Whispers of Winter: A Limited Edition Collection of Winter Romances

by Nicole Morgan

  Chapter Nine

  Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot. Kellen opened the door and she jumped down from the truck, waiting for him so they could walk in together. She acted as if nothing had happened between them. He would help her pick the color of the paint and go their separate ways. He could go to the café and start his job.

  “Come on, I’ll show you the brand of paint I prefer. The color chips are just over here.” He walked a few steps in front of her.

  They both stopped in front of the yellow paint chips. She reached for a chip just as he did and quickly pulled her hand back. “Sorry.”

  “No need to apologize. Guess we both saw something we liked on the same card. Which yellow did you like?”

  “The middle one. What about you?” She still refused to look at him.

  “The same one. I have to grab some brushes and a drop cloth. Why don’t you can wait here?”

  “Okay, how many cans of paint do we need?”

  “Six, I’ll put them in the cart and you can get them mixed while I grab the other stuff. This damn store always has the music too loud.” He shook his head, his brows drawn down. “Not everyone appreciates it.” He grumbled under his breath as Frank Sinatra crooned, “I’ll be home for Christmas.”

  He glanced in the cart and counted to make sure he had the correct number of cans. Peeking at her out of the corner of his eye, he pushed the cart over and placed the cans of paint base on the counter. He handed the paint card to the man. “This one in the middle, Bob. How have you been?”

  “I’ve been good. Haven’t seen you for a few weeks. You have something big going on?” Bob glanced over Kellen’s shoulder.

  “One that will hold me over for a bit. You know the Hazel Nut Cafe that caught fire a few weeks ago?”

  Bob nodded.

  “Well, I’m doing the rebuild and adding some more room to the kitchen on the back. We’re going for something brighter.”

  Bob leaned over the counter a little. “Who’s the babe? She’s pretty hot,” he whispered.

  “Oh, she’s the boss’s daughter. Put your tongue back in your mouth. She’s way out of your league,” Kellen replied in a hushed tone.

  “Oh, well if she’s out of my league, she’s certainly out of yours. Why is she here with you?”

  “Overseeing the job, helping pick everything out. The café belongs to her grandfather. Look, can you get the paint mixed? I’m in a bit of a hurry.”

  Bob looked at Kellen then glanced over at the woman standing just behind him. He winked, grabbed the cans, and went over to the machines to add colors to the base.

  Kellen sighed and turned to Rhian. “I’ll be right back. I’ll grab everything while you wait for these.”

  “Sure,” she said with a nod. “That’s fine.”

  “Bob, how much longer?”

  “About fifteen minutes.” He pounded a lid back onto the next can and put the first cans of paint on the counter.

  He collected the rest of the supplies and returned to find Rhian loading the paint cans into the cart. He quickly grabbed one from her hand. “Those are heavy. Let me get them.” She blushed then looked down, sending a warm flush through him. Maybe there was something to this gentleman stuff.

  “Okay. Look, would you take me home on your way back to the café? I think you can handle the rest of this by yourself. I want to get my car and visit my grandfather.”

  “Sure… I’d really like to meet him sometime.”

  “I’m sure you will. He’ll probably be over as soon as the doctor gives him the okay.”

  Once everything was paid for and in the back of the truck, Kellen climbed in and turned on the ignition. Another country love song poured out of the speakers, filling the silence between them.

  “You two would probably get along. He is the kindest man you’d ever hope to meet. Did you know he painted the sign in front of the café?”

  “No, I didn’t. Why the name Hazel Nut?”

  “My grandmother’s name was Hazel. When she first talked about a café, he called her a nut for wanting to work again. The sign started out as a joke, but she loved it.”

  “What a cool way to come up with a name. I like that she saw the humor in it.”

  “Yeah, they loved each other so much. You know, I never remember them ever having an angry moment when they were together. Not in front of me, anyway.”

