Some of the tension eased from Mia’s shoulders but her unease lingered. Rumors had a way of getting out of hand without any help. “Well… thank you.”
“Of course. So, let’s talk signature dishes.” She took a sip of coffee, put the cup down. “What dish started all this for you?”
Mia relaxed a little. “My most requested dish is red-wine-braised short ribs with truffle polenta and cipollini onions. I’ve been experimenting with other seasonal savory items.”
“That sounds delicious.” Heather leaned in. “You’ve been working with Will Blake. He speaks highly of you.”
Mia nodded. “Will’s great. His produce is top-notch.”
“And it was mentioned you might be catering something for Isabelle’s friend’s engagement party.” Heather smiled. “Word gets around.”
“I didn’t know that had gotten around.” Mia’s stomach clenched. She hadn’t told anyone, and she was quite sure Isabelle hadn’t since this was a surprise party. Which meant someone had overheard it and opened their mouth. Maybe Sabrina. Maybe someone wandering past the farmstand who heard the wrong snippet and filled in the blanks. Either way, it didn’t take much for a whisper to snowball in this town. Just her luck.
Heather laughed. “It all gets around. Haywood Lake may be growing, but it’s still a quintessential small town. Everyone knows everything about you.”
The way she said it took a little of the edge off. But not all. Curiosity could be harmless, or it could be something else entirely. And not for the first time, Mia wondered which version she was sitting across from.
“Well, that’s about all I have,” Heather said. “Do you have any questions for me?”
“Not that I can think of offhand,” she replied. “I look forward to the article.” Mia stood. “Thanks again.”
As she walked out of the diner, the bell over the door jingled. It was a cheerful sound that didn’t match the tension in her chest. But she couldn’t help feeling that Heather wasn’t just writing a profile.
She was looking for something. Digging even.
And when Mia thought back to Roy’s clipped tone that morning, the unease twisted tighter. Two very different conversations but both left her unsettled.
She just hoped it was nothing and not the first hint of something she should’ve seen coming.
CHAPTER 8
Mia almost turned aroundand drove back to town when she saw a black truck and a familiar face easing down her drive.
Of all days for him to show up.
When she asked Finn about building the barn, he said he’d send someone over since he was slammed with work. She didn’t expect it to be Caleb Jennings.
The man featured prominently in all of her erotic dreams. Broad shoulders, steady eyes, tall, blond and handsome—sex on a stick. They crossed paths several times: at the Foundry fundraiser for Willow Haven, at another gala she catered, and at a quick trip to a supermarket. Every time, she felt a subtle pull between them.
And every time, she had pulled away first.
Her life wasn’t so simple anymore since coming home. Her father needed her. Her business consumed all the free time she had. She barely slept as it was, and there was definitely no time for a relationship with any man. But her body never quite got that memo, not when Caleb Jennings looked at her like she was the sun and moon.
Caleb got out and lifted a hand in greeting. “Hey, Mia.”
Thankfully, he wasn’t looking at her like he wanted to scoop her up and have his way with her. Although her stomach did an embarrassing flutter anyway.
No! Not going there.
“Hi, Caleb,” she replied. “Long time no see.”
“Yeah, it’s been a while.” He looked around. “I’m here about the event barn. Finn said you needed someone to take a look.”
“Yeah, that’d be great.”
“Mind if I let my dog out?” he asked, just as a big shepherd barked.
She looked at the dog drooling on the passenger window. “No. I like dogs.”
