Whiskey and Country

Why were Nick’s words making me feel giddy? Nah, I was hallucinating things. I hadn’t spent time with another man, besides Carter, in so long. Nick wasn’t flirting with me, just making conversation.

Still, the sizzle in my body couldn’t be ignored.

The sound of his voice, dark and addictive, smooth and layered, just like his eyes—enveloped me. Just like whiskey. I wished I could drink every word.

Nick continued, and I forced myself out of his energetic field.

“So? How was it? Fame, I mean. Touring the world? Being chased by loony fans? Having people reporting your every move?”

I let out a heartfelt laugh. Okay, I could do this. We were just talking.

“Fun. Exhausting. Weird. Exciting. It’s hard to define it in just one word.” I twisted the wedding ring hanging from the chain around my neck. “I loved it. At first. But it complicated my relationship with Jeff, my late husband, in many ways. Being famous is Carter’s thing. From the start, he was destined to make it big. I just loved doing it by his side. We were awesome together.”

“You said you two are family. Jeff was his brother, no?”

I nodded, looking away for a flash second. “Yes. And his best friend too.”

“Dahlia, I’m sorry you had to go through this. If you don’t mind me asking, did you leave the band before or because you had to?”

I toyed with the paper napkin in my hands. “Before. Things got complicated. And at that point, our lifestyle—being on the road all the time and waking up in a different bed every morning—didn’t suit me anymore. I craved stability. And a normal life away from the limelight.”

“And you came here to escape the madness?”

“Pretty much.” I gave Nick a raised brow.

As if he sensed my silent question, he grinned. “Knew someone who was a huge fan. I think he secretly had a crush on you. And my sister was a die-hard fan too. She followed the band and had posters of you, Carter, and that other guy on her bedroom walls as a teen. Shit, now that I say it out loud, it sounds creepy. But I assure you I’m not a weird groupie. I just remembered now she’d told me all about it.”

“It’s okay. I’ve met crazy fans, and you don’t fit the profile. You’re safe. My psycho-meter isn’t picking up anything suspicious.” Nick grinned. Mine slipped away for a second at a painful memory of my past but came back the next. Even if heartbreaking, I valued those moments. “Jeff, Carter, and I, we were this everlasting trio. Our relationship wasn’t perfect, but it was precious. I’m telling ya, the younger Hills brothers were crazy in their own way. But I wouldn’t change any of it. Carter and I have been best friends since we were babies.”

Nick’s eyes rounded.

“Yep, we go way back. And after everything we experienced together, our friendship is stronger than ever. If we didn’t have each other, I’m not sure either of us would have survived Jeff’s death. When I left Nashville to come here, to escape the media circus my life had turned into, it took me almost a year to start living again. For months, Jack was my only source of happiness. Slowly, with Carter’s support and love, I built myself up again. Now I’m in a happy place. I’m thriving.” I paused. “Carter is my rock. And I like to believe I’m his too.”

Nick lowered his sandwich to his plate.

“I’m sorry, Dahlia. That it happened to you. Life is tough sometimes. For all of us.”

His shoulders hunched over the table, and he stared at me. With intensity. As if to commit my strength to his memory or something. Or as if he could understand me. And that part of my life.

Nick’s aura allayed my doubts, inviting me to share with him. To be honest. And real. For once, it felt right to just tell the story as it was. To someone who didn’t have a pre-conceived opinion about it. Who wouldn’t judge me.

I nodded, appreciating his compassion. “I’m just not used to talking about my journey. At least not on my first meet. That’s all.”

He bent his lips. And the air lightened as his smile brought attraction back to the forefront.

We finished eating, easy conversation flowing between us, stealing quick glances and smiles. Fascination purled between us.

Now I was certain it wasn’t my imagination playing tricks on me.

“Where are you living?” I asked, relishing the friendly zone we basked in.

“A farmhouse on Beaver Lane. The lady who owns it is letting me stay there for free as long as I put the place back in order so she can sell it by the end of the year.” He shrugged. “I love working with my hands. It’s my first residential renovation project, but I can already tell I’ll enjoy pouring love back into this stately house. I’m good at my job. This deal is a great trade-off.”

Nick’s words acted like a jolt to my heart.

“Oh, I love all fixer-uppers. Except for the shop, I haven’t done any in a while. I miss it. I used to be good with a saw and a nail gun. And even better with interior design. It’s something only a few people know about me. Consider yourself lucky. You know my other secret now,” I said with a wink and a grin.

Nick blinked.

“You do? I mean, you love home renovation?”

I nodded, now enthusiastic about the idea of fixing an old house and turning it into a gem.

“If you’re ever at a loss for ideas or need an opinion on something, I’m your woman. I won’t have a lot of free time once the shop opens, but I still can give you a hand. Even if it’s just with what to hang on your walls or paint samples.”

“Whoa. Duly noted. I might actually take you up on your offer. I’m skilled when it comes to woodwork, tiles, or tools, but I lack serious talent in the decoration department and color matching.”

My smile grew so big, probably about to split my face in two.

“Nick. You and I will have to talk business then.”