Page 28 of One Sweet Day I Found You

“Yeah, I’ll get over it. Hey, by the way, I’m sorry if I was a jerk the other day. Nick was right. Sam and I—well…” She adjusted her sunglasses and tightened her ponytail. “Forget it. I don’t want to get into it.”

Courtney looked across the front seat at her. “I get it, Kira. Believe me. I went through the wringer not too long ago. Break-ups—for whatever reason—they totally do a number on you.”

“So true.” Kira said. “Well, I’m sure you’re better off without him. Anyway, thanks for putting up with me. I shouldn’t have given you such a hard time—or complained to Beecham. Because if I hadn’t been the guest of honor at my own pity party about Sam, I’d have made sure the new writer had the deets. It was my bad.”

Courtney shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. I would’ve been the same way if the situation had been in reverse.”

“I doubt that, but thanks. You’re all right, Aussie.”

Courtney relaxed. They both climbed out of the car.

Kira gathered her things. “You should hang out with Nick, by the way. That boy couldn’t wipe the grin off his face the whole way home the other day.”

Courtney tried to make her voice sound more casual. “Really?” She didn’t need Nick hearing she lit up like a Christmas tree at the mere mention of his name.Don’t get all excited.

“Yes, really. He’s single, as far as I know. And he’s not a player. As far as I know.” She smiled deviously.

“Hmm. Okay.” Courtney looked away.

“Ohhh-kay?” Kira laughed as Courtney slammed her door shut. “Playing it cool, I see.” Kira motioned toward the building. “I knew I liked you, Aussie.”

Courtney raised an eyebrow at Kira, grinning. “Let’s go, Nash.”

* * *

Courtney saton the couch and laced up her running shoes that evening. Maybe Kira was right—maybe sheshouldtry to hang out with Nick.

But she wasn’t even sure if he was interested. Four days had gone by and he hadn’t called or texted. He could’ve gotten her number from Kira if he’d really wanted to, right?

And he’d been so weird about asking her out and thennot.

But maybe he truly believed he’d hit the ball into her court and was waiting for her to make the next move. Maybe she should just run with it? Courtney was always good at convincing herself of impossible scenarios. What she should probably do was just forget about the whole incident entirely.

But certainly, an evening jog on the lake trail wouldn’t hurt, would it? It would take her down to the docks, where she might run into him. Maybe then he could ask her out, or finish asking her out. Maybe he just needed some encouragement. She locked the cottage and started down the trail.

* * *

Forty-five minutes later,Nick followed Victoria Brady out onto the wide covered front porch of her stately home and took in the fresh breeze. Ash strutted out behind them, tail high, and Nick shut the door.

Victoria gazed with contentment at the pink sky and glanced at the pleasant sway of the trees. She settled into one of the outdoor armchairs and Nick took a seat on the tasteful sofa across from her.

“I’m glad to see you’re keeping busy, Victoria.”

The gracious older woman smiled. “Oh, you know me. Of course I am, dear.”

Nick hadn’t brought up Courtney yet, although she’d been on his mind all weekend. He half hoped he might run into her. “So I meant to ask you, how’s your new tenant working out? I actually met her the other day. Small world, eh?”

“You did? She didn’t mention that. Courtney’s wonderful. She brought me my favorite cherry pie yesterday. Isn’t that thoughtful? You don’t meet many young people these days who’d do that for an old-timer.”

Nick grinned. “Who are you callingold-timer? I bet you could outrun me.”

But wow. He was impressed.

Victoria was grateful. “Oh, Nicholas, you’re intent on keeping me young, aren’t you? Anyway, why don’t you go and say hello?” She gestured toward the guesthouse. “She doesn’t know many people in town yet. She’s probably getting lonely.”

Nick was skeptical. He found it hard to believe that Courtney could be lonely. She’d been so outgoing and sure of herself.

“Oh, go on! She’s just about your age, isn’t she?”

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