Taking a deep breath, she approached the airline counter. Opportunity had knocked and she was heeding its call, a call to adventure. The female clerk took her driver's license and itinerary and began typing the information into the system.
"You're seated in business, but it looks like an upgrade is available."
An upgrade? "Uh, how much does it cost?" Lila knew flights weren't cheap, especially one booked at the last minute.
"There would be no charge. The ticket purchaser has platinum status which entitles the flyer to an upgrade if there is a seat available."
A free upgrade? Maybe things were finally looking up. "Okay," she said with a smile.
The security line was another novel experience. Lila was glad she'd worn shoes that could easily be slipped off and hadn't put on any jewelry. Not that she owned much to put on. She followed the instructions carefully, putting her laptop in a separate bin, and making sure her liquids were in a transparent plastic bag which was also pulled out of her carry-on.
She entered the round scanner and assumed the position, feet apart, elbows bent and hands up. Despite the scan, she was still lightly patted down by the attendant when she stepped out of the machine. Lila tried not to squirm at the embarrassment.
"Doesn't the scanner show you everything already?" she asked the female TSA agent who was skimming her hands over Lila's thighs.
"Not always," the woman replied, pointing to the small screen that displayed a human shape with a few green boxes standing out in the stomach and upper leg regions. "The sensors sometimes get set off by some of our larger passengers, even though there's nothing there." The woman stood and gave her a nod. "You're clear."
Lila fought down her blush as she crammed her items back into her carry-on bag. Yet another reminder of her abnormal status. Get it together, she admonished herself. Maybe normal is overrated. Free upgrade, remember?
Finding her gate, she sat down and took out one of her culinary magazines. Although she'd pulled together several ideas for menu items for the Small Town Celebration, Lila wasn't at all sure what she'd find when she arrived.
The letter and itinerary had been light on details. She knew she was flying into Atlanta, and that someone would be picking her up from the airport to take her to her hotel. Beyond that, and knowing she'd be cooking for a couple hundred hungry people, there wasn't much information to go by.
The announcement for boarding was made, and Lila was startled to realize that she was in the first group called. Platinum status apparently had its benefits. And as she settled into one of the small group of seats in the front of the plane, she realized how lucky she was. As she shoved her bag into the overhead bin, she peeked back at the seats that would lay behind the thin curtain once it was drawn across the aisle. The rows there had three seats that were situated much closer together.
Lila took her own seat, grateful for the extra leg room and the wider seat. Her hips were large, and she didn't like to think about cramming herself into one of the coach seats where she might spill over and intrude on the person seated next to her. First class was definitely the way to go. Too bad this might be her first and last chance to experience it.
The seatbelt light flashed on, accompanied by a chime. Lila struggled to get the belt across her stomach and sighed in relief when it snapped closed. Barely. She'd watched the masses file past her into coach and realized the flight must be nearly full. But the seat next to her remained empty, and soon the plane was coasting away from the gate.
As the plane took flight, Lila stared out the window, seeing the big city shrink to miniature proportions. It was fascinating, watching the tiny cars navigate winding roads around dollhouses, until the plane swept into the clouds and the ground disappeared. When the flight attendant offered her a drink, she decided to live a little and asked for a mimosa. The attendant, an older blond woman with a friendly face, smiled when she passed her the drink and a hot towel.
Lila wasn't sure what to do with the towel and shot a nervous glance to the other passengers. Some ignored the towel, others placed it over their faces. She patted it against her face, then used it to warm her hands.
Lila settled back, looking out the window to find brown mountains below her. The flight would last several hours, and she knew she should use the time to work on her menu or even catch a few winks. Instead she stared out the window, watching the world go by beneath her.
What would she find when she landed? She was on an adventure, chasing opportunity, but so far her track record wasn't what one would call consistent. What if she screwed up again? Made a fool of herself, or worse, ruined the award dinner with her inexperience?
