by Tara Randel
As he removed the lid from his cup, he inhaled the heady coffee scent and then opened the bag to place a fritter on the napkin before her.
“Why do I get the impression you’re having a challenging day?” he asked when it became clear she wasn’t going to initiate conversation.
“Maybe because I am,” she said before taking a bite. She closed her eyes as she chewed, and he almost chuckled, having experienced firsthand that delicious first bite.
“Is it the store?” he ventured. “Usually I don’t see you out and about during business hours.”
She lifted a shoulder. “The store is fine.”
“Then is it your friend? The one who showed up unannounced on your doorstep?”
Her eyes flicked to the side before focusing back on her fritter. “Carrie is fine.”
“Not used to having a roommate?”
She looked up at him. “I could ask Reid the same thing.”
He sat back in the armless chair.
“I know you’re staying with him,” she offered.
“I forgot how fast the small-town rumor mill works.”
“It’s not a rumor if it’s true.”
He tapped a finger on the edge of the table. “Yes. I’m bunking at Reid’s for a while.”
Her panicked gaze flew to his. “Is your grandmother sick? Is that why you’re staying in town?”
“Grandmother is fine. Still considering your updated proposal.”
Serena placed a hand over her chest. “Thank goodness. After her health scare, I worry.”
“She told you about that?” He couldn’t be more surprised. Grandmother had kept her condition quiet. As far as he knew, only family was privy to her condition.
“Yes.”
“Huh. Doesn’t sound like her.”
She sat up straight in the chair. “I haven’t told anyone else, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“No. That hadn’t crossed my mind. Grandmother isn’t usually that forthcoming with people.”
“I suppose she likes me,” she stated as she pinched off a chunk of the fritter and placed it in her mouth.
He chuckled at the starch in her voice.
“She does like you.” He paused. “So do I.”
Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at him.
“What? A guy can’t pay a compliment?”
“Not if the guy seems unusually interested in my business,” she accused.
“I told you, Grandmother asked me to read over your proposal. Nothing more than that.”
Okay, that was partially the truth, but he couldn’t ignore the guilt he felt at covering up his true motives.
Her snort said she didn’t believe him as she ate another piece of the fritter.
“Did we have a falling-out that I don’t remember, because you’re awfully prickly today.”
She finished chewing and swallowed. “Sorry. It’s one of those days.”
“What kind of day?”
“When everything seems to be piling up and you can’t breathe under the weight of it all.”
His pushing to make her reveal what was going on with her now seemed selfish. “Didn’t mean to add to the pile.”
“It’s me. I guess I’m touchy.”
At her dejected expression, his instinctive reaction was to kiss away the frown. He didn’t think she’d appreciate the gesture, so he forced himself to stay put.
“Anything I can do to help?”
“Thanks, but no. Things will work out,” she said with a shake of her head. Trying to convince herself?
The questions about Serena bombarded him again, but he refrained from voicing any of them. She wasn’t in the best of moods to respond, and if he wasn’t careful, he might alienate her completely. With each passing day, Logan realized he wanted to know Serena better, despite the fact that his doubts about who she really was and what she was up to grew stronger with every dead end he hit.
“How about we change the subject?”
At her nod, he sipped his coffee then asked, “So what do you hope to draw today?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll know when I see it.”
“The creative process?”
“Something like that.” She folded the empty waxed paper. “Are you creative?”
“Not if you consider a poorly drawn stick man high-end art.”
Finally, a glimmer of a smile. The warmth in his chest spread.
“I have other strengths.”
Interest glinted in her eyes. “Such as?”
“I can be relentless, especially when trying to make a woman I like smile.”
“I bet you say that to lots of women.”
Oddly enough, he didn’t. Serena was the first woman in a long time that he cared enough about to want to see smiling. “I’m too busy to notice, which doesn’t sound good as I’m admitting it out loud, but is usually the case.”
“You’re polite to everyone.”
“That’s kind of you to say, but not always true.”
Serena paused as she started to speak. She tilted her head, then said, “Why do I get the feeling you and Deke are checking up on me?”
Surprise rendered him speechless. The woman was more perceptive than he gave her credit for. A major miscalculation on his part. He searched his mind for an answer. He couldn’t use his grandmother as an excuse in this case, so he tried to deflect. “Why do you ask?”
“The other night at Smitty’s you two had your heads together in conversation. Then you both looked over at me.”
Yep, perceptive. Was she naturally that way or was she observant because she had something to hide?
“Deke and I were discussing business, that’s all.”
Interest lit her eyes. “What kind of business?”
Before he could answer, his father strode into his peripheral vision. He’d never been so happy to see the man.
“Dad,” he greeted as he jumped up.
His father’s steps faltered.
“Serena, you remember my father, Arthur Masterson.”
“Yes. Hello, sir.” She rose and gathered up her sketch pad. “Logan, thanks for the treat. I need to run.”
