“So, do you have any new plans now that they’re out of the house?”
She hesitated. “To be honest, I’m not sure. I’ve been playing around with the idea of staying open later and serving dinner at the café. I’ve always wanted to have a fine-dining restaurant. Right now I’m still trying to figure out what the menu would be. If I do end up extending the hours of the café, I’m hoping I can figure out a way to make it a bit nicer for the evening business.”
“I think it’s a great idea. We don’t have very many high-end options in town. There are a few seafood places along the waterfront, and of course you can always drive down to Portland or up to Bar Harbor…but I think our town could use another really nice place for more formal dining. I’ve even considered trying to get the barn out there remodeled and open an establishment myself,” Melody replied.
“Oh, I could see that working really well. You could keep a lot of the integrity and charm of the old barn, but open up one of the walls and get the benefit of the view.”
“Exactly. You should see some of the wood in there. There are some beautiful, big beams in the rafters that would be really magnificent once cleaned up. You know, you can’t get them like that anymore. The structure itself would have to be secured, and it needs a new roof, but the foundation is still solid.”
“So, what’s stopping you from doing it? It sounds like you’ve given it quite a bit of thought.”
“I’m not sure I’m up to tackling it right now. I’ve got a lot on my hands just running this place and I know I wouldn’t be able to handle both businesses on my own. Basically, it’s just a nice idea to think about.”
“I can understand that. Like I said, I’m still in the planning stages, myself. After I put together the general idea for the menu, I’m hoping to get in touch with some of the local farmers around here. I’d like to keep as much of the food locally sourced as possible and help support the community, if I can.”
“I feel exactly the same way. Actually, I know quite a few of the farmers around here. I usually get my eggs and vegetables from them, and I belong to the local co-op. If you’d like me to help you with introductions, let me know.”
“Thanks, I will.”
After finishing his second bowl, Mason sat back with a satisfied sigh. “Mel, you really outdid yourself. This was outstanding and perfect for the weather.” He got up and gathered the used dishes. “Why don’t you ladies relax in the living room? I can do the dishes and clean up.”
Olivia raised her eyebrows and slid a glance towards his sister. “Is he always this great, or is he just on his best behavior because I’m here?”
She laughed. “Oh, I don’t know if I’d say he’s ALWAYS this great, but he usually does pretty well at keeping chores evenly distributed.”
He rolled his eyes, grabbed a dish towel and started winding it up. “You ladies better stop talking about me like I’m not here, or you’re going to feel my wrath.”
Laughing, they both hopped up from the table and moved their dishes to the sink. “Did you want some more water, or would you like to join me in having a glass of wine?” Melody asked.
“Ooh, I’ll have a glass with you…” As they started heading out of the kitchen, Mason smacked Olivia’s butt with the dishtowel.
“Hey!” she cried, with mock indignation.
Flushed, she laughed and headed into the living room with Melody, not catching the look of surprise and joy on the other woman’s face at her brother’s antics.
Chapter Fourteen
An hour and a half later, Mason turned into Olivia’s neighborhood. She glanced over at him. He hadn’t talked much that afternoon, but seemed to enjoy watching the two women interact with each other. Liz’s Jeep was sitting in the driveway and the soft glow of lights filtered out from the front windows.
“Looks like my sisters are already here,” she murmured, turning to face him as he pulled into the driveway. “Thank you. I had a really good time this afternoon. It was so great meeting your sister. She’s done an amazing job with the bed and breakfast.”
“I’m glad you could join me today. I knew it was last minute and wasn’t sure what your schedule is typically like.”
“Afternoons tend to be pretty open for me, other than the usual errands and bookkeeping…” She let her sentence trail off as she felt him begin to run his fingers through her hair. His thumb circled the spot on her neck where her pulse had quickened at his touch, as if relishing the way he affected her. With his other hand, he released both seatbelts and tugged her across the bench seat towards him.
She gave a small gasp as she tumbled into his lap, her hands bracing against his chest. She curled her fingers into his muscles, being careful to skirt the bandages she could feel beneath his shirt, and laughed a little breathlessly as she tipped her head back. The piercing heat of his gaze stopped her in her tracks. She watched as his eyes took in her face and then focused on her mouth.
He paused, giving her a moment to pull back or indicate that he wasn’t welcome, but instead, she met his eyes and let him see her own desire reflecting back at him. With slow, deliberate determination, he lowered his head and claimed her lips with his own. His left hand curled back around her head, gripping her hair and drawing it back to the perfect angle.
She moaned as his tongue swept past her lips and explored the sweet, dark depths of her mouth. All thought fled her mind as sensations swirled into her system. Slowly, his fingers began to lightly trace the side of her waist, following the line down to the curve of her hip and back up again.
Emboldened, she moved to kiss along his jawline, but as she tried to snake her arms around his neck, her body twisted and her elbow slammed against the wheel. The blare of the truck’s horn sliced through the stillness of the neighborhood and seemed to echo off the garage door, startling them both into half jumping out of their skin.
Instantly, their eyes clicked and they both collapsed into laughter. Reality came crashing in, quickly dispelling the air pressure in the cab. He leaned his forehead against hers as they both fell silent and took a moment to just savor the breath between them.
