by Lily Marie
“Pine Heart Chamber of Commerce will buy whatever you need.” He raised his hand when she started to object. “We take care of our own. You became one of us, Kaylee, the minute you bought the building. Besides, my mom would kill me if I let you pay for the inconvenience of sleeping somewhere else.”
Her laughter shot straight to his cock. God help him—he’d have to spend the rest of the day with some kind of heavy furniture between them. Or a wall.
Kaylee checked into the B&B without fuss, thanks to Lindy calling ahead and charging the room to the town account. Then Elijah got the pleasure of watching her shop in Pine Heart’s department store.
“I had no idea,” she said, wandering through the women’s department, her eyes wide. “I spent all my time in the kitchen section. I didn’t know the store was so—”
“Expansive?” He smiled at her surprise. “Pine Heart is a big stopover for skiers and hikers. If you offer local, seasonal specialties at the restaurant, it will be a hit with them.”
“That’s the plan, gorgeous.” She clapped one hand over her mouth. “I didn’t—crap.”
She practically buried herself in a rack of granny nightgowns.
Elijah smiled, and his bear let out a satisfied growl. He may not do anything about their mutual attraction tonight, but she was going to be part of his immediate future.
As soon as they discovered who the hell tried to burn down her restaurant with her inside.
Three
Kaylee bought one of the flannel nightgowns, along with underwear and basic toiletries.
She didn’t want to take advantage of Mayor Black’s generosity—and she absolutely needed some kind of armor against one Elijah Black.
When he burst into her kitchen today, like a fierce knight, she’d never been so happy to see someone. The coward who had tried to burn down her restaurant had smacked her on the back of the head and left her in the kitchen before they set the fire. She still hadn’t told anyone, and had sworn the paramedic to secrecy. When the bump turned out to be small, he’d reluctantly agreed—after a laundry list of things to look out for in the next twenty four hours.
Now she walked next to her knight along Main Street, with the sun setting over the mountains. She’d never responded to another man like she had Elijah from their first meeting. Not even Rick, her despicable ex.
Heat spread through her every time she looked at him. She knew what he was; Lindy Black had given Kaylee a thorough orientation before she bought the building. The thought that he was a shifter, that a more primal part of him could be made physical, just made him more attractive.
Her desperate plan was to get rid of him as soon as he saw that her room was safe. If he stepped inside—God forbid, stayed inside—she couldn’t be responsible for her advances.
They reached the B&B, which was a nausea inducing palette of florals and more florals. Her room was a little less nauseating, but only because the duvet was a solid, instead of another floral.
Elijah guided her into the elevator, his hand cradling her elbow while they rode up in complete silence. All her focus was on his hand, so warm, so capable. She nearly crumpled in relief when the elevator door opened and he let her go.
They walked to her room, Elijah in the lead. He held out his hand for her key, then unlocked the door.
“Stay here, until I check everything.”
Kaylee nodded, even though she wanted to follow him inside. She was safe here, especially with most of the town in an outrage at the attempted arson. Safe from her attacker, at least. She was afraid her own need would make her do something stupid—like make a pass at the gorgeous Elijah Black.
He appeared in the doorway and held out his hand. “All safe. You probably want a shower about now.”
She swallowed, and immediately shoved the image of him in the shower with her, naked, wet, and plastered against her. “I—yeah. Thanks for everything.”
“My pleasure.” He flashed that contagious smile, and her knees threatened to buckle. “I’ll stay here until you’re ready for bed.”
Panic replaced the heat. “You don’t—”
“I made a promise to my mom. I’ll wait out in the sitting room.”
He gently pushed her into the main room, and through it into the bedroom, closing the door between them.
Kaylee clutched her shopping bag, then forced herself to set it on the small bench at the end of the bed. A quick shower would feel good, as cold as she could stand. That would give her incentive to get rid of him as quickly as possible and crawl under the covers of the big bed.
