Snow Belle (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 1)

by Jackie Castle

  She certainly hadn’t invited him, either. If anything, she always seemed eager to skedaddle, as she liked to say.

  For the most part, Ethan was left to do his own thing while she did hers. He’d taken to rummaging around the old house, even repairing some of the simple fixes like the creaky stairs that simply needed a bit of wood glue and extra nails. Oh, what he could do with some paint and a sander on those wood floors. Of course, he couldn’t, not when she planned to sell. And anyway, fixing up an old house had nothing to do with his life plans. Though when he stood in the garden room and played his violin, it was almost magical with the wild greenery and frosted windows. Amazing how the drooping plants where already making a comeback after a bit of watering and trimming.

  He’d found a couple of snowmobiles in the garage and was able to get both started and running. If it snowed a bit more, he might be able to drive to his new job on one of them, once he got Haley’s okay. If it meant she didn’t have to talk to him or drive him in herself, she probably wouldn’t mind. She didn’t seem too comfortable on the drive into town this morning, and he wondered what troubled her.

  Making arrangements to start work the next afternoon, Ethan headed over to the corner diner. It was the only real restaurant in town aside from a burger joint at the opposite end of Main Street.

  He entered through the black painted door, setting off a tinkling of bells. The diner was done in art deco-type décor: Black and white stripes with purple and pink trim. He tried not to cringe as he took a seat at the old-fashioned counter, which seemed out of place. The plastic stools and linoleum top had to be from the late sixties, and the lime green didn’t quite fit the owner’s newer color scheme.

  “Good afternoon!” A woman close to his age dashed out from the cooking area, her dark curls pulled back in a stubby ponytail. She wore a white shirt with frilly lace around the collar and a shockingly bright purple apron. She flashed him a hot pink smile as she rested her elbows on the counter and propped her chin on her knuckles. “You’re new around here. Visiting relatives, or just passing through?”

  “Umm,” Ethan wished he had a menu to hide behind. The name tag on her shirt pocket read ‘Mallory’. She must be the owner of the establishment. “Neither, actually. I’m waiting for repairs on my car. I had a little accident—”

  “Oh, you’re the one that crazy southern chick sent off the road.” She snapped her ruby-red-nailed fingers, “Haley. She’s one of them Madisons. One of the last of the founding families.” Mallory shook her head, causing her stumpy tail to wobble. “Poor gal. What a train wreck, don’t you think?”

  “Umm, well, we’ve not talked much. Say, could I have a menu? I’ve never been here.”

  “Sure thing, sweets. I recommend the meatloaf. Mainly because I cooked up a ton of it this morning. But it’s good, I promise. Everything here is good. And I’m not just saying that because it’s my place.” She threw him a wink. “You look that over, sweetie, and I’ll get you a pop.”

  “Just water, please.”

  She mouthed ooookay, and then went off to get his drink. He turned his head, mouthing Wow as the doorbells jingled again.

  Haley entered. His heart gave a lurch at the wild curls falling across her face. Her beautiful blues fell on him and narrowed into a glare, stopping his pounding heart in its tracks.

  Chapter Eight

  Did Mallory just give her Yankee-guy a wink?

  Haley blinked as she did a double take. Ethan’s grin made her wonder if he liked the attention. Surely not?

  Mallory was nice, as far as personality went, but her food was as bland as rice cakes. And Haley was sure she’d told Ethan she’d make dinner for them. Two sirloins marinated in the fridge at the moment. Not that she usually had money for that kind of meal, but Meijers had a sale. The price of meat staggered her, now that she’d begun to work out the costs of purchasing food for her barbecue restaurant. Not to mention that finding decent jalapenos in this winter wonderland was another major feat she’d have to figure out how to overcome.

  Ethan turned to her, his eyes widening.

  Ha; gotcha! No, that wasn’t right. She had no claim on the Yank. She shook her head, hoping to shake some sense into it. Who cared if he flirted with the hussy waitress? He could flirt if he wanted to. But then why did the pit of her stomach opened like a deep well at that thought?

  Haley Isabelle Madison, get a grip!

