Page 63 of First Bride to Fall
Argh. That smarts!
She sat right back down again, contemplating her leg.
Her ankle was tender and a little achy, but at least it wasn’t hot and throbbing anymore. So that was an improvement. By this time tomorrow, she’d probably be improved even more. She’d probably also be back at her house by then. Nell frowned, wishing in a way she could stay here, at least for one more day. She couldn’t wait to see what Grant’s plans for this morning were. Was Grant going to pamper her again? Maybe make her an amazing breakfast? She’d love that. Anything but fish.
She drew in a deep breath and stared around the room, still in a haze. This wasn’t a dream. She was really here at Grant’s cabin with him, and things couldn’t be better. He was so much more than she’d expected, in all the best ways. Very genuine and funny. He could definitely keep up with her quip for quip. She’d loved engaging in wordplay with him, both in telling jokes and then when beating his socks off in Scrabble. He’d been a good sport about it, but she could tell he’d hated losing. Nell understood those instincts. She liked winning, too.
From the breadth of his outdoor knowledge, he was obviously smart and skillful. But, apart from being rugged, he’d been tender in looking after her, too. He’d bandaged her twisted ankle and carried her down that mountain, then had taken extra care in icing and elevating her injury. Also, in giving her medicine. And here she was, already feeling better, thanks to him. Seeing that waterfall had made her heart so light, and he’d obviously had fun being with her. Otherwise, he never would have suggested taking the selfie.
She’d loved telling him about her family and Bearberry Brews, and she had enjoyed learning about his mom and some things about his childhood. About those former girlfriends, though? Not so much. But that was okay. What mattered was the “former” part. Neither of them was in the picture any longer. But she was. Yay!
She was especially glad to be here last night when his dreamy kisses had swept her away.
Grant was treating her royally, even cooking for her. He couldn’t help that fish wasn’t her favorite or that she preferred chunky peanut butter. They could work around those things. Nothing too major.
He seemed so easygoing. Even in letting her borrow his phone. If he only knew. Nell’s face heated. She would never ever peek at his photos again. Or his text messages. Not unless it was his idea and he had something important to show her.
Who knows where things would go between the two of them after their intimate talk and hot kissing session last night? Grant had already offered to take her to Mariner’s and had also asked about her cooking him dinner. Those things had to mean he was liking her at least somewhat. Hopefully, more than “somewhat.” When he’d saidI feel like something’s happening here, she’d felt it, too. Boy oh boy. 100 percent. This time, it wasn’t a crush, or all in her head, or only one-sided. The way that he’d looked into her eyes said it was happening for him, too.
Tiny tingles raced down her spine.Ahhhh. We’re falling in love!
She balled her fists up against her mouth so she wouldn’t squeal out loud.
The sensation dazzled her like an array of bright colors. All sparkly and glittery.And dizzying. She felt lightheaded, like she was walking on air.
Her stomach growled.
She was also probably hungry.
With her hoping for Grant to become her life’s partner and everything, she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. But no way on earth was she having that nasty fish for breakfast this morning. Maybe he was still sleeping and she could sneak out there and fix herself a PB&J before he woke up?
She was sorry to most likely be going home today, but her time here with Grant had given them a great start. All she had to do was make sure that everything kept going smoothly during the next few days, until she could work up her nerve to tell him about Aidan. She’d considered broaching the subject when they talked about the Strongs last night, but the moment hadn’t seemed right. She hadn’t wanted to drop the bombshell that could ruin everything by making Grant feel pressured.
What she wanted was for Grant to love her with his whole heart, and not because of the wager between her and her sisters. Because if he didn’t get to know and care for her true self, then what was the point? As much as she’d always wanted him, Nell now saw a much harder truth. She didn’t just want Grant to love her back—she needed him to love her for who she was inside. Which was why she was going to tell him about the camping today. And she was going to have to tell him about Aidan soon.
Nell got up out of bed and hobbled over to the door, able to put her right foot down occasionally. That was progress. But, when she peeked into the living area, she didn’t see Grant. The blanket he’d been using was folded neatly and stacked in the armchair with his pillow. She glanced toward the kitchen, but he wasn’t there, either, and the bathroom door was ajar.
Nell skip-hopped to the front door and pulled it open.
Morning birds chirped, and a cool breeze rippled through the trees.
What? His SUV’s missing.
Her pulse pounded, and she told herself not to panic.
He’s probably gone to check the roads.
Yeah, that’s it.
Good time for her to hightail it to the kitchen and make a sandwich. That way, when he made fish for breakfast, she could legit claim she wasn’t hungry.
She’d make herself a cup of tea, too.
Fifteen minutes later, Nell sat at the kitchen table, drinking her tea. She’d gobbled down that PB&J in record time, so afraid that—at any minute—he might walk in. But he hadn’t, and now she was beginning to worry.
That’s when she saw the note on the front of the refrigerator.
He’d pinned it there with a magnet, and she’d missed it before.
