Love & Chocolate: Valentine's Day (Holidays In Hallbrook Book 4)

by Elsie Davis

  “You? Cynical? I don’t see that.” Amanda’s determination to succeed would outweigh any cynicism she could begin to muster.

  “You wouldn’t. I’ve had years to practice hiding it.” Amanda drizzled the caramel on top of the cake, scattering the nuts across the surface in a circular motion. I’ll cut you a piece now while it’s still warm. Fingers crossed.”

  Kevin reached for the plate she handed him, their hands touching. Mesmerized, he gazed into her eyes. He knew her well, even if she didn’t see what the world saw. Amanda was loving, warm, kind, and gave of herself to everyone she knew.

  He took a bite of the cake. Perfection. Amanda was back on track with the award-winning recipe she needed for the contest. “Fantastic. I can’t believe it. Even knowing it has vinegar doesn’t ruin it for me,” he teased, trying to ease the moment between them.

  “Great. Even I can tell the difference.” Amanda twirled around and grabbed the recipe off the counter, waving it in the air. “I’ve got the golden recipe!” She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him.

  The light in her eyes as she pulled back and gazed up at him made Kevin want to hold her tight and not let her go. He loved the blush that tinged her cheeks as she realized what she’d done.

  “Thank you. I can’t wait to tell the girls. I’d like to name it Chocolate LaMa Cake honoring the twins. What do you think?”

  “Llama?” It sounded worse than vinegar cake. The woman could cook, but she was terrible at names.

  Amanda scrunched up her face, looking at him like he was short a few screws. “Oh, I get it. Llama. No, not the animal. The first letters of Lacy and Macy. LA and MA. Get it?”

  She still hadn’t moved away, and her mouth was proving to be a greater distraction than he planned. “I think you better stick to cooking and leave the naming to someone else. I’m not sure anyone’s going to vote for Llama Cake, no matter how you spell it.” He chuckled, trying to diffuse the ever-growing temptation to kiss her.

  Amanda took another bite of cake, his gaze never leaving her mouth. He brushed a piece of chocolate from the corner of her lips with his thumb. Unable to stop himself, he lowered his head and kissed her.

  The shrill tones of a phone ringing sliced through the air, breaking them apart.

  They stepped apart quickly, like two teenagers caught necking in the locker room. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

  “I’m not.” Amanda’s fingers lay pressed to her lips as she stared at him, wide-eyed and confused. The loud ringing demanded attention and Amanda grabbed the phone off the counter. She moved away as she spoke, her back to him, her hushed tones barely audible. A minute passed before she turned back to face him, her eyes wide, her face ashen white, the phone still stuck to ear. “Hang tight, Grandpa. I’ll be right there.”

  She hung up the phone and slid it in her pocket. “I’ve got to go. Grandpa’s not feeling well. He never fusses, so I’m worried. He looked under the weather this week but kept insisting he was fine. I should have spent more time over there other than just dropping off food occasionally, but I’ve been so busy trying to hold everything together.”

  “Is there anything I can do?” Kevin helped her with her coat.

  “I walked here. Is there any way you can drop me at his place? I can walk home after if everything is okay.”

  “Or you could call me, and I’ll come pick you up when you’re ready to go home.” It would be dark and cold and was unnecessary for her to be out walking alone. Hallbrook might not be the city, but he still valued safety.

  “Really? No, that would be hard with the girls, but it’s sweet of you to offer.” She shook her head and headed for the back room and started turning off lights.

  “I tell you what, send me home with three pieces of cake for dessert tonight, and I’ll take you anywhere you want to go and pick you up and take you home. Deal?”

  Amanda hesitated a second. “Deal. Can you finish getting the lights while I box it up?”

  “Sure thing.” Amanda didn’t like to be a burden to anyone but this way, they were even and both happy with the outcome.

  “I’ll use the rest of this to test on the customers tomorrow to make sure you really are a chocolate connoisseur and not just someone wanting free desserts.”

  He chuckled. “Guess you’ll find out which one. Until then, shall we go?”

