Love Inspired November 2014 #2 (30 page)

The front bell shattered the moment. Ethan stepped back, exhaling a heavy sigh. “Want me to get that?”

She shook her head, willing her heart to return to normal. “I'll go. The rain has stopped. You'd better get those last two shelves painted.” She watched him leave, a storm of conflicting emotions pulling at her insides. She'd thought he was going to kiss her. She'd wanted him to. She shouldn't, but her attraction to Ethan was undeniable. He was even starting to invade her dreams at night.

He was the kind of man she could love. He always made her feel safe, important and confident. But she wanted to feel those things through her own endeavors and accomplishments. Not simply as the object of someone's affection. That was why she had to save the store. To prove to herself she was strong and capable again.

First, she'd get Latimer's back on track, and then she'd have time to think about a relationship. But when the time came, she would have moved on and where would Ethan be?

* * *

Nicki stepped out onto the sidewalk, inhaling the fresh air and allowing herself a moment to appreciate the baskets, filled with pink and purple petunias, the city had hung from the street lamps. The day was so inviting she'd decided to walk to the bank while Sadie napped, confident Ethan could handle anything that came up. Nicki walked through the park, taking time to enjoy the beauty in the square. The azaleas were glorious this time of year, and she was glad she was home to experience spring.

Living above the store was proving to be a bigger blessing than she'd anticipated. She was close to all the shops and stores and had access to the park. Having her own place had restored her sense of control and freedom. Having Ethan across the hall had proved beneficial, too. He was always available for brainstorming and advice and had become a good diaper changer. Lately they'd started sharing meals in the evening.

As she neared the First Dover Bank and Trust on the far corner of the square, she noticed preparations for the Square Fair were already under way. Bright red tape laid out in squares marked the locations of the various cook-off contestants. The stores she passed proudly displayed the colorful Square Fair posters. City workers had delivered metal barriers that would be used to block traffic from the main streets. So many people depended on this one day to boost their bottom lines. And she was depending on it to save everything her family had.

Jacqueline Wheeler emerged from her boutique and waved as Nicki passed by. “Taking a break from the store?”

Nicki smiled as she received a hug from her. “It's too pretty a day to waste inside.”

“It's going to be even better tomorrow. I wanted to let you know that Diane's store was nearly robbed last night. The police saw them, but the rascals got away again. Chief Reynolds said they're getting close to catching them. I just wish they'd hurry up.”

Though worried about the unsolved robberies, Nicki refused to be discouraged as she completed her banking then made her way back to the store and into her office. She was too excited about the sidewalk sale and the possibilities it offered.

Cooing sounds from the baby monitor told Nicki nap time was over. She retrieved her little girl, cradling her close as she walked back to the front. Sadie was starting to develop a personality. She was happy and curious and liked to mimic the sounds she heard.

Glancing up as the bell over the front door jingled, Nicki was surprised to see her father walk in. Her concern quickly dissipated when she saw him smile and noticed the healthy color of his skin. He was recuperating quickly from the transplant.

“Daddy, what are you doing here? Where's Mom?” Her father made a beeline for Sadie, taking her from Nicki and cuddling her close.

“I'm supposed to walk each day, and I got tired of looking at the same houses in the neighborhood, so I decided I'd walk the square. Your mother's getting her hair done.”

Nicki slipped her arm under her dad's and rested her head briefly on his shoulder. “I'm so glad. The store doesn't feel right when you're not here.” Her father looked away from his granddaughter for a moment and scanned the store.

“Well, I'll be a bluetick hound. This place certainly has changed.”

She tensed. “Are you upset?”

He smiled down at her. “No. I think you're doing an amazing job. It's just a surprise. I never realized how dull my store had become.” He hugged her shoulder with his free arm. “You're doing a wonderful job. This will bring in customers just wanting to see all the changes.”

Nicki warmed with the compliment. “Things are getting better, Dad. Not as fast as I'd like, but given a little more time I think we can put Latimer's back in the black.”

Her father pinned her with a curious look. “‘We'? You mean you and Ethan?”

“Yes. If it wasn't for my Ethan I couldn't have done any of this. He's been such a blessing.”

“
Your
Ethan?”

