Love Inspired November 2014 #2 (24 page)

“I had hoped to buy new display fixtures, rework the floor plan and bring in updated merchandise. We've carried the same items in this store for years. I think business would improve if I could offer items customers want today. Like tablets, laptops, smartphones and business software.”

Ethan was pensive for a moment, then said, “I've looked at the fixtures, and from what I can see, they're modular. They could be reassembled into a new configuration without too much trouble. All that's really needed is a new coat of paint.”

Nicki's hope rose a notch. “Really? That would save a lot of money. Maybe we could paint the walls a brighter color.” She sighed. “Now if I could find a way to get rid of those old computers and replace them with laptops and tablets.”

Ethan frowned at her across the small table. “You have more of those tower dinosaurs like the one on display?” He cleared his throat. “Sorry. But no one uses those anymore.”

Nicki nodded. “I know. And yes, I have five of them upstairs that I couldn't give away if my life depended on it. And in a way, it does. I can't restart my life until I get this place back on solid ground.”

Ethan rested his elbows on the table, hands lightly clasped. “You're anxious to leave Dover?”

“As soon as I get the estate settled, Sadie and I are starting our lives fresh, someplace
I
choose.” She realized she'd said the words with more intensity than she'd intended and she could sense Ethan's curiosity. “There are legal issues with my husband's estate.” She hoped he wouldn't press for more, and he didn't. But there was a sympathetic light in his eyes that soothed her. Odd. Sometimes his look said more than words.

Ethan rubbed his chin. “When I worked at the discount store, the electronics vendors would offer programs where we could return outdated items for upgraded ones.”

Nicki inhaled a deep breath. “You're right. Why didn't I think of that?” She pushed back her chair and stood. “I saw a notice the other day, but I dismissed it. Maybe it's not too late.” She hurried from the room. In her office, she shuffled through a stack of papers until she found the one she was looking for.

A small gurgle from the back room brought a smile to her face. Sadie was up and ready to eat. Hurrying to the portable crib, Nicki scooped up the tiny girl and cradled her close. “Hello, sweet pea. Did you have a nice nap? Are you hungry?” She kissed the downy hair and was rewarded with waving fists and a smile. She moved to the cabinet she used as a changing table and swapped out the wet diaper for a dry one. “There. That feels better, doesn't it?”

“Let's go eat and see what this letter says. Maybe Mommy can save this old store, and then you and I can skedaddle to a new place all our own.” She walked into the kitchen. “Look who's awake.”

Ethan looked at Sadie. His eyes darkened, then became distant and glazed over, as if he were a thousand miles away looking at something else, something horrible. There was something familiar about the look, but she couldn't place it. “Ethan. Is something wrong?”

He blinked, and then the glazed look in his eyes was replaced with realization. He rubbed his forehead and looked down at the table. “No. I was just...” He cleared his throat. “Did you find the letter?”

“Yes.” She handed it to him. She prepared Sadie's bottle, speaking softly to her as she mixed her formula.

“Looks good, but you'll have to check the dates on the shipments.”

Hope chased away her questions about Ethan. “As soon as the store is closed, we'll go upstairs and look.”

“Upstairs? Are you talking about those wooden stairs outside behind the store?”

Nicki nodded. “There are two apartments up there, but they haven't been used in ages. Dad didn't like being a landlord. Too many headaches. He had plans to add an inside stairway and expand the second floor into a sales area, but then the recession hit and he shelved the idea.”

Nicki shifted Sadie in her arms. “Would you mind watching the store for a few minutes while I feed her?”

Ethan looked as if he would refuse but nodded. “Sure.”

Nicki watched him walk away, her mind churning with questions. How could he be so helpful and considerate one moment, then cool and withdrawn the next? She was tempted to ask him, but she doubted he'd explain. Though she understood, it did little to curb her curiosity.

* * *

Ethan was surprised at how quickly the afternoon passed. The phone covers had arrived, and he'd set up the display in front near the window. When he wasn't straightening or unpacking merchandise, he jotted down ideas to discuss with Nicki. She was smart. Sure, she would come up with ideas on her own, but he liked helping her and being a part of the store.

“Ethan!”

Her shout made him hurry to the office. “Something wrong?”

“What? No. I just locked up the store, and I thought we'd go upstairs and check out those computers.”

