She ignored the attempted flirtation and kept moving at a rapid pace while watching her footing.
“Hey, sexy!” the man called. “Want to meet me at the bar?”
It took her a second to equate bar with the more British pub. The vehicle zipped past and screeched to an abrupt halt in front of her.
“Hey, blondie. We could make beautiful music together.”
Kendall kept walking.
“Hey, blondie.” The vehicle door opened and slammed shut. Seconds later, a hand grabbed her upper arm and dragged her to a stop. “I was talking to you.”
“And I was ignoring you. I’m late to work, and if I don’t hurry, I’ll get the sack. If I haven’t already.” Kendall yanked from his touch and marched away. Although she disliked his approach, she appreciated his size and appearance. They bred them sturdy and confident up here.
Thankfully, he didn’t follow her. The scent of bacon and muffins drifted to her as she trotted up the two steps and into the kitchen via the rear entrance.
“Fiona! What are you doing here?”
“Oh, good you’re here. Quick, grab an apron. I assumed the snow had trapped you and figured I’d cover for you. Emily and I muddled through most of breakfast.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much.” Kendall tied an apron around her waist. “I owe you big time. Do you have time for breakfast?”
“Sounds perfect. I need to brainstorm something for a cover for a romance author. She keeps changing her mind, and she’s driving me crazy. Hair-tugging crazy.”
Kendall’s mobile buzzed and vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out, stared at the first of her messages and powered down her phone. She did not want to talk to her mother. “If you want, I can help you brainstorm.”
“Yes. Please. Tonight.”
“I’ll cook dinner too.”
“Done deal.” Fiona beamed.
Emily rushed in with two orders. “You’re here. Perfect timing. We’ve had an influx of customers.”
“Thanks for covering for me.” Kendall scanned the orders. “Did all the deliveries come in this morning?”
“Yes, Emily and I put things away. Is there a spare table for me?” Fiona asked Emily.
“Only one tucked in the corner.”
“That will work,” Fiona said.
“Thanks again.” Kendall gave her friend a quick hug and got to work on the waiting orders.
Emily hustled into the kitchen. “Fiona would like a surprise breakfast. Whatever you want to give her will be fine. Oh, and the men on table four want to compliment the chef.”
Satisfaction filled Kendall. “Tell them thank you, but I’m busy at the moment with orders.”
“Will do,” Emily said. “Did I do the muffins right? Fiona and I baked two batches and made sandwiches and things to go into the cabinet.”
Kendall walked to the doorway and peered at the cabinet. “I’d say yes to the muffins. It looks as if you’ve almost sold out. When things quieten down, I’ll show you how to make cheese scones or we can make a batch of shortbread.”
“Both.” Emily beamed. “I’m so glad you came back today. When you didn’t arrive this morning, I decided my uncle might have scared you away.”
“No, I got snowed in. Did Fiona tell you?”
“She suspected that might have happened. Were you alone?”
“No, I was with friends. We had food and shelter. It was an adventure.” Kendall focused on the bowl of eggs at her elbow. She picked up one and cracked it into the pan of swirling water for her current order.
“Do you like it here?” Emily asked. “I can’t wait to leave.”
“Actually, I do.” Early days yet, but she was enjoying the change of pace and the different scenery. “I’ve met some nice people. I already knew Fiona before I arrived in Churchill but meeting her in person meant a lot.”
Emily shook her head the entire time Kendall was speaking.
“What?” Kendall asked.
“Wait until you’ve spent an entire winter here or you want to buy something and have to wait until the store can deliver it. Deliveries can take months, and freight adds to the cost of everything. Try meeting someone new who you haven’t gone to school with. The guys my age are Neanderthals.”
Kendall laughed. “You never know when you’ll find the one or where.”
Emily grimaced. “I’ll take your word for it.”
The rest of the time passed in a flurry of cooking and prep for the following day. There was a steady stream of customers, and although Emily didn’t get her cooking lesson, the avalanche of tips pleased her immensely.
