Page 74 of Tamed to Be Messy

“Sure. I think it came out really cute.”

I lift the flap and hold open the envelope. The words ‘Love makes the tail go round’ are engraved on a circular metal disk with a paw print in the middle. And the ‘l’ in tail looks like a wagging tail. “That’s so cute! Did Liam come up with that?”

She nods. “He had a rough concept and the words. I created the design based on that. If he’s happy with it, I’ll place the order. I think they’ll sell really well.”

“I agree. I know I’ll buy one.” I drop the envelope into my bag.

As we head out to the parking lot, I hang back to chat with Callie. “You mentioned Zane has good ideas.”

Her smile spreads, and her expression turns a tad swoony. “Yeah, he’s great at thinking outside the box.”

“Do you think he’d mind if I dropped in to see him? I have an idea for Nick that I might need help with.”

She considers me for a moment as if she’s trying to decide what to say. Or not say.

I like her style. “I know about Nick’s true involvement in the Turtle Patrol program.”

Callie breathes a sigh of relief and grins. “Oh, good. I wasn’t sure. What do you have in mind because we’re itching to help, too?”

“I don’t think Nick’s parents fully understand his work as a lifeguard.”

That careful expression returns. “I’m guessing something happened at the party the other night?”

“You know about that?” I didn’t tell anyone except Madi, and I know she wouldn’t say anything.

She lifts her shoulders and scrunches her face. “Nick may have mentioned something about you being his date to Zane and Kade when they had breakfast the other day.”

That’s the one thing I’d forgotten about Sarabella—news travels fast. I wonder how long it will be before Graham finds out I went with Nick to his parents’ anniversary party, although I’m not sure if I’d call that a date. Then, of course, there was our night on the beach together, but we were chasing after turtles with a bunch of other volunteers most of the time.

I may have to add damage control to my schedule today.

But my bigger concern is why Nick mentioned it in the first place. My stomach turns at the thought of him talking about me as if I’m his next conquest or something.

“Nick told them?” My words come out more forcefully than I intended.

Callie wags her hand in front of her. “No, it’s not like that. Zane figured it out, and Kade walked in on the conversation. But Nick made it very clear you were only going with him as a friend.”

On a surface level, I’m relieved, but deep down, I’m disappointed because I don’t want to just be friends with Nick. And I suspect he doesn’t, either. We just haven’t figured out how to go about navigating my brothers. Plus, there’s that trust issue I’m having.

Callie’s face crumbles to mild despair. “I’m sorry I said anything.”

“No, it’s okay. I’m glad Nick has such close friends. And he’s right. I only went to help him out.”

She tilts her mouth to the side. “You don’t really think we’re that dense, do you?”

I snort and laugh simultaneously. “I’m serious. Just. Friends.” Maybe if I say it out loud enough, I’ll believe it.

Callie’s expression softens. “Yeah, I thought the same about Zane and me once.” She holds up her hand to show her engagement ring. “But then I decided to give him a second chance.”

The threat of tears burns my eyes, but I blink it away. Why are her words drawing up such emotion in me? Am I too far gone down the path of falling for Nick?

“Hannah, I haven’t known Nick for that long, and I’ve overheard some of the other lifeguards teasing him about his dating life, but he seems like a good guy.”

Unsure of what to say, I give her a tentative smile. I’m still trying to sort out my feelings for Nick. When I’m with him, I feel I can trust him completely and that he’s genuinely interested in me for more than just a…a one-night stand. But then, when we’re apart, all my doubts and fears rush in again.

She takes my hand and holds it between hers. “What can I do to help with this idea you have to help Nick?”

I’m grateful for her shift to my original purpose in talking to her. And for her unspoken understanding. I may have to do some serious soul searching when I’m alone later.

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