“Sure.” He noticed that Nicki had donned some kind of harness over her chest. Before he could ask what it was, she stepped into the back room, returning with Sadie. She walked toward him and held out the baby.

“Here. I need help getting her in this thing.”

Ethan froze. Every nerve in his body tensed. An image of the other mother and child flashed in the back of his mind, but Nicki was waiting for him to take the child. He had no choice but to grasp the tiny body. His hands completely encircled her small rib cage. Sadie's little fists began to bob and she kicked her legs. Her mouth pulled downward. He realized she was unhappy being dangled in midair.

Slowly he pulled her to him, curling in his left arm and positioning her against his chest. Immediately, her squirming stopped, and her expression returned to one of contentment. She was so small, so soft. Her skin was so delicate he feared his rough hands would hurt her.

He inhaled a sweet scent of baby powder and something else pleasant. Then Sadie looked into his eyes and smiled. A strange warmth seeped into him, turning his heart to liquid and making him smile back.

“I thought you didn't like kids.”

Ethan glanced up at Nicki. She looked as surprised as he felt. “I love kids.” Sadie's smile had rearranged his insides, and he was finding it hard to process what he was feeling.

Nicki stepped forward and held out her hands.

“Okay, slip her legs in these holes, facing outward, and hold her while I fasten the pouch up.”

Ethan did as he was instructed, watching with interest as Nicki secured the baby in the contraption.

“There we go.” Nicki kissed Sadie's little head. Retrieving a set of keys from the desk, she smiled at Ethan. “Now we can go and explore the apartments hands free.” Outside, she locked the store, then crossed the short distance to the wooden stairs that rose to the second floor. Ethan grasped the railing and gave it a tug. “Are you sure this is safe?”

“It's fine.” She started up, holding the rails with both hands as she went. He could appreciate the pouch now. It made things easier for Nicki and safer for Sadie, as well. He followed behind, keeping a watchful eye on mother and child.

At the top of the stairs, Nicki unlocked the steel outer door that opened into a long hallway. “I think the computers are in this rear apartment.” Ethan followed her through a door into a room partially filled with boxes, display fixtures and a battered table and chairs. A compact kitchen took up one wall, and through another door he could see a bedroom.

Nicki shook her head. “It's worse than I thought. But like I said, no one has lived here in at least five years.”

Ethan moved to the stack of boxes. “Here's your computers.” He stooped down and removed the shipping label and handed it to Nicki.

“How many are there?”

“Looks like five. Plus the one downstairs.” He stood and looked around at the other boxes. “Do you know what these are?”

She shook her head. “I'll come back later and check them out. I don't think I've been up here in years. Pretty awful, isn't it?”

Ethan glanced around the small apartment. “Just needs a good cleaning and some paint. But it's not bad.”

Nicki frowned as she walked out the door and across the hall, selecting another key from the small ring she carried. “Might as well check out the other apartment, too.”

Ethan followed behind her as she opened the door and stepped inside. This apartment was in the front of the store and had the benefit of four large windows that looked out onto the street below.

“Oh, wow. I'd forgotten how pretty those windows are.” Nicki walked toward them. “Look at all the light coming in. I don't remember the brick wall being exposed either.” She turned and smiled at him, one hand entwined with Sadie's tiny fingers.

His heart stopped midbeat. As far as he was concerned, the only light in the room was her. He swallowed, then felt his heart start beating again. “Have you thought about renting them out? It would be a steady source of income.”

“I know, but look at this place. Mauve carpet, wallpaper borders... The cabinets aren't bad, but the light oak is outdated.” She walked over to the kitchen, then glanced back to the living area. “You know, if we took this wall down, it would open the space up and even more light could come in.”

Ethan peeked into the room on the other side of the living room. “Is this a two-bedroom?”

“There should be a master bedroom in the front and a small one in the back.” Sadie sneezed. “Oh, I'd better get her out of here. It's too dusty.”

Ethan took the stairs ahead of her as they descended. Back in the office, Nicki placed the packing slip from the computers on the desk. “Hopefully I can find these in Dad's records.” She reached out for the keyboard, but typing was awkward with Sadie strapped to her chest.

“Are you going to stay and work late?”

She nodded. “I'd like to get this settled as soon as possible.”

“Then I'll stay, too.”

“You don't need to do that.”

