“We’d love to help you, Mr. Granger,” the receptionist had told him. “But I’m afraid our staff is already greatly reduced this time of year. We’ll be closing in a few days and won’t reopen until after the New Year.”
With a sigh, he readjusted his position as he tried to come up with a way around this little problem. He’d already tried to cook for himself, against Dr. Stinger’s advice. That had been a colossal mistake that had led to him having to take an extra dose of the painkiller he’d been prescribed. Standing in one spot for more than a few minutes was simply not going to happen again, at least not without pain.
He’d been in town a little less than a week now and had already grown tired of takeout food. What he wanted was a home-cooked meal, as many of them as he could get. Obviously, he wasn’t going to be the one doing the cooking, and therein lay his dilemma.
He looked at his phone lying on the coffee table in front of him. Hadley popped into his mind. She had said to call her if he needed anything. Cooking for him seemed to be well outside her job description, but then again, so had rearranging things in the town house. She’d come over and done that without any complaints.
Contemplating his options, he realized he didn’t really have anyone else to call. He’d have to walk a fine line between asking her for help and burdening her. He knew Hadley was already busy with things at MHI, and he didn’t want her to think he was taking advantage simply because she’d made herself available to him.
In the end, logic won out, and he gave Hadley a call.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Hadley. It’s Devon.”
With a smile in her voice, she asked, “Do you need something?”
He took a deep breath. “Yes. I have kind of an unorthodox request.”
“More unorthodox than rearranging the town house?”
He chuckled. “I’m afraid so.”
“I’m listening.”
“I’m not supposed to be standing on my feet for long periods of time. That’s fine, since I’m on vacation, but it does leave me with a problem.”
“What’s that?”
“I can’t cook. I’ve got a refrigerator full of groceries here, and no way to indulge my love of cooking.”
“I’d hate for it all to go bad.”
“So would I, since I paid for it.” A nervous laugh left his throat, and he decided to just come out with his request. “I know you’re busy at the office, but I’m tired of eating takeout. Is there any way you could cook for me? It doesn’t have to be every day, and you don’t have to come here and do it. Since I’m asking you for a favor, I’ll let you decide the parameters.”
The line was silent for a few moments.
Was she thinking it over? Or had they been disconnected? “Are you still there?”
She laughed. “Yes. I’m just trying to decide what I’ll cook first.”
He felt the smile stretching his lips. “So, you’ll do it?”
“Sure. It’s not a problem if I can cook what I’m already making for myself. I’ll just double my recipes, and voilà, your problem is solved.”
“When could you start?”
“How about tonight? I was going to make Chinese, and I don’t mind coming over there.”
He felt his nervousness dissipate, replaced by the anticipation of her presence. “I have just about everything here. Whoever did the shopping was very thorough.”
“Sounds good. I’ll just bring over some spices, and we should be good to go.” She paused. “You realize you’re going to have to tell me the entire truth about what’s going on with your back, right?”
“Yes. If you’re willing to do all this for me, I owe you that much.” He reclined against the backrest of the sofa. “I’ll tell you the whole story tonight over dinner. How’s that?”
She sounded pleased. “Then I’ll see you tonight around seven. ’Bye, Devon.”
“’Bye.” He disconnected the call and set his phone aside. His eyes focused on the view through the patio doors, he wondered what tonight would hold. He’d be out of his mind to deny the attraction sparking between them. Would it all come to a head tonight?
He didn’t know, but he planned to let things progress naturally. Wherever that led, he’d be ready.
Chapter 7
Hadley knocked on the door of the town house at a few minutes past seven. With a paper grocery bag balanced on her hip, she waited, marching in place to stay warm. The temperature had dropped after the sun went down and the chilly day faded into a cold December night.
Devon swung open the door, greeting her with a smile. “Hi, Hadley.”
His lips continued to move, as if he were saying something more. But everything he said after his initial greeting went unheard as her eyes raked over him. She hadn’t intended on staring at him, but she couldn’t help it. He wore a closely fitted long-sleeved black T-shirt that displayed the outline of the ripped upper body beneath. Charcoal-gray slacks encased his powerful thighs and legs. A thick gold rope chain hanging around his neck suspended the head of a roaring lion in the center of his chest.
How can he be this fine? Every time she saw him, her brain shut down. When it came to concentrating in Devon’s presence, the struggle was quite real.
“Hadley, did you hear me?” He touched her arm. “Come on inside out of the cold.”
His velvet voice brought her back to reality, and her awareness of the frigid air swirling around her returned. She offered a crooked smile to her amused host. “Thanks.”
He stepped aside to allow her in. Once she was inside the town house, she carried the paper bag to the kitchen while he locked up. Setting the bag on the counter, she removed the supplies she’d brought over to supplement Devon’s grocery stockpile.
He entered the kitchen, and she felt his presence the moment he did. Her nose twitched as she detected the familiar woodsy fragrance of his cologne. “You look nice tonight, Hadley.”
