by Danni Rose
The doors to the restaurant opened, and the dinner guests walked in. Amber greeted each person and seated them at their tables. Soon she was too busy to worry.
After the last guest left, Amber rushed to the kitchen. She grabbed Mason's hand and begged, "Please tell me you still have coffee."
"I made a fresh pot." Mason laughed. "How about a cup with dessert before we set up for tomorrow?"
"Marvelous." Amber sat on a stool and kicked off her shoes. "Wearing new shoes was not the best idea I've ever had."
"You relax. I'll serve you."
"You're my hero."
Mason poured coffee and cut a slice of raspberry-white chocolate cheesecake.
Amber tasted the dessert and said, "Is this from Delectable Delights?"
"It is. Erik created it. The cake is a favorite of my customers and supports another business in town."
"Are those businesses helping you?" The question came from behind them.
Amber and Mason turned.
Mason said, "Amber Fuller, my father, Ashton Reed."
"Hello, Mr. Reed." Amber smiled. "Would you like a cup of coffee or dessert?"
"I'll have coffee."
Mason moved to stand, but Amber stopped him. "I'll get it."
Ashton pulled a stool out and sat. "You didn't answer my question, Mason."
"I've had guests referred by the owners of Delectable Delights and The Age of Harmony."
Ashton said, "The restaurant is doing well, but the bed-and-breakfast isn't profitable."
Mason frowned. "How do you know?"
Ashton shrugged. "I have my ways."
Amber saw an argument brewing. She stepped between the men and handed Mason's father a cup of coffee. Taking a step back, she said, "We planned to work on a marketing campaign this weekend. I have several ideas for Mason to consider."
"Such as…" Ashton raised his eyebrows.
"I should talk them over with Mason first."
"You have nothing."
"Dad, Amber is trying to help. I won't let you harass her."
"It's all right, Mason." She smiled. "One idea is to advertise the Inn in bridal magazines. There's a gazebo in the garden. It's an ideal place for outdoor weddings. We can set up tents for dinner and dancing."
Mason stared at Amber. "That's an excellent idea."
Ashton said, "In northern Minnesota, winter is much longer than any other season."
"True, but we have the best fishing in the country. Fishermen travel to Canada for prime fishing, well, why not to Serenity Bay? Everyone knows the only fisherman more obsessed with the sport is an ice fisherman. Also, we can attract skiers and snowboarders to the B&B by running ads in sports magazines."
"Those are big dreams. If Mason is cooking and managing the Inn, he doesn't have time for marketing."
"Dad, this was our first discussion of the plan. We don't have the details worked out."
"You have one year." Ashton's cup clanged as he set it on the counter. Then he walked out.
Mason slammed his fists on the counter.
Amber rubbed a hand over his back. "Our plan will work. Your father's disapproval will make your success even sweeter."
"You're right." He smiled. "Thank you for rescuing me. I've been trying to outline a strategy, but my ideas aren't as good as yours. When did you put this together?"
"In a marketing class, two years ago. Our assignment was to create a marketing plan for a business. I used a hotel in a resort town as my case study."
"I am impressed with your ideas. I hope you got an A on your paper."
"I did." Amber tapped her foot on the floor. "Your father is a little—hostile."
"Dad acts tough, but he loves us and believes he's doing what's best for our future."
"How does your brother deal with him?"
Mason laughed. "Jared says, 'Yes, Dad,' and then does whatever he wants to do."
"Maybe you should handle your father the same way."
"I tried, but I couldn't ignore him." Mason rubbed his jaw. "I don't need Dad's approval, but I would like his support and understanding."
Amber sat on the stool next to him. "Your father opened the investment firm and built it into a major operation. He must understand the work and time it takes to achieve success. You're doing the work, now you need time."
"Let's discuss something else." Mason asked, "Why do you want to move to New York?"
"It's an exciting city." She smiled. "Living on the farm isn't the life for me."
