Page 51 of One Kind Soul

“What’s your beach house like?” He’d avoided talking about her life on Kauai, but how much did she love it there?

She selected a muffin when he sat across from her and broke it in half, setting the crown on a napkin and taking a bite from the base. “It’s your standard beach house with a view of the water. Pastel color scheme, nautical décor. The deck out back is the best part.”

“Have you always lived by the ocean?”

“Yeah, I grew up in California. Lived there until . . . well, until my sister and her husband went to jail. My parents hadn’t wanted me to go, but I needed out, you know?”

“I can imagine.”

She fiddled with her napkin. “I’ve never told anyone about my sister. Not even Tessa knows the details.”

“I won’t say anything to anyone.”

“I know you won’t. I think that’s why I felt so comfortable telling you.” Nicole drew in a deep breath. “When I think back on all the awful things my sister said to me, the names she called me, I’m always baffled as to why she felt the need to say those things. Like what did I ever do to her?”

“It was probably more about her than it was about you. Most likely, you didn’t do anything. She was . . . broken somehow and she took it out on you.”

“A therapist said something similar. He told me not to blame myself. That it was Lynda’s choice to treat me that way. I mean, they were just words, but they fucked me up.”

“Words are powerful.” Christian reached across the table for her hand which she gave him. “And I hope you’ve been listening to my words about you. They are true words. Truer than anything your sister told you.” He sincerely hoped she believed that.

“Your words feel true. You’ve backed them up with sweet actions like setting up your master bedroom for me, agreeing to lose pitifully at checkers—for a second time.” She held up two fingers. “And let’s not forget the whole saving my life thing back in Boston.”

“Volunteering to pick you up has led me down an interesting path, Nixen.” How long would they be able to stay on that path and what was its eventual destination?

She tapped the top of the checkers box. “You ready to get creamed?” She opened it and unfolded the board.

“I hope you don’t throw a tantrum when you lose this time.”

“I’m not going to lose.”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

She set up the board, choosing black for her side. “I don’t think today is your lucky day, Chrissy.”

“I already got lucky in there.” He arrowed a thumb to the farmhouse. “I think I might be on a roll now.”

Nina hopped up onto the table and pawed at the checkers Nicole had set up.

“Plus, I have my feline strategists with me today,” he said.

“That’s cheating.” Nicole ran a hand along Nina’s back, causing the cat to arch up and let out a buzzing purr. “No feline strategists no matter how cute they are.” She met Christian’s gaze. “Losers can go first.”

But he already felt like a winner.

Chapter Nine

Since beating Christian again at checkers on Sunday morning, Nicole had seen the man every day. They’d gone horseback riding where he had taken her on a trail to Brenton Lake which had been so picturesque. They’d picnicked in the woods on his property. He’d taken her on a shopping tour of Maplehaven’s main stretch, introducing her to everyone he knew—and he knew everyone. They’d eaten at Marco’s café and Albero’s. They’d seen a show at the small town’s only theater. They’d made ample use of that master bedroom . . . and the barn loft . . . and the farm’s southernmost field . . . and once on a small boat that Christian had rowed out into the pond on his property when the moon was full.

God, she’d loved that little boat.

Now it was Thursday and Nicole was ever aware that the sands of time were rushing through the hourglass. She had three days left in Vermont and that wasn’t nearly enough time. Every moment she spent with Christian made her dread going back to Kauai even more.

But that was where she lived, where she worked.

She’d loved having her best friend around too. She and Tessa had hung out, getting all caught up on the chatter they’d missed since being apart. They’d taken a few yoga classes with Aliza as the instructor and that had been wonderful. One night, Tessa had dragged Nicole to a restaurant in Canville called the Barnside Pub with Aliza, Violet, Violet’s sister-in-law, Diana, and twins Jacy and Dena. A famous Celtic rock band, Hendrake, played and Nicole had found a new favorite group to follow.

Everything she did in Maplehaven was fun and involved the nicest people, the kindest souls. Going back to Kauai and her job at The Nalu Resort made her feel alone again. She didn’t have any people there like the ones here in Vermont.