  Tightening her jaw, she headed over to the counter. She did have a bone to pick with him over the payment of the parts ordered for his car. Beetle Bill had refused her money, and she wanted to know why.

  “Been looking for you.” She stopped at the counter, arms folded as she glared at him.

  He cleared his throat and waved the menu. “Thought I’d grab a bit of lunch. Have a seat Snowbelle. It’s on me today since you’ve been fixing dinners every night.” He leaned closer, his stormy grays twinkling with that silly crooked grin of his; the one she refused to let herself adore. “Might I add, such wonderful dinners? You really have a way of spicing things up, Missy.” He winked.

  Oh, why’d he always have to wink at her like that, sending her heart into cartwheels? She had no time for lopsided-grinning, winking boys. No time at all. Drat him and those long bangs always hanging in his dazzling eyes. Was he growing a soul patch on his chin? Lord, have mercy.

  Nope, she’d not fall for another pretty-faced boy. Richard, the ranch owner’s son from where she’d last worked, was all spit and fire and sent her heart ablaze. Or so she’d thought. Under those flames was nothing but ashy charcoal. He liked making money, and collecting pretty cars, toys, and women.

  But he’d meant security and the possibility of getting Lexie out of state custody. Of course, once she’d mentioned wanting to help her sister, Richard broke off their engagement and high-tailed it like a spooked horse, galloping off into the sunset.

  Haley refused to be taken in by any more handsome heroes. Nope, she intended to make a life for herself and Lexie all on her own. Thank you very much, you cutie-patootie-fiddle-playing-Yankee.

  Hands on hips, Haley set her scowl at him. “I went to pay the Beetle Brothers for your parts, Mister, and they refused my money. Didn’t I say I’d foot the bill for your car?”

  “Why yes, ma’am, you did,” he smirked.

  Oh, she hated when he mocked her dialect.

  Ethan patted the stool next to him. “Sit. The bill is paid. My insurance took care of most of it and I’ll cover the rest doing extra work at the shop.” His stormy grays narrowed as his voice lowered to a growl. “I told you, I’m just as much at fault as you were. Please don’t fight me on this. You will not win. Stubbornness isn’t just a southern quality, you know.” His brow cocked.

  Haley pressed her lips into a tight line, fighting off the smile hooking the side of her mouth. “Fine.” She plopped down on the seat, letting her purse slide off her shoulder and onto the ground. “I jus’ sold that old pot belly for nothing though, so you know.”

  He was staring at the menu again. She moved a bit closer to check out what sounded good. Humm… bland eggs and burnt bacon. Or unseasoned soups. She didn’t know what to think of what they called chicken wings. They were really chicken legs covered in flour. And that’s it! Hadn’t they heard of cumin or cayenne seasonings?

  Ethan handed her the menu. “You said things had to go. Were you planning to keep the stove? Don’t tell me I broke my back moving that thing for nothing.”

  She sighed. “Looks like I’ll have to go with an omelet and hope for the best.” She dropped the plastic pamphlet. “I coulda used it in the barn. Temp’s dropping more than I expected this time of year.”

  His hand fell onto her wrist with a gentle squeeze. “Haley, you shouldn’t be staying out there. The house is toasty, and I’ve been able to fix the blown fuses, so all the outlets work now. Let me stay out in the barn. I’m more used to the cold than you are.”

  She shook her head. He had no idea how hard staying in that house was for her
. The memories, her best ones, were tied up in those rooms. Living with Papop and Memaw were her happiest times and she’d let Papop down by not coming sooner. Every time she entered that house, she imagined all those months he was alone and sick with nobody to take care of him. She’d never forgive herself for letting that happen.

  At least in the barn, she was filled with happy memories of her grandpa. Alive and vibrant. His hair always cut military-short. He was a strong, quiet man. Gentle in spirit and so wise. He taught her about God, fishing, and loving nature.

  “I’m fine. I’ll get another heater and will be warm as toast in my little room. I like it there.”

  “Haley….”

  She shook her head. “Nope, I’m winning this one. I can’t go getting attached to that house again. I just cain’t.”