“Are you sure, because—”
“I’m sure.” She nodded at them and walked away.
As he watched her head to the park, his father took her empty seat. “Logan, we must talk.”
Distracted, he sat down. Serena would be all right, wouldn’t she?
“What do you need, Dad?”
“Who says I need anything?” Arthur bristled.
“It’s been my experience that when you come to me, you want something.”
“I suppose you aren’t completely wrong.”
Logan’s eyebrows rose.
“I just came from the office. Reid is still MIA.”
“Give him time,” Logan said, then sipped his coffee.
“I need him. There are important deals in the works and he’s involved in each one.”
“The more you push him, the more he’ll stay away.”
His father blew out a breath. “He can be stubborn.”
“Gee, I wonder who he inherited that trait from?”
“Are you implying I’m stubborn?”
Logan leaned forward. “Let me ask you this. In light of Reid’s defection, were you hoping I’d fill his place?”
“I was hoping to revisit that conversation.”
Sitting back, Logan folded his arms over his chest. “Once again, the answer is no. Find a way to make things work with Reid.”
His father stared across the street. Long moments passed before he met Logan’s gaze. “You’re truly done with Masterson Enterprises?”
“I’d have to have been a part of the business to begin with and I never was.”
His father n
odded. “You’re satisfied in your line of work?”
“Not only satisfied, but good at what I do.”
“I’m not surprised. You did always focus on what you wanted, then went for it.”
Logan didn’t respond. Wasn’t sure what to say at his father’s rare praise.
“Even in high school you were motivated. If not, you might never have found your birth certificate.”
He froze. Where was his father going with this?
“You told me you wouldn’t accept my apology until you were sure I meant it. I want to prove to you that I’m sorry for keeping the truth surrounding your birth from you.”
What was his game? This man didn’t always play by the rules, using strategic moves to his advantage.
“You’re going to be in town for a while?” his father asked.
“At least until after Oktoberfest.”
“Good. Perhaps we can spend more time together. Your mother would like to have you home more often.”
So he was doing this on Bonnie’s behalf? Made sense. And proved to Logan he was still the same.
“I’ll make sure to see her while I’m here.”
“She loves you, son.”
He knew that. Bonnie had made sure to tell him since he was a child. But his dad...that was another story.
“Are we done here?” Logan asked, not willing to be duped into helping his father’s agenda.
“Not quite. Your grandmother has informed me that she has decided to invest in Serena’s business.”
Logan hadn’t talked to her in a few days. “When did she decide?”
“She told me this morning. I read over the new proposal and I’m afraid this might be a risky undertaking.”
His father took risks daily. What was it about Serena that bothered him?
“I tracked you down to see if you would check into BRC, Co.”
This made the third person who wanted to know more about Serena. His case was getting crowded.
“You know Grandmother likes Serena. It may be more that she wants to invest in a friend.”
“Your grandmother has a good heart. And while that may well be true, I wouldn’t feel right advising her unless I know more.”
Okay, here came the tricky part. Did he confide that he was already investigating Serena? He could brush it off, but knowing his father, the man would find someone else to uncover information. He’d fess up, but leave Deke’s request about her background out of it.
“I’m looking into her company, Dad. Grandmother already asked me to.”
Surprise crossed the older man’s face.
“Grandmother is smart. She knows not to invest her money because of sentiment. Yes, she likes Serena, but she wants to be sure the company is solid.”
“And is it?”
“From what I’ve discovered, yes.”
His father nodded. “Very good. But, son, for your grandmother’s sake, I’d like you to keep an eye on the woman.”
He had every intention of doing just that. Because the more time he spent with Serena, the harder it was to deny his increasing attraction to her. An attraction he shouldn’t acknowledge because of the job, but he found his feelings growing stronger every day. Talk about conflict of interest.
“I agree. And I will. I’ll also talk to Grandmother before she gives Serena her final decision.”
“One thing we can both agree on.” His father rose. “Keep me updated.”
Logan stood. Gathered up the pastry wrapping and empty coffee cups. “I will.”
“Perhaps over dinner at the house?”
Yep, the old man was stubborn. “We’ll see.”
His father gripped his shoulder in a tight clutch. “That’s all I can ask,” he said, then headed down the sidewalk back to the office.
Logan dumped the trash into a nearby container. Thought about joining Serena in the park, then decided she wasn’t in the mood to be interrogated, so there was nothing to gain by infringing on her solitude. Except spending time with her, which he enjoyed way too much. He found himself thinking about the next time he’d see her, which was very unprofessional of him, but Serena was getting to him.
It was all he could do to keep from walking to the park, but he was a man who knew how to play the long game. Unless he stopped using the job as an excuse and lost his heart to her instead.