  His brows drew together; his jaw clenched. He could feel her eyes on him as his expression changed. Damn, now she’ll think she said something wrong.

  When they pulled up in front of her place, she didn’t wait for him to open the door. “Goodbye. I’ll check in with you later.”

  “Sure, call me with any questions. I’ll let you know how everything is going.”

  “That sounds good. Let me know if you need anything.”

  She needed to talk her grandfather and find out how much longer she would be stuck in this damn town. As she opened the door to her apartment, she swore Kellen’s scent lingered in the room. She walked to the French doors and threw them open, allowing the cool air to flow through the room.

  She opened her windows as well, so the breeze would carry his scent out of her house. She stood for a moment, watching the curtains move softly in the light wind. Satisfied the room had aired out nicely, she closed everything back up, picked up her phone, and called the hospital.

  “Hello?” Her grandfather’s voice sounded much stronger. “Harry here.”

  “Grandfather, how are you feeling today? You sound much better. Are you about ready to get out of there?” She smiled, knowing that would be the first thing he said to her.

  “Of course I’m ready to get out of here! Ya’ll making me stay this long is just pure torture. You know I want to get over and see how the Hazel Nut is. How are things going? I hope that man is doing a good job.”

  “I picked out some wonderful new appliances, everything commercial grade. Wait until you see the range and the new fridge! I had so much fun choosing them. I went with Ke… Mr. Slade today and picked out paint for the dining area. I think you’ll really like it.”

  “What color? Nothing too bright, I hope. You’re grandmother didn’t like bright colors. Don’t know why. On the other hand, you’re like me; we both paint so we know colors. Well, listen to me, I just answered myself.” He laughed that huge laugh of his. “Did you get us something really nice?”

  “Yes, I picked out a lovely shade of yellow. It reminds me of the dining room at your house. I think it will set a pleasant mood in the café. By the way, the men who worked on the furniture said there was little smoke damage. They guarantee no smoke smell.”

  “That’s good, I was worried about the furniture. Your grandmother picked it out. Hmm, yellow would look nice in there, especially when the sun filters in during the early evening. I picked the yellow for the dining room at home. Did you know that? Your grandmother thought it was too bright. Good choice, Rhian.”

  “Thanks, Grandfather.” She smiled at the thought of her grandmother possibly protesting this color choice. “Listen, I went by yesterday and watered your tree for you.”

  “You didn’t have to do that for me, baby doll. I hope I’ll be home for Christmas. I’m glad the guy your dad hired is working out. Joe was by the other day and said he used him to build his new garage. He was really pleased with him.”

  “I think he’ll get the job done just fine. He seems to know his business, so don’t worry.” She shook her head, realizing the futility of her words even as she said them. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

  “Sounds good.”

  “I love you.”

  “Love you too, baby doll. I’m not worried with you watching out for the cafe. You know how much it means to me.”

  “I know, it means a lot to me, too. Goodbye, Grandfather.”

  “Goodbye. See you tomorrow.”

  Rhian sighed as she clicked her phone off. She would have to stay and oversee things until her grandfather was doing well
enough on his own. Frustrated, she looked out over the gardens and wondered why her father had to be so controlling.

  Chapter Ten

  Several hours later, her phone rang. She picked it up and her heart skipped a beat when she heard Kellen’s voice.

  “I just wanted to let you know most of the supplies are ordered now, so I can start tearing down the burned-out part of the kitchen. A dumpster will be delivered today about four-thirty. Denny came by and I hired him. I hope that’s okay with you, Boss Lady.”

  “Why did you hire Denny, Mr. Slade?” She found it rather odd, as most folks who didn’t know him thought he was slow. Rhian differed from that opinion, but she wondered what Kellen thought.

  “He came by and was excited that I’m fixing the cafe. He’s very fond of your family and offered to help if I needed someone. We talked for a bit and he knows more than what you obviously give him credit for.”

  “I think he’ll do a great job,” she replied. Her heart softened at how perceptive and welcoming he was to Denny. “Thank you for hiring him.”

