Little Ella Mae clapped her hands, making everyone chuckle.
Gray looked at her and Seth. “Have you decided what’s on the menu for tomorrow?”
They’d both been given free rein on menus, which Mara loved. “Along with the fritters, I’ll be making danishes, croissants, and muffins for tomorrow.”
Seth nodded. “I’ll have a few quiches for lunch if anyone arrives early. If not, we can freeze them for later. For the first official No Phailed Apples Inn supper, there will be a choice of grilled chicken or salmon, roasted or garlic-mashed potatoes, and a few salads, with variations of apple vinaigrette. And stuffed peppers to cover vegetarian needs.”
Charlie broke the beat of silence. “Lucky guests.”
Everyone laughed, and Seth shrugged. “You guys can have the leftovers.”
The boy sighed. “Unless they eat it all.”
Seth chuckled. “I’ll make lots, don’t worry.”
Gray nodded. “We definitely won’t starve. Now, who’s up for helping take the last load of our stuff upstairs, so we can get Mara moved into the owner’s suite?”
As everyone rose to help, Mara put her hand on Seth’s arm. “Are you sure you don’t want to take over the owner’s suite? I know they offered it to you first.”
He shook his head, but his eyes darkened, and her pulse fluttered.
“I suggested you take it. I don’t like you walking here for those early shifts. It’s safer if you take it.”
That filled her heart even as she considered offering to share the space. Share the bed.
That was moving too fast, but she had to bite her lip to keep the words inside.
Seth’s eyes darkened further, and the corner of his mouth kicked up, making her want to brush her lips over the spot.
Her brother broke the moment when he returned for another load of dishes. She couldn’t tear her eyes from Seth’s, but she could feel Ford’s attention on them.
Seth brushed his hand down her arm, oblivious or uncaring of Ford’s presence. Then he turned, nodded at her brother, and picked up their plates to help clear the table.
Leaving her more than a little breathless while her brother looked on.
Chapter 13
Be Our Guest
Mara tossed and turned most of the night in her new room. Fritter had initially curled up at the end of the bed, but her restlessness had sent him searching for another spot to sleep.
Excitement about the first day of guests was part of the reason for her lack of sleep, but it was more than that.
The new suite was gorgeous. Beautifully painted, decorated with pretty furniture from the inn and farmhouse. She appreciated the living space attached to the bedroom and the newly renovated bathroom.
All for her.
Which brought her to the real reason she hadn’t slept well.
Seth.
With his leg, it made the most sense for him to take these rooms closest to the kitchen. It would save him steps and ease the aches his injuries caused.
But he’d been worried about her safety and had insisted that Gray and Amber offer her the room instead. When she’d suggested she refuse so Seth would take it, Gray had snorted. Not a chance in hell, Mara. He wants you to have it. And he’s right. With your early hours, it’s smarter for you to live here.
So, here she was.
Thinking about Seth’s kindness and protectiveness. Thinking about inviting him into this room.