CHAPTER NINE
THE FIRST DAY of Oktoberfest dawned bright and chilly. The leaves had obliged the festival by changing into glorious shades and deep rich hues of yellow, brown and red. As Serena ran her usual route early Friday morning, she tried to enjoy the autumnal vista and not let worries bombard her.
Logan had been absent for over a week, which made Serena hope that out of sight meant out of mind and would keep her from thinking about him, but nope, he was in the forefront of her thoughts, anyway. She couldn’t decide if she was relieved or if she missed him, intrusive questions and all.
Carrie had kept a wide berth from her, even after Serena apologized for her outburst. Her picture was taken off the website, but what if someone had seen it? All she could do was convince herself it hadn’t been up long enough for anyone to notice.
After finishing her run, she cooled down by walking to Gold Dust Park. Earlier this week the volunteer teams had set up the festival tents, readied the serving areas and hung multicolored lanterns in the trees. Once the sun set, the outdoor biergarten would come alive with music and dancing.
Tonight was the kickoff. Serena was scheduled to work as a server in the food tent, where visitors could sit at the long stretches of tables to enjoy authentic schnitzel, potato dumplings and red cabbage. As she calculated the calories in the food choices, she figured if she indulged, she’d burn off plenty of energy while working Golden’s annual celebration.
Just before she reached her apartment, Lissy Ann Tremaine, town event organizer, stopped her on the sidewalk and handed her a sheet of paper. As usual, her clothes were trendy, her jewelry tasteful and her perfume expensive. Serena tucked the strands of hair that had escaped her ponytail behind her ears and smoothed her rumpled tank top.
“Here is your work schedule for the next three weeks,” Lissy Ann announced. “If you have to rearrange your block of time, there’s a number at the bottom to call and we’ll make arrangements to switch.”
Serena glanced at the paper. She was scheduled almost every night. Between working at the store during the day and serving tourists at night, she was going to be busy.
“These are a lot of hours.”
“Aren’t you committed to making Golden the tourist stop in north Georgia?”
“Sure, but I also have customers at the store.”
“It’s only three weeks.”
Said the woman who didn’t work regular business hours. And by the demanding expression on her face, this woman was not going to accept any excuses to get out of volunteering. But this was one of the things Serena loved about Golden, right?
“Any suggestions on how to keep up the pace?”
Lissy Ann grinned. “Get a good night’s sleep, drink lots of water and stay away from the beer.”
“Gotcha.”
Serena had taken a few steps away before Lissy Ann stopped her. “Serena, I’ve been thinking.”
Oh, no. Serena had lived in Golden long enough to recognize that gleam in the other woman’s eyes. It meant more work and she already had a full load.
“Your store is quite unique. We should feature it during Oktoberfest. Not everyone who comes to town is here for the food and drinks, and besides the sightseeing, it might be a way to keep folks who aren’t into the festivities interested in Golden.”
Well, she couldn’t complain about this suggestion, could she? “What did you have in mind?”
“Is there any way we can highlight Aunt Mary’s story? I know she’s passed�
��bless her soul—but maybe we can capitalize on her influence. Isn’t the cottage on your logo the source of inspiration for you to start Blue Ridge Cottage?”
Not exactly. “Um, yes.”
“That’s the white cottage set off in the woods outside of town?”
“It is.”
“Hmm.” Lissy Ann’s brow wrinkled. “Think about it and get back to me.”
“I will.”
Wiggling her fingers, Lissy Ann hurried off to complete her duties. Relief swamped Serena. Another lie averted. She pushed aside the story of Aunt Mary and focused her thoughts on her day. Until Logan strode into view. Attraction and dread warred within her. The butterflies in her belly assured her that attraction won the battle.
“Serena. Haven’t seen you in a while.”
He looked good, better than ever, wearing a tan button-down shirt, dark jeans and loafers. She blinked, thinking he would make the most amazing magazine model. The way his wavy hair picked up the sunlight just so, his high cheekbones and probing brown eyes, well, she’d certainly buy a copy of anything if he graced the cover.
“You okay?” he asked as she stared at him.
She didn’t miss the humor in his tone. “Sorry.” She cleared her throat. “You’ve been busy?”
“I was in Atlanta all week.”
“But now you’re back for the start of Oktoberfest?”
He held up a paper. “Complete with a work schedule delivered personally from Lissy Ann.”
“She is nothing if not efficient.”
He jutted his chin toward the park. “Are you working tonight?”
Why did the question sound so...personal? Could he be interested in her schedule because he was interested in her? Logan was making conversation, polite as always, but it didn’t mean he’d missed her while he was gone. Not like she’d missed him.
“Serena?”
Right. He’d asked her a question. She shook off her distraction. “Yes, and most every night after.”
“Me, too. Lissy Ann has me on—” he chuckled as he read the paper “—security.”
“Does she expect the festival to get out of hand?”
“Not to my knowledge. There might be a few folks who enjoy a little too much beer, but for the most part, things should be pretty orderly.”