Kendall left at half-past three, later than her official hours, but she owed the extra time to her boss. She waved goodbye to Emily and left, pleased that Emily’s uncle hadn’t made an appearance today.
While she’d been at work, the sun had come out and there wasn’t much snow left on the ground. Still, she watched her footing. With her luck, she’d fall on her rump and offer entertainment to the many people walking down Kelsey Boulevard or driving along the road. She grinned when she saw no vehicles or a pedestrians. With her luck, if she fell it’d suddenly turn into rush hour. When she rounded the corner, she plowed into a hard wall of muscle.
“Oomph!” She fingered the tip of her nose and backed up. “Oh, it’s you.”
“I wanted to talk to you,” the blond man from this morning said. He grimaced at her, leaned closer and sniffed. His scowl deepened.
“Did you sniff me?” she demanded, indignation fueling her anger.
“You’re the cook.” His glower transformed into a smile.
Kendall drew herself up. “I’m a qualified chef.”
“Cool. I wanted to ask you out on a date. My name is Jamie. Would you like to go for a drink with me tonight?”
“I’m sorry, but I have plans.”
“Tomorrow night then.”
“No, I have a boyfriend.” Three to be precise—if she agreed to what Sax, Tate, and Ran wanted of her.
“That’s too bad.” Jaime scowled. “You’re a beautiful woman and a kick-ass chef.”
“Thank you. I…ah…have to go.” Kendall walked away without looking over her shoulder, but the prickling in the middle of her back told her Jamie continued to stare at her. She lengthened her strides, wanting to get away from the uncomfortable sensation. It was funny, but when Tate or Ran or even Sax flirted with her or paid close attention, the urge to bolt didn’t strike her. Their interest made her feel desirable and sexy. Jamie’s attentiveness alarmed her—something in his mien made the hair at the back of her neck stand on end.
By the time she reached the turnoff to Sax’s house, sweat covered her back, and she slowed, inhaling carefully to regulate her breathing. A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed Jamie wasn’t following her. Some of the tension in her dissipated.
She pulled her mobile out of her pocket and switched it back on. It blew up with beeps, showing numerous messages, both text and voicemail. Before she could make sense of the deluge, her phone rang. Her mother. She grimaced, hesitating, then clicked to accept the call.
“Hello.”
“Kendall. At long last. Isn’t it time you stopped this nonsense and came home?”
12 Ice Cream and a Decision
Sax straightened from his painting and leaned back, his fingers in the small of his back. It felt as if they’d been painting for days when it had been mere hours. His mind dwelled on Kendall and unease tiptoed through his gut. He picked up the roller and powered through his task. Done. He went in search of his two brothers, who were installing a new bathroom suite.
“I’m going to see if Kendall has finished at work. She’s later than normal and I need to make sure she is safe.”
Tate and Ran shared a glance, communicating in their twin way.
“We’ll finish sorting out the bathroom.” Ran answered for both of them. “If you and Kendall don’t arrive after we’ve finished, we’ll come looking for you.”
Sax gave a cl
ipped nod and left. He spied Kendall halfway down the road and the anxiety in his stomach eased. She was speaking on her phone—or rather she was listening and didn’t like what she was hearing, judging by her prune expression. His footsteps slowed. “Kendall.”
“I have to go, Mother.” She hung up. The phone rang again, and she ignored the call. She hesitated, then switched it off.
“Problem?” Sax asked.
“My mother doesn’t approve of the way I live my life.” Kendall’s jaw clenched hard as if she wanted to say more but loyalty kept her silent.
“You can talk to me. Chat about anything,” Sax said. “I’d never judge you. We can have coffee or something stronger if you prefer. If you don’t want to confide about what is bothering you, we’ll discuss the progress we’ve made on the house.”
Kendall nodded. “I’d like ice cream.”
Sax smiled. “I’m sure we can arrange that. Let me give Ran a quick call so my brothers will know where we’ll be.” Sax made the call and escorted Kendall back down the street to Gypsies, the local bakery and café.
