ve seen Gillian in action plenty of times and I know how to deal with her.”
“Nick, it’s a sweet offer, but not necessary. If I’m going to hold my head up high in Mistletoe, I can’t have you fighting my battles for me.” Nick’s wanting to protect her made Harlow feel all warm and fuzzy inside, which wasn’t her style at all. For the first time she thought about what it might be like to have a partner who helped her make it through the rough times. She couldn’t imagine Nick ever letting his woman flounder. He’d be there for her, without a doubt.
He let out a sigh. “You’re right. If you want to know the truth, she’s always been a bit of a mean girl. Just tread carefully with Gillian.” He wrinkled his nose. “She doesn’t always play nice.”
Harlow had known a lot of mean girls in high school. She’d handled them back then, and if necessary, she would deal with Gillian now. What bothered her was the fact that she’d been openly whispering about her in a group setting.What could Gillian possibly be saying about her?She barely knew the woman. And why had she snubbed her as if they were enemies? None of it made any sense. Harlow had only been doing her job by warning her about Elvis’s consuming toxic foods. That was what veterinarians did. What was her problem?
“She doesn’t have to like me or be my friend, but I’d like to keep things civil between us since she’s a client at Paws. I’ll do my part. I can only hope she returns the favor.”
“I know you will,” Nick said, sending her an encouraging smile. “I bet this will all blow over by next week. Probably just a misunderstanding that needs to be straightened out.”
Harlow hoped Nick was correct. But something didn’t feel right in her bones. She had an innate ability to read people, and Gillian was emitting bad vibes.
Nick’s cell phone buzzed. “Excuse me for a moment,” he said, answering the call. His features were animated as he talked. He was waving his arms around and walking in a circular motion. His dark brows were drawn together. It didn’t take a genius to figure out something was wrong. Moments later, Nick ended the call and turned back toward her.
“I hate to ditch you, Harlow, but I have urgent business. A six-year-old is missing in the lake region in Darien. I’m being called in to work the case.” Worry lines framed his eyes.
“Of course. That sounds terrifying.” She couldn’t imagine how the parents must feel about their missing child being out there, alone and in peril. “I hope you find the child.”
“Me too. This is a parent’s worst nightmare.” Harlow could see the tension etched on his face. A vein was throbbing above his eye. She would guess adrenaline was racing through his veins right about now. Someone’s life hung in the balance, and Nick bore the weight of that responsibility along with his search and rescue team.
She wrapped her arms around her middle. Just learning about the missing child caused a sick feeling to wash over her.
“Hey. Before I forget, would you like to go trick-or-treating with us? We can grab pizza or I can make dinner before we head out. Your choice.”
Harlow didn’t have to think about Nick’s invite for long. She loved Halloween. It had been one of the highlights of a chaotic childhood. “Only if I can wear myBlack Pantheroutfit.”
“I like your style,” Nick said, nodding his head approvingly. “Miles and I are still trying to figure out our outfits, but we’re getting close to making a decision.”
“Let me know if you need to brainstorm. I’ve had a lifetime of planning outfits for me and Malcolm. Minnie and Mickey. Raggedy Ann and Andy.”
Nick made a face. “No offense, but there’s no way I’m choosing either of those. No self-respecting dad would even suggest it.” A small smile twitched at the sides of his mouth.
Harlow perched a hand on her hip. “Hey! That’s not nice. We won actual Halloween costume contests back in the day with those outfits.”
Nick scoffed. “Okay, I’ll take your word for it. I’ll call you about Halloween.” Nick looked at his watch and said, “I’ve got to go. Have fun. And if Gillian even looks at you cross-eyed, toss a glass of water on her so she melts.” Nick’s lips were twitching with merriment. He waved at her before turning to leave.
“Be safe,” Harlow called out after him, fully aware of the dangers Nick faced in his job.
Harlow couldn’t take her eyes off him as he strode away from her. Have mercy! Nick looked just as good walking away as he did heading toward her. The attraction she felt toward him made her heart skitter inside her chest. She wanted more time with this man—more kisses and conversation, more laughter and cooking. More of everything! Nick Keegan had her full and complete interest right now and she couldn’t wait to explore all of the possibilities.
Chapter Eleven
The town of Darien was an upscale community with stunning mountain views and beautiful lakeside properties. A local campground was a popular destination for tourists, especially in the summer months. Skyler Jakes, the missing six-year-old, lived in town and had gone missing at a birthday party at the lake. According to the hosts, the kids had been playing hide-and-seek.
“Who has a birthday party for a six-year-old at a lake?” a scowling Luke asked Nick as they gathered at the search and rescue command center for a short water break and to get new intel from the team. Luke had also received the call to report to work due to the urgent crisis. Working together was always a rush, but today felt different. A heavy cloud hung over the assignment. They’d been out in the woods for hours, with no luck in finding Skyler.
Nick had been asking himself the same question. Six-year-olds and water didn’t always mesh, especially in this type of setting. “I’m not getting a good vibe with this one. The water aspect concerns me.”
“They’re going to bring in some divers tomorrow.” Luke’s expression was shuttered, but Nick knew his brother’s emotions would match his own on this search.
