Chapter Nine

Cecelia successfully dodged Nick during the next few days, but on Thursday night she started cooking for the Apple Festival at the church and there was no hiding the wonderful aroma of her apple cakes, apple pies and apple cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Montana wasn’t known for its fruit, but there were some apple trees that could bear fruit even facing the harsh winters.

She heard Nick enter the kitchen before she saw him. “Don’t even start. This is all for the Apple Festival on Saturday. You can purchase and donate just like everyone else does. It’s for a good cause. The donation will go to people still recovering from the flood.”

She turned around to face him and refused to give in to his glum expression.

“But it’s all warm now,” he protested.

“Too bad, so sad,” she said in a brisk voice. “It will all be for sale on Saturday.”

He shuffled to the table and sank into a chair. “I’ll just sit here and smell it, then.”

“You look tired, Nick. Having a rough time keeping up with all your lady friends?” she asked.

He shot her a dark look. “I’ve been working. Regular construction, Maverick for Hire jobs and custom work for the lodge.”

Cecelia made a tsking sound as she began to mix a second batch of frosting for the cupcakes. “Hard to keep up your dating life, but I’m sure you’re managing,” she said.

“I haven’t been on a date in over a week,” he said. “To tell the truth, I’ve been too tired.” He inhaled and closed his eyes. “If I give you twenty-five bucks, will you give me a bite of something?”

He must be desperate, she thought. Plus there was also the fact that she knew that Nick did a lot of charity work. He was always helping out people who couldn’t pay him. Her heart softened a teensy bit. “Okay. Two apple muffins for twenty-five bucks. Frosting or not?”

“I’ll take one naked,” he said and shot her a naughty look. “The other frosted.”

His sexy expression got under her skin, but she told herself to ignore it. She handed him a hot cupcake. “It’s hot,” she warned, but he’d already stuffed it into his mouth.

He opened his mouth and took short breaths.

She shook her head. “When will you learn? When?” she asked and frosted a cupcake then set it in front of him. “Now that you’ve singed your taste buds,” she said.

He walked to the fridge and grabbed a beer then gulped it down. “Now for the second,” he said.

“Where’s my twenty-five bucks?” she asked.

“You know I’m good for it,” he said and pulled out his wallet. He extracted the cash and gave it to her. “There.”

“Thank you very much,” she said and put the cash in her pocket.

Within two moments, he’d gulped down the second cupcake. He pulled a sad expression. “Are you sure you can’t give me one more?”

“I’m sure,” she said.

He sighed. “Hard woman,” he said. “Hard, hard woman.”

“One of my many charms,” she said and smiled. “You always eat the baked goods I give you in two bites. Do you know how to savor anything?”

He met her gaze for a long moment. His eyes became hooded and he gave her a smile that branded her from her head to her toes. “There’s only one way for you to find out.”

Cecelia nearly choked on her own breath. “I think I’ll skip that given you have the attention span of a gnat when it comes to women.”

“I haven’t gotten any complaints,” he said and finished off his beer. “’Night, Cecelia,” he said and swaggered away.

Cecelia couldn’t help noticing his broad shoulders and great, well, backside as he left. She grabbed a glass of water and took a drink, but she still felt way too heated. She considered pouring the glass over her head. This would pass, she told herself. She just prayed it would pass quickly.

Early Saturday morning, she began to load up her truck with the baked apple goods. She was contributing to both the bake sale and the auction. The church was close enough that she could walk, but not with all the goodies she needed to tote. Halfway through her loading process, Nick appeared.

“Let me help,” he offered, his eyes still halfway filled with sleep.

“Isn’t that like asking the fox to guard the henhouse?” she asked.

“I’m good,” he said. “I’ve already decided to buy one of your pies and one of your apple cakes,” he said.

“They won’t be cheap,” she warned him as they carried the baked goods to her truck.

“I can afford it,” he said.

“But there’s no way even you can eat all that within a couple of days,” she said.

“No,” he said. “But Melba said I could freeze the cake in slices. So I’ll be eating the pie breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

She chuckled. “If you say so,” she said. “I’ll see you over there later.”

“Oh, no,” he said. “I’m sticking to you like glue. I’m not letting your pie or cake get away from me because I overslept.”

She looked at him in surprise. “Well, I do believe I’m almost flattered.”

“Why?” he asked as he opened the door of her truck for her. “It’s no secret that you’re the best baker around.”

“Is that why you’re so determined to keep me in Rust Creek Falls?” she asked.

He hesitated. “Part of the reason, but not all. You’re my best bud. I know you won’t take advantage of me...except making me pay triple for those cupcakes last night.”

“You could have bought the cake and pie for double and slept in,” she said. “But since you waited, you may have to bid,” she said.

“Bid?” he repeated.

“Yep,” she said. “They’re holding an auction for some of the items, and it just so happens my pies and cakes are among them.”

Nick groaned. “Thanks for the warning. I’ll just ride with you then,” he said and rounded her truck and climbed inside.

