Page 20 of One Sweet Day I Found You

“Sorry about that,” Courtney said. “I should’ve been more careful. I was rushing around. Rough morning.”

“Nah. It was no big deal. You had your hands full with all that luggage, anyway. I should’ve offered to help you.”

Her expression softened and she nodded.

They continued paddling alongside each other over the limestone caves. “Slow down a little bit.” Nick gestured ahead of them. “There’s a huge one coming up here. You don’t want to miss it.”

They went a little farther then brought their kayaks to a near standstill. Courtney cast her glance down into the crystal-clear water again and gasped. “Oh, my gosh, that’s so cool,” she said. “This place is really amazing. I can’t wait to write about it.”

Nick breathed a sigh of relief. Happy customer. Happy blogger.

He took off his baseball cap, set it back on his head, smoothed it over his hair, and peered over at Courtney again.

She had big brown eyes, light freckles on her cheeks, and a touch of sunshine already coloring her shoulders. She was really cute.

Courtney looked over at him. “Do you have a few minutes after we get back? For the story, I mean. I have some questions about your shop and stuff. I need to take a few notes when I ask you about it.”

“Oh, sure. How about—hmm? Kira’s got to fly her drone around to get the aerial footage. She said she’ll need about an hour after we put away the boats. We can talk then?”

“Sounds good.” Courtney paddled ahead.

About twenty minutes later, Nick pulled in alongside Courtney again, and Kira brought the dinghy in close. “You ready to head back, Aussie? I think I’ve got what I need.”

Courtney rolled her eyes. Still—with the nickname? “Ready.”

Nick grinned.

“How ‘bout you, Nickel-and-Dime?”

Nick laughed then backed up the boat a few paces so he could turn it around.

He watched as Courtney dropped one end of her paddle into the water then steered her boat alongside his.

* * *

Nick finished lockingup the kayaks and the dinghy and jumped off the truck. “I’ve got a thermos full of coffee in here. Should still be hot. Anyone want a cup?”

“Now you’re speaking my language.” Courtney’s stomach growled. It was still chilly under the shade of the trees.

“Thanks. I’ll take some when I get back.” Kira was all business. She’d helped with the boats and readied her equipment. “See you guys in about an hour.”

They said goodbye and Nick looked at Courtney.

“You want to go sit by the water while we wait for Kira? I know a good spot. Otherwise we’re standing. Or sitting in the front seat of the truck?”

Courtney nodded. “The water sounds good. Let me grab my notebook.” She started towards the car. “You want a trail bar? I’ve got a few extras.”

“Yes, please. I’m starving.” He smiled.

Courtney headed toward the car. Nick was certainly no leathery old guy in a fishing hat. And he was turning out to be a lot nicer than she’d originally thought he was. He might actually be a decent guy.

Or was he just being nice so she didn’t write anything bad about him?

She frowned. Who was she kidding? The story was a sponsored post and he knew it. She couldn’t write anything bad about him—or the shop—even if she wanted to. Sponsored content like this was the reason a sweet gig like hers even existed these days. She sighed and rolled her eyes.Bring it down a notch, Court. He seems okay.

She reached the car and found the trail bars and notebook.

She wasn’t so sure about Kira.

Apparently, when Beecham said he’d be watching her, he must’ve meant through Kira.

But Kira already seemed over it. Maybe Courtney could just ignore her remarks and move on. Getting into it with her wasn’t worth losing the job.

Back at the truck, Nick grabbed the thermos and an extra travel mug. “Cool. Let’s go.” She fell in step beside him as they headed toward the lake.

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