She didn't like to think it, but this could be her final shot at redemption. This chance had come like a miracle from the heavens, and miracles weren't known for happening twice. Lila chewed her thumbnail, considering all the possibilities she'd have to make a mistake.
Stop it! she ordered herself. Brice's wedding had been a big success, and Drake's engagement party had went well, despite the shocking revelation that he'd had a fiancée. And the snafu that had sunk her business hadn't revolved around her food, but her own misplaced libido. It wasn't likely that lightning like Alex Drake would strike twice. What were the chances that Tall, Dark, and Dangerous would have a small-town twin? Very slim odds indeed.
It was time to have a little confidence in her abilities. Time for a clean slate.
When the plane landed at last, Lila had regained her equilibrium, and her excitement was warring with her exhaustion. The time zone difference told her it was now three hours later than back home and twilight was descending. She headed toward the exit and was relieved to see a sign with the name "Lila Johnstone" typed neatly on it.
"I'm Lila Johnstone," she said when she reached the two gentlemen behind the sign.
"Pleasure to meet you," said the shortest of the pair. He was a brunette with carefully styled hair, a large moustache and well-groomed goatee. "I'm Tony Beckham," he said as he shook her hand, then angled his head toward his companion. "This is my assistant, Jake Dawson."
The silver-haired Jake gave Tony a goofy smile that made Lila's eyebrow quirk in confusion. Then his warm hand was shaking hers. "Hello."
Lila nodded, and Jake took the handle of her bag, rolling it behind him as the men led her outdoors. It was a short walk to the parking spot and the large black SUV, the lights of which flashed when they approached.
Jake swung her bag into the back and then opened her door for her. He then climbed into the driver's seat, with Tony taking the passenger seat. Jake carefully steered them toward the exit, and Lila unleashed her curiosity.
"I didn't expect to be met by the project manager and his assistant at the airport. I figured a driver would just take me to the hotel."
Tony turned around and smiled at her. He was quite a handsome man. Not as handsome as Alex, her mind reminded her, and she bit back a frown.
"The foundation is a small operation. The town we're celebrating this year is several hours drive away, so we thought it best to make the trip with you, since we'll all be needed there anyway for the preparation. In fact, I'm sure you must be tired from the flight. I suggest you relax on the drive to town, and we worry about answering all your questions later."
Lila thought the idea of relaxation was a good one, but she knew that they were working under a tight deadline. "Since it's already Wednesday and the dinner is on Saturday night, couldn't you give me some idea of the sort of dishes you're looking for?"
Tony gave her a charming grin. "We've heard you're very skilled, and we're sure that whatever you come up with will be appreciated. The foundation does has some stipulations about the ingredients and presentation, but we'll go over those later."
"Later?" Lila couldn't hide the anxiety in her voice.
"Yes, later."
Jake gave Tony a look and Tony's smile faded. Lila had to strain to pick up the assistant's words. "How can you expect her to relax after she's just gotten off a cross-countr
y flight. She's probably starving and nervous as hell."
Tony frowned. "You're right." He swiveled his head around and pointed out a fast food joint up ahead, then he turned back to look at Lila. "Fast food okay? I don't want to spend the time on a sit-down dinner when we've got over three hours in the car as it is."
Lila smiled. "Fast food is fine."
Jake's warm eyes in the rearview mirror helped Lila to relax. "You sure? I hear you're quite a gourmet."
With a laugh, Lila responded. "Just because I cook gourmet food doesn't mean I can't appreciate other kinds. Besides, do I look like the type to ever turn down a French fry?"
Chapter Nineteen
Lila woke to the sounds of birds chirping outside her window. She pulled back the soft quilt and got out of bed, stretching her arms and legs and letting out a big yawn. Moving to the window, she pulled back the sheer curtain to peer outside.
When she'd arrived last night, she'd barely been awake as Tony and Jake led her into the hotel. Actually, the sign outside had proclaimed it a "Rooming House," and the rustic interior did little to belie that name. Still, the bed was comfortable, and she couldn't wait to explore the rest that this small town had to offer.
