Page 80 of Someone to Tempt
I manage a laugh. “She’s bound to realize I can’t make her happy the way she deserves to be.” I rub a hand over the back of my neck, already hating how the thought of leaving makes me feel. “I’m not going to stick around to watch her find the guy who does.”The truth of that feels like a knife against my throat.
“Well, if you do stick…” He knocks his fist against the brick wall of the building behind us. “You’ll know where to come for Skylark’s best sandwich.”
I stand up and shake his hand. “I like seeing you like this, Nick.”
“Me too,” he says. “Remember, man, sticking might be hard, but leaving isn’t any easier in the long run. Iris doesn’t need you to be perfect. But she does need you to show up.”
I head to my car while he returns to the restaurant, wondering if Nick Dixon actually has it figured out. I tried running—from mistakes and guilt and every person I let down. But maybe running is really just a different way of staying stuck.
30
IRIS
“Nick, don’t you dare,”I shout as the doorbell rings promptly at noon, but it’s too late. My brother easily blocks me as I try to muscle my way past him.
“Hello, young swain,” he says with a fake-courtly bow after opening the door. Then, even though I’m standing inches away from him, he turns and hollers over his shoulder, “Iris, you have a gentleman caller. He brought flowers. Aren’t you allergic to flowers?”
“I am not allergic.” He steps to the side when I give him a giant shove, but not because of the force of my push. Nick wouldn’t move if he didn’t want to. My brother’s even more stubborn than he is strong.
Jake looks effortlessly rugged in a soft flannel shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows to reveal his muscular forearms. His jeans are well-worn and fit just right, with a sturdy pair of hiking boots completing the look. The shadow of stubble on his jaw is a little more pronounced than usual, and my face warms, imagining how that scruff would feel across my bare skin. But it’s his teasing grin that makes my heart stutter.
“New butler?”
“I’m about to fire him.”
“You’re not allergic, right?” he asks as I take the flowers. They’re a mix of warm fall colors tied together with a simple burlap ribbon.
“Only to my annoying AF brother.”
Nick leans over my shoulder. “Herolderbrother who could kick your ass with one hand tied behind his back.”
“He’s not going to kick your ass.” Jake doesn’t look the least bit worried. “You aren’t going to kick his ass,” I tell Nick, elbowing him in the ribs.
“Oof. Not unless he gives me a reason to.”
“I don’t plan on it,” Jake says.
Something about his tone makes a shiver of awareness—or maybe it’s longing—trail down my spine.
Embarrassed by my reaction, I glance down at the flower arrangement. “Oh, these are from Meadow Blooms.” I place a finger on the tag hanging from the ribbon. “That’s my friend Molly’s flower farm. That makes them even more special. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he answers, his voice low.
Nick pretends to cough behind me, and I clearly hear him choke out the words, “Suck up.”
I turn and shove the bouquet—with more force than necessary—into my brother’s chest. “Be a peach and put these in water for me.”
“If I was a fruit, I’d be a blueberry,” Nick answers. “You’re the peach, Iris.” He points the flowers toward Jake. “You’re an ugli fruit.”
“I know you are, but what am I?” Jake counters without missing a beat.
I groan and step onto the porch before their game of insults can gain steam. “I won’t be late,” I tell my brother. “No need to?—”
“I’ll wait up,” he interrupts, then heads toward the kitchen with the flowers.
“Sorry about that,” I say as I shut the door. “I don’t know what his problem is.”
“He’s being protective.” Jake places his hand on the small of my back. I should be used to the touch—we do it enough during dancing—but goosebumps erupt along my skin. “You’ve taken care of him for way too many years. It’s about time he returned the favor.”
