MaryJane sighed as she laid her belongings over a box. “If you ask me, he’s trouble.”
“That’s not fair. He’s not here to cause problems.” At least she hoped not. Kate handed her a strand of lights. “He’s just here to do his job, like you and me.”
“Hmph. We’ll see.”
Kate didn’t want to talk about Wes any longer. In fact, the less she thought about him and his mission, the happier she became. “How’s your Christmas shopping coming?”
It didn’t take much to distract MaryJane. Her eyes lit up as she talked about her young sons. She was thrilled that she’d scored this year’s hottest toy: a walking, talking, game-playing robot. In no time, the lights were on the tree. Kate plugged them in. MaryJane made a couple of adjustments and then stood back to admire their work.
Kate got lucky and found the blown-glass candle ornaments that had been handed down from her great-grandparents. She hung the thin gold cords on metal hooks, and carefully they placed them on the tree.
“Hey, MaryJane.” Clint, who’d worked at the candle company as far back as Kate could remember, called from the end of the hall. “We have a problem with the printer again.”
“I’ll be right there.” MaryJane hung another ornament on the tree. “Sorry. Duty calls. What would they do without me?”
“Probably not much printing.”
“Exactly.” MaryJane admired the tree. “I’m sorry to leave you to finish on your own.”
“It’s all right. I’ve got this.” Kate placed another glass globe with a battery-operated candle in the center of the tree. “Thank you for the help.”
“No problem.”
And then MaryJane was off to help Clint. Kate knew she was lucky to work with such generous and kind-hearted people. There was no place like Bayberry—
“Coming through,” the delivery man called out.
Kate looked up to find a brown-uniformed man bearing down on her at full speed with his arms full of packages. She backed up without looking and tripped over a box—and stumbled into the Christmas tree.
Jingle. Jingle.
The antique ornaments banged together.
Oh no! This can’t be happening.
She spun around, hoping to catch the tree before it fell over. But there, holding it in place, was Wes. Wes? He had the tree in one hand.
“Wow. Thank you.” Kate’s gaze skimmed over the tree, checking to see if all of the ornaments had survived. All seemed well. “You saved Christmas.”
“I don’t know if I’d go that far. But I’m glad I was here to help.” He sent her a leisurely smile that made her stomach dip.
Ignoring the sensation, she asked, “Did you just get here?”
“A little bit ago. I was in the file room searching for a report.”
“Did you find what you needed?”
“I did. Thanks.” His expression turned serious. “You don’t seem mad any longer. You know, about the office. Does this mean we’re okay?”
She smiled wryly. “We’re good.”
“I…I should get back to work, unless you need my help?”
She checked her watch and realized that not only had she missed her morning coffee, she had also missed starting on time. It was time to clean up the boxes and get to work. “No. I’m good. I just need to get this cleaned up. But thanks.”
Wes walked into her—well, temporarily his—office. Kate turned and started putting lids on boxes. The next thing she knew, he returned and started helping her. Working together, they returned the boxes to the storage room in no time.
“Thanks again,” she said.
“There’s no need to thank me.”
“You’ve been a big help this morning.” She yawned as she placed the last box on the shelf.
She’d taken her laptop to bed last night to work on the online campaign for the candle sale. She’d literally worked until she’d fallen asleep, with the laptop still open. She’d woken up later, closed it and then rolled over and gone back to sleep. Another yawn plagued her. Obviously, she hadn’t gotten enough sleep. “And now I really need my coffee.”
“You haven’t had coffee yet?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t have time first thing this morning and then I got busy.” Her phone vibrated in her back pocket. She withdrew it and checked the caller ID. It was Aunt Penney. “I’ve got to take this.”
“Sure thing.” He moved to leave, but the only way out was past her. She backed up against the metal shelves. He turned to take a sideways step past her. Their eyes caught and it was though they were moving in slow motion. Her heart pitter-pattered much too fast.
He was so tall. So good-looking. And then he was directly in front of her. Were those dimples in his cheeks? She stifled a dreamy sigh. She couldn’t take her eyes off him.
And then he passed. The moment was over. It was though they’d been slingshotted back into the normal rhythm of time. And her phone continued to vibrate in her hand.
“You should get that.” He nodded toward her phone.
“Oh. Yeah.” She lifted the phone to her ear. “H…hello.”
“Kate, is everything all right?” Aunt Penney asked. “You sound out of breath.”
“Uh, yes.” She snapped out of whatever spell had just been cast over her. “I’m fine. What do you need?”
Her aunt had a question about the arrangement for the holiday sale in the warehouse. They were going to enlarge it by a couple of rows. When Kate wrapped up the call, Wes reappeared with a fresh mug of coffee.
He held it out to her. “It’s for you. I didn’t know how you take it, so here’s some creamer packets and sweetener.”
She accepted his offerings. “Thank you. That was so thoughtful of you.” She moved to a shelf with a little available space. She pocketed the creamer packets but added all three sweeteners.