  His fingers squeezed her wrist again while his thumb rubbed the back of her hand. Pleasant shivers traveled up her arm, warming her. She needed to pull away but couldn’t make her muscles work. Why’d he have to be so kind? This was one fella whose insides matched his outsides it seemed. She couldn’t let herself get attached to him, either.

  Finally, she managed to move her arm and tuck her hands in her lap. Her fingers wound tightly together in an attempt to make sure she kept them where they’d be safe.

  Ethan studied her for a long moment before his mouth opened as if to ask her a question. Mallory took that moment to interrupt. Haley was actually glad to see her, despite her bright red lips and purple eyelids.

  “Have you decided what you want, handsome — oh hi, Haley.” Mallory’s head tilted. “Don’t normally see you in here. You wanting to sell off more of your family’s treasures?”

  Haley narrowed her eyes on the woman but, before she could spout off a smart remark, Ethan said, “I’ll take the two scrambled eggs with a side of sausage and bacon. I’d like wheat toast with apricot jelly. And I think Haley here would like an omelet. Correct?” His brows raised in question at her.

  “Yep. Doubtful you make them western style, do ya?”

  Mallory’s black, clumpy lashes narrowed, and she replied in a snarky tone, “In the west they do. Here we make them with cheese, mushrooms and the meat of your choice. Will that work for you, darlin’?”

  Why’d everyone want to mock her? Like they didn’t talk funny themselves with their rampant, fast words. How many times had she said, “Pardon me?” when she couldn’t keep up with what they were saying.

  “That’s fine. I’ll have ham, please. Would it be possible to get a pepper on the side?”

  Mallory slid the pepper shaker closer.

  Haley sighed. “I meant a jalapeño.”

  Mallory propped her elbow on the counter. “Don’t carry them. Nobody around here orders hot peppers.”

  “How about some Louisiana sauce? Surely—”

  Mallory leaned forward until they were almost nose to nose. “Told you last time, all I carry is Tabasco. Can I interest you in a bottle of that?”

  Haley’s mouth pinched into a tight line. “If that’s all ya got, then I’ll make do.”

  She made a note on her pad, tapping the pen a few times as she eyed Haley, then Ethan. Moving to where she stood directly in front of him, she flashed her glossy red smile. “So, Bill told me he’s already asked Haley to my Thanksgiving Feast Party. Those of us who don’t have families to visit always get-together for a pot-luck meal. You’re more than welcome to come along. I hear you play an instrument. We could use more musicians. Please tell me you’ll come and play for us.”

  Haley had never told that Beetle-brained Bill that she’d go with him. She’d only said she’d think about it. Nobody really wanted her there, anyway, and she would be peachy keen smoking a turkey for herself and watching early Christmas shows while snuggled under her many blankets.

  “Well?” Ethan gave a one-sided shrug. “If Haley is going, then I suppose I can go along. She’s been my ride around town, since I’m staying at her place.”

  Mallory’s smile drooped like a dog’s ears when it’s been left out in the rain. “You have? I figured you’ve been staying at the hotel. I mean, it’s not a bad place to stay. Now that they’ve finally made city code.”

  Haley leaned forward. “I couldn’t let him stay at the Bates Motel. Not after hearing of them bugs and rodents they were fighting.”

  Mallory gave a short nod of agreement at this fact.

  “So he’s staying at the house till his car is fixed and he can head on home.”

  “Really. Don’t you live around here?” Mallory asked.

  Before he could answer, Haley shoved the menu at her. “You gonna turn in our order or not?”

  Mallory shot her a furious glare, and then transformed her face into a flirting smile for Ethan. “Come to my party and we can talk more then.” She pulled out a pink business card with her information printed in dark purple. “Call me if you need a ride. Or anything else.”

  Ethan bit his bottom lip and took the card, slowly slipping it into the pocket of his green button-down shirt. He glanced at Haley questioningly.

  Mallory sauntered off to the kitchen, the doors swinging in her wake.

  Haley shook her head. Soon as Ethan tasted the bland slop served here, he’d not… wait, who cared who he wanted to talk to anyway. Drat it all. She wasn’t supposed to care.