Nicki blushed and shook her head. “I meant in an employee kind of way. Nothing else.”

“I see.”

Nicki swallowed the tightness in her throat. “After all, he's the one who figured out how to reconfigure the old shelving for my new floor plan, and he's given me a lot of good ideas on how to generate business.”

“He's a good man. I like him.” He handed the baby back to Nicki. “Think I'll say hello. Then I'd better get going. Your mom won't be happy if I'm late.” He kissed her forehead and walked toward the stockroom.

Nicki watched him, trying to decide if he really wanted to talk to Ethan or if he was merely stalling and not ready to go home. He'd had that penetrating stare that always told her he knew something she didn't. She hoped it wasn't some crazy notion that she and Ethan were an item. They were friends. Nothing more. So why couldn't she forget his tender support yesterday when she'd confessed her deepest shame?

She didn't know what to do. Being cared for by Ethan felt nothing like the so-called “love” she'd received from Brad. Ethan gave freely from a generous and caring heart. But she wasn't looking for a connection at this point in her life. Though she was beginning to wonder if her heart had other ideas...

Chapter Nine

E
than unpacked the electronics display that had arrived yesterday. It was larger than he'd expected, but not complicated to assemble. Latimer's didn't have the space or budget to stock a large supply of electronic equipment, so the company had provided a sample kiosk where customers could examine several devices, order them and have them shipped to their homes later.

He'd have to check with Nicki to see if she'd decided where to place it in the store. It was attractive and should draw customers to examine the sample laptop, eReader, smartphone and small digital camera. Ethan let his gaze rest on the box that held the small silver camera. For the first time in nearly a year, he had a desire to take a few shots. He wished he'd taken some before and after pictures of Latimer's. It had changed a lot since he'd started working there.

The push to get everything done in time for the sidewalk sale was taking a toll. Several items Nicki had counted on for the big event hadn't arrived yet. He was working hard to get it all done, but Nicki was pushing herself even more, and he was worried about her.

“Looks like my girl is keeping you on your toes.”

Ethan smiled when he saw Allen Latimer coming into the stockroom. He looked much stronger than he had the last time they'd met.

“Afternoon, sir. What brings you here?”

“Change of scenery. And some time with the two prettiest ladies in town.”

Ethan smiled and shook the man's hand. “You'll get no argument from me. Sadie is a beauty.”

Latimer strode to the workbench. “Just like her mother.”

“Yes, sir.” He had the strangest feeling Mr. Latimer was on a fishing expedition. “You're a blessed man.”

“Don't I know it. I was telling my daughter how great the store looks. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate all you've done for my girl. She can be bullheaded like her mother, and she doesn't like to ask for help.”

“I've noticed.” He grinned in agreement.

“But she'll take help from you. Why do you suppose that is?”

Ethan's neck suddenly felt tight. “I couldn't say. Things were pretty serious when I showed up. I suppose she was desperate.”

Mr. Latimer nodded thoughtfully. “True.” He glanced around the stockroom. “Don't think I've ever seen the place so neat. I could never find anything in here, but then, Charlie had his own system. I used to be better about staying on top of things, but after I lost my boy, and I got sick...” He shrugged. “Guess I let things go.”

“I understand, sir. Illness steals your energy. All you can do is try to survive. Everything else fades into the background.”

“You speaking from experience?”

Ethan hesitated. Apparently Nicki hadn't told her father about his PTSD. “Yes, sir.”

Latimer studied him a moment. “You strike me as an observant man. Someone who watches, and thinks things through before acting.”

“I suppose so. I like to take my time. Look at things before I jump in.”

“My daughter is very fond of you.”

“I don't know if I'd say that. We're friends. Coworkers.”

“So you don't find her attractive?”

Ethan frowned, suddenly feeling like a prom date being grilled by the father before taking his daughter to the dance. He struggled to find a proper response. If he said yes, Latimer might read more into it. There was nothing between him and Nicki. The attraction was there. He wouldn't deny that, but her plans for the future didn't include staying in Dover. If he said no, he'd be insulting the man's child. He attempted a middle ground. “She's very attractive. Any man would think so.”

“She has feelings for you. More than just as a friend.”

“Oh, no, sir. I think you're wrong about that.”