“It's not a good idea...” Remembering Nicki didn't like to be told what to do, he tried to rephrase. “Do you think it's wise to stay here alone, considering what's been happening around town?”

She sighed. “I guess not.”

“Besides, how are you going to get the baby out of that contraption without help?”

“Good point.”

She came toward him. His gaze traveled from her blue eyes to baby Sadie, who seemed content to watch from the safety of the pouch.

“Hold her while I unfasten it.”

He slipped his fingers around Sadie's small chest, taking the weight in his hands as Nicki released the straps. This time he didn't hesitate to pull the baby close. He rested her up against his shoulder, her head bobbing a bit before resting against the side of his cheek. He wasn't a stranger to little kids. There had been plenty of them in his foster homes, but he had little experience with one this young.

Nicki shed the pouch and came to retrieve her daughter. Ethan found himself strangely reluctant to hand her over. The realization stunned him. One smile from this tiny child had shifted his perceptions. As he handed Sadie to her mom, their hands overlapped, and for a moment he experienced a current of awareness unlike anything he'd ever known. They were linked. Man, woman and child. His breath caught in his throat. Nicki took Sadie in her arms, breaking the connection. Once again he saw the same pose, mother cradling infant, but the image in his head had faded, much like an old black-and-white negative.

He'd faced his fear and survived. This time. What about the next?

Chapter Five

N
icki gathered up her purse and satchel, slung them over her shoulder, then lifted Sadie into her arms. After turning out the lights in the office, she walked to the back door, surprised to find Ethan waiting. Normally she would resent anyone watching over her, but for some reason, she didn't mind. Maybe it was because of the robberies in town or maybe because he was so subtle about his concern. He smiled and pushed open the door. She expected him to offer to carry her bags, but he didn't. She appreciated that, too.

Outside she slipped the keys from her pocket and fumbled with them. Ethan took the keys from her hand, locked up, then handed them back.

“Most women I know could use an extra arm or two.”

How did he know that? Had there been a lot of women in his life? “Thanks.” She stepped off the stoop and walked toward her car, Ethan at her side. When she unlocked the door, he took the bags from her shoulder and placed them in the front seat while she settled Sadie in her car seat. “It's been a good day. Thanks for all your help.”

Ethan nodded, stepping back as she climbed behind the wheel. Before she could close the door, Ethan bent down to speak to her. He was so close she could see the small gold thread in his left iris and the thickness of his lashes.

“I've been thinking... I'd like to rent that one-bedroom apartment from you. The motel is getting cramped, and I've been meaning to look for a more permanent place. I think this would be a good option.”

“But, Ethan, it's a mess.”

He shrugged, one corner of his mouth lifting. “I could fix it up in the evenings. It won't take long. It might be a good idea to have someone on the premises, considering the thefts in town. Having lights on upstairs might make them think twice. Besides, it's really close to my work.” He smiled.

Nicki smiled back. “I'll think about it.”

“Fair enough. I'll see you tomorrow.”

* * *

The next morning, on her way to work, she was still considering Ethan's suggestion. She wasn't sure it was a good idea. She knew practically nothing about him. For all she knew, he could be the thief robbing the stores. She shook off the ridiculous notion. Thanks to her mom and her late husband, she saw every man as a nefarious criminal.

From the backseat, Nicki heard Sadie fussing. She hadn't slept well last night and now Nicki was tired and irritable. Which was why she'd decided to go into the store early and start drawing up a new floor plan, or rather, adjusting the one she already had.

Lifting her daughter from the car seat, she unlocked the back door of Latimer's and stepped inside, suddenly aware of the eerie stillness inside the old building. A shudder chased down her spine. Most of the night she'd debated the wisdom of Ethan living above the store, but at the moment it felt like a great idea.

“What do you think, sweet pea? Should we rent an apartment to Ethan?” Sadie waved her hands. “Is that a yes?” Latimer's had little that anyone would want, but if she started selling electronics, that would change. Having Ethan upstairs would make her feel safer.

She cradled Sadie against her chest, closed the door and went into the office. “Having the rental income wouldn't hurt either, would it? But I don't think your grandma will like the idea.” So maybe she wouldn't tell her.