Carefully, he cupped her cheek, and gave her a self-deprecating grin. “I don’t think I’ve felt this flustered and anxious in the cab of a truck since I was a seventeen year-old just starting to figure things out.” After a soft brush of his lips, he reluctantly pulled away from her and let her settle back into her seat.
With a half self-conscious laugh, she cast a glance over at him, and then noticed that one of her sisters must have heard the horn and turned on the front light at the door. “Me neither. I also forgot how illicit it could feel to see the porch light come on,”
She puffed out her cheeks and blew a breath out, willing her heart rate down to something less than a jackhammer. “I should probably get going.”
“Okay. I had a good time with you this afternoon. We’re still on for Friday, right?”
Olivia flushed with pleasure. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Great. I’ll see you then.” At that, she climbed out of the cab and headed to the house, knowing she was going to be hearing from her sisters the moment she unlocked the door.
Liz was lying in wait in the foyer as she let herself in. She tried to keep the goofy grin from her face, but couldn’t quite stop her lips from quirking up at the corners.
“Oooh, looks like someone has had a good afternoon. Rumpled hair, blushing cheeks…what have you been up to I wonder…?” Liz teased Olivia as she hung up her coat and sat down to take off her boots.
“All right, all right, get your kicks in while you can. I don’t think anything could pull me down from this good mood.” She stood up and padded into the kitchen. “Sorry I’m a bit late. Mason stopped by and took me up to meet his sister, Melody.
“I’m telling you, Fiona would absolutely flip over the bed and breakfast she has up there. The place is everything you would want it to be. Romantic, comfortable, whimsical…perfect.”
Liz gave
her sister an appraising look. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look this flustered before. Let’s pop open a bottle of wine and you can tell all the details while we raid your closet. Fiona said she was running late and should be here any moment.”
Fifteen minutes later, Fiona stepped through the doorway. “We’re up here!” Olivia called down to her.
She came up the stairs and stood, gawking at the clothes piled on and hanging from every surface. “Wow. This place looks like a tornado hit it.” She hefted an overnight bag full of clothes onto the bed. “I see you got started without me.”
Olivia glanced at her sister in the reflection of the mirror. “I can’t believe how bad I’ve let my wardrobe get. It’s nothing but t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers. I just found this dress shoved in the back of my closet.” She held it up and tilted her head at herself in the mirror, “What do you think?”
Fiona walked up to get a better view of her sister. “I think that has got to be the ugliest dress I’ve seen in a very long time. Why on earth would have you purchased it?”
Sighing, she tossed it on the pile of discards in the corner of her room. “You know dressing up was never a strong suit of mine. Besides, there always seemed to be something more important to spend money on. It doesn’t make sense to buy nice clothes when half the time I wind up ruining them at work.”
Fiona hugged her back. “Well, I think it’s about time we cleaned some of this stuff out. I’d suggest donating it, but I’m not sure I’d wish that dress on anyone.”
Olivia laughed. “Oh come on, it’s not that bad.”
“Shows what you know.” Fiona fished another faded shirt out of the closet and unceremoniously tossed it onto the same pile in the corner. “We are not going to allow you to dress up as a brown paper sack from the eighties for the first date you’ve had in years.”
Liz piped up from where she leaned back on her bed. “I have to agree with Fi. I’m sure we can do better than that.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on, as if you’re any better.” She turned back to Fiona. “Okay, okay. I realize I’ve never been much of a fashion plate, which is exactly why I asked you to come over. So, what’d you bring for me?”
“I brought a few options you might like, but first I need to know a little bit more about this date.”
“Well, he’s going to pick me up at 5:30 and then we’re going to go to the high school holiday concert. He said he’s going to make dinner reservations for afterwards.”
“How quaint,” Liz commented drily, rolling her eyes.
Fiona admonished her sister, “Hey, I think it’s sweet. Did he say what restaurant he’s going to take you to?”
“He didn’t mention the place specifically, no.”
“There are only a few places that would need a reservation. I think it’s safe to say it’ll be a fancier place if he needs one,” Liz pointed out.
“Right. So, we need something that will be flattering, somewhat sexy, but still subdued enough to wear to a high school production.” Fiona started to rummage through the bag she’d brought.
“I think this will be perfect for you.” She handed Olivia a hunter green sweater wrap dress.
She held it up to her cheek. “It’s so soft.”
“Cashmere.” At Olivia’s shocked look, Fiona shrugged, “It was a killer deal. Sixty percent off. Try it on.”
Quickly, she stripped and pulled the dress on, taking a moment to smooth the fabric over her hips. Fiona and Liz both sucked in a breath.
“It’s perfect!”
“Wow, you’re good, Fiona.” Liz gave her younger sister an approving look.
Rushing back to the mirror, Olivia was surprised to find that the dress fit exactly right. “I’m not used to seeing myself in a dress,” she said, half to herself, as she adjusted the sleeves and hemline a bit. “Are you sure it’s not too much cleavage?”