  “Yes.” They walked out the front door, Amanda flipping the sign to closed and locking up behind them.

  The moment between them had passed, but the memory of the kiss was still very much in his brain. It had been a moment of madness, the phone saving him from making a huge mistake. “No problem. We seem to be helping each other out quite a bit lately.”

  It wasn’t long before they were in the car and he drove her to her grandfather’s house, Amanda giving him the directions turn by turn. He pulled into the driveway of an older stately brick house, the place well-kept and the landscaping pristine. He’d noticed a lot of people in Hallbrook took pride in their homes and the community.

  “Hope your grandfather is doing okay. And don’t forget our deal. Give me a call, and I’ll come to take you home. And if you need me to take care of Cupcake, just say the word. I’m sure I’ve got two babysitters for you that would be more than happy to help.”

  “You really are a nice man. Thank you.” Her hand lay on his shoulder as she spoke, and Kevin found himself torn with the desire to kiss her goodbye.

  Something I shouldn’t do. He forced himself not to move.

  Amanda slid out of the car and waved goodbye, Kevin watching until she was safely inside. He backed out of the driveway and headed down the street, the kiss forefront on his brain. More like how much he wanted a second one.

  Dangerous territory for a man who stood to lose everything. He couldn’t afford to jeopardize his custody of the girls, which meant no relationships, not even the appearance of one. Which is exactly what everyone would think if they’d seen the two of them together last night and today.

  He needed to stay away from Amanda Tillman. She was a threat to his heart and his family.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Grandpa? Where are you?” Amanda rushed through the front door and into the living room. Not seeing her grandfather, she ran to the kitchen. Still no sign of him. She started up the stairs, her adrenaline spiking when he didn’t answer, fear forming a lump in her throat. She hadn’t been there for her mother when she died, and Amanda was all the family grandpa had left. It was her job to take care of him. She owed that much to her mother’s sweet memory.

  “Grandpa?”

  “I’m right here. Quit your hollering.” At the sound of his voice, she breathed a sigh of relief.

  Amanda met him at the top of the stairs. “What are you doing up here? I thought you said you didn’t feel well, and you’d wait for me on the sofa and not overdo things until I could check on you.” His color looked a little off. She felt the top of his forehead to see if he was feverish.

  “I’ve felt better. I’m a grown man and can make my own decisions.” He pulled back when she started to roll up his sleeve.

  “I just want to take your pulse, for heaven’s sake. So, you’re not having any chest pains now, and you don’t feel lightheaded? I still think you should’ve called an ambulance and let the hospital check you out.” They walked backed down the stairs, Amanda keeping a close eye on the stubborn mule.

  “And I told you that you’re worrying too much. It’s just a case of indigestion. For all I know, it’s the cheesy pasta casserole you dropped off last night. I ate it for lunch. Maybe it’s your cooking that’s the problem.” He chuckled.

  Amanda didn’t laugh. “Now’s not the time to joke about things like that. This could have been serious. And you need to pay attention, especially at your age.”

  “Humph. I’m in good shape for a man my age, so quit acting like a mother hen. I appreciate you coming over to check on me. You’re a sweet girl, Amanda, but I only called you as a precaution, be
cause I’m being careful. The ambulance would have been overkill. I’m not senile yet, young lady. Now that you’ve seen for yourself that I’m fine, I’m sure you can find better things to do.” He sat in his recliner and picked up the newspaper.

  “You know I’d rather be here with you or at the bakery. And I’ve been at the bakery all day, so you’re the lucky winner of my time.” She’d loved every minute with her grandpa when she was growing up, and that hadn’t changed. He’d been the only male role model in her life after her father left.

  “You’re just sticking around to keep an eye on me. You can’t fool an old man.” He shook his head and chuckled.

  “Or maybe, I fancy beating you at checkers,” she teased, relieved his sense of humor had returned. He really was okay.

  “Once in a while, you get lucky, but I don’t think tonight’s going to be your night.”

  “If you’re sure you’re okay, I’ll set up the game and grab us some water.”

  “Fine. If you don’t mind losing, I don’t mind beating you.” He grinned.

