Cooking Up Trouble (16 page)

G
rams raced into the barn on Friday morning, a big grin on her face. “The news is all over town.”

Tessa shrugged. “Mill Pond needs to find more to talk about.”

“Did you really dance, cheek to cheek, with Chase Carlton?”

“No cheeks were involved. My boobs were smashed against his chest, and his hands groped my ass, but we never made cheek contact.”

Grams laughed. “It's about time! No one knows what to think. Chase told everyone he'd asked you to marry him.”

“I'm not sure shacking up is the same as marriage.”

Tessa could tell Grams loved it. “What a way to let the world know you're ready to spread your wings. I couldn't have done it better myself. Rumor is all the single guys in Mill Pond are ready to start courting.”

Tessa groaned. “That's not what I had in mind.”

“Oh, hell, enjoy it. Tarnish your reputation a little more if you can. It's been spotless too long.”

Tessa shook her head and walked to the door to turn the sign to OPEN. People rushed into the shop. One of them was Ian, who glared at her, grabbed her arm, and pulled her to one side. Not one person went to the glass cases. They all milled around, looking innocent, clearly trying their best to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“Is it true you're going to marry Chase Carlton?”

“What?” Tessa stared at him. “Where did you hear that?”

“I drove to Garth's Gas Station to buy gas for the riding mower this morning. Garth said the rumor's flying all over town.”

Tessa sighed. “He only gave me a friendship ring. We thought we'd fool around first to see if we're sexually compatible.” Mouths dropped open and when Ian growled, Tessa laughed. “Don't believe everything you hear. I danced with Chase last night. That's all.”

“That's not what I heard. I heard he was wearing you like a second skin.”

Okay, now he'd gone too far. Tessa could feel her temper rising. “This is my place of business. You realize that, don't you? Not the best spot to have this discussion.”

He glanced at the other people in the shop and had the grace to look contrite.

She pressed her point. “I wouldn't think of storming into your lodge and making a scene in front of your guests.”

Ian ran a hand through his dark hair. “I'm sorry. I didn't think. I heard the rumors, heard the gossip about Chase, and came unglued.”

Grams nodded at him. “That Chase is a charmer, for sure. A good dancer, too. Lots of moves.”

Tessa threw her a dirty look. She wasn't helping. Not that it made much difference. Most of the people milling around had already heard the gossip and hurried in for more. It would be good for business if nothing else.

Ian's jaw tightened. “Are you interested in this guy?”

“What's it to you? You roll under the sheets with your fiancée. I don't lecture you about premarital sex.”

People moved closer.

“We've been engaged for eight months.”

“So what? When did you start doing it?”

Ian glanced helplessly at his fellow customers, and they all busied themselves, studying the prices of jams and jellies. “I just don't want you to rush into anything and make a mistake. You know, the rebound effect.”

“Because I can't have you? I knew that from the beginning.” She started toward the cash register, but he reached for her again. She would have put him in his place, but he looked so upset, it surprised her.

“You know, and I know, that things got a little out of hand. I care about you more than I should. That's why Lily decided to move in early. Either that, or . . .” He closed his eyes, frustrated.

She put a hand on his arm. “You're a good man. You'd never cheat on Lily. I like that about you.”

He visibly fought for calm. “That doesn't mean you have to turn into a manizer.”

“What?” She blinked.

“Men are womanizers, right? You don't have to go through a string of guys to get over me.”

She let out a huff of air. “Is that what you think? You're a little full of yourself! Maybe I'm tired of being the good girl. Maybe I'm tired of not getting any. I might want to spread my wings and see what's out there.”

“No!”

People leaned forward to hear better.

Tessa looked at them. If they wanted a show, well, they'd get one. “It's true, guys. A man broke my heart and I came here to heal. I'm whole now. Ian helped me realize that. I want a shot at true love, but I'm not interested in anyone around here. I've known you all too long. I'm trying a dating service.”

Heads nodded in approval.

Ian looked at Grams. “Tell her. Tell her she's only going to get hurt again.”

Grams shrugged. “What's she gotten by playing it safe?”

“I want to meet the guy you settle on.” He made it sound like it was his God-given right. “I'll set him straight. If he hurts you, I'll . . .”

Tessa reached up and rubbed a hand on his cheek.
Mmm, stubble.
She loved stubble. “Did your sisters let you pick their husbands?”

He blinked. “No.”

“Did you take Lily to get their approval?”

“No.”

“It doesn't work that way, but thank you for caring. You're not my big brother. You're a friend. Know your boundaries.”

Hands balled into fists, he stomped to the door. “You deserve the best. Don't settle for less.”

“Thank you.”

When the door slammed behind him, Tessa walked behind the counter to ring up orders.

Iris Clinger, the town's real estate agent, pointed randomly at a cake and said, “I'll take that one.” She wiped a tear from her cheek. “I've never seen anything so romantic in my whole life. That boy loves you.”

“We're best friends, like brother and sister.”

