Risking Love: Maple Run, #4

By Toni Shiloh

No guys. No dates. No way.

 

After years of keeping men at bay, Nikki Gordon has it down to a science. No one, not even the sweet, hunky Shorty Smalls can change her mind. Period. So if she's got it all figured out, why does her heart sink to her toes when she sees Shorty with another woman?

 

Gregory "Shorty" Smalls has wanted one woman, and only one woman, to be in his life since the moment she smiled at him. But something in Nikki's past as her keeping him arms-length away. So he promises to be the best friend he can be until she says otherwise.

 

When she gives him the green light, will joy make him move too fast or will fear of a relationship have Nikki putting on the brakes once more?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Toni Shiloh
• Release date: Apr 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201060169

Book preview

Chapter One

W elcome to The Maple…Pit. Nikki Gordon forgot the rest of her speech because Gregory Shorty Smalls had just walked into The Pit with another woman.

Her breath faltered as she looked into Shorty’s dark brown eyes. He flashed his engaging grin as if nothing momentous had just occurred. She catalogued his features, taking in his warm russet brown skin and the close-cropped haircut that always had her hands itching for a feel. Everything looked the same except for the woman standing next to him.

Um, Nikki, can we get a table? Shorty eyed her, his head tilted in confusion.

Right. She grabbed two menus as her heart stuttered back to life in her chest.

For the past six years she’d been The Pit’s hostess, and not once had Shorty come in with a woman who wasn’t a relative. Not once had she imagined him walking in with a very attractive, petite blonde woman with a cute button nose.

He’s not your boyfriend.

And didn’t that burn! Right this way. She spun on her heel, marching toward an empty table. No way would she put them in a booth where they could get all cozy. Placing the menus down, she forced her lips upward. If her smile looked as painful as it felt, the mystery lady would think Nikki the most insincere hostess ever.

Not that I care. Your server will be right out. The words strained past the lump in her throat.

Wait up, Nikki. Shorty held up his hand.

Yes? His words rooted her to the floor.

Nikki, meet Trina. Trina, this is Nikki.

He was introducing them to one another? Ugh.

Nice to meet you, Nikki. Trina brushed her platinum blonde locks behind her ear.

Trina screamed money and class. She tried not to gape at the woman’s cultured tone and to remember her manners. Likewise. Enjoy your meal. The words almost broke her teeth.

Nikki spun around and hurried away before Shorty could prolong the torture. Thank goodness she would be watching The Pit’s entrance instead of being forced to witness him carrying on with little miss perfect.

Oomph. Nikki looked up and gasped in horror when she saw who she’d just run into. Mrs. Williams, one of The Pit’s owners arched an eyebrow, crossing her arms across her chest. What in the world, Nikki? Where are you going to in such a hurry? Are you trying to put out a fire?

No. Sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. Because I can practically see Shorty making eyes at that woman.

I noticed. Mrs. Williams smirked, looking over Nikki’s shoulder. Who’s the blonde?

Her name is Trina. She’s with…Shorty. But how?

"With with?"

Heat crawled up her face, probably turning it the same shade of red as her hair. I have no idea.

"Hmm, I guess you were too busy not paying attention."

Tears came rushing forward. The thought had already crossed her mind. She glanced up at the ceiling, willing her eyes to stay dry. This was not the time nor the place.

But it looks like you’re awake now. With a pat on her cheek, Mrs. Williams continued past her.

Nikki headed for the restroom in the back of the restaurant. A quick trip should help her regain composure. For the last few years, she’d been sidestepping Shorty’s flirting. At least that’s what she’d assumed he’d been doing. When it got to be too much, she’d asked for friendship. And shouldn’t she know if he was dating? Because they were friends…not dating? Didn’t she at least have that right?

Who exactly was Trina? His girlfriend?

Did you really expect him to wait forever? She glanced in the mirror, searching for the answer.

No man would wait for a woman who never gave him a hint of promise. Especially one who suffered from anxiety at any hint of impending intimacy from the opposite sex. She had nothing to offer. Nothing. Nikki sniffed, dabbing at her eyes with a wet paper towel. Thank goodness, no one was in the bathroom to see her fall apart. Then again, if she could talk to her best friend, Nina, about her feelings, maybe it would allow her to stuff them back down.

Unfortunately, that would have to wait until after her shift.

Giving one more cursory glance at the mirror and satisfied her face wasn’t full of red blotches, Nikki headed back out to the front. Mrs. Williams paid her to be a cheerful hostess, not one moping over a man she had never been on a date with. Just keep smiling, Nikki girl.

