Page 52 of Crazy in Love

“What do you mean? My daily schedule is packed,” he said. “I walk to town, get coffee, read in the park, then have lunch atthe diner.” He stopped. “Wow, I just realized I’m a young Mr. Huckabee.”

“You’re much better looking,” Faith said. “And you can hear.”

“Yes, well. I already have a job.” He crinkled his nose. “What’s that smell?”

“Oh, I put some essential oils in an air diffuser. They’re good for you.”

“If you say so.”

“It’s scientifically proven. Look it up. I got some new crystals in too. You should try one for healing.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna pass on that.” He smirked.

The bells on the door jangled, and Denver walked in. He’d called a few times since sending the flowers, but Faith had successfully avoided a conversation. With Irene gone, there was no escape.

“Traitor,” she mumbled as Tiger jumped off the counter and headed down the hall. Nick wandered to a nearby shelf of nonfiction but covertly glanced in their direction.

“Hey, Faith,” Denver greeted. “I stopped by for a haircut, and they said you weren’t taking appointments anymore.”

Faith was tempted to flirt with Denver to see if Nick would get jealous, but her conscience thumped her on the head and said no.

“Yeah,” she said. “I’m trying to get this place on track first. Then maybe I’ll take on more hours at the salon. Sorry about that.”

“S’okay.” His eyes darted around the store and, spotting Nick, he lowered his voice. “I also wanted to ask if you were free tomorrow night. There’s a new movie at the Reel Deal. Thought we could check it out.”

Amara’s recommendation to date him flitted through Faith’s mind. But now that push was shoving, she couldn’t do it. A, she didn’t want to, and B, making Denver think he had a shot would be unfair to him.

“I—”

“I’m heading out, Faith,” Nick called. “But I’ll see you tomorrow night at Tess’s?”

An involuntary sigh of relief gushed from her lips. “Yep. I’ll be there.” She waved as Nick left.

“Oh, you already have plans,” Denver said. “That’s cool. Maybe some other time.”

Nick had saved her. Given her an excuse to back out gracefully. And she could have left it at that. Could have let Denver leave clinging to hope that maybe, someday, she’d go out with him. But Tess was right. It was wrong to keep leading him on.

“Denver, you’re a really nice guy, and I appreciate the offer,” Faith said. “But I don’t want to risk our friendship by getting involved. I think it’s best that we don’t date.” Okay, so, perhaps not the firmest of noes, but pretty good for a first timer.

“That’s fair,” he said. “And thank you for being honest. Talk to you later.” He made a beeline for the door, like he couldn’t get out of the store fast enough. She felt bad, but had to admit, it would be better in the long run.

Five minutes after Denver left, Nick returned.

“What. Did ya hide in the bushes until you saw him leave?”

“No,” he said. “Just took a walk around the block. Sorry if I overstepped, but you didn’t look too excited about his offer.”

“It’s fine.” She waved a hand dismissively. “I handled it.”

“So, listen. I was thinking about what you said last night.”

“About how I like you?”

He chuckled. “Yes, that. You know if we get involved, it’s only temporary, right? That I’m going back to Boston as soon as I can walk without a cane.”

“I understand that, yes.”

“Anything we do will be short term. Just for fun. To kill some time.”

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