Going Going Gone (10 page)

“You’re a good dad. Maybe, if it wouldn’t offend your ex-wife’s sensibilities, Emma could come to my emergency studio and give me a hand.”

Eli kissed her cheek. “She’d probably think she died and went to heaven. Now, can I get you some breakfast?”

They had a quick omelet and toast on the deck before heading over to the Goodwin house. He had no idea what to expect there, how much equipment would be coming up from her New York studio. Probably a lot.

“Be grateful we don’t have to lug it up three flights of stairs,” she commented as they walked into the house.

The U-Haul hadn’t arrived, but she said it should be there within an hour. To fill the time, they moved around some furniture so she could have the best use of natural light. Nell’s assistant would be bringing lights as well, so they could work into the night if need be.

The truck rolled up the drive just past ten a.m. and Nell dashed out and grabbed hold of a petite blonde as soon as she climbed from the car that followed the truck. They went into the house, already deep in conversation. The driver of the U-Haul backed the vehicle up close to the door.

Eli waited until the driver, a guy with a backward baseball hat and Yankees tee-shirt, jumped out. Two other men climbed from the cab and looked around as if they’d landed on the moon.
City folk
. He’d probably have the same expression on his face if someone had plopped him in the middle of New York.

“Okay, I think I know where everything needs to go,” Nell declared when she and the blonde came back out. “Eli, this is Jill Yeadon, her boyfriend Chuck Epperson, and buddies Donny Romano and Kevin McGonagle. Everyone, Eli Knight. I’ve got some coffee brewing in the kitchen if you need to stretch out. I know it was a long drive up.”

The three guys filed into the house where Nell took over, doling out coffee and breaking open the dozen donuts they’d stopped to get along the way, while she explained where everything needed to go.

While the guys lugged everything in, Nell and Jill put things away. Eli enjoyed watching her businesslike personality come out, efficiently handling everything from the sewing machines and cutting tables, to the smallest box of threads and buttons. She didn’t waste any time, and as soon as the equipment was in place, she sent Donny and Kevin off to find pizza while she and Jill pored over the designs she had already come up with. Eli and Chuck set up the tables.

After that, she became lost in her own world. In the kitchen, her crew tossed their paper plates away, and Nell took him aside for a little privacy.

She pulled him close, sliding her arms around his neck. “Thanks so much. You’re free to go.” She gave him a kiss.

“And I’ll get to see you again, when?” Eli returned the kiss. He intended to walk away with something that would get him through until he saw her again.

“Tonight is probably going to be an all-nighter for Jill and me. The guys are heading back to New York now. They’re smart to flee. When Jill and I get into our zone, there’s no reaching us.”

“Does that mean I won’t be able to reach you, either?”

“Honey, we will be taking breaks. For our sanity. I may be desperate for a game of pool or something on occasion.”

“Just let me know.”

“And next time you have your daughter around, bring her over. Please, I mean that.”

Eli lowered his mouth to hers and took a long sip. He was going to miss her, damn it. Even if just for a day or two. He’d become too accustomed to seeing her. Well, life would go on. He had one before Nell entered it, and he certainly could make do now.

“I will,” he promised when he pulled back. He hated to release her, but he could feel the energy simmering inside her body. She was raring to go and he wouldn’t keep her from her workload.

With one last kiss, he left her and headed back home where he was already behind on the king-sized bed frame he was making for a couple with a summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee, a few hours north of Harper’s Grove. At least now, with nothing to distract him, he could work straight through into the evening, then get up extra early tomorrow and do the same.

And continue doing the same every day until he and Nell could get a few moments alone together.

Chapter 10

“Those two look awesome.” Nell’s voice resonated with relief.

Two down, eight to go. She grinned at Jill who was laying out fabric from a rich, wine colored bolt. Who’d have thought three days ago, everything she’d worked so hard for had been stolen away, leaving her empty handed. True, she still had to figure out how to deal with being robbed. But at least now she had a plan, a purpose, a new studio and her trusty Jill working just as hard as she could.
As always
.