“If you say so, hon. The first time I saw him, I knew he was right for Lakeview Stables. And seeing you two together, I know he's right for you.” Iris took her cake, and plenty of people filed up behind her in line.

Tessa sighed. It was going to be a long day. By the time the last person left the shop, over two-thirds of her customers had voted for her and Ian eloping together. She should have listened to her own advice. If you farted sideways in Mill Pond, everyone knew.

People came and went all day, and they'd all heard the gossip. By the time she and Grams locked the barn and headed for home, that's all anyone had talked about. Tessa should have been annoyed. She wasn't. She'd never thought she was capable of being scandalous. It was good to know she might have it in her.

When Grams walked to her car, she called, “This is the first day of June. You might want to check your horoscope for the month. You've started it with a bang.”

Tessa thought about that. Maybe it was time something shook up her life. She could drive to the diner tonight for supper and really get gossip flying. But her feet hurt. And she'd listened to gossip all day. On second thought, she turned toward her nice, comfortable bungalow and decided to stir things up when she had more energy.

When she sat on the front porch in the evening, enjoying a small breeze, she reconsidered her decision. A moving van drove down the county road. Lily's things—she was moving in with Ian tonight. The pain started in her chest and spread. But if Grams was right, Sadie had done her a favor. And so had Ian. He'd made her realize everything she was missing. It was going to hurt for a while, losing him. She'd give herself a week or two to lick her wounds. But then she'd be stronger and smarter. Somewhere, out there, was someone who was right for her. Someone who had similar beliefs and plenty of sizzle. She meant to find him.

O
n Monday afternoon, Ian called Tessa. “I know Kayla comes to bake with you on Monday mornings. Luther told me, so I waited to call. But do you know anything about horses?”

“Not really, we never owned any.”

He hesitated. “Well, I'm buying some for my stables, and I have an expert with me, but I thought you might have some advice.”

“Get a few who don't spook and are good around people. Most of your guests will want to ride horses, but they won't know how to.”

“Right. I'll keep that in mind.” He stalled. “Sorry about the scene I made at your bakery. I had no business—”

She cut him off. “The customers loved it, but never do it again.”

“Right.” He seemed at a loss for words. “You should know, I'm opening the lodge next Monday, so I'll need your baked goods for the dining room.”

“Gotcha. I'll be ready. Have you decided what you want—cakes, pies, puddings?”

“I was going to let you pick. I liked the idea of afternoon teas. Whatever works with that. We're booked, though. There's four rooms on the second floor and four more on the third. And the cabins are full. About thirty or forty people? I'll check on how many kids are coming with parents.”

“Are you settled in?”

“Yeah, Lily and I made the right wing off the main house into our private quarters, and my chef—Paula—and her two kids have the left wing. She's moving in tomorrow. Once she's here, you can check menus with her, if you want.”

“Sounds perfect.” Her heart clenched—Lily would be waking up next to Ian in the mornings, sipping coffee with him before they got dressed for the day. But no, not true. Lily traveled most of the time. She'd only spoon into him on weekend nights. But he was hers. The ache settled deeper.

He hesitated. “How's everything with you?”

“Busy, but falling into place. I like working with Kayla.”

Another pause. “Well, I know we're both going to be swamped soon, but I don't want to be strangers. Take care, Tess.”

“I will. You, too.”

It felt odd to hang up on such a nothing conversation with him. It was for the best, though. Lily would be with Ian on weekends, and he'd be busy with the lodge during the week. And she'd stay busy, too. She'd make sure of that.

The evening stretched before her, though, alone in a house that suddenly felt too empty. She called Keavin and invited him over for supper. Then she went to the barn and made so much cookie dough ahead, she might not use it all for a month.

When Keavin came at six, the aroma of Hungarian goulash greeted him. He knocked on the screen door, then let himself in. “I'm following my nose to the kitchen!” He grinned as he handed Tessa a bottle of wine and she handed him a bottle of cold beer. “You remembered.”

She laughed. “I hope your taste hasn't changed. This used to be your favorite.”

“Still is.” He plopped on a stool at the kitchen counter. “So, I heard your boyfriend's fiancée moved in with him.”

“He's not my boyfriend.”

“He should be. I met Lily.”

Tessa frowned at him. “Tearing her down isn't going to make me feel better.”

Keavin took a long slurp of beer. “Oh, I like her. She's fun, but when the going gets tough, he's going to be on his own.”

“We don't really know her.” Tessa poured herself a glass of wine and sat across from him. “How's your dad and mom?”

“Dad's dying. Mom's in denial. It's uncomfortable, but everyone handles things differently. I'm glad Chelsea and I are moving back here. Mom's going to need us.”

“If you need anything . . .”

“Same goes for you.” He tipped his beer in her direction. “You going to be okay?”

“I'm going to miss Ian. He used to drop by almost every day, but I've lived alone for a while now. I'll get back in the swing.”

Keavin gave a rueful smile. “You know, every summer when you came to visit your grandma and grandpa, I waited for you to notice me. Really notice me. I had such a big crush on you, but you never saw me that way.”

