Page 12 of Lucky Shot
Words fail me as I process this new knowledge of Nick buying a house for his father. It’s such a generous, loving thing to do, and I’m having a hard time reconciling it with Nick’s overall indifferent demeanor.
“You’ll be the first person to test out everything.” He walks over to the front windows and pulls back the curtains to let in light. Another jaw-dropping view of the lake greets me.
Beyond the kitchen, Mike shows me a small room that’s currently set up as an office with a table and chair, then a larger bedroom with a sliding glass door that faces the lake and a nice bathroom with a tub, shower, and double vanity.
“The pictures didn’t do it justice,” I say after he’s shown me everything. Forgetting about Nick, who still hasn’t reappeared, it really is perfect.
Mike tips his head back, scanning the place like he’s seeing it again for the first time. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I really do.” There’s something about the lake glimmering under the sunshine and the mountains in the distance that sparks a need to capture the feeling on paper.
“I’ll leave you to get settled, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to text me or come up to the main house. If I’m not there, ask Nick.”
Fat chance of that. I’m not asking Nick anything. In fact, I hope I don’t see him for the rest of my time here. I, of course, can’t tell Mike that.
“Thanks, but I don’t want to bother either you or him.” Not the entire truth, but still accurate.
All Mike says is, “You’re no bother.”
He opens the front door to go and smiles. “Ah, there he is now.”
Nick comes to a stop on the entryway of the front door. The time apart did not make his heart grow fonder. I always hated that saying anyway.
“I see you found the key.” His dry tone is breathless, jaw still shockingly tight. Looks painful. And kind of hot. He has a dimple in his chin, barely visible under a layer of dark facial hair. I always loved cleft chins, and he pulls it off better than most.
Surprise, surprise. I’m attracted to the jerk. My libido has no sense of self-preservation.
“Sorry about that, Son. Thanks for checking.” Mike glances to me. “We’ll leave you to get settled. You have my cell number?”
I think for a moment, then nod. “Yes.”
“Text me if you need anything or feel free to ask Nick.”
His son’s eyes go comically wide for a fraction of a second, but Mike is watching me and whatever he sees on my face makes him laugh.
“Don’t let him fool you, he isn’t so scary.” Mike grins and leaves.
Scary isn’t the word I’d use. Grumpy. Frustrating. Handsome.
Nick lingers in the doorway after his dad is gone.
“Don’t worry. I don’t plan on needing anything,” I reassure him.
His jaw tightens again.
“Doesn’t that hurt?”
“What?” he asks in such a sullen way that a small laugh escapes my lips.
“Grinding down on your molars like that? You’re going to break a tooth.”
I should have guessed my prodding him would only make him glare harder, but it still catches me off guard and I giggle again.
“I’m glad you find this amusing.”
“Look, I get it. You’re not thrilled I’m here, but I really won’t get in your way. My only plan is to work and sit out by the lake.” I don’t think he’s prepared to hear my entire summer to-do list. He thinks I’m weird enough as is.
He nods, jaw relaxing a fraction. “Fine. Do you need anything?”