“Thank you.” She’d donned a green turtleneck sweater dress, black leggings and tall black boots to work this morning, and had come straight to the town house from the office. She arranged the sesame oil, sesame seeds, soy sauce and rice wine vinegar she’d brought on the counter, trying not to get too excited about his compliment.
A tremor shot through her as he moved closer. He entered her space, standing directly behind her as he placed his fingertips on her shoulder. “Thank you again for doing this. I really do appreciate it.”
Her conversation with Belinda in the salon came to mind, and she remembered her decision to seize the opportunity with Devon when the moment was right. Standing there, with his warm breath on the back of her neck, she knew what she needed to do. Drawing a deep breath, she turned around to face him. “Before I start cooking, can we talk for a minute?”
He nodded, backing up a bit. Leaning his hips against the opposite counter, he looked her way. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”
This was the moment she’d been waiting for. For the last four years, she’d been waiting to tell him how she felt, never planning a speech. She just wanted to speak from her heart. “I don’t want you to think I’m just being friendly and helpful by doing this.”
His thick brow cocked upward. “Oh, really?”
She nodded. Maintaining eye contact with him was something of a struggle, but she refused to look away until she’d said what was on her heart. “I...have feelings for you. Strong feelings that tell me I want to be more than just your friend.”
His expression remained unchanged, revealing nothing about his reaction. “And how long have you been feeling this way?”
She hesitated. Maybe I should have come up with a speech. “At least three years. Maybe longer. But I know you’re a widower, and I wanted to be respectful of your grief.”
He straightened then, taking a few steps,
which brought him back into her personal space. “That’s very considerate.” He reached out then, his fingertips grazing down the sleeve of her dress until he clasped her hand in his own.
Her heart jumped into her throat as she realized he was receptive. Drawing her bottom lip into her mouth, she lowered her gaze. She didn’t know what else to say. Thankfully, it appeared she wouldn’t need to say anything else.
He squeezed her hand. “I’m honored that you feel this way about me, Hadley.” He raised her hand, lifting it to his lips. Brushing a kiss over her knuckles, he set his golden eyes on her face. “You’re an attractive, intelligent and caring woman, and I’m very open to seeing what we could have.”
Her breath escaped in a rush, then a wide grin broke over her face.
His smile melted her heart. “Are you still cooking?”
Laughing, she nodded. “Yes. We still have to eat, right?”
“I suppose.” He released her hand, gesturing to the stove. “I’ll leave you to it.”
She took a few deep breaths to settle herself before her hormones got the better of her. Then she went back to the sink to wash her hands.
He strolled to the dining room table and took a seat. The open layout of the town house meant there was no wall separating the kitchen from the other common rooms on the first floor. “I think I’ll stay here and keep you company while you cook, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all.” Concentration be damned, she loved having him nearby. With him sitting at the table only a few feet from her, she started to cook.
Within the hour, the kitchen was filled with the savory aromas of the dishes she’d begun to prepare. One skillet held the cornstarch-battered chicken, frying in a shallow bath of vegetable oil. The other held baby peas, diced carrots and chopped onions, sizzling in oil along with cooked brown rice.
“Smells fantastic in here. What are we having?” Devon leaned forward, resting his elbows on the surface of the table.
“Sesame chicken, fried rice and egg rolls.” She looked at the digital display to check the oven temperature. Satisfied that it had heated up enough, she slid in the waiting sheet pan.
“I’m impressed. I’ve never had homemade sesame chicken.”
“You’ll love it.” She tucked the cutting boards she’d used to dice the chicken and onions into the dishwasher. After washing her hands again, she grabbed a paper towel from the standing dispenser to dry her hands before chucking it into the trash. “Or at least I hope so. It’s hard work making this stuff from scratch, though I did use precooked brown rice.”
He chuckled. “Nothing wrong with a shortcut now and then.” He stood then, slowly making his way back into the kitchen.
She watched him, feeling her heartbeat hasten as he approached. “Shouldn’t you be resting your back, Devon?”
“I promised to tell you the problem, and I’m telling you now. I have a herniated disk near my tailbone. That’s why I need to take it easy and stay off the second floor.”
Concern swept over her, and she resisted the urge to chastise him or try to force him to sit back down. “Are you sure you should be on your feet right now?”
A wicked smile lit his face as he came abreast of her. “I’m fine. Now, like I was saying. A shortcut is okay now and again, but not when it comes to us.”
She noticed his quick change of subject but chose not to address it. “What do you mean?” She trembled as his nearness threatened to overwhelm her.
He placed his palms on her arms. Though she was encased in the dress, his touch seemed to penetrate the fabric.
“There won’t be any shortcuts with me and you. I want to get to know you, and I want to take my time doing it.” He leaned low, his face mere inches from hers. “No shortcuts.”
“Mmm.” It was the only sound she could manage. She looked into his hazel eyes and felt her insides melt.
Hooking his finger beneath her chin, he whispered, “Can I?”
She didn’t need an illustration to know what he was asking. “Please do.”
