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“In the meantime, why don’t you head over next door and face the firing squad all at once?”
Nolan would rather be fed to a pit of crocodiles. It would be less painful. “I don’t think so.”
“It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid. Better to get it done with fast and quick.”
“I’ll take my chances with slow.”
“Suit yourself.”
“Hey, before you go… How are you doing?” It wasn’t that long ago when Milo was held at gunpoint and robbed.
“Better,” he said, but his eyes said something different. But just like Milo gave him the courtesy of not pushing, Nolan extended the same courtesy.
“Happy to hear that.”
“All right, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Milo headed out, and Nolan returned to the brownies, eating one more before covering the plate.
His gaze drifted to the window, and he stared out at the old Victorian next door, standing regal in the setting sun. Going over there would be a mistake, regardless of what Milo said. Then again, he couldn’t get Isla’s face out of his mind.
Her blue eyes were still the prettiest he’d ever seen. He’d spent a lot of time trying to hate her, but it was an impossible feat. The truth was, despite all of her imperfections, she’d always own a part of his heart. He’d reluctantly accepted it, which was why he’d thrown himself into work and avoided dating in general.
He was the one who left her, but his heart broke just as harshly as if she was the one to leave first. It was for the best, or at least that’s what he’d told himself over the last couple of years. Seeing her earlier had made him question that very notion. He needed to see her again, even if it was just to satisfy the growing desire inside him.
Nolan made his way across the lawn that separated the two houses and knocked on the door of the Victorian, knowing he would probably regret it. The door flung open, and Olivia stood there with a cocked eyebrow. She looked good. The years treated her well. “If it isn’t the man of the hour,” she said, her words slurring slightly. She leaned toward him, her hand cupping her mouth as if she was about to tell him a secret. “I’d hug you, but I think that’d be against girl code right now.”
“It’s okay, I get it.” Olivia had been his friend, but she was loyal to Isla. “It’s good to see you, Liv. It’s been a long time.”
Harper popped up behind Olivia. “Look who came to crash the party. You’re allowed in as long as you don’t hurt our girl.”
“I’m glad to see some things never change.”
Harper and Olivia looked at each other, and Olivia laughed before turning back to him. “Except we’re hotter.”
“I won’t argue with that.”
“Who is it?” Isla’s voice floated over the music and she appeared in the doorway. Her eyes locked on his and widened; her pretty pink lips parted. “Oh. It’s you.”
“It’s me.”
“Nice to see you with a shirt on.” Her eyes stayed on his, but he noticed the quick glance down, and he flashed her a knowing smirk.
“We’re just going to…” Harper pointed toward the inside of the house and tugged Olivia’s arm.
“Yup, I need something. I forgot what. But I’ll remember when I find it.”
The two girls hurried away, giggling like the schoolgirls he remembered. The girls disappeared, and he was left face to face with Isla. It was exactly what he had wanted, but now, being here with her, he was unsure. There was so much that could be said, but he didn’t even know where to start or if it was even worth it.
“Is there something I can help you with?” Isla said, her voice far too proper for his liking.
“I wanted to say thank you for the brownies.”
“I dropped them.”
“They were still good.”
“You ate floor brownies?”
“They pretty much stayed in the dish. Just had to pick out the broken ceramic, which I have the pieces. I can glue it together for you if you’d like.”