"Farming is hard work, and not everyone wants to get up with the chickens to milk cows or plow the fields."
"Hard work doesn't bother me, but I'm not crazy about cows and chickens." Amber rubbed her hands over her arms. "I want to see more of the world—museums, art galleries, plays. I want to go to a restaurant at midnight and watch the sunrise the next morning."
"Serenity Bay has fantastic sunrises, too."
Her shoulders drooped. "You don't understand."
"Yes, I do. The life your parents have isn't right for you. You want to live life your way."
She tightened her fingers around his hand. "Everyone says I'm making a mistake, but if I don't try, I'll always wonder whether my life would have been better."
"I checked your list of companies. For five years, I worked for my father's investment banking firm and have contacts at most of those firms. When you're ready to apply for jobs, I'll call my contacts."
"You'd do that?"
"Of course. You deserve to live your dream."
She stood and slipped her arms around his shoulder. "Thank you."
"It's the least I can do."
Amber brushed her lips over his mouth. "Not for helping but for understanding. It's frustrating not having someone I could discuss my plans with."
He slipped a hand around her neck and pulled her close. He claimed a kiss that wiped every thought from her mind. Her body heated with a longing that had her blood boiling lava and pooling between her thighs.
With every bit of determination, she pulled back. "As much as I'm enjoying this, we need to prep for tomorrow, and your parents are waiting for you."
"You're right, but their timing is lousy. I was looking forward to our weekend together. Will you have dinner with us tomorrow? When Dad isn't talking about business, he can be charming, and you'll like Mom."
"Dinner sounds great." She tried to step away, but he held her tight. "I thought we were prepping for tomorrow?"
"I need a minute." He shifted and looked down.
Amber's gaze dropped to his pants. "Oh."
CHAPTER SEVEN
Sunday morning, Amber wanted to sleep in, but nervous energy forced her from the bed. Why had she agreed to have dinner with Mason and his parents?
She spent the day studying her notes and taking sample tests. Her CPA exam wasn't until October, which gave her plenty of time. It was a tough test, and she wanted to pass on her first try. That's why she chose the course she was taking. Although it was a more expensive program, they had a high success rate.
When she received her certification, she'd apply for accounting jobs with every company on her list. If Mason talked to his contacts, it could help her chances of getting a position. Getting work in New York was difficult, but without impressive references, she'd never get hired by a top firm.
Mason. She'd miss him when she moved. If they had become friends in high school or even a year ago, she might not want to leave town. It was too late to change her plans and would be wrong to give up her dreams for a man who might never love her.
By the time she was ready for dinner, her nerves were a jangled mess. While dressing, she tried to come up with an excuse to cancel. Not one good idea came to mind.
She dressed in her favorite light blue summer dress with its thin straps and flared skirt. With it, she wore a pair of high-heeled sandals that matched the color of the dress. She'd received compliments when she wore this dress to a performance of Romeo and Juliet at the local high school.
; Amber spun in front of the mirror and grimaced. She hated looking so young. In some bars, she still had to show her driver's license. In school, teachers underestimated her because she was timid and had trouble speaking up in class.
After she graduated from high school, she never let her shyness stop her from accomplishing her goals. With hard work and perseverance, she'd gotten good grades and employers loved her. When Amber had a job in New York, everyone would know she was stronger and more daring than they'd thought.
With a smile, she grabbed her purse and left the house.
Mason made sure not to be alone with his father to avoid another argument. With Amber joining them, Mason didn't want tension ruining their dinner.
He should have expected his father to check on his progress. Ashton was a hopeless micromanager. When Mason spent time with his parents, his mother kept Ashton from harassing him. Without her, his father didn't hold back. His father prodded and questioned his ability and commitment to running his own business.
When Mason told his father he was leaving the investment firm, Ashton had been furious.
"Cooking is a fine hobby, but it's not a job that will support you."