She'd been delighted to discover an antique claw foot tub in the cozy bathroom, even if she'd been too tired to use it last night. Lila picked up her phone and checked the time, wondering if she could squeeze in a hot bath before breakfast. Her phone told her it was nearly 10 am.
Shit! She never slept this late. Then she had to remind herself that back in Oregon it was 7, the time she usually popped out of bed. No time for a hot bath then, but enough for a quick shower. Unfortunately, it took almost five minutes for the old pipes to give up their limited supply of hot water, so Lila had to hurry to dress. She remembered Tony had told her that they would meet for breakfast at 10, and she was already late.
Lila pelted down the rickety stairs and found her way into the small dining room. The furniture consisted of one long table with ten chairs positioned around it. Jake and Tony were seated at two, but the rest were empty. Either the rooming house didn't have many lodgers, or they'd all gotten down to breakfast much earlier.
"Good morning!" Tony said, giving her a friendly nod as she took her seat.
"Sorry I'm late," she mumbled. "I didn't bother to set my alarm because I hardly ever sleep in, but I forgot to account for the time difference."
"No worries," he replied. "Our appointment isn't until noon, so relax."
Relaxing wasn't something that came easily to Lila, especially when she was late. Tardiness never failed to irritate her, especially if she was the one who made others wait.
Her negative thoughts were forced out of her head by a heady smell that was making its way toward them. A large older woman made her way into the room, carrying a big round tray that she settled on the table.
"Mornin', ya'll," she drawled as she set the plates before each of them. Lila's mouth watered at the delicious spread laid out in front of her. Biscuits and gravy. Fried potatoes. A pile of scrambled eggs covered in thick slices of melted cheese. A stack of bacon and several sausages. And a big glass of cold milk for each of them.
"This looks amazing," Lila breathed, causing a smile to wreath the woman's face.
"Why thank you, Miss Lila."
Tony picked up a piece of sausage, bit into it, and groaned. "Damn, Mrs. Wheaton, this is going to wreak havoc on my cholesterol count and probably add five pounds to my ass, but I think it might be worth it."
Mrs. Wheaton laughed, then swatted at him with the towel she'd pulled off her shoulder. "Mr. Tony, you watch your language."
"He apologizes," Jake put in with a slow smile before turning to his boss. "Besides, your ass might look even hotter with the extra five pounds."
Lila tried hard to keep her jaw from dropping. Was Beckham's assistant hitting on him? She couldn't miss the heat that ignited when their eyes met.
"Oh, Lordy," Mrs. Wheaton breathed, then bustled back out of the dining room, taking the empty tray with her.
Lila focused on her plate, noticing that she was near starvation. She almost inhaled her food, then looked around, embarrassed, as she patted her face with her napkin. Tony and Jake were paying her little attention. They were too wrapped up in each other.
It didn't matter to her if they were gay, not one whit, but she thought it strange that a manager and his assistant would be this open about their desire for each other. Pot calling kettle, her mind spouted. You weren't exactly subtle in your desire for your last boss either.
Touché, she thought, then smiled. They looked like they'd make an adorable couple.
"So tell me about this appointment," she said after swallowing the last bite of bacon.
Tony set down his fork and smacked his lips, an unlikely gesture coming from such a stylishly turned-out a man. "One of our stipulations is that the food used to prepare the award dinner comes from local sources. We want to showcase what this small town has to offer. So we're off to a nearby farm to shop for supplies."
A farm? Lila was used to picking up her supplies from slick retailers. The closest she'd gotten to a farm was the weekly Farmer's Market she'd visited to buy items for the menu at the restaurant she'd used to work at. At least it'll be fresh, she mused, but wondered how she'd find all the ingredients she needed for her normal gourmet dishes.
They headed out of town, and Lila only had time to notice a few storefronts before they were off the main drag and into the surrounding countryside. Although it was December and most of the trees were bare, the weather was cool without being frigid. Not unlike an Oregon winter, she mused. She was warm enough in the heat of the car and her navy blue button up coat.
