Forever Love on Fireweed Island (Island County Book 4) (5 page)

As I walked into the living room, I found a spot next to Nick and took a seat, tucking my legs under me while I rested my plate on my knees.

“You look like you had a tough day,” Nick said with a wicked grin.

“A wonderful day, actually. We’ve got a Natural History exhibition coming in two weeks, and I just finalized the details this morning.”

“That’ll be fun,” Natty said.

“If you’re nice to me, I’ll even invite you all to the reception,” I teased.

“Anything else exciting happen?” Nick prompted.

I couldn’t tell if they were fishing about the article or not.

“No. Not really.”

“Well, we’ve got some exciting news. Your hot fireman wasn’t in the kitchen, but he is stopping by later,” Natty said, glancing at Nick, who then looked at me.

“You’re so lying.” I smiled, narrowing my eyes at Nick.

“Nick knows him and put in a good word,” Natty continued. I couldn’t gauge whether or not she was kidding.

“A good word? Why am I the one who needs a good word thrown in? I don’t know a thing about this guy. Maybe you guys should be assuring me he’s worth my time. He’s the one that needs to be talked up. So far today, I’ve heard that the man lives in the middle of twenty acres with nothing more than a tent to protect him from the elements, he doesn’t like people, and he rarely eats.”

Nick chuckled. “He’s a good guy.”

“That’s it? That’s all you’ve got? No correcting his living situation or distaste for humankind?”

Nick’s grin deepened. “I don’t actually know too much about him. He tends to keep to himself. But your sister is only kidding. He’s not showing up to spoil your girls’ night. But this . . .” He pulled out the Fireweed Chronicle that had been tucked next to the armrest and couch cushion, and I groaned.

“Is there no privacy in this town?” I laughed.

“They dropped the stack off at my shop today before I left,” Natty informed me.

“We got a stack too,” Sophie confirmed, a twinkle in her eyes. She recently started an interior design firm, and her Etsy store had really started taking off.

“The Chronicle always likes to make sure the businesses get their copies,” I grumbled.

“I thought it was cute,” Natty said, reaching for the paper.

“Good. I’m glad your older sister survived purely for your amusement.” I chuckled. “Do you think Mom and Dad saw it?”

“Once I sent them a text of the picture I took, yeah, I’d say they saw it. You’re famous. Our very own Jewels Jennings is a gymnast.”

“You’re so cruel,” Tori said, her red hair bouncing in a ponytail as she laughed. “I’m glad I’ve never gotten on your bad side.”

“A truer statement couldn’t be said.” I nodded. “Anyway, so what do we have planned for tonight that doesn’t involve my claim to fame?”

“I’m just waiting until dinner, and then I’m out,” Nick informed me. “I’ve got a hot date.”

“Where do you find these women?” I asked, taking a bite of strawberry.

“Online, mostly,” he answered. His honesty was refreshing.

“Jewels kind of has an online guy.” Natty’s smile deepened, but my eyes flashed to hers, pleading with her to stop.

“Really?” Nick shrugged. “I think it’s an awesome way to meet people. You can find the ones who have the same interests and weed out the rest. If you want long-term, short-term, no-term . . . it’s easy to find.”

Sophie let out a hoot, shoving her brown hair away from her face. “I doubt she’s doing your kind of online dating.”

“I’m offended.” Nick’s brow rose. “I’m a complete gentleman.”

“I’m not dating anyone online or using a service,” I corrected, glaring at Natty.

“She met the person through her book blog.”

“I didn’t meet anyone through my blog. I’ve simply chatted with someone who likes my reviews, and he happens to blog as well. Just not on books.”

“Then why are you blushing?” Tori asked. “I’m a redhead, and those flames on your cheeks would outdo mine.”

“This must be my punishment for all the years of torturing my little sister.” I flung my gaze to the ceiling.

“What’s the guy look like?” Tori pressed on.

“I have no idea.”

“It’s an adventure blog.” Natty crossed her legs in the chair and took a sip of soda. “How can he post pictures of his adventures and you don’t know what he looks like?”

