Sweet Tomorrows by Debbie Macomber Page B

path cleared as I started toward the door. It was like I was Moses parting the Red Sea. I held Rover close and kept my head and my eyes lowered. My one comfort was knowing Nick walked directly behind me, following me outside. Thankfully Gray Beard decided to remain with his drinking buddies.
    As he followed me out of the tavern, Nick didn’t say a word, which only added to the tension.
    As soon as we were outside, I felt the need to break the silence. “Thank you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I used my key to unlock my car.
    Nick inclined his head, which I suppose was his way of acknowledging my appreciation. He opened the rear passenger door for me and I set Rover in the backseat. Rover immediately put his head down and closed his eyes. If dogs got headaches, I had to believe Rover had a hummer.
    Not knowing what more to say, I stood awkwardly beside the driver’s door and studied my key fob.
    “Take the dog home.”
    I nodded. “Yes, I will. I just wanted to say…”
    “No thanks are necessary.” He reached up as if to stroke the side of my face and then seemed to change his mind.
    I actually felt myself leaning toward him, wanting his touch. Thankfully, I caught myself in time. “I hope I didn’t ruin your night.”
    “You didn’t.”
    His look held mine captive and my breathing went shallow. Something was happening between us. He’d been so unfriendly, but there’d been a shift and I wasn’t sure if it was with him or with me.
    “I hope Elvis is inside the house,” I said, having a hard time getting the words out. “I…the fireworks must have frightened Rover.”
    “Is he your dog?” He broke eye contact to look onto the backseat where I’d set Rover.
    “He belongs to a friend. I’m watching him for her.”
    “You should have done a better job. Not sure how you’re going to explain how he got drunk.” His voice was harsh, unforgiving. To be fair, he was probably right, but I didn’t appreciate his tone. I’d learned my lesson.
    “Listen, Bud, I’ve never had a dog. My family only had cats.”
    Nick cracked a smile. “Bud?” he repeated. “Did you just call me Bud?”
    “Maybe.” I bit my lower lip again. He must think me an idiot. “Okay, yeah, I did.”
    He did touch my cheek then, running his index finger down the side of my face to my jaw. “You better go take care of the dog.”
    “Right,” I said and took off, determined to get back to the relative safety of the inn.
    As I backed out of the space and turned around, I caught sight of Nick facing his vehicle, his arm raised and braced against the roof, his head hanging. That car had been in the parking lot earlier when I’d arrived, which meant Nick had been sitting inside, waiting, for what I could only guess.
    Something was wrong, but I didn’t know what. My first thought was to leave, but then I found I couldn’t. Putting the car in reverse, I made a U-turn and drove back to where Nick was parked.
    Rolling down my window, I asked, “You okay?”
    At the sound of my voice, he lifted his head, and I saw that sweat beaded his forehead. “Leave,” he ordered gruffly. “Leave me alone.”
    And so I did.
    Reluctantly.

My one day and night away from the inn was just the break I needed. For the first time in weeks, I felt completely unencumbered with responsibilities. Don’t misunderstand me. I love the Rose Harbor Inn, but I needed this time away. I didn’t realize how badly until I was with my family and friends. It’d been far too long.
    Having Emily take over for me was a huge relief. I knew she’d do a good job and she did, well, other than that rather unfortunate mishap with Rover. Yes, she told me about it. She also mentioned that Nick Schwartz had more or less rescued her from unwanted attention. I wish I knew more about him. Dana found out what she could, but I felt there was much more to the story and far more to the man. From what she’d told me, I knew Emily felt the same.
    I spent the Fourth