After settling Sadie in her bouncy chair, Nicki pulled out her notes from the night before and went over her floor plan. The old computers qualified for the swap, which meant she'd be able to offer up-to-date electronics to their customers. Today she'd start brainstorming more ways to draw customers into the store. It had been years since she'd worked in the marketing business, and her skills were rusty, but with Ethan's help she might be able to turn things around before her dad came back to work. Plan A for the store might have fallen through, but plan A for her life—start a new life on her own—hadn't changed.

Unfortunately, when her attorney had called last night, she'd reported little progress in the negotiations toward a settlement with Brad's estate. Nicki knew she might never see any of that money, and without it, she was dependent on her parents. She needed a job, but applying now was pointless. Even if she received an offer, she wouldn't be able to accept it until her father was fully recovered. That meant for the next six to eight weeks, she was stuck.

“Good morning.”

A smile moved her lips before she glanced up. There was no mistaking the deep, rich timbre that flowed through her like honey. Ethan leaned against the door frame, that crooked smile on his face. His jaw was shadowed with stubble, a look that suited him. The blue shirt he wore intensified his dark eyes, and the faded jeans hugged his strong legs, reminding her that his strength would be a blessing when they moved the fixtures. It also reminded her how comforting it was to have him on the premises. “Good morning.”

“You're here early. Working on your plan B?”

“Yes, thanks to you. You've given me a whole new goal. I want to have everything finished in time for the Square Fair's sidewalk sale later this month. It'll be the perfect time to unveil the new look, and it's one of the most profitable days of the year.”

Ethan's dark eyebrows arched. “Square Fair?”

“It's a whole day of events. The sidewalk sale is part of it. Square Fair started about ten years ago as a way to boost sales during the spring and raise money for local charities.” Ethan frowned, crossing his arms over his chest and stretching the fabric of the blue shirt pleasingly across his muscled arms. “All the stores run specials that day and put merchandise on the sidewalk. There's a catfish cook-off in the courthouse park. The winner gets a cash prize and bragging rights for the year. Oh, and there's a concert that night, too. All the proceeds that day go to local charities. Mainly the battered women and homeless shelters.”

“Sounds like a good cause.”

Nicki looked away from his probing stare, tucking her hair behind her ears. She always had the feeling he was trying to figure her out. “I've been considering your offer to rent the apartment, and I think having you upstairs would be a good idea.”

Ethan smiled. “Great. I'll get started fixing it up.”

“You can move in as soon as you'd like. I suppose we should discuss the rent.” She suggested an amount and Ethan quickly agreed. Nicki sighed in relief. She'd been afraid it was too high. Being able to count money coming in each month would give her some breathing room in her newly reduced budget. Having Ethan around greatly eased her fears. Especially since the burglars hadn't been caught yet. Once he moved in upstairs, she'd feel even more secure.

“Where would you like me to start today?”

“Would you look at this floor plan and tell me if it's possible using the old fixtures?” She'd intended to hand the paper to him, but he came to her side of the desk and leaned over her shoulder. He rested one hand on the back of her chair and placed the other on the desktop, fingers splayed as he looked at the plans.

He had nice hands, with long, tapered fingers, strong and capable. She fought the urge to look up at him. To do so would bring their faces close together, and her pulse was already racing from being so near his warm male energy.

He pointed to the area near the front door where she'd sketched a small rectangle. “What's this?”

“I thought it would be a good place to put that shelf that holds the day planners and date books.”

Ethan picked up the drawings. “Let's go out front and take a look. I might be able to reconfigure one of the shelves to fit beside it.”

Over the next half hour they came up with a plan that was both practical and economical. Nicki's confidence was soaring.

Back in the office Ethan glanced around the room. “Is the little one here today?”

Was he warming to her daughter? Nicki thought about that odd moment yesterday when she'd lifted Sadie from his arms. Their eyes had locked. The touch of his hand had jolted through her, connecting the three of them. Unable to explain it, she'd blamed it on fatigue and stress coupled with the nearness of a very compelling man with beautiful brown eyes.

“She's sleeping. Finally. She was up and down all night. I'd planned on working tonight, but I don't think I have the energy.”

Ethan shifted his weight, slipping his hands into his back pockets. “I've been meaning to tell you. I can't work late on Wednesday nights.”

“Oh. Church night, huh?”

His eyes held hers a moment, giving her the impression he was going to say something more.

“Right.”