  They spent the next couple of hours playing checkers, and true to his word, Grandpa trumped her every time. Checkers had never been Amanda’s game, not like her mother. Her mother used to enjoy beating Grandpa regularly. Which is probably why he enjoyed beating Amanda even more.

  Satisfied he was okay, Amanda felt it was safe to go home. Other than a couple of yawns, he looked just fine.

  “How will you get home tonight? I saw who dropped you off through my bedroom window.” He eyed her with curiosity.

  “I was supposed to call Kevin, but I’m thinking it’s too late for that, what with him having the girls at home to deal with. I think I’ll walk home.” It would be cold, but far more practical, all things considered. Kevin’s kiss had befuddled her brain into agreeing to his deal, but now that she’d had time to think about it, she realized her mistake.

  “If the man’s expecting your call, you should call him. And how come you haven’t told me much about this new beau of yours? I’ve had to hear about him from the neighbors.”

  “Because he’s not my new beau.” Hallbrook’s gossip chain was alive and well, even if misinformed.

  “That’s not what I hear and trust me, I’ve heard plenty.”

  “The town gossips have it wrong, go fancy that. They are usually quick to judge what they see and slow to get the facts.” Amanda shook her head and stood, easing into her coat.

  “Seems like a right nice young fellow. A girl could do a whole lot worse.”

  “Gee, thanks, Grandpa. When I go husband-hunting, you’ll be the first to know,” she joked, pulling on her hat and scarf.

  “Well, you’re not getting any younger. You can’t let that last jerk you dated ruin the rest of your life. Call your young man. Be brave. See what happens.”

  “It’s my love life, and you need to mind your own business.” It wasn’t often Grandpa interfered, and she preferred to keep it that way.

  “That’s a two-way street, sweetheart. You let me take care of my health, and I’ll let you take care of your own love life. I reckon I’m doing a whole lot better job on my end than you are.”

  “That may be, but it is still my life.” Grandpa didn’t know that she’d already given Kevin way more thought than was necessary after his kiss. Talk about confusing. She’d be a fool to forget that he’d told her he didn’t date. Letting her heart get involved would be a huge mistake.

  Halfway to the house, Amanda was second-guessing her desire not to call Kevin. It was far too cold to be walking outside, the chilly wind whipping right through her winter coat. There was no turning back now, and the sooner she got home, the sooner she could let Cupcake outside.

  Think of anything but the cold. Or Kevin.

  What she needed was a name for the cake recipe. Kevin was right, LaMa Cake did have a certain ick factor to it.

  * * *

  Kevin glanced at his watch, wondering what was keeping Amanda. He was tempted to call her but resisted the urge. He didn’t want to give her the wrong idea. If she needed him, she’d call. Otherwise, whatever was happening was none of his business, other than saying a prayer for the man who Amanda clearly held dear in her heart.

  “Daddy, we had a blast last night with Amanda. You’re right, she’s pretty cool. You should ask her if she wants to watch a movie with us tonight.” Lacy edged closer to him, a soft smile on her face as she looked up at him in earnest.

  Kevin was beginning to think he’d never understand the makings of the female mind. “I got the impression you two weren’t keen on her hanging out here. Around me. I thought maybe your birthday was just a one-time deal.”

  “Oh, Daddy, we’re allowed to change our minds about people when we get to know them,” Lacy said, shaking her head as if at loss to understand why he was having a hard time keeping up the changes.

  “She makes things fun,” Macy added, joining in the conversation.

  “And I’d love for her to teach me how to bake.” Lacy smiled. “Please, Daddy, ask her.”

  The girls were impressionable, and Amanda had already managed to leave a huge one on them. It didn’t matter that the twins had been the ones to beg Amanda to join in their birthday fun, it would still cause trouble with Victoria.

  “I’m glad you both have an open mind and that you like her, but nothing has changed between she and I. We are friends—nothing more, the same as I’ve been telling you all along.” A friend he’d kissed, but only once. There’d be no repeat performance if he could help it. “And living here all her life and running the bakery, she has lots of other people she needs to spend time with. Tonight, she’s at her grandfather’s house. He’s not feeling well.”