“Absolutely not. You’ve got the curves, might as well put them to good use once in a while. Stop fidgeting,” Fiona instructed, batting her hands down. “The color brings out the green in your eyes.” She sighed. “You may as well keep it. That dress was meant for you.”
“What about the rest of her?” Liz asked, getting into the spirit of things.
“Well, the fact that it’s a sweater dress and has long sleeves should keep you warm enough. I’d probably pair it with some opaque tights, and wear your boots. Gold accents would work well with that color.”
“Thanks, Fi, I really appreciate it. I don’t know the last time I went out on a date.”
“I know it’s been a long time. I don’t think I can even remember you ever going out,” Fiona began to dig through her bag again, looking for the pair of gold hoops she’d brought with her. “So, tell us about this guy. What’s he like?”
“Judging by the way her cheeks were flushed coming in, he’s a good kisser,” Liz interjected before she could answer.
“Really? Olivia!” Fiona teased, with a mock scandalized expression.
Blushing, she conceded, “Well, actually…yes, he is.” Olivia took the earrings her sister handed to her and moved to the mirror to put them on. “I don’t know. He has a focus about him. He’s very intense, but he can also be quite charming and goofy when he forgets to be sad…”
“What do you mean, sad?” Fiona asked, watching her sister’s face in the mirror.
Olivia’s reflection met their eyes. “Did I mention he was a police detective down in Boston?” When they nodded, she continued, “Well, something happened to him down there, something bad, and recently. He’s up here staying with his sister while he recuperates.”
“Do you know what?” Liz asked.
“No, but I can tell that whatever it is, it haunts him. When he doesn’t realize anybody is watching, he walks around with shadows in his eyes. Earlier today he had a panic attack at the café when I accidentally sprayed ketchup down the front of me. It was only later, when I was thinking about it, that I began to wonder what had instigated it.”
“It must have looked like blood for a second…” Liz observed.
“That’s exactly what I was thinking,” she nodded.
“How awful!” Fiona exclaimed. “You know, we could look it up, if you want. Find out what happened.”
Olivia shook her head. “I thought about that. I’m not going to say I haven’t been tempted, but I feel like this is something I should let him tell me when he’s ready.”
“Are you sure? What if he’s not emotionally stable? I’d hate for you to get hurt.”
“Thanks.” Olivia turned and smiled at her sisters, shaking off the pensive mood creeping over her. “But, it’s just a date, right? Nothing says we have to let things get too serious. I think I’m just going to take things as they come and not worry too much about where they’re headed.”
Her sisters both exchanged a long look with each other. She laughed, “Oh, come on. Liz, weren’t you the one who said something about me sowing my wild oats?”
“You’re right, I did,” Liz conceded, “but just be careful. I know I was teasing you, but you’re not really one to play games. You’re the kind of woman who invests in the people she cares about and commits. Don’t sell yourself short. You deserve to get that back.”
Olivia was touched by what Liz said, and wasn’t sure how to respond. Sensing her discomfort, Fiona changed the subject, “So, you went up to the bed and breakfast this afternoon? Tell me all about it.”
Two hours later, she waved good-bye to her sisters and watched as they pulled out of the driveway. Liz’s words echoed in her mind. She didn’t want to be cautious and responsible this time. For once, she was going to live in the moment and let the future take care of itself.
With that thought in mind, she closed the door and went back upstairs to stand in front of the mirror. She could hardly wait to see the look on Mason’s face when he came to pick her up.
Chapter Fifteen
Robert sat on his usual stool at the breakfast counter, idly checking to
make sure the mustache he was using as a disguise was secure, and watched as Olivia put another order up in the window. He’d been coming in every day this week and enjoying the way she moved in the kitchen.
He didn’t even mind her interactions with the other townspeople. Most of the men seemed too old or already married. He noticed she had a way of talking to people and yet still keeping herself slightly apart. The only exception that he’d seen had been with that damn detective from Boston.
Luckily, after that day when he’d first spotted her, he hadn’t seen any further sign of Mason. A part of him wondered if it had just been a coincidence that they had talked to each other that afternoon.
It didn’t matter, she was his now. He’d seen the way she had appreciated the flowers he’d left for her, tucked under her windshield wiper for her to discover after work yesterday. He’d left her a note the day before telling her he’d be seeing her soon. Robert knew women liked a lot of attention.
She didn’t know it yet, but tonight, he was going to take her out on their first date. He couldn’t wait to see the joy and surprise on her face when he came by her house to pick her up. He could already tell his little gifts had pleased her. Just wait when she found out what his plans were for this evening.
“Is there anything else I can get you?” The unwelcome inquiry broke into his reverie.
He stared at the young girl who was looking at him with barely concealed distaste. He clenched his fingers around the handle of his mug. She was lucky she was too young for him. Otherwise, he’d feel obliged to teach her a lesson in respect. “I’ll take another refill of coffee.”
The girl turned to get the pot, but not before he saw her mouth twist in disdain. “Be right back.”
Moments later, she filled his cup again and, with a pointed look, left the check on the counter before heading back to the kitchen. He could tell that whatever she said had to do with him, because, for an instant, Olivia’s head came up and she cast a quick look over at him.
Secret Hunger (The Harper Sisters) Page 9