“Great. I came to try one of your amazing cupcakes.” He stopped at the counter. “Or maybe two.”
“Or maybe three,” Nanna said.
Nick laughed and held his hand out. “Hi, I’m Nick, Nick Campbell.”
“Ah, yes.” She nodded and shook his hand. “I’m Betsy’s grandma and business partner.” She gave me a look as if to say, I told you, and I just smiled at her. “So is your wife back in town as well, Nick?”
“Oh, I’m not married.” He gave a boyish glance at me. “But maybe one day.”
“Ah.” Nanna gave me another look, and I shook my head at her slightly. I was praying to God that she wasn’t going to ask him to take me on a date. And it was then that the door to the store opened again. I looked up and saw Jeff, standing there in his uniform with narrowed eyes. “Oh good afternoon, Jeff,” Nanna said as he strode toward the counter, a frown on his face.
“Good morning, Nanna,” he replied. He looked at me and then at Nick. “I mean, good afternoon.”
“Long day?” Nanna asked him with a smile and he just nodded.
“You could say that.” His voice was taut.
“I was just telling Nick here that he and Betsy should go on a date as they’re both single.” Nanna issued a wide smile. “Would be such a nice time for both of them, don’t you agree, Jeff?” I froze at her words. This was more embarrassing than I’d ever thought possible.
“Date?” He looked at me and then at Nick. “Oh, I don’t think so.” He shook his head. “Betsy needs a man who’s local, plus she needs to focus on her business right now.”
“Oh, but I’m a local boy now.” Nick smirked. “I just closed on a loan with the bank. I’m starting my own surf shop and will be selling boards and giving classes.” He smiled at me. “I’d love to take you out to ride some waves someday.”
“Oh, that sounds cool. I’m not a good surfer though.”
“I don’t think that sounds like a good idea.” Jeff’s voice was gruff. “Betsy is prone to accidents.”
“That’s why I’ll be there. To catch her when she falls.”
“Still not a good idea.” Jeff shook his head. “Surfing is dangerous.”
“Not really,” Nick replied. “Plus, I’m a professional. I would never put Betsy in danger.”
“You might not think you were putting her in danger, but you can’t be watching her every second.”
“If I want to surf, I can surf,” I interrupted them. “Maybe classes would be fun.”
“And I’d be a great teacher.”
“Maybe there are other things you could also teach her,” Nanna said then smiled. “Oh silly me, those words came out wrong.”
“Also, I’d love to take you on a date, Betsy.” Nick grinned at me. “I’m a lucky boy that you’re still single.”
“Isn’t fate funny?” Nanna beamed again. “Don’t you think so, Jeff?”
“What?” he snapped and then immediately apologized. “Sorry, Nanna. Was just thinking about something.”
“No worries, dear. I’m sure you must be stressed out fighting all the criminals in Canyon Beach.” I looked at Nanna to see if she was being sarcastic, but her expression was sincere. “So how’s your dating life, Jeffrey? Got you a nice girl, do you?” I held my breath as I waited for his answer. His eyes met mine for a few seconds and then he just shook his head. “No, I’m a confirmed bachelor.” He chuckled slightly. “I’m not made for relationships.”
“Well, that’s a shame, honey.” Nanna patted him on the shoulder. “Maybe you’ll be inspired by Betsy and Nick, here.”
“Nanna!” I glared at her. “There is no Betsy and Nick.”
“Yet.” Nick winked, and I blushed at his look. “I fully intend to buy all your kisses at the auction.”
“Oh …” I looked at him as he ran his hands through his hair and I wondered what it would be like to kiss him. I was a little surprised by Nick. He barely knew me, and I wasn’t really sure where any of this was coming from.
“I know you’re most probably wondering why I’m here and asking you out.” Nick gave me a rueful smile as if reading my mind. “But I’ve always had a thing for you, Betsy Montgomery. I can still remember you as a sweet girl of fifteen. I never got my shot then, but I’ll be darned if I don’t get my shot now.”
I gazed at him in surprise. “I never knew you even noticed me in high school.”
“Yeah, I always thought you were the most beautiful girl Canyon Beach had ever seen.” He nodded. “Never have been able to get you off of my mind.”
“Why, isn’t that sweet?” Nanna said. I looked over at her, but she was staring at Jeff. “It’s so important that a man knows what he wants and goes for it. Makes a girl feel ever so special, doesn’t it, Betsy?”
“Yes, I guess so.” I nodded, not knowing what else to say.
“I dare say that it’s the men who can commit and give a woman a future who are the happiest in life. Why, look at Nolan and Jules.” She beamed. “That’s a couple that was meant to be.”
“Some guys just know what they want,” Nick said meaningfully, and I noticed a thoughtful look in Jeff’s blue eyes as he gazed at Nick and then at me.
“What do you want, Betsy?” he asked me. His tone was light, but his eyes were piercing.
“What do you mean?” I asked him, my throat feeling blocked all of a sudden. I tried to laugh to lighten the mood and moved over to the cupcake counter. “What do you guys want? Cupcakes on the—” I cut myself off. Nanna was giving me a meaningful look. “We have a new special in the store now. Buy six cupcakes and get a free coffee.”
Nanna nodded and then walked