Life had taught her that as long as she had a grin on her face, no one would ever question what lay beneath. And she surely didn’t want Shorty to know she felt some kind of way about him being with another woman. She would ignore Trina’s golden, sun-kissed skin and flawless makeup.

She probably doesn’t even sweat.

Nikki shook her head from her musings as the door to the restaurant opened. She beamed and greeted the customer. Welcome to The Maple Pit.

Hey Nikki, Dr. Kerrington replied. I’ll just sit at the bar, no need to seat me.

You sure, Doc?

Yes, ma’am. He tipped an imaginary hat and took the menu she offered.

Too bad he practiced family medicine and not counseling. Maybe it was time to pour out her heart. Tell someone how unfair life was. Not that she actually wanted to see a therapist. It was a sound idea until you got in that chair, then nerves, sweat, and tears soon followed.

Never mind. No therapy.

The sound of laughter reached her ears and had her searching for its source. Her mouth dropped open. Trina had a hand on Shorty’s arm while her other hand laid across her chest in hilarity. Had Shorty told a joke?

Mrs. Williams piped up. Nikki dear, if you’re going to glare across the restaurant, why don’t you move closer so the rest of the patrons are spared?

She jumped, turning to look at her boss. Sorry. I was—

Oh, I know what you were doing. Don’t worry. That laugh is as fake as a three-dollar bill. That girl wants something.

I can’t blame her. She slapped a hand over her mouth and heat bloomed in her cheeks.

Mrs. Williams chuckled. Glad to see you’re not going to roll over and let her get away with your man.

Mrs. Williams, Shorty and I—

She held a hand up. Please don’t deny what’s written all over your face. Y’all have been doing some kind of funny-looking Texas two-step around one another for years. Why he hasn’t asked you out is beyond me.

Her mind traveled back to the Christmas festival a few months ago. Shorty had looked wonderful in a sweater vest and khakis. When he had asked her to dance she’d said yes without a second thought.

You look beautiful tonight, Nikki.

The intense look in his eyes warmed her from the inside out. And had her pulse pounding with anxiety. Thank you. You look pretty dapper. She grinned, hoping to cover up her unease.

Her right hand tingled as his fingers laced through hers. She placed her left hand on his shoulder, trying not to sigh at the warmth. Why, oh, why did she have to feel this way whenever she was near him? It was so confusing. To know that half her heart pounded in delight while the other shuddered in fear. Shorty deserved so much more than her and her conflicting emotions.

Nikki?

Hmm? Had he said something? She met his gaze, trying to ignore the pull of his eyes.

Will you go out with me?

Oh my word. He did ask you out, didn’t he? Mrs. Williams gaped at her, swinging her head back and forth between Nikki and where Shorty sat laughing it up with Trina.

She blinked as the memory vanished. Perhaps. Nikki turned away and focused on The Pit’s door.

Someone walk through that door, right now! If they didn’t, Mrs. Williams would pursue the inquisition like the best of generals in front of an insubordinate soldier.

You told him no? Mrs. Williams’ perfectly drawn-on eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Lord, help. Mrs. Williams, no offense, but I’d rather not talk about this.

I just don’t get it. Mrs. Williams propped her elbow on the hostess stand, resting her chin in her hand. You obviously like him. He likes you.

Present company would say otherwise.

Mrs. Williams waved a hand in the air. She doesn’t count. I’ve seen the way he looks at you when you’re not looking.

She had? What kind of look? Did he really want her? Nikki grimaced. Of course, he didn’t know about her past and that he shouldn’t be with her. I can’t help that, Mrs. Williams.

Child, please. Go out with him. If I have to see his moping face one more time, I’ll find him someone to date.

What? You can’t do that! The words rushed out unbidden.

Mrs. Williams’ lips slowly curved up looking like Jim Carrey’s version of the Grinch. I knew you liked him.

He’s nice. Everyone likes him.

"Uh huh. No use trying to hide it. You like him, like him. Just admit it and the truth will set you free." Mrs. Williams smiled and walked away with an extra bounce in her step.

Nikki sighed as the woman’s words echoed in her head. The truth will set you free. How many times had she wished for the truth of God’s word to set her free? Yet she still remained imprisoned. The trauma of her past gripped her in its talons and refused to let go.

She glanced over her shoulder at Shorty and Trina. They were in deep conversation and occasionally Shorty grinned. Her heart stuttered. What would it be like to walk over there and say, Yes, I’ll go out with you?