“No problem. I need to get back into church activities more, but I'm too tired these days. Maybe once things settle down.” The excuse sounded false, even to her. The truth was, she didn't feel comfortable at Peace Community Church anymore, and she wasn't sure why. She'd grown up in that congregation, but each Sunday she found herself unable to concentrate and eager for the service to end. She'd even considered attending a different church.

As she went back to work, she wondered about Ethan's Wednesday night activities. She'd assumed he was going to church, but she had no reason to think that, other than he prayed before meals and he knew Jim Barrett. Her curiosity grew. She was coming to like Ethan, even trust him, but she knew little more about him now than she had a few days ago. What was he hiding? Or was he like her, merely keeping certain parts of his life private?

She kept her secrets out of shame. What secrets was he keeping?

* * *

Ethan had been back from lunch for barely a half hour when Sadie's loud cries sounded from the office. His heart raced as he hurried from the stockroom to the office in quick strides. He saw Nicki and the baby as she paced the small room, patting Sadie's little back and cooing softly.

“What's wrong with her? Is she all right?”

“She's tired. I'm hoping to get her settled down soon, but she won't eat. I think she might have an upset stomach.” Nicki shifted the baby and lifted the bottle, touching it against the little mouth, but Sadie wasn't interested.

“What can you do?”

“Nothing. Just wait until she feels better. Ethan, do you think you could handle the sales counter for a half hour or so? If I can have a few more minutes with her, I think she'll calm down and eat. Then I can put her down for her nap.”

Ethan tensed. “I'm not that experienced on the register yet.” It was a lame excuse, but he wasn't looking forward to waiting on customers.

“You'll be fine. If you run into any difficulty, come and get me, but I don't think you'll have a problem.”

He nodded, adding a reassuring smile he didn't feel. Nicki was struggling with the baby. The least he could do was wait on a few customers. Walking out into the store, he dragged a hand along the back of his neck, trying to ignore the nervousness in his chest. Stepping from behind the camera and dealing with people face-to-face was still unnerving. Foster care had taught him strangers were people to be avoided. Not friends.

He stopped in the middle of the store, feeling exposed and vulnerable. Life was so much simpler when viewed through the camera lens. This was absurd. He'd spent three years in a war zone, but the thought of confronting customers left him jittery. Placing his hands on his hips, he scanned the store. Surely he could handle a few sales on his own.

He thought about Nicki and the way she approached each person who entered the store. She always smiled, always had a kind word for the customers, inquiring about them and their families. She flitted from one task to another, moving with so much energy and vitality he wondered where it all came from. Yet there were circles under her pretty eyes, and he'd seen the fatigue shadow her expression more times than he could count. She was doing a Herculean job of managing the store and caring for Sadie. He'd begun to worry that she'd collapse from sheer exhaustion. She'd mentioned that she lived with her parents and that her dad was recuperating from a kidney transplant. She needed help.

He was that help.

The doorbell jingled as he approached the sales counter. A middle-aged woman entered and walked straight to the back, turning down the middle aisle. He'd noticed that the customers knew exactly where to find what they were looking for. Not good. The first rule of retail was to keep the merchandise fresh by moving things around so customers would see something different each time they came.

“Excuse me.”

He faced the customer, remembering to smile. “Yes, ma'am?”

She frowned. “Who are you?”

“Ethan Stone.”

“You're the new guy Nichelle hired, right? I'm Sylvia Carver. My hubby, Aaron, and I own the furniture store across the way. Where did you hide those little dots?” She looked around.

“Ma'am?”

“I need those little colored sticky dots. I'm pricing items for the sidewalk sale and those are easy for people to see. And I need some of those little price tags with strings to attach to furniture pieces we'll put on the sidewalk.”

Ethan led her to the aisle and pointed out the selection. She made her choice, then followed him to the checkout counter. “Y'all taking part in the sidewalk sale?”

“I believe so.”

“Hello, Miss Sylvia.” Nicki hurried forward and gave the woman a hug.

“Nice to see you, dear. How's that little girl of yours?”

“She's asleep. Finally.” Nicki glanced at the items on the counter. “Did you find what you needed?”

“Thanks to your young man.” She winked as she handed Ethan a credit card. “He tells me you're going to participate in the sidewalk sale this year. That's good to know. I talked to Angie Durrant, who's heading the Square Fair Committee, and she told me there are more stores signed up than ever before. Our little one-day event is becoming very popular.”

“That's good to hear. We can use the extra sales.”