  “No problem. I wanted to let you know I have a hard hat for you in the bed of the truck. So, I guess I’ll see you later.”

  He hung up before she could reply. Rhian sat down on her sofa and mulled over the morning. She knew her father wouldn’t approve of him any more than her grandfather did. Why did she have feelings for this man? Why was she sitting on her sofa feeling so lousy when she could call her best friend Deanna and go out for a couple of drinks? She grabbed her phone and hit speed dial.

  “Rhian? I was just thinking about you. What’s going on?” Deanna sounded bubbly as usual.

  “I was wondering if you were up for a girls' night out?” She crossed her fingers.

  “Oh, you must have read my mind. Where do you want to go?”

  “Somewhere with some good blues. You game?”

  “Oh, there’s a new blues club in town. I went last week with Billy. The house band was awesome. How about you pick me up in thirty minutes?”

  “Thirty minutes it is. Let me change and put on some makeup. See you soon!” She hung up the phone and browsed through the clothes in her closet. She knew she had more than thirty minutes to get ready—Deanna was always late. Rhian found this endearing about her.

  When she pulled up, Deanna was already coming down the walk. “Hey, girl!” Deanna said as she opened the door and climbed in. “You look great tonight.” She reached over and gave Rhian a hug, air kissing her cheek.

  “You look amazing as always. What did you do to your hair? It looks great.”

  “I had my stylist try a different color. Do you really like it? You don’t think the bangs are too much?” She frowned and gazed at Rhian with her big, blue eyes open wide and her bottom lip stuck out.

  Rhian broke into laughter. “Oh my God. Will you stop with the pouty lips and big puppy dog eyes already? It cracks me up. You look just fabulous and you know it.”

  Deanna sat back and sighed. “Well now, all’s right with my world. My best friend loves my hair! Why are we still here? Let’s get this show on the road. All those cute boys aren’t going to wait.”

  Rhian pulled out into traffic and headed toward downtown Savannah. She loved this city and the old trees lining the cobblestone streets of her neighborhood. “Don’t you love how the city decorates for Christmas?” If my father didn’t smother me so much I probably wouldn’t feel the need to escape. Oh, who am I kidding? It’s not just him, it’s Kellen too.

  “Yep. But I don’t think anyone loves it as much as you do.” She reached over and tapped Rhian’s arm. “You could be a damn elf. Let’s just have fun tonight and stop talking about Christmas.” Deanna laughed.

  Chapter Eleven

  Rhian pulled up to the club and handed her keys to the valet. She placed the ticket in her pocket as blues flowed out the front door.

  She grabbed Deanna’s arm. “Come on, let’s get a drink and hit the dance floor.” They made their way to the bar where a young blond-haired man mixed drinks.

  “He’s cute.” Deanna fluttered her big blue eyes at him. “So, what does a girl need to do to get a drink around here, handsome?” she asked in her sweetest voice.

  Rhian rolled her eyes as the bartender turned to look at Deanna and almost dropped the drink out of his hand.

  “What do you want, babe?” he asked, his full attention on her. He set the drink down so hard it splashed down the dress front of a pissed-off brunette.

  “Well, how about a dirty martini for me and…?” She glanced at Rhian, going into full Southern girl charm mode.

  “I’d like a bloody Mary with two olives, please.” Rhian bit her bottom lip, trying to hold back her laughter. The bartender drooled over Deanna, his eyes bulging. It reminded her of a cartoon character. She leaned over and whispered, “Guess that hair is working better for you than you thought. In a minute, his tongue will fall right out of his little old mouth.”

  She giggled at the thought, grabbed her bloody Mary, and turned to watch the crowd on the dance floor. She had sipped most of her drink when the band launched into Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy.”

  “Deanna! I love this song, come on.” She grabbed her friend’s hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. Rhian closed her eyes, slowly moving her body to the rhythm of the music.

