Master of the Inn(6)

“We used to come here whenever he could get away. I have so many memories of this place. That’s why I came back.”

“I’m glad you agreed to stay. Perhaps it will somehow make you feel closer to your dad.”

She nodded and then closed her eyes. He realized she was holding back tears when she opened her beautiful charcoal eyes. He wanted to run his tongue along her trembling bottom lip but her voice pulled him from that thought. “You don’t look like I picture a Yale graduate. You’re muscular… and… good with your hands.”

“Am I?” He reached across the table and took her small hand in his. “What is it about my hands that intrigues you?”

“I just meant you’re handy. You did an amazing job upstairs.” The rose color he liked when she was embarrassed filled her ivory cheeks. “I must sound like an idiot to a Yale graduate.”

“I think you’re extremely smart and quite talented. This is the best meal I’ve had in ages.” He let go of her hand and picked his fork back up.

“Well, that’s a relief since your refrigerator is stocked with beer and takeout containers.” She finished her wine and he refilled her glass. “By the way, I took the liberty of throwing out all of that spoiled food. Some of it was disgusting.”

“I’m good with my hands but not with housework. Eww,” he shuddered. “I’ll hire someone to do that when I get this place up and running.”

“You never answered my question.” She looked up at him. “When do you anticipate opening Pleasure Inn?”

I’m supposed to answer her? While she’s looking at me like that? “I-I don’t have a firm date. I still have so much to do around here; and then I need to decide on a business plan… staff… advertising…” He felt a knot form in his stomach when he thought about the work ahead of him. “It makes my head hurt. I’m a handyman not a businessman.”

“Then why did you agree to do it?”

“I didn’t agree.” He shoved another bite of the eggplant into his mouth because he simply couldn’t stop eating. It was so good! He’d eaten in many upscale restaurants in his lifetime, but no other chef had her flair for detail. “After college I didn’t adjust to office life the way my uncle had hoped. My mother came from old money and her brother – the original owner of the inn – managed my trust fund. I got into some trouble and he insisted I take over. He said I needed a purpose.”

“Have you found one?”

“I’m still looking.” He finished off the bottle of wine.

She watched as he drank from his glass. “What kind of trouble?”

“The kind a stupid, arrogant man gets into when he attracts the attention of a married young girl.”

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“Let’s just say I got caught with my pants down and my uncle – along with most of the town – wasn’t impressed. So, here I am: the owner of this fine establishment.”

“That’s not a bad thing. It has so much potential.” Her face lit up as she looked around the kitchen. “I know people would flock to this place.”

“Maybe.” I’m glad you found this place. “Shall I get another bottle of wine?”

“No, thank you. I’m not a big drinker.” She traced the rim of her glass with her fingertip. “I met a friend of yours today.”

“Really? Who?”

“Cora.”

Shit.

“She’s an interesting one, isn’t she?” Logan cleared his throat.

Cora had been a recurring mistake Logan had made through the years. In the beginning things were fun and noncommittal, but in the last months of their relationship she kept dropping not so subtle hints about marriage and or moving in together. Logan had finally ended things and hadn’t seen her in over three months.

“She seems to have a thing for you.”

“We’re old news. We dated on and off for a while. Things didn’t work out. I hope she didn’t say anything to offend you.”

“What could she say to offend me? She just wanted to let me know she knew all about you and your inn,” she said with a mischievous smile.

“Sorry about that,” he said. “Maybe I should make the trips to the market from now on?”

“I don’t think so.” She stood to clear the table. “I’m not afraid of your ex. I can hold my own.”

“I’m sure you can, sweetheart.” He got up from the table to help her with the dishes. “Does that mean you’ll be cooking tomorrow night too?”