Amber and Gray wanted to offer their guests a morning buffet of baked goods. Seth had offered to add in savory items, but they’d said he didn’t have to do that unless he was in the mood.
He’d be providing dinner service most evenings for guests, with Gray taking over on his days off. Which Seth immediately protested.
Of course, Amber and Gray had insisted that neither of them was to work every day. But it wasn’t really work; it was fun. She figured Seth didn’t feel any different.
Mr. Clean had nearly hugged the six-burner stove. His focus had intensified as he’d zoomed in on it.
Of course, her silly imagination had wondered what it would be like to have that intense focus turned in her direction, to have those skilled hands on her body.
Shaking off the images, she thought about her own reaction to the baker’s oven they’d included in this amazing space. Mara didn’t know a single baker who wouldn’t have fallen in love with the kitchen. It was incredible.
Apparently, Gray was an excellent cook and had enjoyed planning out the space. He’d done a fantastic job. Even if she didn’t have her brother here, Mara would have fallen in love with the place.
So much better than anywhere she’d worked. And no assholes making lewd and unwelcome innuendos, or touching her without her permission.
That brought a shudder, and she focused on her phone. Her list. She had a gigantic list of ingredients she wanted to buy.
The fridge, freezer, and pantry were lonely, aching to be filled.
Apparently, Fiona Phail ran a small grocery store in Phail and knew the local bulk suppliers. The sooner Mara headed to town, the better.
As if reading her mind, Seth spoke from where he and Gray had been discussing what he’d need as well. “Okay, I’m heading into town to talk to Fiona. It’ll be good to get started.”
Gray nodded. “Good plan. Why don’t you and Mara go together? No sense in making two trips.”
Her skin flushed at the innocent comment. Spending the afternoon in the confined space of a vehicle with Seth? Her girlie parts loved it. But the man didn’t think much of her. Not that he knew her yet, but she sensed he’d already passed judgment based on the messy kitchen the night before.
They locked gazes, and Seth’s neutral expression told her nothing, but he shrugged. “Works for me. You?”
Normally, she wouldn’t jump into a vehicle with a guy she barely knew, but this was different. Seth was a friend of her brother’s. The other men on the farm all knew him. Gray wouldn’t have suggested it if he had any concerns.
Mara’s instincts said Seth wasn’t dangerous to her. He gave off the same protective vibes as her dad and brothers. Mara nodded. “Sure.” Her voice even sounded steady.
Not long after, they were in his Tucson, heading to town. She figured the man was a bit of a control freak, so she hadn’t protested when he offered to drive. Ford had told her the army made most people crave control. There were so many situations overseas that you couldn’t do a damn thing about, it was difficult to give up control when you could take it.
The others had told her it was about a thirty-minute drive to Phail, so she settled in to check out the scenery. She’d been too stressed to notice much on her drive in. Now, she knew she had a job and a place to live.
After a couple of turns, she smiled. “Vermont sure is gorgeous. Have you been here before?”
Seth didn’t take his eyes off the road as he shook his head. “No.”
“Ford said you’re from LA. I bet this will be different for you.”
“Probably.”
Definitely not a talker. Or maybe just not with her. The SUV’s radio wasn’t on, and he hadn’t hooked up his phone to the media options. She lasted only a few minutes before she had to ask. “No music? Or are you a podcast listener?”
His eyebrows shot up, but he didn’t spare her a glance. The roads were curvy, but not dangerous. “I like the quiet.”
Okay, then. Mara wasn’t sure whether to laugh or roll her eyes. So much for a getting-to-know-you ride to town.
When he added nothing else, Mara turned her attention to the hills and valleys. There were long stretches with no sign of humans. The land had probably looked the same millennia ago.
They also passed pockets of farmhouses and small homes. Happy, well-tended properties. Sheep and cows became more frequent along with fields of hay, potatoes, and corn.
“Looks like we’ll have local options for produce.” Oops, she hadn’t meant to break the silence.
Instead of rebuffing her, Seth’s lips lifted in a smile. “Gray’s garden is going to provide a lot, but we’ll definitely need backups. Showcasing local corn will be smart in the fall.”