She saw him smile as he tilted her face to an angle more to his liking. Seconds later, his lips touched hers, and her eyes closed as the sweetness spread through her like wildfire. His lips were soft, and she relished the feeling of them. None of her fantasies matched this fiery reality. He kissed her solidly yet gently, lingering for a few long moments before easing away.
Only the sizzling of the food on the stove broke the silent aftermath as she stared into his eyes.
He is one hell of a man.
* * *
Tuesday afternoon, Devon sat on a padded stool at the bar inside the Salty Siren. He’d been coming there every year since he started vacationing in Sapphire Shores for the holidays, and he loved the food, the top-shelf drinks and the laid-back atmosphere. There was always a game on the television, plus all the giant chicken wings you could eat and a great selection of beers on tap. Holiday decorations consisted of several wreaths fashioned from beer can tabs and a single four-foot Christmas tree occupying the corner behind the hostess stand.
He’d decided to break the cabin fever that had begun to set in by meeting his old friend Campbell for a quick chat. Even as he stared absently at the highlight reel on the television in front of him, he couldn’t shake his memories of the previous night.
When Hadley had revealed her feelings to him, he hadn’t been surprised. He’d mostly been pleased, flattered and happy that she’d decided to make a move. He still held on to some nervousness about dating his friend’s younger sister. But the kisses they’d shared last night made it clear that he had no choice but to give in to the attraction between them. Like the pots of food on the stove last night when they’d shared that initial kiss, the feelings had been simmering for a long time and had finally reached their boiling point.
Campbell, who’d been sitting on the stool next to him for the past fifteen minutes or so, perused the laminated menu. “I get the same thing every time I come here.”
Brought back to reality, Devon shrugged. “If it ain’t broke...”
Chuckling, Campbell laid the menu on the bar. “You’re right. I’m just gonna order the wings.”
By then, the bartender in the fitted T-shirt bearing the namesake Salty Siren sidled up. The blue-eyed brunette had been openly flirting with Devon ever since he and Campbell had entered. She leaned over the bar in front of him, the V-neck of her shirt revealing her ample bust. “What can I get ya, Mr. Granger?”
Giving her the practiced smile he gave all his overzealous fans, he replied, “Call me Devon.”
She sighed. “I’d just as soon call you handsome. Did I mention how much I loved Reach for the Sky?”
Campbell rolled his eyes. “Yes, twice. You do see me sitting here, right, Maddie?”
She cut her eyes in his direction. “Yeah, I see you. And I know you want teriyaki wings and a Blue Moon. You order the same thing every time you come in here.”
Devon hid his amusement as he watched the exchange.
“You’re coming off a little salty today, Maddie.” Campbell folded his arms over his chest. “You can’t be acting up just because we went to school together. Expect that to be reflected in your tip.”
Did we go to school together? Devon searched his memory bank for a Maddie in his graduating class but came up empty of one that fit her description.
She giggled and stuck out her tongue at him. “Whatever.” Smoothly switching her focus back to Devon, she continued, “It isn’t every day we get a bona fide celebrity in here.”
Devon waved his hand in a show of modesty. “You’re too kind. But I’ll have the chicken nachos and a Sprite, please.”
“Coming right up.” Maddie winked at him as she walked away.
“No beer today?” Campbell asked.
“Nah. Mixes with my pain meds,
and I gotta drive myself back to the town house.”
Maddie placed a tall glass of iced soda in front of him, then set a frosty bottle of beer in front of Campbell. Tossing another grin in Devon’s direction, she moved away.
“I feel ya.” Campbell relaxed his arms, resting his elbows on the bar. “Meanwhile, looks like Maddie’s trying to get with you, man.”
Devon shook his head. “Not interested.”
Campbell’s eyebrow cocked. “What? You’re not down with the swirl? I’m shocked, with you coming from Hollyweird and all.”
Devon gave his buddy a punch on the shoulder. “Shut up, Cam. It’s not that. There’s somebody else.”
“Oh, really? Who?”
Hesitating for a beat, he replied, “Your sister.”
Shock registered on Campbell’s face, and he shifted positions on the stool so he faced Devon. “What? When did this happen?”
“Last night.”
Face scrunched into a frown, Campbell shook his head. “Bro.”
Realizing his error, Devon chuckled. “No, no. It’s not like that.”
“It better not be.”
“I should rephrase.” He’d wanted to be honest with his friend, but it hadn’t come across the way he’d intended. “Last night, Hadley told me that she’s been attracted to me for a while, and honestly, I’ve been interested in her, too.”
Campbell asked, “And what does that mean?”
“It means we’re going to take our time getting to know each other better.”
That seemed to satisfy him, at least to a degree. His shoulders dropped, and he turned back toward the bar. “Okay then. That sounds a lot better.”
Devon watched his friend, gauging his reaction. “So, does that mean you’re okay with this?”
Campbell looked him in the eye. “Your playboy days are over, right?”
A Love Like This Page 6