Latimer chuckled softly. “Then you're not as observant as I thought you were.” He waved and walked out, leaving Ethan to puzzle over the comment. Did Nicki care for him in a romantic way? And if so, what did he do about it? More important, how did he feel about it? Nicki was the most fascinating woman he'd ever met, but he wasn't ready for a permanent relationship. He had to get his life on track before he could think about his future.

But more and more, when he thought about his future, it seemed to include Nicki and Sadie.

* * *

Nicki stood in the middle of Latimer's the morning of the sidewalk sale, looking around slowly so she could take in all the changes. The store looked amazing. Fresh and different.

“What do you think, Sadie? Will the people of Dover like our do-over?” she whispered to her daughter, who was snuggled in her arms. Back in her office, she settled Sadie in her carrier beneath the play gym she'd purchased especially for today, hoping it would keep her entertained while she waited on the hundreds of customers she anticipated today.

Please, God, let my hopes be realized.
She wanted to make her parents proud. After a quick check of the baby monitor, Nicki went out front. The store would open in less than fifteen minutes. She smiled when she saw Ethan already at work.

“You ready for today?”

“I hope so.” She glanced around, mentally checking the items selected to be out front on the sidewalk tables. She and Ethan had prepared the bins and stacked them near the entrance last night so they'd be ready to carry them outside as soon as the sidewalk sale began. But doubts sprang a leak in her confidence. “Maybe this is too much merchandise to offer at once?”

“Then we'll put it out a little at a time.”

“Right. But what if it's too little? I don't know if I have anything else to unload.”

“If that's the case, then people will want to come back tomorrow to see what else we have. Either way, it's a win-win situation.” He smiled. “Don't worry. It'll be fine. You've done a great job. I have confidence in you.”

“Thanks.” He always made her feel good.

“You'd better get ready. The store opens in ten minutes. I'm going to start moving the tables out front. The furniture store has already started carrying things outside.”

“Vicki should be here any minute to help.” She was glad she'd listened to Ethan and asked her former part-time employee, college student Vicki Borman, to come in for the sale. She knew the register and the merchandise.

Nicki lost track of time once the store unlocked its doors. A steady stream of shoppers stopped in front of the store to peruse the sale merchandise. By noon, Ethan had replenished the bins twice, and Nicki's hopes were soaring. Thankfully Sadie had been cooperative and taken a long nap.

Nicki finished ringing up a customer's purchase, placed it in a bag, smiled and thanked him sincerely for his business, all the while aware of Sadie's cries on the monitor. She had to break away, but the store was filled with people chatting about the changes to Latimer's and the bargains available on the sidewalks of Dover. It was a huge blessing and she was grateful, but her baby needed her. Scanning the store for Ethan, she waved him over to the register. As he drew near, he glanced at the monitor and understood her unspoken request.

“Go. I've got this.”

Nicki thanked him and hurried to the office. In the nursery, Nicki lifted her daughter into her arms, holding her close and speaking softly. A swell of guilt lapped at her mind. If things were different, she could stay with Sadie all the time. But they weren't.

She hated to leave Ethan alone out front, but she had no choice. Soon she'd have to face the fact that Sadie would need more attention than working at the store allowed. Sadie was getting bigger every day and staying awake longer. She'd need toys to stimulate her interest. Toys that made noise and moved, which meant it would be harder to entertain her and still wait on customers, which meant looking into day care. But not yet.

Nicki fixed her a bottle and settled into the chair at her desk, holding Sadie and bottle with one hand. She snagged a piece of fruit with her other hand and scarfed it down. Her new store design was being well received by the shoppers. More than once she'd heard compliments tossed about.

Once the bottle was empty, Nicki stole a moment to cuddle with her little girl. “Are you as excited as I am, sweetheart?”

“Excited about what, Nichelle?”

Nicki spun around, surprised to see her mother coming into the office. “Mom. What are you doing here?”

“I came to see how the sidewalk sale was going, and I found the store packed with customers and no one to assist them.”

Nicki swallowed her irritation. “That's not true. Ethan is out there, and Vicki is handling the sidewalk tables.” Her mother reached for the baby, and Nicki reluctantly relinquished Sadie.

“Get her things together. I'm taking her home with me for the afternoon.”

