Page 73 of One Sweet Day I Found You

He gazed out at the lake through the kitchen window. “Actually, I’m jealous. This little trip’s been a nice break from the city for a few days. It’s getting hot in Chicago. As usual.”

“I bet.” Courtney didn’t miss that.

He poured some more coffee and checked the phone again. “Oh, hey, Jon texted. He’ll be here any minute.” He unplugged the phone and headed for the couch to gather his things.

“Cool.” Courtney went back to her screen. Beecham was expecting the Fourth of July post from her by the end of the day. She still had several paragraphs left to write and a lot left to edit. She was ignoring social media and all other forms of digital communication until she had it under control. It was the only way she could finish things on time under a tight deadline anymore.

A moment later, the doorbell rang.

“Well, that was quick. I’ll get it.” Austin went to the door and Courtney heard a voice.

“Uh, hey.”

It sounded more like a question than a greeting. And she recognized the voice.

Oh. No.

Nick. She took in a stilted breath.

Austin held the screen door open and waited for Courtney. “Hey. Uh? How’s it going?”

Courtney reached the door. “Nick.”

Nick was standing outside, a combination of shock and dismay beginning to cloud his face. He held two coffees and a brown paper bag with the local bakery’s logo on it.

She couldn’t hide the panic in her voice. “Uh, what are you doing here?”

Shoot.That didn’t come out right.

Nick straightened his shoulders and looked at her. “I could ask you the same thing.”

“I mean—what’s going on? I didn’t expect to see you this morning.”

He shook his head. “I can see that.”

Austin stuck out his hand. “Hey dude, I’m Austin. Look, whatever you’re thinking…” His voice was friendly.

Nick stared at him and then turned his attention to Courtney, and Austin let his sentence break off. Courtney could see that Nick was sizing him up, but he didn’t say a word, and he didn’t accept the offer to shake hands.

Courtney’s heart pounded in her chest.

Austin glanced at Courtney with concern. He looked unsure what to make of this. “So…?”

Courtney ignored the question. “Nick, this isn’t what it looks like,” she blurted.

Nick’s cheeks went pink. “Well, that’s a relief, because it doesn’t look so good.” He glanced around uncomfortably, growing visibly more upset by the second. He shoved the paper bag at her and held out one of the coffees. “These were for you.”

Courtney took the bag and the coffee from him, her expression pained, her heart dropping into her stomach.

“For crying out loud, I thought we were more than this, Courtney.”

“Nick, you don’t understand.”

Nick turned and headed for the Jeep.

“Wait.” Courtney almost threw the coffee and pastries into Austin’s hands, sailing down the walk after Nick. “Wait, Nick—it’s not what you think! He’s just an old boyfriend. I ran into him last night. I went out with Kira for a couple of drinks. Please.”

Nick didn’t stop his march toward the car. “Okay, fine.” His voice was sharp. “So why is he here, then?” He reached the Jeep.

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