Cecelia gazed at him and noticed he’d skipped shaving. He pulled his Stetson over his forehead and leaned his head back. She felt a surge of affection. Underneath it all, Nick was a really good guy.

A good guy who was interested in just about every woman except her, she reminded herself. Taking a deep breath, she drove to the church. Nick helped her take in the baked goods and she delivered the items to be auctioned. She truly didn’t trust him. Cecelia visited with several other people who had donated items for the carnival. She caught a glimpse of Beth Crowder and rushed to see her.

“Hi, Beth,” she said. “I haven’t seen you this week. How are you doing?”

“Okay,” Beth said, but her eyes still looked sad. “I brought apple dumplings, apple pork chops and apple cheddar bread.”

“Sounds delicious to me,” Cecelia said. “How’s your son?”

“He’s doing well. Not a bit of trouble. On that front, I’m truly blessed.”

“Good for you,” Cecelia said and gave Beth a quick hug. “I should get back to my table. I’m hoping we’ll make lots of money for the emergency fund.”

“Me, too,” Beth said.

“I’ll talk to you later,” Cecelia said and headed for her table.

Nick was already at her table, hovering. “I saw a couple people who looked like they were going to swipe some of those cupcakes.”

“Was one of them you?” she asked.

He scowled at her. “You’re a tough one,” he said. “Very tough.”

A few people stopped by to chat with her and Nick. He wasn’t as friendly as usual because he clearly hadn’t gotten enough sleep. A half hour later, the church opened the doors to the public and a crowd swarmed inside.

“Wow,” Cecelia said, surprised at the turnout. “This is great. I had no idea this many people would come.”

“That much more competition for me,” he grumbled.

Soon, several people showed up at her table, buying cupcakes and slices of pie. Nick gazed at them resentfully.

“You need to change your attitude or go away,” she said. “I’m here to make money and you’re scaring my customers.”

Within forty-five minutes, Cecelia had sold out. She was amazed. “I can’t believe this. I thought I had baked a lot of cupcakes.”

“Your reputation precedes you,” Nick said. “When is the auction?”

“Every hour on the hour,” she said. “There should be one in fifteen minutes.”

Nick groaned. “I’ll pay you a hundred bucks to bake a pie and cake for me,” he offered.

“I don’t know. That sounds a little low,” she said. “You must be really concerned that I’m going to leave town.”

“I am,” he muttered.

Some sort of ruckus began on the other side of the large room. She heard a combination of squeals and screams. “What is it?” she asked and rushed toward the crowd. She felt Nick walking just behind her.

As she approached the crowd, she craned to see what was going on. She spotted Will Duncan holding a bunch of flowers and extending the bouquet toward Beth Crowder.

Surprise rushed through her. “Oh, my gosh,” she said.

“What?” Nick asked. “Oh, I can’t believe it. Go, Will.”

“Beth Crowder, I love you,” Will proclaimed. “I want you more in my life than I could ever say. I can’t believe a woman as fine as you could want to be with a man like me. But I hope you’ll give me a chance to show you just how beautiful and wonderful you are.”

Beth stared at Will in disbelief, lifting her hand to her throat. “Oh, Will,” she said with a sob in her voice.

“I love you,” he said.

“I love you, too,” she said and lifted her arms.

Will limped toward her and pulled her against him, dropping her flowers on the floor.

Cecelia felt her heart swell with emotion. Her eyes stung with tears. “Oh, how sweet. How very, very sweet and wonderful.” She turned to glance at Nick and was surprised at the expression of intensity on his face.

“I didn’t know if he would step up or not,” Nick said. “But, man, he did it in a big way.”

“Now, that’s a man,” she said.

“A man?” he echoed and made a strangling sound. “I’m glad he went for it, but I’d never do that.”

Cecelia shook her head. “Of course, you wouldn’t. You would have to have a much bigger heart.”

Nick felt as if she’d stabbed him. Did she really believe he cared so little for Beth and Will? Did she really believe he was so harsh.

* * *

That night, Cecelia pulled on her skirt and boots and put on lipstick and mascara. She was meeting Tim tonight at the Ace in the Hole and she wanted to give it her best shot. She really wanted to like him. She was going to give this meeting her best body language and feminine charm.

After gobbling down a sandwich, she strode toward the Ace in the Hole and walked inside. The bar was hopping. Glancing around the bar, she caught sight of Nick. Her heart skipped over itself. He was surrounded by women, as usual. Hmm, she thought, suddenly feeling a little grumbly.

“Hey, let me buy you a beer,” a male voice said from behind her.

She deliberately switched her attention away from Nick. “Hi, Tim,” she said. “How have you been?”

“Good,” he said. “More important, how have you been? Are you feeling better?”

“Oh, I’m well,” she said. “Amazing what a couple days of rest and antibiotics can do. I’ve been back at work all week.”

“Good for you,” he said and led the way to the bar. He commandeered two stools then ordered two beers and an extra water for Cecelia. “I remember that you like water. I’ll order a beer for you, too, just in case you change your mind.”

She smiled as she hitched herself onto a stool. “Thanks. How has your week been?”