I shook my head. “It’s not like that. His blog is mixed with photography, so most of his shots are pretty artistic.”

“But there’s not one photo of him?” Nick asked, suddenly suspicious.

“Not that I’ve found.”

“That doesn’t make sense.” Nick propped his elbows on his knees.

“Sure it does. Like if he’s rock climbing, you see a picture of his hand clenching a piece of the red rock and ropes dangling around, or like when he was heli-skiing, there were shots as he jumped out of a chopper, bits of trees framing the photograph. He doesn’t need to be gliding down a mountain taking selfies. He’d run into a tree. It makes complete sense why he’s not in the photos.”

I glanced around the room, taking in the simplicity of the décor. The walls were painted soft beige, and white curtains framed each window. Sophie had recently come in and worked her magic, choosing a new color palette from the vibrant colors Natalie had tried out. What Sophie came up with was nice and soothing. The colors didn’t take away from the view outside. Instead, Sophie’s design led the eye out. Not to mention, there were huge pillows everywhere in varying shades of silvers and pale blues.

I glanced back at the group, realizing all eyes had stayed on me, and they were waiting for me to continue. “It’s hard to explain, but the pictures he posts are gorgeous.”

“Sounds like a classic case of catfishing.” Nick shook his head.

“No, it’s not,” I objected. “He’s not pretending to be something he’s not. He’s just running a blog, and if people like what they see, great, and if not, then whatever.”

“How do you know?” Natty asked. “He reached out to you through your blog.”

“He was interested in a book I’d read and reviewed, and he liked my thoughts on the story. He didn’t mention his blog. I just tracked him backward.”

I’d said too much.

“And you’ve been leaving comments on his posts and he’s been doing the same,” Natty supplied.

Thank goodness I hadn’t told her we’d also traded private messages. He’d go into more detail about trips or what he’d been up to, and I’d slowly been opening up to him in the messages about what I’d been up to or books I’d read but didn’t post on the blog. There was a sense of safety knowing I’d never meet him in person. Granted, the security in that was probably false, and damage could still be done, but I enjoyed our chats.

“It’s not catfishing, because neither of us care beyond what we see online. He’s an interesting character, but I know I’ll never meet him, and I like that about the guy. I’m beginning to realize I like men from a distance, but up close, they’re not that great.” I flashed a grin at Nick. “Present company excluded.”

“Where does he live?” Nick asked.

“I don’t know. I think New Mexico or something. I’ve never asked because it doesn’t matter. The less I know, the better, and vice versa. We’re just two bloggers trying to make it in the world,” I joked, rolling my eyes.

“I sense Jewels is getting a little testy.” Sophie giggled. “I think it’s time we give her a break. Between her near-death experience and being grilled by family about a mysterious stranger, I’d say she needs a break.”

“Especially if you ever want me to come back,” I teased, glancing at Natalie.

“Well, forget about your outdoorsman. If you want to find out more about Jake,” Nick began, “I can probably hook you up.”

“You and I are the only singles in this room. I would’ve thought you had my back.” My gaze turned in his direction, a smile on my face.

“I hear ya.” Nick sat back just as the oven dinged and Natalie popped up.

“Saved by the bell,” I said, standing up to help.

“This is a new recipe, and Cole wanted nothing to do with it. So you guys are my guinea pigs.”

“What is it?” Tori asked.

“Tamale pie,” Natalie answered far too simply. Cole loved everything to do with my sister, so a tamale pie wouldn’t bother him.

“What’s the catch?” I whispered, following Natalie into the kitchen. She grabbed two potholders and went over to the double ovens, opening the top one. “Cole thinks you walk on water and certainly wouldn’t shun your cooking.”

I removed a roll of tin foil from the stove and put it under the sink right before she set the glass casserole dish on the burners.

“It’s tuna.”

“Why would you think that’s a good idea?” My face scrunched up involuntarily as I eyed the casserole dish.

“I love tuna noodle casserole and I love tamales.”