Paula, Howie’s wife, had also joined them. She made a terrific addition and Nell planned on thanking Eli for the suggestion next time she saw him. The woman’s talent easily matched Adrianna’s and everyone enjoyed working with her. Whether she remembered Nell from the old days or not, Nell wasn’t sure. She hadn’t mentioned it. Maybe Howie had clued her into the little masquerade, and she played along.

Regardless, she was a dream and if Nell thought she’d be able to pry her away from Howie, she would’ve tried to convince her to join them in New York when they returned.

“I wish I’d called Tanya, too. I could use a few models,” Nell said as she fingered the soft wool fabric. “Wonder if I could get her up here?”

“Maybe.” Jill stood back and studied the garments next to Nell. “You know what, Nell, I think these kick the original collection’s ass. Javier might have done you a favor after all.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but you’re right. I like these much better.”

“Must be the influence of the woods outside. I adore these colors. Living in the city makes you forget about nature and how much it can inspire.”

That must’ve been true because the hues she’d chosen for this collection were much richer, more natural than the first. They reminded her of the vibrant colors of autumn in New Hampshire.

“Do me a favor. Get Tanya on the phone. Sam, too. See if they could spare me a few days. I really want these fitted as soon as possible.”

Jill nodded and moved to the kitchen table, currently posing as a makeshift office. Nell turned back to the pattern for her favorite garment, the full-length coat. The original had been a fawn-colored suede trenchcoat style. It was such a nice coat, one she’d been proud to wear. Nell designed this one in a completely different style. She’d stayed with the suede because it felt heavenly under her fingers, but this time she went for a deep forest green with a feminine look, and it flowed organically instead of being more tailored.
What a fabulous piece.

“Looks like we have company,” Paula commented. She’d set herself up by the dining room window that overlooked the driveway.

Nell glanced away from the garment and saw Eli’s truck in the drive. Her heart took an unexpected leap. She hadn’t seen him for days, though they had talked a few times. After three days of hard work, he was just the sight she needed. Tall, dark and handsome.

And damn, she
really
missed him. How could that be? Nell frowned as she watched him. She never expected to actually miss him. What in the hell could she do about it?

Eli had company. A girl hopped out of the passenger side of the car and took Eli’s hand. Emma, no doubt. Tall and lanky, she wore her nut-brown hair in two neat braids. From the window Nell couldn’t see anything of Shelly in the girl; she was all Eli.

“Nell, your man is here,” Jill announced as she came out of the kitchen. “Tanya will head out tomorrow. Seems she has an aunt and uncle over in Vermont. Says she can make it a dual trip. I left a message for Sam.”

“You’re awesome. Can you take over here? I’ll let them in.”

Even though she felt relatively secure here at her mother’s house, Nell still kept the place locked up. She doubted Javier could find them; he’d never visited New Hampshire in his life, but she wouldn’t take any chances. Before Eli could knock, she released the deadbolt and opened the door to her visitors.

“Hey there,” she said with a grin. “Come on in.”

She wanted to lean in and greet Eli with a kiss, but kept her distance. No familiarity around his daughter.

Eli laid his hands on his daughter’s shoulders. “Nell, this is Emma. I thought I’d stop by with her. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Nell replied brightly. “Hi, Emma. Your dad tells me you love to sew. Want to come in and see what we’re working on?”

Emma had her father’s eyes and they glittered as she looked into the dining room where the sewing machines were. She didn’t hesitate for more than a split second before she hurried in. Nell recognized the eagerness in the girl’s eyes and step.
That could have been me as a preteen.
Minus several pounds, but deep down, she didn’t miss the similarities.

“Where’s your son?” Finally, she could turn her attention to Eli without worrying about what his daughter might see in her eyes. She shoved her hands deep in the pockets of her khaki shorts in order to keep from reaching for him.

