“Apologies. I said, ridiculous thinking.”
“Well, it is, and you’re more than simply a pretty face. You have to be one hell of a businesswoman to run a successful cafe that’s been named one of the best in the greater San Diego for the past two years.” She gives me a faint smile, and that’s better than her frown. “Is that why you moved away?” I ask gently.
“Sadly, yes. Instead of standing my ground, doing what I wanted, and being adamant aboutnotwanting Roman – he's the creep – I let him, and the situation come between me and my parents.”
“But have your parents made any attempts to bridge that gap? To see the situation from your point of view?”
“No and no. They are very traditional people. Despite the fact that my mother is very strong-willed and has a career of her own as a nurse, she still believes my father’s voice is stronger, and his word is the final say.”
I shake my head. “Pardon my bluntness, but that’s absurd. A marriage is a partnership; an equal say between two individuals. Not one-sided.” I stand and take both of our plates to the sink, this time ignoring her protest. “I’m not opposed to helping withthe clean-up.” I wink at her, trying to lighten the tension that ruined the mood.
As I start rinsing the dishes, Tiana moves to my side with the glasses, dumping the remainder of her wine in the sink. Even without her body touching mine, I feel her heat. And I smell that enticing scent, making me want to bury my nose against her neck and never resurface. Suddenly, she bumps my hip with hers, and my gaze meets those intense hazel eyes.
“Thanks, Gavin,” she says softly.
“For what?”
“For the company, for sharing a meal with me, for preparing the cabin. Take your pick.”
“I pick all. Being with you is fun and easy, so thankyou.” We stare at one another a moment before I look away; before I’m tempted to do something foolish like kiss her. I mean, I wouldn’t think it foolish, but would she?
With the way she’s looking at me then my mouth, maybe not.
Too soon to test that theory.
“So, what time should we head out tomorrow?” Tiana asks. “Should I make sandwiches, bring snacks, first aid kit?”
I chuckle and smile at her. “Just you.”
CHAPTER 3
I wakeafter the best night of sleep in far too long. The evening had been a surprise with Gavin here. A more than pleasant surprise. He’s kind and witty, and oh so very nice to gaze upon with that lumberjack look happening. Tall, broad, blue-eyed, and blond. And that tight Henley shirt beneath his flannel that molded to hero-worthy muscles was certainly appealing. Can’t say I mind the facial hair either, wondering if it’d feel soft or scratchy beneath my fingers.
Yeah, Gavin was a handsomely built man that Remi would say stepped right out of a romance novel. She’d recently pulled her sister into the book club mix. I, on the other hand, had been swimming deeply in that pool for years, and I was not one bit sorry about it. In fact, I took Remi up on her suggestion of a monthly book club meeting at the Cafe. It was a chance for women to get together, enjoy each other’s company, eat, drink, and talk about books, romance, and whatever else crossed their mind. There were even occasions when I’d gotten local authors to attend, to showcase their work. It was a hit for everyone!
I take a few moments to stretch, luxuriating in the fact that there’s nothing pressing, forcing me to jump out of bed. I am meeting Gavin at his parents’ place later, but I still have time fora yoga routine then breakfast. Before Gavin left last night, we’d ironed out plans for the hike, what I should wear and bring, and I was looking forward to the outing.
Unable to sleep after he’d said goodnight, I made a batch of lemon bars for his mom. I was excited to meet his parents and see the progress of their decorating efforts. It’s been years since I enjoyed a holiday with my blood family. My friends had become my family, and the past three years with them proved the saying,family is not always by blood, but by heart.
Two hours later,I pull into the Driscoll’s drive. Their home is a one-story A-frame log cabin with an expansive porch wrapping around three-quarters of the house. Trees shade the area perfectly, poinsettias, wreaths, and garland decorate the porch, and I catch a glimpse of a garden and flower beds toward the back.
Before I exit the Jeep, the front door opens and Gavin strolls out, waving. And smiling. Damn, does that smile light me up inside. It’s easy to be attracted to him. He really seems to be the whole package; a phrase Remi would say. I chuckle to myself while getting out, grabbing my pack and slinging it over a shoulder. As I walk around to the other side to retrieve the container of lemon bars, Gavin reaches my side.
“Good morning. Can I help you with anything?”
He smells wonderful, like fresh linen with a hint of musk. Very appealing. “Sure. Want to grab that container?” I nod to the passenger seat. “Lemon bars for your mom. And, well, I guess for you and your dad too.”
“I would hope so, otherwise, this may not make it inside.” He takes hold of the container, and I shut the door.
“You’d hoard them all to yourself?”
“Uh, yeah. I know how sinfully delicious they are.”
“Sinfully delicious, huh?”
We both chuckle and walk to the house. As we reach the porch, the door opens, and his parents walk out. At least I assume they’re his parents, given how much Gavin resembles the woman. Only her face is smooth, not covered with facial hair. Good thing. Both parents are tall and attractive. Where his mother has lovely blonde hair streaked with lighter strands, his father’s full head of hair is silver.
“You must be Tiana,” his mother says, engulfing me in a hug.
