him and I think he’d be happier if he never had to see another doctor again. He and Tarah are incredible together and he’s comfortable and happy with the life they have.”
“Have you talked to him about it?”
“Not really. Not like I should.”
“Talk to him. You keep waiting for the right time and it might never come, so just do it. Tell him how you feel. It’ll make you feel better.”
With a quick nod, Nathaniel changed the subject. “So how was your flight?”
“Great if you ignore the fact we took off an hour past our departure time, the woman next to me kept burping up beer and someone’s kids screamed from the time we took off until we landed. Other than that it couldn’t have been more perfect,” she said.
“I told you to let me arrange a private flight for you. Noah’s wife would have gladly sent one of her planes.”
“Noah’s wife is very sweet but she doesn’t know me from Adam. The woman is running a business, not a personal charity service for the friends of her family.”
“Like I won’t be repaying her with free meals when she’s down here.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes skyward. “You’re comparing apples and oranges, Nate. Apples and oranges!”
Nathaniel smiled. Rebecca was the only person allowed to shorten his name. Even his twin brother called him by his full name. Rebecca called him Nate and he called her Bec. It was their thing. Others had tried and had been sorely disappointed when corrected. His family often referred to her by her nickname but never called her such to her face, understanding the significance it held for the two of them.
He was still holding on to her and she allowed herself to settle back against his broad chest. The nearness of him had butterflies fluttering in her midsection and her heart racing like a drumline in her chest. She struggled to contain the rise of emotion that had her knees quivering and her legs turning to rubber.
She bent her arms upward to clutch his, her manicured fingers gripping his forearms. He shifted his hips, widening his stance as his body cradled hers. They stood together, still holding on to each other as they stared out over the landscape. The sight of white-capped waves in the distance was intoxicating. The water rolled and rocked against the craggy landscape. The low roar of the waves and the hiss of spray were soothing, pulling them both into deep thought. Neither spoke, not needing words. They settled easily into the comfort they always found when they were with each other. It felt like home and both couldn’t have been happier.
From the corner of the building Elise cleared her throat. Nathaniel saw her before Rebecca did. He dropped his arms abruptly and took a step back. “Elise, hey! What brings you here?”
Startled, Rebecca turned. The woman eyeing them curiously didn’t look at all pleased. Her teeth were clenched tightly and her cheeks were a vibrant shade of red. She tossed the length of her auburn hair over her shoulders. Rebecca didn’t miss how uncomfortable Nathaniel suddenly looked.
Elise cleared her throat and forced a smile to her face. She carried a small potted plant in her hands. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I knew you had a meeting with your contractor and thought I’d stop by to drop off a little housewarming gift of sorts. To congratulate you on closing today.” She moved forward, passed the plant to Nathaniel and extended her hand toward Rebecca. “Elise Montgomery. And you are?”
Rebecca forced a smile back. “Rebecca. Rebecca Marks.”
Elise looked from her to him and back. “Are you and Nathaniel friends?”
Rebecca smiled. She didn’t bother to answer the question, instead turning toward the man who still looked like he’d been caught with his hands in someone’s cookie jar. “Why don’t I go check out the inside while you deal with your business,” she said, her voice dropping an octave. She held out her hand for the keys.
Nathaniel nodded. “Thanks,” he said as he watched her move down the side of the building and disappear around the corner. He turned back toward Elise.
“You didn’t tell me you were dating someone,” Elise sniped.
“Because I’m not dating anyone.”
“Well, you and that woman looked quite cozy with each other.”
“Elise, you and I are not in a relationship. I really don’t owe you any explanations about anything.”
Elise took a swift inhale of air and held it for a split second before she responded. “I apologize, Nathaniel. You know I care about you and I was hoping you and I might be able to move our friendship toward something more. But I don’t chase after men who don’t want me. If you’re not interested, all you had to do was say so.”
“I told you the truth, Elise. Right now I’m focused on this restaurant. That’s my priority. Everything else will have to take a back seat for a minute. Especially dating and starting a new relationship. I had hoped you would understand that.”
“I wasn’t trying to make things difficult. I just...well...” She giggled nervously. “I guess I was a little jealous,” she said.
He forced himself to smile. Before he could respond, a large man with a lumberjack haircut and full beard called his name, moving swiftly toward them. “Stallion! My man!”
“Carl, hey! It’s good to see you,” Nathaniel said, moving to shake the other man’s hand. “I appreciate you coming.”
“I’m excited. This place is spectacular!” Carl said as he looked around, taking in the view. He tilted his head toward Elise. “Hello there. I’m Carl.”
“Elise Montgomery, this is Carl Parker. Carl, Elise is my real estate agent,” Nathaniel said, making the formal introductions.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Carl. I’m surprised we’ve not met before. Is your business here in Carmel?”
Carl shook his head. “No. My firm is based in Los Angeles. Nathaniel and I are old friends. We met in college when we were pledging the same fraternity. We’ve been brothers ever since. I actually built his house in LA and when he told me about his plans for this place I jumped at the opportunity to do the renovations he wants.”
Nathaniel nodded. “I’ve got first-rate friends like that,” he said.
There was suddenly a knock on the glass windows. The trio turned to look as Rebecca stood inside waving excitedly.
“You didn’t tell me our girl was going to be here,” Carl exclaimed as he waved back.
Nathaniel grinned. “Who else could do my marketing and promotion?”
“It was nice to meet you, Elise,” Carl said. He pointed toward the building. “I’m going to go say hello to Rebecca. Just let me know when you’re ready to talk business,” he said.
Nathaniel nodded. “I’ll be right in.”
Elise was still staring at him eagerly, wearing an air of desperation like a beloved perfume. Nathaniel forced a smile onto his face. “Thank you for the plant,” he said as he gestured with the potted fern in his hand.
“You’re
