Before I Knew (The Cabots #1)(23)

She stared at him as if trying to judge his sincerity. “Okay, let’s try to make this work. Come tomorrow with some ideas to discuss. We can meet at nine, and I’ll make sure the other staff arrives by ten o’clock.”

“Thank you.” Saying less would be the right strategy. He’d just won a major battle.

“Thank you.” She rested her chin in her hand. “That was the best meal I’ve had in ages.”

“Does it rate a triple yum?” Suddenly Alec felt fifty pounds lighter.

She laughed. “Well, I can’t stroke your ego too much. Besides, you don’t want to peak too soon, right?”

“No.” He’d always preferred the slow build to a fast burn.

“Let me help you clean up, then I’ll get out of your hair.” She took their bowls into the kitchen. He followed with their glasses, wishing she’d decide to stay longer.

“Hunter says you still live in the city.”

“Yes.” A pained look flared, making him regret his thoughtless comment. “I moved to a different neighborhood, closer to my old office. Now it’s not so convenient, though. I should probably think about selling it and coming back this way.”

He began rinsing dishes and loading the dishwasher. “I suppose it’s more fun, though, being in the center of Portland. More to do.”

“I’m busy enough getting up to speed on this new career. Securing permits, designing the space, hiring the staff, creating employee manuals, learning the laws about food handling, and, well, just everything.” She wiped down some of the empty counters, then rinsed and wrung the dishrag. “No time for anything else, really.”

Again, he noted tension in her shoulders and face. Clearly she hadn’t yet moved on with her personal life. He hated the image that came to him then, of her sitting in her condo, surrounded by objects but no people. No laughter. Colby used to laugh easily.

“The work hours of this industry make it tough, but don’t neglect your personal life.”

She playfully slapped his shoulder. “I don’t need another mother. One is more than enough.”

Ah, yes. She’d always view him like a family member. He raised his hands. “Fair enough.”

“I should go.” She went to get her purse.

“Hang on.” Alec strode to the table and plucked the tulips from the vase. After soaking some paper towels in cold water, he then wrapped them around the base of the stems and secured them with a rubber band. “Take these.”

Her mouth opened, just a little. Just enough to tell him that he’d surprised her . . . in a good way. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear his feet had left the ground.

“Thanks, Alec. For the flowers, the meal.” She smiled at him. “For proving me wrong. That’s not something I normally enjoy. I’d better watch out for you.”

“Perhaps you ought to.”

She laughed, completely unaware of how serious he was. He wanted her, but he couldn’t have her. My God, he could’ve saved her husband’s life if he’d only mentioned the damn note to her or anyone in her family. If he would’ve forgiven Mark.

If she knew the truth, she’d hate him.

“What’s wrong? You look sick.” When she touched his arm, he flinched.

“Nothing. Sorry. My mind wandered.” He opened the door, now desperate for her to leave. “Drive safely.”





Chapter Four

“I can’t stay too long because Mom’s waiting for me.” Colby sat on the world’s least comfortable, ultramodern barstool at the marble island in her father’s massive kitchen. As with most things, Jenna favored the style of the wood-and-nickel stool over other considerations such as comfort. Colby sipped the Earl Grey iced tea her father had handed her and set aside her mental to-do list for the moment.

“How’d things go with Alec last night?” He sat beside her, his long frame dwarfing the stool.

The memory of Alec’s intent expression as he sweetly bundled up that bouquet of tulips warmed her chest. That meal had been more memorable than chicken marsala—elegant without being fussy. The music, flowers, candles, and presentation had made her feel pampered and relaxed, which was precisely what she wanted A CertainTea to do for its guests.

Of course, her dad only cared about the bottom line.

“We came to an agreement about making changes.” Alec had also offered to reimburse her for having to reprint new menus. An offer she’d declined because, honestly, Alec needed a fresh start as much as she did.

“Good.” Her dad smiled, his brown eyes lit with a bit of humor. “I’m glad you compromised. Your brother’s been concerned about Alec. And I knew you were smart enough not to ignore his feedback.”