She undressed, made a mental note to throw out every stitch, and turned on the shower. Lukewarm was the coldest she could do, after delayed reaction to the fire left her numb and shivering.
The blue flannel nightgown helped, and the thick wool socks Elijah had tossed in with her other purchases. She dried her hair and quickly braided it, letting it hang down her back. Taking a deep, shaky breath, she opened the bedroom door.
Elijah was perched on the edge of a narrow, uncomfortable looking settee, leafing through a woman’s magazine. He stood when he saw her, tossing the magazine on the side table.
“You look much better.” He bit his lip, obviously fighting a smile.
“It’s the nightgown, isn’t it?” She looked down at the blue flowered flannel, with a double row of ruffles on either side of the button placket. More ruffles nearly covered her hands. “It is warm.”
His amusement faded. “Are you cold?”
“Just delayed shock, I think. I’ll be okay.”
He stepped to her, so tall, so strong, so beautiful. “I’ll say goodnight, then. You need some sleep, for your big day tomorrow.”
Oh, God—the opening. She wasn’t sure she could—
Yes, you can. After today, the entire town will be coming to support you.
Well, most of it.
At least one person would not be happy to see Kaylee’s Kitchen open.
“Hey.” Elijah brushed his fingers over her cheek. His touch shot heat straight to her core. “What’s going on in there?”
“Thinking about tomorrow—and how someone won’t be all that happy for my opening.”
Anger darkened his eyes. “Whoever it was, he’ll pay. You’re not alone, Kaylee.” He cradled her cheek, his touch so gentle that tears stung her eyes. It had been a long time since a man treated her with such care. “I’m going to say goodnight, but before I do, I’m going to kiss you.”
She swallowed. “I don’t—” God, he was standing too close. She couldn’t breathe. “I don’t think that’s—a good idea.”
“Neither do I, but you give me no choice. I have to.”
He moved closer, so close his scent surrounded her. Even under the lingering smoke, she could smell him. Pine, heady sandalwood, and cinnamon. The last made her smile.
She was still smiling when he kissed her.
Heat slammed into her, took her breath away with the power of it. Elijah moaned against her lips, and wrapped his arm around her waist, hauling her up against his chest. She clutched the front of his jacket and just held on as he thoroughly explored her mouth.
By the time he freed her lips she couldn’t think.
He whispered against her ear. “Goodnight, my sweet Kaylee. You tasted delicious—I’m going to want more.”
“Oh, God.”
He smiled as he lowered her to the floor, kissed her forehead, and walked out of the room.
Kaylee stumbled into the bedroom and sank to the bed, her head still spinning. She was in trouble.
Oh, Lord, was she in trouble.
Four
The next day flew by—and started with tears when she walked into her kitchen.
It sparkled, from floor to ceiling.
The spot where the fire had been started had been cleaned, and the damage was camouflaged with a small bistro table, a poster of the mountains guarding Pine Heart, and a tall vase of wildflowers.
Kaylee sat at the table and stared at the
wildflowers, crying like a baby. Strangers had done this for her, people who had only seen her around town, or never met her at all. Their care threatened to overwhelm her.
“Is everything working for—oh, Kaylee, dear.” Lindy Black pulled the other chair around and sat next to her, wrapping one arm around her shoulders. “What is it?”
“Kind.” She sniffed, using the sleeve of her new jacket to wipe her eyes. “You’re all so kind, and you don’t even know me.”
“I told you, the day you signed the paperwork for this building, that you were one of us now. You bought a part of Pine Heart, with the intention of bringing it to life. That means something to the people here.” Lindy kissed her cheek. “Now, young lady, it’s time to get to work.”
Kaylee blinked at her. “You’re not—are you—”
“Here to be your kitchen slave for the day.” With a smile, Lindy stood, pulling Kaylee to her feet. “I’m looking forward to not making any decisions today. Now, where do we start?”
***
Elijah spent most of the day pacing his small office at the local paper. When that became stifling, he started walking around town, avoiding the part of Main Street where Kaylee’s Kitchen stood. If he even got a glimpse, he’d want to go in, maybe offer his help—and kiss her again. Repeatedly.