“Oh, no, Mom. You have enough to do with Dad.”

“Nonsense. Your father is doing so well I'm having trouble keeping him from coming back to work.”

Nicki hesitated. “I don't know, Mom. Wouldn't she be better here with me?”

Her mother narrowed her eyes and glared. “Nichelle, I've raised two children. I think I can manage to take care of one baby for a couple of hours.”

Nicki felt herself giving in. With Sadie out of the store, she and Ethan could concentrate on making this day a success. Nicki quickly shifted mental gears. “Would you like to take the portable crib with you?”

“No. We'll make do.”

Nicki scooped up the diaper bag, making sure there were clean bottles and diapers. “She'll play for a while. And she hates to be wet, so be sure and change her often. She'll be ready for a nap around three, and she should sleep for several hours. Call me if you have any trouble.” She took a deep breath. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

Her mother's eyes softened. “Sadie is my first grandchild. I haven't had her to myself for more than a moment since she was born. Besides, if you're going to save this store you need to focus on those customers out there and not be distracted by a crying child.”

Nicki blinked in surprise. “How did you know?”

“I'm not as blind as you and your father seem to think. But I've learned over the years that it's best if I let him handle things his own way. Your father likes to think he's protecting me. But I always know what's going on.”

She'd never heard her mom speak so candidly before. “I thought I was helping you by not letting you babysit Sadie. I didn't want to add to your burden.”

Her mother reached out and touched her cheek. “I know. But we miss you and Sadie. This little girl brings a lot of joy to your father and I. Now, give me your car keys because I don't have a carrier in my car. I'll bring her back around closing.”

Nicki walked her mother to the car and helped her settle Sadie safely in the baby seat, then stood back as her mother got behind the wheel. Before shutting the door, her mother glanced up at her and smiled. “You've done a good job with the store, Nichelle. It's not what I would have done, but the customers seem to like it.”

Speechless, she could only stare as the car disappeared down the alley. If she weren't so busy today, she'd go upstairs and have a good cry. It was the first time she could remember her mother ever paying her a compliment. Back inside, she closed the door and saw Ethan hurrying toward her.

“You okay? You've been gone awhile. Where's Sadie?”

“My mom came and took her home with her.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Ethan, I think I've made a big mistake.”

“What do you mean?”

The doorbell sounded and she gestured toward the front. “Never mind. We have customers to help.” There'd be time later to think about what her mother had said.

* * *

Ethan locked the front door to Latimer's Office Supply, flipped the sign to Closed and sighed deeply. The sidewalk sale had been a hectic, nonstop event. One he prayed would set the store back on track.

He glanced over at Nicki, who had finished counting the till and was filling out the deposit slip for the bank. He was anxious to learn how the sales added up, but the crease in her forehead and the thin line of her lips told him to hold off for now. He smiled. Nicki Latimer never did anything halfway. It was all or nothing with her. He suspected that when she gave her heart, it would be a forever kind of love.

Shaking off those thoughts, he began sorting out the items stacked inside the door. The store was a disaster. But the good kind.

“Ethan.”

When he walked to the counter, there was an odd light in her eyes. “Everything okay?”

She nodded. “More than okay.”

He took the deposit slip she handed him and looked at the total sales for the day, stunned at the amount written there. “In one day?”

“Yes.” Nicki hurried from behind the counter and threw her arms around his neck.

He held her close, fighting to keep his emotions in check. She fit perfectly against him. She suddenly released him and stepped back.

“Sorry. Got carried away.”

Her blue eyes were wide as she searched his face. The pulse in her throat beat like the wings of a hummingbird. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Ethan, I think things might be turning around. If we can keep up this kind of traffic in the store, Dad won't have to worry ever again.”

Ethan hated to burst her bubble. “But remember, this is only one special day. You probably won't do this much business every day.”

Nicki took the slip from his hand and placed it inside the bank deposit bag. “I know. But you heard the shoppers today. They loved the new look of the store, and they were wild about the electronic kiosk.”

“I know. I finally had to suggest people come back during the week to browse. There were so many people crowded around it, I couldn't demonstrate it or place orders.”

“The main thing is that people see us differently now. They'll start to come here first before going to that big-box store.”