Holiday Second Chance Romance (Clarice and Trevor) novel Chapter 9

9 Let Me Help

Clarice POV

When Nick comes back from the kitchen, I’m just finishing up talking to some tourists about the upcoming tree decorating. It will happen in a few days in the town square. The trees are sponsored by local businesses and the winner gets to ride with Santa in the parade on Christmas Eve. It’s a big deal to get to ride with the mayor who has been dressing up as Santa since I was a kid. I used to participate in every event leading up to Christmas when I was a kid.

I wasn’t exaggerating when I said it was my favorite holiday. I used to believe that anything could happen because Christmas was a magical time, but after everything that happened I’m not sure about it anymore. Nick sets my Danish and milk in front of me just as the older couple turn to walk away. “I think you know more about the event than the people that organized it. I guess the town

hasn’t changed much since you’ve been gone,” he says.

“Chrissy says it hasn’t. I really do love the town. Had my father not been a philandering a**hat ! would have come back and made my life here. Well, I would have wanted to anyway, but I’m sure Trevor wouldn’t have felt the same way. He loves California and the city.” I notice his hand tighten on his mug as he lifts it to his lips. His lips are perfect. Plump and pink, I think before I force my eyes away. I push thoughts of my soon–to–be ex–husband away.

“When I was younger I always imagined raising my kids here, I say, and my hand moves to my belly, I quickly move it back to my side, praying that Nick didn’t notice. I’m not ready to tell anyone

my husband yet. I still feel like such a fool for believing that my marriage was perfect and that loved me the same way I loved him. Thankfully, Nick doesn’t seem to have noticed, as he focuses on his Danish. “So Chrissy said you’re interested in having your grandmother’s cottage fixed up,” he

says.

“I am, but the problem is I have no idea what condition the place is in. My grandmother passed away five years ago, and it’s the last time I saw the place. I only came back for the funeral. That’s when the lawyer told me she had left the cottage for me. After she was gone, I couldn’t bring myself to come back. I know it’s selfish, but I couldn’t face my mother. I couldn’t watch my father act like he was a great husband.”

“How about, after your relief comes in to take over the desk, we take a drive and check out how much work needs to be done? I know someone that can fix the place, but it won’t be until after the holidays,” he says. “You don’t have to do that, Nick. You guys are already doing enough for me. If you just give me the name, I can call them and arrange the work,” I say before taking a big bite of my Danish. I can’t stop the moan that comes out of me as the sweet pastry touches my tongue.

I notice Nick hasn’t said another word and his eyes seem to be focused on my lips. I quickly look

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away, knowing my cheeks are probably as red as Santa’s hat. “I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to help, Clarice. I know you aren’t ready to talk about whatever happened between you and your husband, but I’m sure it was pretty bad for you to run. You don’t strike me as the kind of person to run away because he left the seat up or didn’t do the dishes,” he says.

I giggle and shake my head. “No, I’m not, although after a few times falling into the toilet in the middle of the night, I might have to take drastic measures.” He smiles and his whole face lights up. “Fair enough. Chrissy and I want to help Clarice. Please let us,” he says. I can tell Nick isn’t a man that says please often so I simply nod. “I’m going to finish a few things, then I’ll meet you here so

we can check out the cottage,” he says. “Alright, thank you, Nick. I can’t tell you how much

everything that you and Chrissy have done means to me.”

He reaches out and squeezes my hand before he turns to walk away without another word. “Was my brother just holding your hand,” Chrissy asks, startling me. I turn to find her standing near the end of the desk with a huge smile on her face and panic washes over me. I know she knows I’m married. I don’t want her to think I’m the kind of person that would make a play for her brother because he is being kind to me. “No, not at all. I was thanking him and he just squeezed my hand.

hand?” It was completely innocent. Why would you think he was holding my

“Clarice, I was just teasing you. Although I will say I’ve never seen my brother so relaxed around someone he wasn’t related to. I even heard he laughed and smiled around you. I thought maybe aliens had taken my brother and replaced him with a real human,” she says. “You only think that because you’re his sister. He hasn’t really been grumpy with me at all. Actually I would dare say he has been happy,” I say, and she gasps. “Now I know he must have been snatched by aliens. I don’t think anyone has ever described him as happy. He came out of our mother’s womb

scowling,” she says, and we both laugh.

Nick POV

Three hours later I make my way back to the lobby. I was so distracted by thoughts of Clarice I had to double–check everything I did around the Inn. What the hell is wrong with me? As soon as I step into the lobby, I smile when I notice her with cute pink glasses typing like a mad woman on her computer. “I told her you must have been snatched by aliens because I heard you were smiling, but I didn’t believe it,” Chrissy says and I groan. I hadn’t even noticed her standing near the office door.

“You have seen me smile plenty.” “Not away from home unless a kid is involved. Then you are all smiles. She makes you smile,” she says. “Chrissy, just tell me if she is meant to be my one.” “No can do, big brother. Besides, I’m quite enjoying you being off kilter,” she says. I pull her hair before ! make my way over to Clarice. I stand silently for a few minutes, not wanting to interrupt her. When she finally looks up, her hand goes to her chest.

“Jeepers, you scared the hell out of me,” she says as she starts to pack her stuff away. I can’t stop

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the laugh that breaks free from my throat. “Jeepers, really out of the colorful words you could use you choose jeepers.” She glares at me as she rounds the desk. “I thought you said that someone would be relieving me,” she says when she comes to stand in front of me. “I’m here, I’m here. Sorry, the kids were a bunch of beasts today, Connie says as she rushes past me. “It’s fine, Connie. Don’t ever rush. I don’t want you getting hurt just to get here on time.”

“Thanks Nick. Who is this pretty lady,” Connie asks. She isn’t much older than Clarice or that’s what I assume. I think they are both in their mid–twenties. Another reason that Clarice can’t be my one. I’m a hell of a lot older than her. “Connie, this is Clarice. She is going to be helping around the Inn for a while. She is a friend of Chrissy’s.” I notice a flash of sadness in her eyes and I wonder what I

said to put it there.

Before I can ask her, she smiles at Connie. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” she says. “Do you have a boyfriend,” Connie asks, and I almost choke on my own spit. “I have an older brother, and you would be perfect for him,” Connie says. “No, she isn’t interested” I answer before she can. Clarice looks at me before she looks back at Connie. “My life is pretty complicated right now, so thank you, but I’m not in the market for a relationship,” she says.

Connie,” My body sags in relief. “Are you ready to go, Clarice?” “I hope to see you again soon, Clarice says before she follows me out of the Inn. As soon as we step outside, I place my hand on the small of her back and lead her over to my truck. I open the door and help her inside. I round the truck and slide into my driver’s seat. “Thank you, Nick.”

I turn looking at her with confusion. “I appreciate you trying to make what Connie asked less awkward for me. I don’t want to tell people I’m married, but I also don’t want to explain why I still have a husband. So thank you,” she says. “Your welcome,” I say as I put the truck in gear. If only she knew that my answer had everything to do with me and nothing to do with making things less awkward.

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