Read Island Refuge (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 1) for Free Online Page B

“I’m sure we can figure this out.”
    Nick gulped his coffee. “This week is a disaster waiting to happen. I’m open to suggestions.”
    “Rachel is young, and if you ask me, has way too much time on her hands. Maybe she would watch him.”
    “I thought you had a bad vibe about her.”
    “I never said that. She’s nice. A little odd maybe. Which reminds me. She said she hasn’t been feeling well lately. Maybe Rachel is a bad option.”
    Nick raised a brow. “She didn’t look sick last time I saw her. Maybe I should go see how she’s doing?”
    “Good idea.” She hoped Rachel was up to watching the boy, because the last thing she wanted was to spend the day with a child. Being around children reminded her of her own childhood—she shuddered—too many memories.
     
    ****
     
    N ICK KNOCKED ON Rachel’s door.
    “Come in.”
    He pushed the door open. Rachel sat at the table situated in the bay window, which overlooked the Sound. She probably had the best view from any room in the house. “Zoe said she thought you aren’t feeling well.” He ran a hand along the back of his neck regretting his hasty response to Zoe’s comment. He did not want it to become known that he was a doctor.
    “I’m fine, just having a little nausea off and on.”
    “Have you been to a doctor?”
    “I have, and it’s nothing contagious.”
    He cleared his throat, unwilling to take her word for it. “I’d feel better if you’d let me check you out.”
    “Excuse me?” Her voice rose an octave, and she leaned away from him.
    “Don’t be alarmed. Before I decided to buy this place I was a doctor. Guess I still am, but I sold my practice.”
    “Oh.” She settled back into the chair. “Thanks, but I’m fine.”
    “But—”
    “Sorry, I know what’s wrong with me, and there’s nothing you can do to help.”
    He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorjamb. “Are you sure it’s not contagious?”
    She laughed drily. “Positive. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She lifted a coffee cup to her lips.
    “I guess I will have to take your word for it.” She actually looked to be in optimum health. Looks could be deceiving, but for some reason he believed Rachel and was willing to let the subject drop. Besides, if she was contagious, they all would have caught it by now, since she’d been in the house for a while. “My brother will be here this week helping with the roof.” He shook his head. “Actually, I’m helping him since he’s the expert. He’s bringing his five-year-old son along, and I was wondering if you would consider watching my nephew while we work.”
    Rachel scowled. “Why would you ask me ? Don’t you have a friend on the island who can help?”
    “Truth—No, and I’m desperate. Aiden will be here shortly, and I can’t let a five-year-old wander around alone, especially since his dad and I will be working on the roof.”
    “Hmm. I can see how that would cause a problem. I take it Zoe turned you down?”
    He nodded. Rachel’s face was a mix of anxiety and excitement. What could possibly cause a woman to respond like that to watching a young child?
    “I’ll do it, but on a day-by-day basis. If today doesn’t go well, then you’ll have to figure out something for the rest of the week.”
    “Thanks. I really appreciate this. Aiden is a great kid. I’m sure it’ll work out fine.”
    “Let’s hope so.” She eyed him and stood. “Since you’re a doctor, anything I tell you is privileged information, right?”
    “Not necessarily. You’re not my patient. But as long as you’re not breaking the law I’ll keep quiet.”
    She heaved a deep breath and let it out in a puff. “That will do.” She crossed the room, peered into the hall, and then lowered her voice. “I’m pregnant, but please keep it to yourself. I don’t want anyone fussing or gossiping about me.”
    With practiced ease, he hid his surprise. “Congratulations!” That certainly explained the vomiting and mid-afternoon