"I don't need wealth or fame. Since the day we left Serenity Bay, I've wanted to return. I'm not made for life in a big city. I'd rather live in a small town where life isn't so impersonal or hectic." Mason had tried to explain his plans. "I want to convert grandfather's house into a bed-and-breakfast and restaurant. It would be a shame to let that house sit empty. It may take time to make the business profitable, but I can do it."
Mason could live with his father's disapproval, but he'd never thought he'd refuse to give him access to his money. Wanting to smooth over their differences, his mother talked his father into giving Mason two years to build his business. Along with his conditional approval, Ashton agreed to let Mason use a part of his trust fund for start-up costs.
His father said, "When you find out cooking won't support you, I'll expect you to return to the firm. If you don't, I won't allow you access to the trust fund."
When Mason opened the Inn, he hadn't understood he was starting two businesses. He needed over two years to succeed, but his father refused to consider an extension. Mason believed Ashton wanted him to fail and force him to return to New York and the family business.
Frustrated, Mason ran his hand through his hair. He was sure the restaurant was making money, but even without seeing the numbers, he knew the bed-and-breakfast was struggling. When Amber confirmed the B&B was losing money, could he make it profitable within the year he had left?
The ring of the doorbell pulled him from his thoughts. Amber. He'd worried she might cancel. Not that he'd blame her. If it were possible, even he'd avoid dinner with his father.
He grinned when he saw her. "I'm glad you're here."
Amber smiled. He bent to kiss her and saw a blush spread over her cheeks. But when their mouths met, her body relaxed. He got drunk on the taste of her hot lips pressed to his. She was a woman who used her shyness as a shield, to keep others from getting too close, but she shared her passion with him.
At the restaurant, he wanted to hide her in the kitchen. Amber never noticed the admiring glances she received from the men who dined at the Inn, but he saw them. Her lack of awareness had kept her from getting involved with another man, and for that, he whispered a thank you to the stars.
In New York, he'd known women who were glitter with no substance. In Amber, he'd uncovered a diamond other men had missed. The shy geek was intelligent, witty and bewitching. Most important, though, was her caring heart.
"You are beautiful."
"Thank you."
He stared at her.
She smiled. "Can I come in?"
Mason whispered in her ear, "Sorry, I was thinking how easy it would be to get you out of that dress."
When she blushed, Mason laughed. He took her hand and led her to where her parents sat.
"Dad, you remember Amber?"
"Yes. The marketing specialist."
His mother elbowed him. "Ashton, be pleasant, or you can eat alone."
Mason coughed to cover his laugh. His mother didn't hesitate to let his father know when she didn't care for his behavior.
"Mother, I'd like you to meet Amber Fuller. Amber, this beautiful woman is Andrea Reed, my mother."
"Mrs. Reed, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Call me Andrea." She stood and shook Amber's hand. "Please, sit with us. Mason, I'm sure Amber would like a glass of wine."
He asked her, "Would you? I have a white pinot noir open, or I can get you something else?"
"The pinot noir would be delicious. You know I love white wines."
Andrea waved him away. "Go, Mason. I won't let your father harass the poor girl."
Dinner went better than he'd expected thanks to his mother. She told humorous stories of Mason as a young boy and had everyone laughing, even his father. Andrea talked Amber into sharing a few stories from her childhood. When Amber told the story about the angry chicken that chased her because she'd picked up one of its chicks, Mason snorted.
There was a brief lull in the conversation, and his father asked, "Tell me, young lady, do you believe Mason can make the bed-and-breakfast a profitable business?"
Andrea said, "Ashton, this isn't a business meeting."
"It's all right. Sir, I believe Mason can do anything he sets his mind to, and that includes making the B&B profitable." Amber smiled at Mason. "And I will do whatever I can to help him."
Mason kissed her cheek and smiled when she blushed.
Ashton lifted an eyebrow but asked no other questions.
It was midnight when Amber said her goodbyes. Mason walked her to the car.