“Baseball. He plays Little League.”

Of course. Just like his father. “Well, I’m sure he won’t be missing anything. I’m glad you brought Emma by.”

“A good excuse to see you. I’ve missed you.” He didn’t say it with any embarrassment. The warmth in his brown eyes reached her and wrapped around her body. Just one look and she knew she mattered to him.

“Ditto. Why don’t you come in and I’ll show you what I’ve been doing.”

Jill had taken Emma under her wing already and the two stood at the dressmaking dummy where Jill explained what she was doing step-by-step.

“I think I’ve lost her,” Eli murmured with a smile.

“She’s in good hands. If we’re not careful, Jill’ll have Emma cutting patterns in no time.”

Not that she believed he had much interest in her designs, but when he showed more than polite curiosity in her projects, she glowed inside. He asked about the original designs, wanted to know how these were different, how much time went into the construction of just one of these outfits. And so on.

If not for the circumstances being what they were, Nell fully believed she could fall in love with this man. But she couldn’t.
So I won’t
.

Too much stood in their way for love to even be a possibility. Like the fact she’d need to leave in a week or so and would return to her life in New York City. Oh, and the tiny detail that he had no idea she’d omitted her true identity.

The worry, that she didn’t even know if they’d have any more chances for a night together, bothered her more than it should, but she thrust the regret aside as well. No time for romantic sleepovers, not when she had piles of work to do.

“Okay, Em, I think we’ve outstayed our welcome,” Eli finally said. “And we have to get your brother.”

Emma and Jill had moved to a pattern spread out over one of the tables. The girl looked up and shot her father a pleading look. “Can we stay, just a little bit longer? I need to know this stuff.”

“Honey, they’re really busy right now. I don’t think they have time to give you lessons.”

Nell grasped Eli by the elbow and threw a wink to his daughter, then escorted Eli from the room. “Let her stay here for a while. Go get Dylan.” She didn’t release him until they were outside and out of sight of the dining room where Jill worked with Emma.

“She won’t be in the way?”

“Heck, no. She can help out or watch or do both. Really. I would’ve killed for a chance like this when I was her age.”

Eli reached out and caressed her cheek. A thrill raced down her body and she leaned closer. The light touch made her miss him even more.

“You sure? I can be back in fifteen minutes.”

Nell closed the distance between them and stood on her toes to kiss him lightly on the mouth. “Don’t you dare. An hour.”

“An hour,” he murmured and slid his arm around her shoulder. She longed to sink into his familiar hold, so comfortable and yet still new enough to stir some very enticing sensations from deep within her body that, under different circumstances, she’d love to explore further.

“At least,” she purred.

His lips brushed against her hair while his fingers stroked her back. Each fleeting touch sent wildfire through her veins.

“You need to stop this,” she whispered, but nestled close to him anyway. Held against his solid frame, she easily recalled how his body felt in a more intimate setting. Abruptly she pushed away. This was not the place. Nor the time.

“Okay, I guess one of us needs to hang on to our senses.” Eli stepped back and dropped his hands to his side. She managed to return his smile. “An hour. I’ll be back in an hour to collect Emma. Let me know if you need me to come sooner.”

“You won’t. Don’t worry, we’ll keep her busy.”

He gave them an hour and a half. To fill the time, after he collected Dylan from the local ball field where his team played, they went out to the local ice cream stand for a cone. Though Dylan probably itched to get to the lake to swim, the boy enjoyed his time alone with Eli.

“Mom said you got a girlfriend.”

The comment startled Eli. He didn’t realize Shelly had heard, but then again, word traveled fast in a small town and dozens of people saw them together at the roadhouse. Still, it wasn’t like Shelly not to say a word when he picked up the kids for their week with him.

