“Just because we have these feelings, doesn’t mean we should actually act on them. Does it?”
Nick nodded. “No, of course not. I think we’re both lonely and comfortable with each other and mistaking that for something more.”
The conviction in his tone didn’t match the emotion she saw in his eyes, but Noel ignored it. Getting caught up with feelings of attraction for Nick was a bad idea, for both their sakes.
“I completely agree.”
Liar.
Nick pushed off the counter, keeping his distance. He ran a hand through his hair as he said, “So, from now on, we’ll just tell people we are better off as friends.”
“Absolutely. Just friends.”
“Good.” He cleared his throat. “I guess I should let you eat.”
Noel didn’t remind him that he’d wanted to stay and keep her company. Her resolve not to kiss him could snap at any moment. “Thanks for bringing the food. Tell your mom I will be by soon.”
“Will do.” He took a step toward her and seemed to think better of it because he stopped. “Happy Thanksgiving, Noel.”
“Happy Thanksgiving.”
He ducked around the corner and Noel slumped back against the counter. The microwave dinged, announcing her dinner was warm and ready, but she’d suddenly lost her appetite.
She’d turned to Jell-O at the mere touch of Nick’s lips on her neck. How the hell were they going to ignore that?
Chapter 11
NICK
“Nick! I need you!”
Nick shifted his attention from sliding Mr. Cutter’s noble fir through the yellow netting to his mother hollering at him from across the tent. He’d agreed to come over Saturday and Sunday to help his parents out, as the weekend after Thanksgiving was the busiest for the tree farm. Hearing his mother call out that she needed him was just par for the course.
“Be right there!” He secured Mr. Cutter’s net and hauled it out to his truck for him. Mr. Cutter had been coming out to the farm since Nick could remember and he’d always liked the former shop teacher. They’d chatted a bit while he’d helped Mr. Cutter with his tree and learned that he’d retired, his wife passed last year, and he had six grandchildren all coming with their parents to help him decorate his tree. The conversation was a fantastic distraction from everything lurking at the back of his mind.
Between work and the farm, he’d kept busy, which stopped all thoughts of Noel from creeping in. This whole week had been one roller coaster of emotions and he just wanted life to get back to normal.
Mr. Cutter dropped the tailgate and Nick set his tree in gently. The older man closed the truck up and pulled a ten from his pocket.
“Thanks for the help, Nick.”
“I appreciate the offer sir, but keep your money. I am happy to do it.”
Mr. Cutter held the money out insistently. “Just take it, son. It’s been a long time since you loaded my tree for me and I know ten bucks ain’t much, but we’re all glad you’re back home safe.”
“Thank you.” Nick took the ten and shook the older man’s hand.
When he came back into the tent, he shook the freshly fallen snow from his head and shoulders. It had been snowing steadily all morning, dropping another four inches of fresh powder on the ground, but that didn’t stop the crowds from selecting the perfect tree. Even though the uncut trees at the Winters’ Christmas Tree Farm were twenty bucks more than the ones precut at the grocery store, people were willing to pay the difference for not just beautiful trees, but the family experience and memories of cutting their own.
Nick came up alongside his mom behind the checkout table. She had her hair up in a ponytail, a gray headband covering her ears. Even though there were several space heaters inside the tent, wind still whipped arctic blasts inside, swirling with snow.
“You needed me for something?”
She handed Mrs. Olsen her change, ignoring him. “You take care now. Thanks for coming.”
“Absolutely. I’ll see you at church.” Mrs. Olsen smiled brightly at Nick. “Welcome home, Nicholas. Everyone here appreciates your service, but we’re happy to have you back safe.”
Although it made him uncomfortable accepting gratitude from strangers, hearing it from his third-grade teacher with so much pride in her voice made him smile. “Thanks, Mrs. Olsen.”
Once she was gone, his mother took him aside, letting the other cashier, Linda, handle transactions.
“I have a favor.”
“Ominous, but go on.”