“Do you know that man?” Kendall asked when they turned onto Kelsey Boulevard. “Every time I turn around today, he’s there.”
Sax glanced in the direction Kendall indicated and tension slid through his muscles. For an instant, he was a six-year-old again facing a much larger Jamie Anders. He still recalled the insults Jamie and his three brothers had heaped upon his head. Half-breed. And worse still. Whore’s spawn. He shook away his frozen shock at seeing his past glaring down the road at him.
“That’s Jamie Anders. He and his brothers are bullies. I doubt they’ve changed much over the years.”
“He asked me out.”
Sax closed his mouth with a snap.
“I told him no.”
“A wise idea,” Sax murmured, easing out a sigh of relief.
“When I got to the café, Fiona was there,” Kendall said. “She covered for me, and my boss never arrived today. He had no idea I was late for work. I promised to cook Fiona dinner tonight. She’s having problems with one of her clients, and I told her I’d brainstorm with her.”
“No problem.” Sax took her hand and entwined their fingers. “You don’t have to run around after me and my brothers.”
“I wondered if one of you would go to the supermarket with me and drive me to Fiona’s place.”
“As soon as we’ve recovered in Gypsies,” Sax promised.
A dinghy sat in the carpark outside the bakery, the white wooden bear sitting inside the boat bearing a sign announcing Gypsies. Several vehicles ranging from trucks to cars and SUVs sat in the parking lot alongside the boat.
Sax pushed the bakery door open and held it for Kendall. “Grab a seat,” he suggested. “Would you like a coffee to go with your ice cream?”
“A hot chocolate?”
“Done.”
Sax placed their order at the counter and joined Kendall at the window table she’d chosen.
“We’re almost done in the house. Ran and Tate are installing a shower, bath, and toilet right now. The painting is finished. You’ll be able to move in as soon as the fumes clear.”
“A new bathroom? Wow, that is awesome.”
“Would you mind if we moved into the house too? You can have your own room. We’ve decided to build the lodge on the land our father has given us. We’ve contacted our crew and some of them will fly in once we’ve organized building permits and supplies.”
“It’s a gorgeous spot. I’m glad you’re developing it. From what I’ve learned of your company, you’ll do it in a sensitive manner.”
Sax stared at her but couldn’t penetrate her mysterious female facade. She hadn’t answered his question, and he desperately wanted an answer, especially with Jamie Anders sniffing around her. The dog. Or polar bear, as it happened.
“What?”
“You haven’t answered my question.”
“About moving into the house. Yes, that is fine. It’s your house, and we’re dating.”
“Are we?” Sax’s heart skipped a beat then thumped extra hard to catch up while he continued to stare at her. “You never confirmed that.”
“We’re dating,” she said.
“All of us.”
She smiled. “My mother will have kittens.”
“She’s not here.”
“Thank goodness. She’s still trying to lay down the law with me by remote control.”
“She called you?”
“And demanded I stop this foolishness and return home to Devon.”
“Why?”
A waitress appeared carrying an ice cream sundae with chocolate sauce and two hot chocolates. “I brought two spoons.”
“Perfect,” Sax said.
“Chocolate ice cream. My favorite.”
“I’ll eat the vanilla.”
“I can manage vanilla.”
The door opened, the tinkle of a bell announcing a new arrival. Sax froze with his spoon in the air. Jamie Anders with two of his three brothers. They ignored Sax and Kendall, taking possession of a table at the other side of the room. They ordered burgers and fries and a beer each.
Sax’s gut churned as he turned back to Kendall. He loathed this, and he hated the way they sneaked peeks at her, slavering like hungry wolves.
Sax drove her to the supermarket, and she filled a basket with supplies. Kendall decided to make a pasta sauce and a chocolate cake for dessert. She added a bottle of New Zealand wine and walked to the checkout. Sax attempted to pay, but she stayed him with a warning frown.