“Pretty good, just busy. It’s good to get out and see you,” he said.

“That’s nice to hear,” she said and accepted the beer the bartender offered her. She took a sip and tried to relax. She positioned herself toward Tim. “I was busy baking for the Apple Festival the past couple of days. Have you had a chance to watch any football lately?”

“I caught a little of a game last night,” Tim said.

She made chitchat with Tim and did her best to be sweet, open and attractive, but oh, heavens. What a stretch. He was a nice guy. A nice, attractive guy. Why couldn’t she feel some heat for him? She leaned toward him and smiled. Tim touched her arm then squeezed her shoulder.

Things were going well. She wasn’t crazy for him, but it could be fun.

Suddenly Nick stood beside her. “Hey there,” he said. “How are you guys doing?”

She blinked at his jovial tone. “Um, fine,” she said, surprised by Nick’s presence.

“The place is busy tonight, isn’t it? Everyone is recovering from that auction for Cecelia’s apple cake. Did you get a chance to bid?” he asked Tim.

“Bid?” Tim echoed. “I must have missed that.”

“Yeah. Cecelia can bake like crazy. At the Apple Festival today, her pies got a high price. Let me tell you, I had to pay.”

“Is that so?” Tim said. “Maybe I could convince her to bake something for me,” he said and took her hand in his.

“Good luck,” Nick said. “She’s sweet at cooking. Hard at negotiating. Not every man could handle that.”

“Oh, I think I can handle her,” Tim said and squeezed her hand. “Maybe she wants me to handle her.”

Cecelia flinched at Tim’s tight clench of her hand. “Ouch,” she said and tugged slightly away.

Nick glanced at their connected hands. “What if she doesn’t want you to handle her?” he asked.

Tim unclenched his hand from Cecelia’s and stood. “What are you talking about? Cecelia and I are here having a good time. Leave us alone.”

Nick glanced from Cecelia to Tim. “Just warning you. Don’t take advantage of her.”

Distressed, Cecelia also stood. “Nick, what are you doing? You set me up with Tim.”

Tim looked from Nick to Cecelia. “What’s going on here?”

“Tim, let’s just leave,” Cecelia said.

“Yeah, I’m leaving. Listen, bud,” Tim said. “If there’s something going on between the two of you, you’d better get it straightened out. If not, why don’t you just back off?” He paused a half beat. “Forget it. This is too much trouble.” Tim stalked off.

Cecelia stared after him then looked at Nick. “What in the heck were you doing? You matched me up with him.”

“I changed my mind. I decided I don’t trust him,” he said.

“Why?” she asked, scowling at him. “You’re the one who’s helping me meet guys. Why are you chasing them off?”

“If they were real men, I couldn’t chase them off,” he said.

“You’re ridiculous,” she told him. “Completely ridiculous. I’m going to the house. I can’t deal with this.” She pointed her finger at him. “You are being weird.”

She left him in the bar and stalked off toward the rooming house, her mind whirling. Why was Nick acting this way? She had tried to make herself like Tim, but even she had to admit that she’d felt uncomfortable when he’d touched her.

Cecelia could hardly breathe from her frustration. So far, she had totally struck out with her dates. None of the guys she’d gone out with had sparked any interest in her. What was wrong with her? She’d met several men, yet nothing had worked.

Entering the rooming house, she strode upstairs as quickly as she could. She didn’t want to discuss her disastrous evening with Melba. Her goal was to forget it. She walked into her room and pulled off her jacket and boots, swearing under her breath. Thunder Canyon wasn’t far enough away for her. She wanted to be on the moon.

Heading for the bathroom, she turned on the faucet. A knock sounded on the door and she paused. Another knock sounded.

Cecelia turned off the faucet and went to her door. “Yes?” she said.

“It’s me,” Nick said. “I need to talk to you.”

Against her better judgment, she opened the door and crossed her arms over her chest. “What?”

“Are you going to let me in?” he asked.

“Why should I? You’re acting like a lunatic,” she said.

He met her gaze for a long moment and she could tell he wasn’t going away, so she stepped out of the doorway and he walked into her room. Amazing how he could fill a doorway with his physique, she thought then nearly kicked herself for thinking such a thing.

“Why did you act like that? Tim and I were getting along, having a good time. I was doing everything you told me to do—red lipstick, skirt and welcoming body language,” she said.

“How welcoming did you want to be? Did you want him to take you back to his house and finish what you started?”

She gasped. “You need to make up your mind. First you tell me I need to do all these things because the man’s the customer, and then you act like I’m being easy.”

“Did you want to be with him?” he asked. “When I say be, I mean in bed?”

Cecelia blinked. “I hadn’t even kissed him yet.”

“Well, it was coming. I could tell by the way Tim was acting that kissing and a lot more was coming.”

“And what’s wrong with that?” she demanded. “Isn’t that part of dating?”

“You didn’t answer my question. Did you want to be with him?”

“I didn’t get a chance to find out. Why are you badgering me?”

“Because I want to be with you,” he said in a rough voice with eyes full of need. “I want you.”