“It’s not a big deal. I’m sure your boyfriend does things like this for you all of the time.”
“I don’t have a boyfriend.” Thoughts of her ex flashed in her mind and she frowned. “Not any longer, that is.”
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Well, anyway, it was no big deal.”
“No. It’s a huge deal. I just couldn’t function any longer without my morning coffee.” She lifted the mug to her lips and took a long, slow drink.
“I should be going.” Wes turned to walk away.
“I owe you,” she called out to his retreating back. “Again.”
He paused and turned. “Don’t worry about it. I was happy to help.”
He turned a corner and disappeared from sight. She stood there, staring at where he’d been as she took another sip. Maybe there was more to Wes than she’d originally thought. And now that he’d not only helped clean up the boxes and brought her coffee, but also saved her family’s heirloom ornaments, she might actually be in debt to him.
She didn’t like to be indebted to anyone, especially a handsome stranger. She would find a way to pay him back. Maybe something would come to her after she’d had more coffee. Yes, coffee and muffin first, thinking later.
Chapter Six
This assignment was going to be more complicated than he’d hoped.
And much more time-consuming.
Wes sighed as he closed his laptop and leaned back in his chair. Pulling the information he needed to do an evaluation of the company was hampered by the candle company’s lack of technology. They had no system that collected vital information in a central location.
His head started to ache as he contemplated the monumental task ahead of him. Maybe skipping breakfast hadn’t been his brightest idea. Fortunately, it was almost lunchtime.
He glanced through the windows of his office, seeing employees shrugging on their coats and heading out for lunch. He didn’t see Kate among them. He hadn’t seen her since she’d crad
led that coffee mug in her hands like she was holding liquid gold.
When she’d come upon him in her office yesterday, he’d thought for sure he’d blown any chance of befriending her. The truth was he hadn’t had any idea when Penney Taylor had shown him to the office that it belonged to Kate. In fact, it was so neat and organized that he hadn’t been sure the office belonged to anyone in particular.
He’d thought of moving somewhere else, but he wasn’t sure where. The data he needed access to was sensitive, but when he saw the elder Ms. Taylor, he’d ask for an alternate location.
He usually packed a lunch when he worked at his New York office, but he had yet to get his bearings here in Bayberry, so he’d picked up some snack foods in the break room to tide him over. This way he could eat and work. The sooner he completed this assignment, the sooner he could get back to Manhattan.
He was holding the granola bar and apple when Kate stepped into the doorway. A slow smile tugged at his lips.
“Is that what you’re having for lunch?” Kate’s nose scrunched up.
“What’s wrong with it?”
“I think Bayberry can do better than that.” She beckoned for him to come with her.
“Aren’t you still upset with me for stealing your office?”
Her lips pursed together and then she shook her head. “I talked to my aunt. You were just doing what she said. I’m sorry I didn’t take it well.” Kate stepped farther in the room. “I’m really a nice person. Most of the time. I’m just a little worked up about the holiday sale this weekend. Can we start over?”
Wes swallowed hard and got to his feet. “Sure. Hi.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Wes Adams.”
She shook his hand. “I’m Kate Taylor. Would you like to go grab some lunch?”
He looked at the heap of work stacked on his desk. This place had more hard copy reports than digital files. Being here was like stepping back into the Stone Age. Well, maybe the Floppy Disk Age.
“The work will be here when we get back,” Kate said. “I promise.”
She was right. What would it hurt to have a hot lunch? After all, this was Kate Taylor—the girl he’d had a crush on in junior high. It would be nice to get to know the grown-up Kate.
“Okay.” He smiled. “Let’s do lunch.” He got up and put on his coat. “Where do you suggest?”
“Oh, that’s easy. Mel’s Grille. They can make just about any sandwich you can think of. Come on.” She turned, but then paused and looked back at him. “You do eat sandwiches, don’t you?”
He couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, I eat sandwiches.”
“Good. Come on before the lunch crowd takes all the good seats. And after lunch, I’ll give you a quick tour of the town.”
He didn’t know which to be more surprised about: that there were good seats in a diner, or that Bayberry had a lunch crowd. Or that Kate had volunteered to spend more time with him? The way Kate rushed toward the exit, apparently that was the case.
He hurried out of the office, hot on her heels. Did her change of mood mean she’d remembered him? Unlikely. She’d have said something.
Besides, it wasn’t like he ever did much to stand out in junior high. He hadn’t been able to take her to the Candlelight Dance like he’d hoped. His father’s new job had come through right before the holiday—before Wes had worked up the courage to ask her. He wondered if the town still held the Candlelight Dance. That had been a lot of years ago. And things do change. Like Kate. She’d grown into a strong, confident woman.
A light snow fell as they walked down the street. In the not-so-far distance stood a tall picturesque mountain with its peak all white. Everyone they passed said hello. He looked for any familiar faces, but it’d been so many years since he lived here that he couldn’t put a name to any of them.
“Do you know all of these people?” Living in a big city since he’d gone to college had made him forget what life was like in a small town.