Thoughts of the date made her realize that the Christmas holiday was only a week away. Another Christmas spent alone, like every other since her mother had passed. The thought was depressing like never before. She'd become accustomed to spending holidays alone when she'd accepted her perpetually single status, but it seemed her time with Alex Drake had changed her perspective.
The SUV came around a curve and a wide vista opened before her, jarring her out of her maudlin thoughts. A lone barn stood in a burnt-orange field of grass, the structure of aged wood dominated by the huge leafless tree beside it. Behind the field lurked a forest of empty trees, under a blazing blue sky littered with fluffy white clouds. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and Lila paused to soak it in before the vehicle put the view behind them.
As they drove the winding roads, the conflicting scenery built a perplexing impression. Gravel roads peeked out from beneath towering trees. Run down houses and a few trailers, the yards of which were dotted with rusted-out cars and other detritus, popped up between the occasional large, well-run house or farm. The Mountain Home Foundation had certainly picked an interesting small town to honor, although she supposed this year's selection did embody small-town America, warts and all.
It was nearly a half hour before they reached their destination. The black SUV pulled under a beam supporting a home-made wooden sign proclaiming their entrance to Happy Hollows Farm. Lila craned her head to catch sight of two horses, one white, the other dappled gray, as they ran across the field, the fog-covered mountains behind them providing an achingly beautiful backdrop.
The SUV came to a stop and her companions jumped out, Jake hurrying to open her door before she could do so herself. Lila carefully stepped out of the vehicle and onto the gravel driveway, avoiding the puddles that peppered the drive. Her head came up at the sound of squeaking door hinges. Out of the white-paneled farmhouse came two people, a man and a woman, who hurried down the steps and toward their guests.
"You must be Lila," the woman said as she came forward, her hand extended. Lila took it, wondering why she'd been greeted first.
"Hello," Lila replied, hoping her confusion wasn't evident on her face.
"Howdy," the woman replied with a smile which vanished when she seemed to take in Lila's expression. "And ya'll must b
e the foundation boys." She extended a hand to Jake, who shook it, then handed her off to Tony.
"Indeed," Tony said, "I'm Tony Beckham, and this is my assistant, Jake Dawson."
"Pleasure," Jake added with a quick bob of his head.
"I'm Ruth Anne," she said, then threw her thumb over her shoulder to point out the man behind her. "This here's my husband Chucky. We run the farm."
"Thank you for agreeing to assist us," Tony said, moving forward to take Ruth Anne's elbow and steer her in the direction of the nearest barn. "It would be great if you could show us some of the things you have to offer."
"Of course. Come on, ya'll," Ruth Anne said, pulling away from Tony to lead them toward the barn with her husband trailing behind them.
The barn's interior was dark, the smell of hay and animals strong but somehow pleasing. They came up to a pen, in the center of which lay a large pig, on its side, a couple of snorts coming from its wet snout.
"We got Handsome here, he's a little over a hunnert and fifty pounds on the hoof. Should serve at least a hunnert people or so."
Lila's eyes widened. They were talking about a living, breathing pig. She was used to buying her meat packaged, or from the butcher, where the animals had already been cut into their appropriate portions. She'd never considered how to cook a whole pig before.
"If you like 'em, we'll butcher him the night before and git him all ready to roast. Whaddaya say, Lila?"
She looked at her hostess, hoping her alarm wasn't too apparent. Ruth Anne stared back, a wide smile on her freckled face, her bright red hair hanging down on either side in twin braids. "Very nice," she finally managed to choke out.
"All right. Now come down here, and check out Winston."
Ruth Anne led them to another paddock, where her husband Chucky was leaning over the railing to stroke a small cow's head. "Winston is about four hunnert pounds of high-quality veal. Well-muscled with a good finish."
Worth the Risk: (A Contemporary Bad Boy Romance) Page 69