“Fiona did the favor for me. You can pay for groceries to stock the house. I’ll give you a list tomorrow.”
“Excellent suggestion. Will you go out with me for dinner tomorrow night? And just so we’re clear, I’m asking for a sleepover as well. I have my own room at the inn.”
Kendall swallowed. Was she doing this? She nibbled her bottom lip then bit down harder. The jolt of pain cleared away her hesitation, her confusion. She wanted Sax as much as she’d wanted Tate.
“Yes, I’d enjoy spending tomorrow night with you.” Kendall reached for Sax’s hand and squeezed his fingers.
“Yes!” Sax’s eyes glowed, and Kendall witnessed relief. “I’ll look forward to tomorrow.”
She walked to the checkout and lined up behind a stooped woman with unnaturally bright red hair. The elderly woman packed her groceries into the basket of a walker and shuffled from the supermarket.
The checkout operator scanned Kendall’s groceries and five minutes later, they were on their way to Fiona’s house.
“Could I have Ran’s phone number? I’d like to speak with him and ask him out for dinner the next night.” Yes, it appeared she was dating three men and sleeping with all of them. Or rather, she intended to sleep with each brother.
When they arrived at the warehouse where Fiona lived with her men, Sax helped her carry the groceries up the stairs.
“Do you have your phone?” he asked before he left.
She handed it over and Sax added to her contacts.
“I’ve put all our numbers in there for you.”
“Thanks.”
“Walk me down. I want to kiss you goodbye without an audience.” He winked at Fiona.
“I’ll pour you a glass of wine. Hey, don’t judge me. It’s not too early for alcohol if I’m not drinking alone. My head is swimming with the instructions my author has given me.”
Sax laughed. “Bye, Fiona.”
He clomped down the stairs, and Kendall followed him. After a toe-curling and extremely satisfying kiss, she joined Fiona.
“What’s going on with you and the Hallsten brothers?” Fiona asked.
Kendall smiled as she took a seat at the kitchen table and picked up her glass of red wine. “We seem to be dating.”
“All of you?”
“Yes, why?”
“I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Kendall frowned. “But you’re with five brothers.”
&n
bsp; “I live here in Churchill. Your home is in England. You’re going back, aren’t you?”
A sigh slipped past Kendall’s lips. “That was the plan, but the truth is I’m rethinking my future. I like Sax, Ran and Tate. A lot. Even though I’ve only been at the café for two days, I’m enjoying working with Emily. I like teaching her to cook. A face-to-face meet with you has been awesome. The men are staying in Churchill for a few months since they’re working on a building project. I’m considering staying at least that long.”
“And your life in England?”
“The truth?”
“Yes.”
“So far, I haven’t missed a single thing about home.”
“You haven’t been here a week yet.”
“It seems as if I’ve been here much longer.” Kendall ran her finger around the rim of her glass. “But I know what you’re getting at. I am taking things slow—at my pace. I’m happy, and to be truthful, I haven’t felt so lighthearted for months.”
“Since your grandfather died?”
Kendall did the math in her head. Seven months and three days. “Yes.”
“Is the sex good?”
“I’ve only slept with Tate so far, but I’m spending tomorrow night with Sax.”
“But it was worth the trouble.”
“The best sex I’ve had for…” Kendall trailed off, pondering the last time she’d experienced memorable sex. “For a long time.”
“Wait until you have sex with your men at the same time,” Fiona said with a small smile. “If one blew your mind, three men will be spectacular. An entire fireworks extravaganza.”
Kendall snorted. “I usually spend my time worrying about my flabby bits. That’s always a downer.”
“Did Tate make you feel body conscious?”
“No, he didn’t.” Kendall smiled in memory. “The man has a golden tongue. He seduced me with words and then with his deft touch, control and stamina.”
“Excellent. It sounds as if you’re in safe hands. If you need to talk or want advice, I’m here. Okay?”
“Thanks.”
“Before we get to brainstorming this stupid cover for Ms. Neurotic Author, I have one piece of advice to impart.”
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