She smiles, lighting up the place. “Yeah. I really didn’t have a plan when coming here. Play with some recipes, work on business strategies; I just needed to get out of the city for a bit. I haven’t taken any time for myself in... well, in a while. So, yeah, I think I’d like that trek. That is, if you’re sure you don’t mind being my nature guide.”
“Wouldn’t have offered if I did.” I wink at her, earning another laugh. Looking down at her boots, I then look back at her and the red sweater and down vest she has on. “You wore the right shoes. Did you bring a jacket? A hat? Gloves? If not, I could ask my mom. She’ll have plenty.”
“You are adorable. Yes, I brought all that, not knowing if I’d need. But better to have, right?”
“Right. So, let me start that fire while you unpack your groceries and look around. Give you an idea of what you may want to buy at the store.”
“Thanks again, Gavin.”
I nod and take off my flannel, draping it across a chair at the counter. Tiana is staring, and I look down at myself. “Something wrong? Did I spill on my shirt?” When I look back at Tiana, she shakes her head.
“I’ll unpack,” she says quickly, turning to her bags.
Her loose hair sways around her shoulders and ripples down her back, reminding me of chocolate fondue. Yeah, I know what fondue is. Saw a fountain at a holiday party one year. Chocolate was never my thing, but I’m willing to change my mind.
I chuckle softly to myself and make my way to the fireplace, listening to bags rustling and cabinets opening. It doesn’t take long before a few logs are crackling. I put the screen in place and head to the kitchen sink to wash my hands.
“Do you have dinner plans, or did you already eat?” Tiana asks.
“No, haven’t eaten yet, and no, didn’t really have plans.” I dry my hands and watch her.
“You must be here for the weekend? I mean, if you offered to show me a trail. I’m guessing you want to do that tomorrow?”
“Yeah, I’m here for the weekend, actually through Tuesday. Took a few extra days off. I’m staying at one of my parents’ cabins, checking all their units and helping them prepare for Christmas.”
“It’s only the beginning of December.”
I chuckle. “Mom loves Christmas. She would’ve had decorations up weeks ago, but Dad insists on waiting until after Thanksgiving. Seems she gets more and more every year. I don’t know where she gets the energy, but it’s endless.”
“When you love something, you do what it takes. I already like your mom.” She smiles.
“You’d love her. And she’d love you. In fact, I know she loves your lemon scones.”
“Really? How’s that? Has she visited my cafe?”
“No, I bought out your supply a few months ago and brought them home. Lemon is her favorite.”
“Ah, so you’re the culprit. I was out running errands and when I returned, Deedee told me about that. I’m glad your mom enjoyed. I’ll have to whip up something lemony for her since I brought a bag of lemons. It’s one of my favorite flavors too.”
“That’s generous of you. Maybe you’d like to meet them tomorrow before we hit the trail? That is, if you want to go tomorrow?”
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
“So, you asked about dinner?” I lift a brow, grinning. “Are you cooking?”
She chuckles. “Yes. I premade a few dishes; thought it’d be easier. I’ve got a pan of lasagna if you’d like to join me. It’s the least I can do to thank you for preparing the cabin for my stay.”
I wave away her comment. “Didn’t do much, but yeah, I’d love to join you. I’ll text my mom to let her know so they aren’t waiting on me.”
“Oh, did she have plans for family dinner? I don’t want to disrupt your time with them.”
“No, it’s fine, really. She and Dad have been getting decorations up, so knowing them, they’ll snack on leftovers. Once Mom’s starts, there’s no stopping.”
“Ha,” she laughs, “I know how that goes. I’ll forget all else when I get going on a project. But are you sure about going on the trail hike? Are you supposed to be helping them tomorrow?”
“I’ve already helped with some of the bigger, heavier items. Believe me, there will be plenty to do tomorrow night and overthe next few days. Looking forward to getting outside for the day.” I pull my phone out of my side pocket and send a text to Mom. I set it on the counter and grin at Tiana. “All yours.”
She grins back. “I’ll warm up the lasagna while you find the plates and silverware.” She finishes unpacking a few bags before turning on the oven. “Shouldn’t take too long. I made this right before coming and didn’t refrigerate it. I’ve got a salad and garlic bread too.”
