Tessa accepted the gift because it obviously meant a lot to Linda. “Thank you. That’s very kind.”
As they moved on to the next booth, Tessa unwrapped the end of the small paper package and inhaled the calming scent of lavender. “That was unexpected,” she murmured.
“You obviously made an impression on her,” Matt said. “As you have on lots of people at the restaurant.”
Did he mean she’d made an impression on him? She didn’t pursue that comment any further, even though she wanted to.
At the honey stand, the beekeeper greeted Matt by name, then turned to Tessa with a warm smile.
“You’re staying with Rachel, aren’t you? My sister’s kids go to the same school as Aria and Lucy. Rumor has it you’ve been a godsend with her ankle and the girls.”
Before Tessa could formulate a response, she found herself being handed a small jar of wildflower honey.
“Put it in Rachel’s tea,” the woman said. “Very soothing.”
“I will,” Tessa assured her.
“Are you okay?” Matt asked.
“Yes, I’m just surprised at people’s generosity.” She glanced down at the honey.
“Too much?” he asked.
“No, it’s just...” Tessa struggled to find the words. “Different. I’m used to being the one who gives, not receives.”
“Not today.” He held out his hand. “Come on, I smell chilies.”
Tessa slipped her hand into Matt’s, and the moment their palms connected, a current of warmth traveled up her arm. It wasn’t just the physical touch—though that alone sent her pulse racing—but something deeper, as if some invisible thread between them had suddenly pulled taut.
“This way,” Matt said, his voice lower than before as he guided her through the crowd toward a booth with vibrant red and green peppers arranged in woven baskets.
The vendor, a man who looked uncannily like Matt, waved as they approached. “Matt! I wondered where you’d got to. It’s a good job I saved the best ones for you.”
“Kirk, this is Tessa,” Matt said, still holding her hand as he made the introduction. “Tessa, this is Kirk, my brother.”
“I thought there was a family resemblance,” Tessa said, feeling a little self-conscious. She hadn’t expected to meet a member of Matt’s family at the market. “It’s good to meet you. And your chilies look incredible.”
“Good to meet you, too, Tessa.” Kirk raised his eyebrows at Matt.
“Kirk grows the best chilies I’ve ever tasted.” Matt fixed Kirk with a look that said,behave. It was a look she’d seen on Rachel’s face enough times to recognize instantly. Although what exactly Matt was worried Kirk might say or do, Tessa had no clue.
“You’re too kind, Matt,” Kirk said with a wink, though his chest puffed slightly with pride. “Though these habaneros did win at the county fair last year.”
“So what have you got for me? I’ve been working on a new sauce for the restaurant,” Matt explained, his thumb absently tracing small circles on the back of Tessa’s hand. “Something with layers—heat that builds rather than hits you all at once.”
Kirk’s gaze flicked from their joined hands to Tessa’s face. “These aren’t just any chilies,” he said, lifting a particularly vibrant red habanero. “These beauties have personality. Heat with character.” He turned the pepper in his weathered fingers, examining it with the reverence of an artist.
“Kirk’s been growing chilies for thirty years,” Matt explained, squeezing her hand gently. “He knows things about peppers that most people don’t even think to ask.”
Kirk beamed, clearly pleased by Matt’s praise. “I started young,” he told Tessa. “Mom encouraged me to follow my passion. And I did. Life is nothing without passion, is it, Matt?”
Matt shook his head at his brother before he released Tessa’s hand to examine a basket of smaller, wrinkled peppers. “Are these the Scotch bonnets you were telling me about?”
“The very same,” Kirk nodded, seemingly content to shift back to business. “Perfect for that layered heat you’re looking for. They start sweet, then build to something magnificent.”
“I’ll take two pounds,” Matt decided, reaching for his wallet. “Do I get a family discount?”
Kirk chuckled. “A man has to make a living!”