God help him, she’d already gotten under his skin, into his heart. His bear grumbled in agreement, annoyed that only kissing had happened last night. Elijah had wanted more—damn it, he’d wanted all of her. Seeing her in that ruffled granny nightgown had left him hard as a rock, and it took all his control to walk away after kissing her.
He sighed, and faced the window of Henry’s Café to adjust himself. The dining room was half empty, which had been normal since Henry’s son, Phil, had taken over. He had the personality of a rock, and a temper that jumped from hot to flaming in a…
With a curse, Elijah strode to the door and yanked it open. Phil stood behind the counter, the usual scowl on his face. He sneered at Elijah and threw the towel in his hand on the cracked Formica.
“What the hell do you want, Black?”
“Proof that you didn’t try to burn down the new restaurant yesterday.” Before Phil could escape, Elijah reached over the counter and jerked him forward. “If you had anything to do with it, I’ll destroy you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Phil shoved at him, with no effect. Elijah was furious, and his bear was close to the surface. “Let go—”
Elijah dropped him and backed away. There was no scent of smoke, or accelerant. Enough of both would have still been on him, even after a shower. Elijah had the most sensitive nose of the Blacks, which wasn’t always a gift. He was glad for it at the moment, since it made eliminating potential suspects easy.
“Someone tried to burn down the new restaurant, with the owner inside.” Elijah took a few deep breaths, forced himself to calm. “If you know anything—”
“I’d tell you, Black. You think I’m an idiot? I may not be happy that there’s competition in town, but I’m not about to earn the wrath of your mother over it.”
“Phil? What’s all the yelling out here?” Maisie, Phil’s wife, stalked out of the kitchen, turning the angry stride into a sashay when she spotted Elijah. It took all his control not to roll his eyes. “Well, hey there, Elijah. What brings you into my little old diner?”
“A conversation with your husband. Which is now over.” Elijah didn’t have time or patience for polite. He blinked his eyes, the stink of her cologne threatening to choke him. “I’ll be watching you.”
“Yeah.” Phil yanked Maisie to his side. “I get that.”
Elijah walked out of the diner, sneezing the minute he hit the cold, fresh air. How a woman could wear so much cologne and still be able to breathe was beyond him. Maisie had always poured it on, and he’d always avoided her during their school years because of it. That, and her overt flirting. Even after she married Phil, she didn’t pretend that she wasn’t attracted to Elijah.
Thank God Mom hadn’t thought of her as a potential mate.
He had someone else in mind.
“I must be crazy,” he muttered, deliberately turning away from Kaylee’s restaurant. He knew Mom was there with her, and whoever else she wrangled to help make Kaylee’s opening perfect. Kaylee had been in his life for less than twenty four hours, and he knew, like the sound of his own heartbeat. “She’s my mate.”
“Who, baby brother?”
Elijah froze at Roman’s amused voice. Bracing himself, he turned around and met his brother’s gaze. “None of your business.”
“When you start talking to thin air, you make it the business of anyone in hearing range.” Roman crossed his arms, one eyebrow raised. Ever since Jenna had the twins, he’d been treating Elijah like a third son. “Mom despaired of you ever deciding on anyone. So, who’s caught your eye?”
“Like I said, none of your…” His voice faded when he spotted Kaylee. She stepped out of the front door of the restaurant, her blonde hair in a tangled bun, wisps of it blowing around her face as she ran to the curb.
“Ah.” Roman clapped one hand on his shoulder. “The pretty little chef. Followed your nose, did you, baby brother?”
“Yeah.” Elijah didn’t hear anything else as he watched Kaylee. She wore all black today, the wind plastering the fabric to her lush curves, her perfect breasts. His cock stood at attention, wanting her and wanting her now. He didn’t know how much longer he could wait. “Tonight,” he whispered to his bear. “I will ask her tonight.”