  “Oh, that stinks. Maybe I’ll draw a card for her grandfather.” Lacy was a sweet girl with a giant-sized heart. Just like Amanda.

  “I’m sure she would really appreciate it. In fact, I’m waiting for her to call me. I’m supposed to pick her up at her grandfather’s and give her a ride home. I dropped her off at his house earlier.” It was more than he should have told them. He was doing a lousy job at keeping the two worlds separate.

  “Cool. That was nice. Did Miss Amanda try the new recipe yet?” Macy asked, eyeing him with interest.

  “In fact, she did. And vinegar was exactly what the cake needed, believe it or not. She told me to tell you both thank you very much. I even brought home some of the new cake for our dessert tonight.”

  “Maybe we could skip dinner and go straight to dessert,” Macy offered.

  His chocoholic daughter was thinking along the same lines as he was but being the parent in charge meant he couldn’t give in to those wants and still set a good example. “I don’t think so. Dinner first, and make sure your homework is done.” The latter was an afterthought, but if it worked, he was all for it.

  “She’s going to win the contest. I just know it. Her cake is the best thing ever.” The adoration in Lacy’s voice was shocking.

  “Amanda considered naming the recipe after the two of you, but I convinced her otherwise, or at least, I hope I convinced her not to use the one she was planning to submit.” Kevin shook his head, recalling the conversation.

  “Why would you do that? That would be totally awesome,” Macy exclaimed.

  “You haven’t heard her idea. Chocolate Llama Cake. I don’t think that sounds any better than Vinegar Cake.”

  The girls giggled. “I get it. Lacy and Macy. La and Ma. It’s funny, but you’re right, Llama Cake sounds kind of yucky.” He couldn’t believe the girls figured it without so much as a hint.

  “It was great of her to think of us, and it would’ve been cool,” Lacy added.

  “I agree. But no matter what Amanda names it, I’m placing my bets on her winning.”

  “Do you like her, Daddy?” Macy asked.

  He gazed at his daughter as he considered his answer. “I do. As a friend. She’s one of the kindest, sweetest, most giving people I’ve ever met. It seems she takes care of everybody
, putting them before herself. I think that’s why I wanted to help her so much with trying to save her bakery.”

  “So I guess you like like her. Does she like like you?” Lacy asked. The innocence of the question caught him off guard. There was apparently a big difference between like, and like like, but it was nothing he would admit to the girls. The price would be too high if his ex-wife got wind he might have feelings for a woman.

  “What’s with the twenty questions about Amanda and me? I intend to stay focused on you two, and that’s a full-time job. I don’t have room for a relationship, so don’t even start thinking that way.”

  “Oh, Daddy, we’re not that difficult,” Macy said, rebutting his comment.

  “Walk in my shoes a few days, and you’ll see what I mean.” He winked, reaching over to tickle Macy. Lacy jumped on top of them both, and an all-out tickle session ensued. It was one game he always came out the winner, but he also knew when to call a halt.

  “That’s enough. We need to settle down and think about getting dinner. Who’s up for pizza?”

  “I think you should ask her out.” So much for his change-in-subject tactic.

  The girls were like bulls, pushing him in a direction he knew better than to go. “Where is this coming from?”

  The twins glanced at each other and shrugged before turning back to him. “Mom has a boyfriend. She told us on the phone yesterday when she called.” Macy frowned.

  The news was quite a shock, but it didn’t change anything. A boyfriend didn’t stop her from filing for joint custody. “Is that why you asked Amanda to come with us last night?” Things were suddenly starting to fall in place.

  Lacy shrugged. “Sort of. I mean, we loved Amanda’s cupcakes, and it totally rocks she notices us for who we are and not just as twins. She’s pretty, and we think you might like her, even though you won’t admit it. We thought if you had a girlfriend, it would be better when you found out about Mom.”

  “Not to mention, we love Cupcake. If you hook up with Amanda, we get a dog.” Macy grinned.