  A feeling swept over her that she was being watched. She opened her eyes and looked around the club. Kellen sat at a back table. When their eyes made contact, a smile formed on his lips.

  Rhian felt her entire body flush from the heat of his stare. She turned quickly to face Deanna and realized her friend now danced with a young man just as smitten with her as the bartender. “Deanna!” she yelled over the music. “I’m leaving. Are you coming with me?”

  “What do you mean leaving? We haven’t been here but what, twenty minutes? I thought you wanted a girls’ night out?” She pushed her bottom lip out again. “I’m having fun.”

  “Fine, we can stay a little longer, but I really don't want to be here late.” Rhian could feel Kellen’s eyes on her back; she wished he would just leave. What was he doing here anyway? She made her way back to the bar to order another drink. When the bartender set it down, she sipped some, trying to force herself to relax.

  Rhian knew she had to leave Savannah soon. Every time she saw Kellen, the attraction intensified. She wanted to talk to her grandfather tomorrow and then get her airline tickets. If she stayed, things would get more difficult than just dealing with her father’s wrath. She was determined more than ever to make it to Italy.

  A shiver swept over her as she felt a warm breath on the back of her neck. She stiffened, recognizing the voice instantly when she heard it.

  “Rhian, would you care to dance with me?” His deep voice vibrated through her body.

  “Why, Mr. Slade?” she asked, without turning.

  “Because I want to share a dance with you,” he breathed into her ear. His hand slid down her arm, his fingers laced through hers. “Please.” He gave a gentle tug and she found herself off the stool and following him onto the dance floor.

  He put his arm around her, brought her hand up against his chest, and they moved slowly to the music. Rhian glanced up into Kellen’s eyes and felt something she had only dreamed of. He gazed down at her and her feelings for him grew stronger. She closed her eyes. Stick to the plan. Stick to the plan.

  Kellen held her, reeling from being this close to her. He didn’t want these feelings; he wanted to be the cold-hearted bastard he had conditioned himself to be all these years. She would never love me. How could she? No one could ever love me.

  The song finished, and he lifted her chin gently with his hand, intending to thank her for the dance and walk away. But when his eyes met hers, he leaned down and softly kissed her lips. He breathed in her scent and pulled her closer. “Can we get out of here?” he asked, desperate for her to say yes.

  “Kellen, please. What do you want from me?” She put her head down so she wouldn’t ha
ve to look into his eyes.

  “I just want to be alone with you. Please, Rhian.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Rhian knew she was going to say yes before the words left her mouth. She put her head against his chest, held him close and whispered, “Where?”

  “Just somewhere quiet, so we can talk.”

  “Give me a minute.” She found Deanna and gave her the valet ticket and keys to her car. “I’ll get the car tomorrow. I have a friend taking me home so you can stay a while.”

  “You sure you don’t mind?” Deanna asked, so busy flirting she didn’t even ask who it was.

  “No, I’ll call you tomorrow.” She quickly hugged her friend and walked out the door to find Kellen astride his Harley.

  She walked up to him, feeling anticipation and fear at the same time. He looked so damn hot on his bike.

  He smiled and handed her a helmet. “Do you know how to strap that on?”

  “No, I’ve never been on a bike before.” She looked at the helmet he had placed in her hands, handed it back, and let him strap it on her head. She trembled as his fingers touched her skin.

  He grinned and said, “Put this jacket on, it’s cold. Climb on, Rhian. Let’s get out of here.”

  She wrapped her arms around him and excitement rushed through her. He started the bike and the deep, rumbling vibrated up her body. She took a deep breath when he put the bike in gear and held him tighter as they roared off down the road. The wind whipped around her, cooling her skin. It was so intense, tears formed in her eyes.

  As he leaned the bike into a curve she tensed just a little, but he straightened it back up and hit the throttle. He handled the Harley as if it were an extension of his body. She felt herself grow calm as she put her life in his hands.