their friendship and unyielding bond had been motivation enough to drop everything when he’d called and asked for her help.
Only Rebecca knew how difficult the past two years had actually been for him. His twin brother’s accident had taken a toll on his spirit. His father suddenly appearing in his life and wanting a relationship had stressed him immensely. Dealing with it all while still trying to maintain his medical practice had almost been too much for him to handle. Emotionally, he’d been fractured and desperate not to let it show. There had been many late-night calls between them when Nathaniel had shared what he was feeling, trusting the advice he knew she would give.
When he’d shared his desire to open a restaurant, pursuing a long-held dream of being a successful restaurateur, she’d been the first to encourage him to go for it. Others had laughed, some claiming he was ranting like a man in a midlife crisis. Nathaniel had never been known to take risks. Nor had he often stepped out of his comfort zone. He was a renowned orthopedic surgeon, one of the best in his field. His practice, which specialized in sports medicine, serviced many high-profile clients. He’d invested his money wisely over the years and had a sizeable bank balance to fall back on. He had absolutely nothing to lose, so why not do something that would make him happy. You only live once, Rebecca had insisted as she’d purposely tripped him toward the unknown and what she hoped would prove to be his destiny.
When he’d called to say he had decided to take a lengthy hiatus from medicine to take that leap of faith, and needed her help, she’d been excited for the opportunity. Excited to see him spreading his wings and allowing her to join him on the journey. And flying to Carmel meant being right by his side as he fulfilled his dream, even if it was only for a short time. Since buying the house in Carmel, Nathaniel had been spending less time in Los Angeles and although they spoke often, she missed their one-on-one interaction. She missed him, even if she didn’t say so out loud.
Lost in reverie, Rebecca jumped when Nathaniel suddenly stepped in behind her, wrapping his arms around her torso. A low squeal blew past her lips, replacing the scream that teased the back of her throat. She slapped at him lightly as he laughed.
“Boo!” Nathaniel exclaimed as he pulled her into a deep bear hug.
“You just scared the crap out of me, Nathaniel Stallion!” she said as she punched him again. “You’re so lucky you didn’t get maced.”
He leaned to kiss her cheek, his arms still holding her tightly. “Sorry about that. I couldn’t resist.”
“You’re too damn old to be playing games like that, Stallion.”
He laughed again. “I’m not that old.”
Rebecca shook her head. “Where’s Nicholas? I thought you two were together?”
“He had to fly back to LA so I dropped him off at the airport before I came here.”
“Shoot! I hate that I missed him! How’s he doing?”
“He’s good. He’s really good, actually. I told you about the surgery, didn’t I?”
“You did. And he’s good with everything?”
“Better than I am, probably. I still have some concerns.”
“Concerns like...?”
There was a moment of hesitation as Nathaniel dropped into thought before he answered. “I sometimes think he’s only looking for a miracle because others want one for him. Him walking again is more important to everyone else than to him and it’s the only reason he keeps putting himself through the stuff he does. I only want the best for him and I think he’d be happier if he never had to see another doctor again. He and Tarah are incredible together and he’s comfortable and happy with the life they have.”
“Have you talked to him about it?”
“Not really. Not like I should.”
“Talk to him. You keep waiting for the right time and it might never come, so just do it. Tell him how you feel. It’ll make you feel better.”
With a quick nod, Nathaniel changed the subject. “So how was your flight?”
“Great if you ignore the fact we took off an hour past our departure time, the woman next to me kept burping up beer and someone’s kids screamed from the time we took off until we landed. Other than that it couldn’t have been more perfect,” she said.
“I told you to let me arrange a private flight for you. Noah’s wife would have gladly sent one of her planes.”
“Noah’s wife is very sweet but she doesn’t know me from Adam. The woman is running a business, not a personal charity service for the friends of her family.”
“Like I won’t be repaying her with free meals when she’s down here.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes skyward. “You’re comparing apples and oranges, Nate. Apples and oranges!”
Nathaniel smiled. Rebecca was the only person allowed to shorten his name. Even his twin brother called him by his full name. Rebecca called him Nate and he called her Bec. It was their thing. Others had tried and had been sorely disappointed when corrected. His family often referred to her by her nickname but never called her such to her face, understanding the significance it held for the two of them.
He was still holding on to her and she allowed herself to settle back against his broad chest. The nearness of him had butterflies fluttering in her midsection and her heart racing like a drumline in her chest. She struggled to contain the rise of emotion that had her knees quivering and her legs turning to rubber.
She bent her arms upward to clutch his, her manicured fingers gripping his forearms. He shifted his hips, widening his stance as his body cradled hers. They stood together, still holding on to each other as they stared out over the landscape. The sight of white-capped waves in the distance was intoxicating. The water rolled and rocked against the craggy landscape. The low roar of the waves and the hiss of spray were soothing, pulling them both into deep thought. Neither spoke, not needing words. They settled easily into the comfort they always found when they were with each other. It felt like home and both couldn’t have been happier.
From the corner of the building Elise cleared her throat. Nathaniel saw her before Rebecca did. He dropped his arms abruptly and took a step back. “Elise, hey! What brings you here?”
Startled, Rebecca turned. The woman eyeing them curiously didn’t look at all pleased. Her teeth were clenched tightly and her cheeks were a vibrant shade of red. She tossed the length of her auburn hair over her shoulders. Rebecca didn’t miss how uncomfortable Nathaniel suddenly looked.
Elise cleared her throat and forced a smile to her face. She carried a small potted plant in her hands. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I knew you had a meeting with your contractor and thought I’d stop by to drop off a little housewarming gift of sorts. To congratulate you on closing today.” She moved forward, passed the plant to Nathaniel and extended her hand toward Rebecca. “Elise Montgomery. And you are?”
Rebecca forced a smile back. “Rebecca. Rebecca Marks.”
Elise looked from her to him and back. “Are you and Nathaniel friends?”
Rebecca smiled. She didn’t bother to answer the question, instead turning toward the man who still looked like he’d been caught with his hands in someone’s cookie jar. “Why don’t I go check out the inside while you deal with your business,” she said, her voice dropping an octave. She held out her hand for the keys.
Nathaniel nodded. “Thanks,” he said as he watched her move down the side of the building and disappear around the corner. He turned back toward Elise.
“You didn’t tell me you were dating someone,” Elise sniped.
“Because I’m not dating anyone.”
“Well, you and that woman looked quite cozy with each other.”
“Elise, you and I are not in a relationship.