Master of the Inn(4)
“I hadn’t thought that far. You’re my first guest.”
“You did say if I stayed here all of my fantasies would become reality.”
“That’s the inn’s motto.” He winked. “I’m a modern day Mr. Rourke.”
“I used to watch reruns of Fantasy Island when I was a kid.” She giggled and Logan thought she sounded like a dainty little princesses from one of those fairytale cartoons.
“Then you know what comes next. What can I do to make your fantasy a reality?” He stood and made a sweeping gesture around the room.
“I want to make you dinner as a thank you for letting me stay here in the middle of your rehab.”
“That sounds like a fantasy for me.” He reached across the table and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I said I wanted to fulfill yours.”
She looked down, but he could see the blush seep into her cheeks. The color brightened her face. He liked it.
“I’d love to have dinner with you, but we can order in. You are a guest, after all.”
“Please. I’d like to cook.”
Her sparkling smile made it hard to deny her. “I’d like that.”
“Great!” She stood up suddenly. “I need to go.”
“Where?”
“To the market, unless you tell me the pantry and freezer are stocked.”
“I’m afraid not.”
“I know exactly what I want to make. I’ll be back soon.”
***
Elyse walked down the aisle in the little farmers market about two miles from the inn. Home grown produce and fresh ingredients were perfect for her eggplant parmesan and mushroom risotto. She couldn’t wait to get back to that fabulous kitchen and work her magic. Thoughts of being a gourmet chef at the cozy inn flooded her mind all morning. She couldn’t think of a more perfect job, but she knew it was a long shot. She knew nothing about Logan and he didn’t look as if he had an accelerated timeline when it came to opening the inn.
“Hi,” the cheery cashier said as Elyse placed her items on the counter. “You’re new around here.”
“Yes, I just got into town last night.”
“I’m Cora.” She weighed the tomatoes and neatly bagged them.
“I’m Elyse. It’s nice to meet you. I love this market.”
“Thanks. It’s been in my family for decades. People travel from three towns over to shop here.”
“I can see why,” Elyse said. “You have everything a chef could want.”
“Are you staying around here?”
“About two miles down the road.” Elyse stepped around to help bag her items.
“Really? Where about? There isn’t anything that close except for the old inn.”
“That’s where I’m staying. It’s a gorgeous place.”
“But, it hasn’t been open for years. I know Logan’s been renovating, but I didn’t think it was ready for guests.”
“It isn’t.” Elyse handed Cora her credit card. “He’s still working on it. But he’s doing a fantastic job.”
“How long have you known Logan?” Elyse sensed a change in the perky cashier’s demeanor. “I didn’t realize he had company.”
“Not long. He was nice enough to let me stay, so I’m making him a thank you dinner.”
“How sweet.” She smiled tightly as she punched in the numbers on the register. “It certainly doesn’t take him long.”
“Excuse me?”
“Logan is the town player,” she said. “He likes to play games.”
“What kind of games?” Elyse could feel the jealousy rolling off Cora.
“Logan can be all sexy and charming, but he has a darker side. A side that woman don’t see on the surface. If you don’t know him that well, I’d watch him. Not everyone can handle him.”
Why would a total stranger tell her about Logan? It didn’t make sense, unless…
“Were you one of those women?” Nothing more dangerous than a woman scorned.
“I’ve known Logan my whole life. We’re very, familiar with one another. I’ve been a guest at the inn on more than one occasion, if you know what I mean.”
Elyse nodded as she gathered up her bags. “Thanks for the advice.”
“Anything to help out a fellow girlfriend.” She smirked. “We have to stick together. Don’t let him charm you.”
“I’m a big girl.” Elyse headed for the exit. “I’ll see you around.”
“How long are you planning on staying?”
“As long as it takes.”
Elyse jostled her bags and gave Cora a quick wave. As she headed toward her car she felt invigorated, despite the other woman’s counsel. She’d known Logan less than twenty-four hours, and already she dreamed of running his kitchen and slipping into his bed. She’d gotten territorial with a woman she didn’t even know over a man she didn’t know, but who’d dominated her thoughts all day. Coming to Connecticut to sort out her life might have been just the thing. Maybe Logan Cole was exactly what she needed.