No, she couldn’t do that. He deserved someone whole and able to love him fearlessly.

S o you could sell my furniture? Shorty leaned back against his chair.

His friend, Micah, had introduced him to Trina. Apparently, she was some kind of broker and helped furniture makers and other crafters find a place for their wares. So far, he’d been selling his pieces by word of mouth, but Shorty was beginning to think it could be an actual business and not just a hobby. Something he’d done to relax and for the last few years, take his mind off of Nikki.

He glanced over toward the hostess stand and froze. Nikki stared right at him. At him. He’d never caught her doing that before. Her face reddened, and she slowly turned away.

What is that about?

Gregory?

I’m sorry. He met Trina’s expectant gaze. Could you repeat the last part again?

I was saying I could definitely get your pieces sold. There are tons of furniture warehouses looking for local woodwork. Consumers are becoming more conscientious when it comes to buying local. I could get your work into some high-end galleries. I have another client who just received a contract with Home Comforts. He gets 70% of sales. His last tax statement hit six figures.

What?

The money his parents had invested as a young couple kept him from having to obtain a nine-to-five job. Not that he was technically unemployed, just choosy with his time. Yet, the numbers Trina quoted blew his mind. Would Nikki take him seriously if she knew he could provide? See the fruits of his labor? Not to mention, the ability to set any grandchildren up for life. Or nieces and nephews since he didn’t have any kids.

And what’s your broker’s fee?

I take 30% of your profits.

It wasn’t horrible. But how much better would he be if he cut out the middle man?

Since I’m a licensed customhouse broker, I can help you sell items overseas and deal with any paperwork, tariffs, and issues you may have trying to export.

You’ve given me a lot to think about.

Are you leaning towards a yes? Trina batted her eyes.

Shorty stifled a groan. She’d been flirting with him since they walked into The Pit. I need to pray about it first.

Oh. Trina sat back and gave an owlish blink. I really am very good at what I do.

I understand that, but I don’t make decisions without praying about them first.

Sure. She flashed a grin, straight white teeth gleaming. Give me a call when you’re done...praying.

I will.

Trina handed him a card. This place is pretty quaint. She ran a hand over the cream tablecloth.

And the food’s delicious.

A little much for my taste. Her nose wrinkled. Kind of heavy handed on the maple, don’t you think?

He stared at her. How could she not like the cooking? I’m a fan.

Oh, of course.

Trina rose from her seat, and he followed suit.

I have to meet another potential client, but I always have my cell on me. Give me a call as soon as you’re ready to seal the deal. She squeezed his arm and winked. See you soon.

She sauntered across the restaurant and out the double doors. Shorty sat back down and waited to pay for their meals. Apparently, Trina hadn’t felt the need to pay for their work lunch. He would have thought since she wanted his business that she would but... Oh well.

Shaunice walked over to take his payment. How was lunch?

Great as usual.

And your guest? She glanced pointedly at Trina’s barely eaten plate.

She left.

Hmm. Shaunice looked at Nikki and then back at him. I’ll be back with your receipt.

Shorty tapped the tabletop. What had that look meant? Everyone was acting strangely today. First Nikki wasn’t her usual cheerful self. Then, he caught her staring at him. What next?

His thoughts stilled as Mrs. Williams approached his table. She had been going by each table and asking patrons about their meals. Which meant his best friend and her son, Dwight, would be the one cooking in the kitchen.

How was your meal, Shorty?

Fantastic, Mrs. Williams.

She beamed at him. Did your lunch companion enjoy herself?

She seemed to. Thankfully, Shaunice had already removed their plates.

You sure it wasn’t the company? Mrs. Williams gave a pointed look.

He squirmed in his seat. It was a business lunch.

Really? Sure looked cozy.

It did? His gaze drifted to Nikki. Had she thought the same thing?

Oh, yes, Mrs. Williams murmured, folding her arms across her chest. "We all thought you two looked rather cozy."

Everyone? He made a point to look at Nikki before meeting Mrs. Williams’ gaze.

Ev-er-y-one, my dear Shorty. Enjoy your day. With a little wave, she moved on to the next table.

Shorty stilled. Had Nikki thought his lunch was a date? And the bigger question: was she jealous? He sat up straight. Maybe he should go say hi and gauge her mood. If she seemed jealous, he could set her straight.

But what if she doesn’t care?

His foot shook up and down in trepidation. Mrs. Williams seemed to think Nikki