“This sounds like a meal for Pickles,” I said, shaking my head and grabbing another chip out of the chip bowl.

“Leave my cat out of this. She only eats organic dry kibble.”

“Sounds like she’ll be eating better than the rest of us tonight.”

Natalie rolled her eyes and lifted the lid off the dish, and sure enough, she was serving us a tuna tamale casserole.

“Well, I think you figured out a way to chase Nick away for the rest of the evening.” There was an odd coating on the top of the food. My stomach actually turned at the thought of having to eat it, and I was the furthest thing from a picky eater a person could be.

“Why does it smell like Taco Bell decided to get into the fish business?” Nick asked, rounding the corner into the kitchen. His usually attractive face shriveled into a mess of wrinkles and pursed lips.

“Because Natty decided it was time to try a tuna tamale pie invention,” I informed him, taking another chip from the bowl.

“You know, I think my date might have texted me that she caught an earlier ferry.” He glanced at the clock on the oven. “Yeah. Wow. She sure did. I had no idea it was so late.”

“I can see right through you,” Natty said, narrowing her eyes on him. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”

“Maybe Jewels can call that guy she’s stalking online, but I’m out. I don’t need to be adventurous when it comes to chow. I’ll get something on the way to the ferry.”

I nodded in agreement, wondering if Natty expected us to eat the cornmeal tuna slush. A shiver shot through me at the thought, and I took a step back, planning my own exit strategy.

Nick sauntered over to Natalie and gave her a peck on the cheek and a quick hug. “Great appetizers, and I’ll see you next Friday when Cole returns. He’s a lucky man not to be here for this experiment.”

“What a disappointment you turned out to be,” she said, giving him a long look of disapproval. “I thought we had each other’s back.”

“Self-preservation is key,” Nick said. He stopped to give me a quick hug and wandered into the living room, announcing the treat they were in for. It only took a few seconds until the front door closed.

I glanced over at Natty, and my heart sank. She looked sad, and I knew I’d have to try the tuna.

“You know? I’m sure it will be great. Guys are just guys.” I nodded reassuringly, probably more for myself than her.

“You think?” she asked, reaching for the plates as my stomach flopped.

“Totally.”

“So Nick freaked us out a little,” Tori said, venturing into the kitchen with Sophie right behind her.

Sophie smacked Tori’s shoulder and shook her head. “I’m sure it will be delicious.”

Their eyes landed on the casserole dish as Natty scooped the first helping, and I watched Tori’s eyes grow huge. I had to glance away to keep from laughing.

“Hun, what is that?” Tori asked. “Canned chicken?”

“Tuna,” Natty answered, handing her the first plate. The look of excitement stirred in Natty’s gaze, and it literally hurt my heart. I didn’t care if this was the worst casserole I’d ever eat. I would never tell Natalie that. She’d obviously put thought into this creation and couldn’t wait to share it. “Tuna and tamale all in one dish.”

My phone dinged, and a dart of relief dashed through me. Was there an emergency at the library? Was Coco threatening to jump off Pelican Point? Was my graciousness about to reward me?

All I heard from Sophie was a simple “oh” and I held in a chuckle. We were all in this together.

“I’ll be right back. Gotta check my message,” I informed Natty.

Tori shot me daggers as she stood holding her plate of glop.

“I’ll be right back. Promise.” I eyed Tori and smiled.

“You’re not gonna make a break for it, right?” Sophie whispered.

“Absolutely not.” I smiled and skipped over to the phone, thankful for the distraction.

My blog post just went live about the book and series I’d fallen so in love with earlier in the week. I’d finished the last chapter the evening I’d had the tree mishap, but I didn’t write my post until last night. I needed some time to decompress and think about what I wanted to tell my followers. Not to mention, I’d already missed the characters deeply and needed some time away so I didn’t sound like a sappy mess.

But since the post went live, the comments streaming in were amazing. This was one of my most active posts in months. I scrolled quickly through the list of commenters, and my heart jumped when I saw BlznBookie comment.