"Thank you for coming. I know dad can be difficult, but you were awesome."
"I enjoyed myself. You were right. I like your mother a lot. She's a remarkable woman." Amber grinned. "Your father acts like a hardass, but I think he uses it to hide his concern."
"I've never doubted his love, but I'm not a kid anymore and can decide how I want to live my life."
"You're a good man Mason Reed."
"I'm disappointed I won't see you tomorrow."
"Your parents—"
"Are leaving early Tuesday."
Amber lifted onto her toes and kissed him. Mason was too hungry for slow and easy. Instead, he took control of their kiss and captured her mouth intending to leave her aching for more. He must have succeeded because when the kiss ended, she looked at him through eyes glazed with lust. Mason looked at her swollen lips and wanted to kiss her again. So he did.
On Monday, his father raised every argument he could to get Mason to return to New York. By the time they sat down to dinner, Mason had his fill of the badgering.
Ashton said, "Mason, you have to face—"
"Enough!" Mason snapped. "You won't convince me to return to New York. I love Serenity Bay and plan to stay. This is my home now, so stop pushing."
"You're a skilled investment banker. When I retire, you and Jared can take over the firm. You could be major players in the business world."
"Dad, I'm not like you and Jared. The two of you thrive on the challenge of your next deal. That's not what makes me happy." Mason rubbed the back of his neck. "In New York, my soul shriveled a little more every day. I need a different life. One where I can watch the stars at night."
"You have to be realistic. If living here is about saving your grandfather's home, you can hire someone to run it. Your friend, Amber, would be ideal for the job."
"I prefer the challenge of running the Inn. Planning menus, preparing food, and talking to people are jobs I enjoy. Like Grandfather, I know it's possible to make a living doing the work I love."
"Mason, I won't let you waste your talent in the Northwoods of Minnesota."
"Ashton!" Andrea pointed at him. "You gave Mason two years to prove himself. He still has a year left."
"I just want what's best for our son."
> "Mason knows what's best for him." Her face softened when she looked at Mason. "And I am certain he'll succeed."
Mason stared at his mother. She never disagreed with her husband—at least not in front of others. That Andrea believed in him warmed his heart, but it didn't surprise him. She'd always supported him.
In the past, his father had encouraged him to go after his dreams. When he told Ashton and Andrea his plan to open the Inn, his father had argued against the idea. But nothing he said changed Mason's mind or dampened his enthusiasm for his dream.
Tuesday, when Amber arrived at work, Mason greeted her with a kiss, a cappuccino, and a scone.
"You're always feeding me." As she drank her coffee, her eyes closed, and she sighed, "Mmm."
"Glad you like it."
They sat at the counter, and Amber asked, "How was the rest of your weekend?"
"A disaster."
"What happened?"
"What always happens when we're together; Dad hammered on me, I lost my temper, and Mom acted as referee." Mason pulled off his cap and scratched his forehead. "As much as I love my parents, when they got back on that plane, I wanted to cheer."
Amber laughed. "I know what you mean. My parents warned me again about moving to New York."
He kissed her. "Will you have dinner with me tonight? I've missed you."
She giggled. "I missed you too. Someday, I want to cook for you. I'm not a world-famous chef, but I do all right."
"I look forward to it." Mason pointed at Amber's now empty plate. "You were hungry."
She nodded. "I had trouble getting out of bed this morning and didn't have time to eat."
"Do you want something more? I could make an omelet."
"No, thanks. The scone was filling."
"I'm glad you liked it. Now we need to prepare for lunch."
The day was crazy busy. Three reservations had been double booked. Amber and Jesse set up tables to accommodate the extra guests. They'd had mix-ups before, but never so many. Mason was able to stretch the food. To compensate for smaller servings, he added a course to the meal.
Then, at dinner, they had a problem guest. He criticized the salad, the entrée, and the accompaniments. Mason saw Amber skating on the edge of her temper, so he served dessert to the table.