She nodded. “With less than a thousand people in Bayberry, everyone knows everyone else.”
So the town hadn’t grown much since he’d lived here. Interesting.
“Do you ever get bored living in a small town?”
“Not at all. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
“But aren’t you curious about what else is out there? Different adventures? Different jobs? Different opportunities?”
She shook her head. “I don’t have to go away to know my neighbors are some of the best people in the world. My life is here in Bayberry working at the family business. I’m the last of the Taylors, so some day it’ll hopefully be mine to run.”
He wanted to ask what she’d do if her aunt had to sell it off, but he didn’t want to ruin this reunion of sorts. And it was none of his concern.
“Where are you from?” Her voice drew him from his thoughts.
His first thought was to say Bayberry, but that wasn’t exactly true. He’d lived in many states, many towns growing up. Bayberry just happened to be his favorite.
Rather than explain his complicated past, he said, “I live in New York City.”
“Well, I hope you enjoy your visit to our little town.”
Mel’s Grille sat on Main Street, and though the white brick exterior with black shutters didn’t stand out, the aroma wafting from the front door as it opened and shut drew him in. He inhaled deeply. He remembered this place having the best burgers and shoestring fries.
“What smells so good?” It wasn’t burgers, but he was intrigued.
“Since today is Tuesday, the specials are corned beef on rye and beef stew.” She smiled at him. “Go for the stew. It’s delicious and comes with a hunk of home-baked bread.”
She didn’t have to tell him twice. The burger would have to wait for another visit. His stomach rumbled in anticipation. “Count me in.”
They hadn’t made it to the diner before the lunch crowd descended upon the place. He pulled the door open for Kate and then followed her inside. It wasn’t a huge place, but all of the booths and tables were already occupied. People were talking and enjoying their lunches.
A waitress passed with a tray full of food. Everything looked delicious—and huge. He breathed in the aromas and his mouth watered. He didn’t know of any place near his Manhattan office that served portions even half this size.
The waitress, in a fifties-style white uniform with red trim, had blond hair pulled up in a perky ponytail. The lines around her eyes said that she was tired, but when she saw Kate, her glossy pink lips lifted into a smile.
“You’re running late today.”
“I brought a visitor. This is Wes. Wes, this is one of my best friends, Carrie.”
The young woman regarded him through stylish red-and-black eyeglasses. “Welcome. The only seating is at the counter. I’ll be over as soon as I deliver this food.”
Kate led the way to the white Formica counter. How was it possible that everything about the diner was the same as he remembered? Two red stools anchored to the floor had just become available. It was like walking back in time. On the walls were black and white tiles. Even the framed black-and-white photos of racing cars on the wall were the same. He smiled and shook his head.
After they took a seat at the counter, Kate pulled a menu from a holder and held it out to him. When he reached out to take it, their fingers brushed. Their eyes met and held for a second or two longer than necessary.
Kate averted her eyes. “I can vouch for everything on the menu. Except for the sweet potato fries.”
“What’s wrong with them?”
Her pert nose wrinkled. “Nothing, if you like sweet potatoes.”
He smiled at her reaction. “I take it you don’t.”
She shook her head. “But if you do, I have it on good authority that they’re delicious.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for futur
e reference. I’m already sold on the stew.”
Carrie nodded and wrote on her note pad. “Good choice. I promise you won’t regret it.”
“I’ll have the same,” Kate said. “Plus coffee.”
“Coffee for me too,” Wes said.
Kate acted as though they hadn’t shared a moment. They had, hadn’t they? Or had he just imagined it? Not that he was in town for anything but work. So he let go of the thought—no matter how enticing he found it.
Once Carrie went to put in their order, Kate leaned back on the stool. “I’m guessing you’re anxious to get back to the city, since it’s the holiday season.”
He shrugged. “I guess.”
“Do you have a girlfriend or wife waiting for you?”
“I don’t have either.”
“What about your family?”
“My mother’s in Florida and my father passed on.”
“How long are you in town?”
“As long as it takes.”
“As long as it takes to do what, exactly?”
He had a feeling all of their conversations were going to circle back around to his work at the candle company. He couldn’t blame her for being curious. But he was working for her aunt. Until Ms. Taylor gave him explicit instructions to share his project, he couldn’t go into details. Confidentiality was a cornerstone of his occupation.
The waitress came rushing back to the counter and slid the now-empty tray beneath it. She placed cups and saucers in front of them. As she filled them with coffee, she said, “Your orders will be up in just a minute.”
“Thanks, Carrie. By the way, I have some more ideas for the dance. I’ll text you.”
“Sounds good.”
Once the waitress moved on, Kate turned inquisitive eyes on him. “So, what can you tell me about your work?”
He avoided her gaze. “Nothing.”
“Not even a hint of what you’re looking for? I might be of more assistance to you if I know what you’re after.”
He smiled and shook his head. “Are you always this persistent?”
She nodded. “If it’s important enough.”
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