Page 72 of Golden Touch
“He doesn’t,” I argue immediately. “I’m the last thing he needs.”
Poppy sips her drink as she watches me over the rim of the glass. “The thing about Nash is that he likes a challenge. He grewup in a small town with all the girls falling at his feet. Captain of the hockey team.”
“Really?” I blink, trying to picture this. “I thought his brother was the hockey player.”
Her eyes dip briefly, and a look of pain crosses her features. “Well, Mitch was a once-in-a-lifetime talent. He overshadowed Nash in the end. But Nash never complained. That man is good at everything he does. Everyone likes him, and he’s always loved this town. He didn’t even want to move away until his father made this place impossible for him.”
“I don’t know,” I say carefully. “He says he can’t wait to get back to Boston.”
“That’s because Boston appreciates him. But he should be right here in Vermont, carrying the Giltmaker Brewery into the next generation. He just needs a way back in. I think you’re it.”
“Sorry, but that won’t fly.” I pick up my drink and take a gulp. “It doesn’t even make sense.”
“Sure it does.” She licks her fork. “He obviously has it bad for you. He told me so today.”
“He didnot,” I gasp. “He’d never say that.”
She holds up a perfectly manicured hand. “Scout’s honor. That’s an exact quote. And he even admitted that he’s enjoying his work at the brewery.” She shrugs. “There’s more here for him in Colebury than there used to be, Livia. You just have to convince him to stay.”
The vodka must have gone to her head. “That’s a nice theory. But Nash and I just met. And if he’s into me, I think that’s just the sex talking.”
She lets out a sigh, and refills both our glasses. “I remember sex. Vaguely.”
“It can turn your head,” I admit. “It’s turned mine before. I’ve made plenty of bad decisions when the sex was good, but the guy was not.”
“Are we talking about your ex now?”
I nod and pick up my drink. “I have a thing for bad boys. They cloud my judgment. I don’t trust myself anymore.”
“Hmm,” she says. “Bad boys come in different flavors, though. Naughty men can be nice. That’s Nash, I think. Lots of testosterone, but a heart of gold.”
“Sure, sure. But it doesn’t really matter. In a month, Lyle will be back in the brewery and Nash will be back in Boston. And lord knows where I’ll be.” Hiding three states away, probably, hoping Razor doesn’t find me.
“Well.” She pulls the vodka out of her bag. “That would be a damn shame. So I’d better make us another round, just in case that comes to pass.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. “Thank you for coming over here tonight. Nash is a pushy bastard, and I don’t need a babysitter. But it’s a real pleasure to meet you anyway.”
She beams. “I hope you still think so in the morning. There’s a lot of vodka in this recipe.”
CHAPTER 30
NASH
The motion-activated lights blaze as I step out of my dad’s truck beside Poppy’s car. It’s midnight, which is not so late. But it’s late enough that the pumphouse apartment is dead quiet when I let myself in the door.
After locking up again, I take stock. There’s no sign of Poppy. But there are plates and glasses in the sink. That’s unusual, because Livia keeps a tidy kitchen.
Poppy’s fancy cake plate is standing on the table, which is a positive sign. I lift the lid and inhale deeply. Then I help myself to a slice of chocolate decadence.
My body is my temple. Usually. But I’m willing to make an exception for Poppy’s bundt cakes. And this one does not disappoint.
After I finish my slice of cake, I get ready for bed. But as I’m pacing the house in my boxer shorts, checking all the locks, I can’t help but tiptoe to Livia’s bedroom to check on her.
She’s left the door unlocked, which is unlike her. But she’s safe and sound, curled up tightly in a defensive position that cuts me in two. As if she doesn’t trust the world enough to spread out and take up space. As if she’s been told to make herself smaller.
I’d opened her door just wanting a peek. It’s late, and we bothneed sleep, but I don’t leave. Instead, I lock the door behind me. Then I lift the quilt and slide in beside her.
Livia shifts immediately but doesn’t open her eyes. Her smooth arms reach out and snake around my chest.