  “So,” he broke into her thoughts. “You really going with Bill?”

  “Wasn’t planning on it.”

  He sighed and pulled out his phone, checking for messages or the time. “I will miss having a family dinner.” His finger swiped over an icon of a flower in a box. “This is my family.” He showed her a picture of a cluster of folks. The couple standing in the middle resembled Ethan. He favored his mother more than his father, whose hair grew sparsely over his wide head. A pretty girl with long, dark-brown hair leaned on Ethan’s shoulder, and a younger auburn-headed boy stood beside the mother, sticking out his tongue just as the picture was snapped.

  “Names?” Haley beat down the urge to ask if the girl was a relation or friend. Maybe girlfriend.

  “My parents, Martha and Frank Winters. Bekka, my sister, is a year older than me. And my brother Jeremy is seven years younger. We call him Oops, just to annoy him.”

  “Rude!” Haley exclaimed, yet laughed at the joke despite herself. “Lexie is eight years younger than me.” She didn’t want to tell him what kind of trouble Lex was in at the moment, so she answered his unspoken question with, “She’s still in Texas.”

  Then that Yank surprised her as he spun on his stool until he directly faced her. Taking her hands in his, he leaned forward until his stormy grays met her startled blues. “Please let me help you while I’m here. Haley, I believe there are no accidents. I’ve been asking the Lord for direction, and getting waylaid here… well, I’m wondering if somehow it wasn’t part of His plan.”

  She was about to tell him he was crazy, but that was exactly how Papop used to talk. Everyone had a purpose and God had a plan for everyone. Her breath caught as she stared into his mesmerizing eyes. She’d been fighting alone for some time. But last time she’d trusted… no, this wasn’t a good idea.

  “I see your doubt, Haley. I’m not saying I’ll be here for long, but while I’m here let me help you. I know a few things about business like I said before. At least let me see what you have planned, and maybe I can offer a few suggestions.”

  A clattering noise on the counter top startled Haley out of the daze created by Ethan’s gentle words and intense stare. She turned to find Mallory slapping the ticket between their plates, a disgusted look on her painted face. “Anything else you two want?” She reached under the counter and smacked a bottle of red sauce next to Haley’s omelet.

  Ethan released Haley’s hands. “This looks wonderful, Mallory. Thank you.”

  A chill crept across Haley’s fingers and she flexed them.

  “My pleasure.” At least Mal didn’t call him handsome this time.

  When she sauntered out to the dining area
, Haley looked at Ethan and gave a nod. “I do have some questions. Tonight while I fix dinner, I’ll bring my computer over and let you look at what I have for my plan so far.”

  He smiled and it whipped her heart into a frothy cream.

  She didn’t need to be getting sweet on some handsome Yankee, even if he was beautiful on the inside and out.

  Chapter Nine

  Ethan drew the bow across the violin’s strings, ending the O Holy Night solo Mallory had talked him into playing. The diners sat quietly, then broke into claps and whistles. Across the room, he caught sight of Haley dressed in a rusty brown sweater and gauzy shawl. She wore her red boots and a jean skirt, despite the dropping temperatures.

  She swiped her fingers across her cheek before heading to the restrooms in the back.

  Several people, including the Beetle Brothers surrounded him. Mallory grabbed his arm and planted a kiss on his cheek. “That was the most beautiful playing I’ve ever heard.”

  Bill and Bob were pounding him on the other shoulder. “If I’d known what a musical talent you were,” Bob said, “I never would have let you get those hands dirty working on cars. What are you thinking, man?”

  Ethan chuckled. He had to admit he always enjoyed the attention he was given after a performance. But after having played practically all evening, a tiredness hung on his arms and he set his instrument back in the case then snapped it close.

  “Why aren’t you playing in an orchestra?” Mallory dragged him over to the dessert table while the band began playing a lively polka. The rest drifted off to find a partner to dance with. “Tell me you are not wasting that wonderful talent, Ethan Winters.” She poured them each a glass of mulled cider.

  The spicy drink warmed him. Where had Haley gone off to? He checked the dance floor and found Bill Benton dancing with a girl who worked at the post office.