Tessa felt herself color with embarrassment, and she bit her bottom lip. “I'm sorry.”

He shook his head. “I lived through my teenage angst, went to college, made a life for myself, and met Chelsea. When she noticed me, I felt the earth move beneath my feet.” He laughed. “Corny, I know, but that's what it felt like. Ian did that for you.”

“I know, but I'll move on, too, just like you did.”

“Don't hide away this time, Tessie.”

“I'm not planning to.”

He nodded. “Good, then my best-friend lecture is done. We can enjoy ourselves.”

And they did. But when Keavin left, Tessa wondered. Why hadn't she looked at Keavin and seen him in a different light? He was smart, funny, and caring. Why Ian? Why was he the one who got to her when she could ignore most men?

She poured herself another glass of wine and walked to the TV set. The more she thought about romance, the less she understood it.

Her best bet, she decided, was to
not
think about it. She'd lick her wounds, get through this, and find someone else.

Tuesday, however, proved to be a long day. She and Kayla baked in the morning, then Tessa ran to town to prowl the aisles of the grocery store. Her cupboards were growing bare. She stopped in at Grams' house on the way home, and then finally had to return to a quiet, empty house.

Maybe she should get a pet? She'd had a cat when she was growing up. Cats were less work than dogs. She went to her computer and was looking through pictures of sad-looking cats at the shelter when a car pulled into her drive.

Darinda, David, and the boys spilled into her house, bearing a large pan of lasagna.

“Girl, this is going to be your worst week,” Darinda said. “So we came to keep your mind off running into the hills to become a hermit.”

It was impossible to pout with two friends and two boys clamoring for attention. By the time they left, Tessa was dead on her feet. But she almost teared up when she glanced at herself in the mirror while she brushed her teeth for bed. How lucky was she to have friends like that?

On Wednesday, Kayla baked alongside her, chattering more than usual as they worked. Even she was outdoing herself to keep Tessa's mind off Ian. After they put away the last bowl and cookie sheet, she didn't leave, but stalled around long enough that she was still there when Ian's new chef came to talk business.

When Tessa saw her, she tried not to show her surprise. Kayla glanced at her and blinked, obviously a little dumbfounded, too.

Paula gave a wry smile. “I know, I don't quite fit in, but Ian swears people will get used to me.” The woman was about five-two with long hair dyed pitch black and clipped up in a modern twist to make a jagged fringe across the back of her head. Black eyeliner rimmed sapphire-blue eyes, and she wore a nose ring. Tattoos covered her arms, her neck, and her ankles.

Tessa laughed. “We don't see a lot of Goths around here, but there's always a first.” She held out a hand. “It's nice to meet you. This is my helper, Kayla.”

Paula turned her attention to the girl. “I heard that you made my life a little easier. You came up with the afternoon tea idea, right? That way, I only have to worry about a soup, salad, and tea sandwiches every day for lunch.”

Kayla's blush spread from her throat all the way to her root line. “Tessa taught me how to bake fancy little treats. I didn't realize how much work they were.”

Paula chuckled. “You've got that right. Bite-size stuff's a bother. Now, what about your gardens? Can I get fresh produce here every day?”

“If we have it.” Relief niggled through Tessa. She appreciated all her friends' efforts to keep her emotionally afloat, but it was nice not to have to deal with Ian's aftermath for a minute.

Paula pulled a notebook out of her bag. “I brought menu ideas for my first month here. Do you have time to look at them with me?”

Kayla inched toward the door. “Since you're busy . . .”

“I'll see you later. Thanks for everything.” Tessa watched her leave before settling over the menus with Paula. Once she got over the distraction of a small stud that twinkled in Paula's lip, she got down to work. When they finished, Tessa smiled. “You shouldn't have any problems getting supplies. You should be in good shape. Are you settled in at the lodge? How do you like the place?”

“The lodge is great. I love the work, and Ian's a considerate boss, just a little on the moody side.”

“Ian?” Tessa stared. “He's one of the most easy-going people I've met.”

“If you say so. Maybe he's just uptight about getting everything right for the grand opening, but I never know if he's going to be in a good mood or brooding.” Paula shrugged. “My husband was moody, too. I learned how to work around him, so it's no big deal.”

Tessa grimaced. She remembered that Paula had two children, no husband, but the details were fuzzy. She couldn't concentrate as well as usual. “You're a widow?”

“My husband was a lifer in the military. Did two overseas tours. Didn't make it back from his last one.”

“I'm sorry.”

“When you marry a military guy, you always know it might happen. He didn't like sitting behind a desk. This job couldn't have come at a better time. The kids and I needed a fresh start. The job includes room and board, so I might even be able to save up a little.”

Fresh starts. There seemed to be lot of that going around lately. Tessa nodded. “We're going to get along just fine, I can tell. It'll be nice working with you.”

By the time Paula left, Tessa knew what she'd need to provide each day for a month, both for produce, teas, and desserts. Paula promised to send someone over to collect them every evening.

A good thing. Then Tessa wouldn't have to go to the lodge. She could take a breath, gather her courage, and heal.