“You do that, Elijah.” Roman squeezed his shoulder, the amusement in his eyes fading. “And you do it with respect. She’s human, and may need time. Give it to her if she asks.”
“Right.” He tried not to think about her putting him off—or God forbid—rejecting him outright. “I have to go, Roman.”
“I’ll see you in a couple hours.” Elijah stared at him. “For the restaurant opening. The entire town is invited.” He grinned at Elijah before letting him go. “Try not to drool in front of everyone.”
Elijah watched him walk toward the small grocery, and recognized Jenna’s truck. Of course they’d come into town for this. There hadn’t been a new restaurant in town for years—never mind one opening with a big city chef.
He’d have to suffer through an endless evening of pretending to listen to conversations, wondering if his night would end in joy—or rejection.
Five
The dining room of Kaylee’s Kitchen was filled beyond capacity, with people waiting for every full table.
Kaylee directed her new kitchen staff, tasting every dish before it was plated, doing a final approval before each was brought out to the tables. She had planned a few simple dishes, and already her salmon and spiralized vegetables was gone, with the vegetable lasagna next on the sold out list.
She had never been more thrilled, more terrified, and more exhausted all at once.
“Chef!” One of the waitresses waved at her from the door. “A table wants to meet you, express their appreciation for the meal in person.”
“Be right there.”
Nerves kicked in as she wiped at the sweat on her face and straightened her stained white coat. She always kept her waist length hair in a tight knot when she cooked; she checked it now, then washed her hands and followed the waitress out to the dining room. Applause greeted her, and she halted as everyone in the dining room stood, clapping and cheering.
Lindy walked over to her and wrapped her in a warm hug. “Congratulations, sweetheart. You’re a success.”
Tears filled Kaylee’s eyes. She blinked them away before Lindy moved back, and pasted a smile on her face.
“Thank you. Thank you, everyone, for coming tonight. I’m overwhelmed, and so grateful for your welcome. Please enjoy the rest of your evening.”
She waved, and escaped to the kitchen before she burst into tears in front of the whole town.
Thankfully, the staff was busy, and didn’t notice he
r as she skirted the edge of the kitchen, headed for the walk-in fridge. Once she was inside, she let her shaky control slip.
The latch of the fridge turned.
Oh, God—someone had followed her to the kitchen. She turned to give a lame excuse, and froze when she saw who it was. Elijah stood in the open doorway, a smile threatening.
“Shall I leave you in here? Or join you?”
She knew she must look ridiculous, escaping here. But it had been her refuge after fights with Rick. Her temper had always left her overheated and flushed, and the cool, quiet fridge had offered both a place to hide, and a place to literally cool down.
“You can join me.” She turned away and wiped her face, hoping her eyes weren’t all puffy. The cold helped with that as well. “So, what did you have for dinner?”
“I managed to get the last of the salmon.” She jumped at his voice, so close. “It was exquisite, and I mean to get the recipe out of you.”
After a deep breath, she turned to face him, forced to look up to actually see his face, because he was inches away from her.
“I’ll be happy to write it down for you—in exchange for a recipe from you.”
He smiled, and her knees nearly buckled. “I’d be honored, Chef Jackson.” He took her hand, and bent over to kiss her fingers. “I would also be honored to help you clean up after the hordes leave. I know you plan to send the kitchen staff home. My mom told me.”
“I’d appreciate the help.” Her heart pounded at the thought of being alone with him again. “Dessert is coming in soon.”
“I won’t want to miss that.” He finally let go of her hand and backed to the door. “Don’t stay in here too long, Kaylee. Your eyelashes are starting to frost.”
After another devastating smile, he left her.
Kaylee sagged against the shelf behind her, so flushed and hot even the cold air didn’t help.
She was in trouble. Serious trouble.
God help her—she was falling for a shifter.
Six
As promised, Elijah stayed after the restaurant finally closed, and Kaylee managed to politely shoo the last patrons out the door. She turned the lock with a tired sigh, and scanned the dining room.
