Page 105 of One Kind Soul

“Actually . . .” Jackson sighed.

“Uh-oh. What’s wrong, dude?” A vehicle rumbled outside and Christian shot to his feet, but when he peeked out the front window, it was the neighbor. No sign of Nicole yet. Maybe she was saying goodbye to some of her coworkers.

“Well, the funding for the project I’ve been working on has been unexpectedly pulled so I’m out of a job at the moment,” Jackson said.

“I’m sorry to hear that, little bro. You’re only happy if your elbow deep in dirt at a dig site.”

“This is true information.” Jackson sighed again. “I’m trying to find new funding, but the usual donors to my work have been tightening their purse strings lately. I’m not having much luck. I was actually thinking of staying in Maplehaven for a few. Until I secure more funding to move forward on my project.”

“It’d be great to have you around,” Christian said. “I know Landon and Donovan would feel the same. You can have the barn loft on my farm if you want it. The farmhouse is finished and Nicole and I are going to live there when we come back to Vermont.”

“Oh, wow. I didn’t know this thing with Nicole was that serious. You’re going to live together?”

“Yup.” And more.

“Congrats, man,” Jackson said. “And thanks for the barn loft offer, but I’ve been looking at renting a place at Pine River Cottages.”

“Ah, yes, I forgot how much you like your own space.”

“And I know you only want me to stay at the farm so you can exploit me as an extra set of hands.”

“Truth. You caught me. Pine River Cottages is a nice choice though.” Maybe if Jackson had a space that felt like a home, he’d consider sticking around in Vermont longer. A brother could hope.

“Okay. I’m going to call the other two knuckleheads. I expect to be in Vermont next week. When are you leaving Hawaii?”

“Tomorrow. This is our last night here and we fly out early in the morning. A quick nine hours later, and we’ll be home, sweet home.”

“Good,” Jackson said. “You sound . . . you sound happy, Christian.”

“I am.” Another car sounded outside and this time it was the resort shuttle dropping off his Nicole. “And with a little luck, I’m about to get happier. Gotta go, bro. See you in VT.”

He hung up, shoved his phone in his pocket, and raced to the door as Nicole was turning the knob.

“Oh, hey,” she said, startled to have the door open so easily. Then her eyes grew big and round when she saw him in the tux. “What’s happening?”

“Tonight is formal, my dear.” He slid her purse strap off her shoulder. “Now scoot down to the bedroom and change for dinner.” He walked over to the doors leading to the back deck. “Then meet me right here.”

Her lips turned up at the corners, but she didn’t fight him. Instead she blew him a kiss and disappeared down the hallway. In a few moments, she’d be back and he’d have to go through with this plan he’d devised.

Why are my hands soaked?

And what the hell was up with his heartbeat? Was that organ trying to tear right through his chest?

“Calm down, man.” He rolled his head, stretching out his neck then shook his shoulders, moving his feet a little in a boxer’s shuffle. “You can do this.”

But when Nicole reappeared in the purple dress with the thin shoulder straps Tessa had virtually helped him pick out, he wasn’t sure he could do anything aside from stare at her.

“You look amazing.” Good. My mouth is operational. That could work in his favor.

She did a little twirl, the bottom of the dress flaring out like a flower blooming. “This dress is wonderful.”

“I’m glad you like it.” He held out a hand to her and she came to him. “I hope you’re hungry.”

Her eyes darkened and he loved the way her gaze roamed over him. “If you and that tux are on the menu, consider me starving.”

Christian leaned down and kissed her, hoping to settle his nerves, but the kiss had the reverse effect. Now he was nervous and turned on at the same time.

“Whatever you’ve got cooking smells delicious.” She licked her lips and being turned on became more powerful than being nervous.