“Sort of,” he replied. He didn’t know if he could classify Nell as a girlfriend or not. Lover? Yes, they’d been lovers, but he refused to share that detail with anyone. The term “girlfriend” suggested permanency, a relationship that had a future. His relationship with Nell had none.

“You gonna marry her?”

Such innocence in those eyes that studied him over a chocolate-chocolate chip ice cream cone. Eli chuckled. An interesting prospect to say the least, but in order to consider marriage, the woman had to stay in the area. A long distance marriage wouldn’t exactly work.

“I don’t think so. Nell lives in New York City. That’s a long way from here.”

“But she’s here now.”

“Helping out a friend.”

“But she’s not going to stay?” Dylan frowned.

“I don’t think so, bud. Her job is in New York.”

“Do you think you and Mom will ever get married again?”

Man, so many questions. Eli ran his hand through his hair and wondered what got into his son today to have him asking about relationships.

“I don’t think so. We do much better with the way things are now. We’re both happier and that’s good for you and Emma.”

“Guess so.”

Dylan stayed silent for a moment and Eli thought he was concentrating on more important things like eating his ice cream before it melted all over the place, but his brows were still furrowed.

“Mom’s gonna marry someone else anyway,” he finally said after nearly a minute of silence. “Tony told me he was going to ask her this week. Showed me the ring and everything.”

So why did Dylan ask if he and Shelly were going to get back together? After all this time, did the boy still harbor hopes that they could be a happy family again?
I hope not.

Eli hated to see his children disappointed. “How do you feel about that?” he finally asked.

Dylan shrugged. “Don’t know. Okay, I guess. Tony is cool.”

“Okay, because if things weren’t so cool I hope you’d tell me.”

Dylan met his eyes. “No, Dad, really, everything is fine. I just thought that maybe you wanted to marry Mom again and I didn’t want your feelings to be hurt. And if you had someone you were going to marry, then you wouldn’t feel so bad.”

Eli laughed and ruffled his son’s hair. “No prob, bud. Don’t you worry for me. If your mom is happy, then I’m glad. Now how ‘bout we finish up this ice cream and go get your sister. She’s over at Nell’s right now.”

“Your girlfriend—I mean the girl you like?”

“That’s right. I’d like you to meet her.”

“Okay.”

If he worried about his daughter getting in the way at Nell’s, his mind relaxed when he arrived to pick Emma up. She didn’t even notice him entering the room, since she huddled with Jill, a bunch of material, and one of the dressmaker dummies.

Nell saw them first. She put down a pair of shears and came over to greet them. Being a smart woman, she didn’t reach out to him but instead centered her attention on Dylan.

“Dylan, I’m glad your dad brought you over. I’ve been wanting to meet you.”

Apparently, like father like son. Dylan’s eyes widened and he looked at Nell, instant puppy love evident on his face. Was his nine-year-old starting to notice girls already?

“You have a good practice?”

The boy nodded.

“Excellent. What do you play?”

“Short stop.” Dylan’s voice was small.

“And he’s the best hitter on the team,” Eli bragged.

“No kidding! That’s great. You know, I used to play softball in college. I played third base and our team made it to the play-offs for national championship. Didn’t win, but we were pretty impressive.”

Another facet of the beautiful Nell Moreno.
And here he thought she was all girly.

“You must’ve been pretty good,” Dylan said, his voice a little stronger.

“Not too bad at all. If you have a game before I have to go back to New York, would it be okay if I come watch?”

“Sure. There’s a game next Tuesday.”

Nell smiled at him. “Then I’ll make sure I’m there. Your dad can tell me where and when. I’d offer to show you around, but I don’t know how interested you are in fashion design.”

Dylan crinkled up his nose.

“I didn’t think so. But your sister is having fun. I’ll see if I can separate her from what she’s doing.”

Nell left them for a moment and went to talk to Jill and Emma. Just as Eli thought, his daughter didn’t want to part with her new project. Only after a promise from Nell that she could join them any time, did the girl relinquish her spot next to Jill.