Burning with Desire

by Patricia W. Fischer

  So much for great first impressions.

  “She sure didn’t like Derrick. She peed in his shoes a bunch of times.” She mumbled the last of those words before looking toward the front window. “That’s one of the reasons we’re up here. To get away from him and, you know, some other stuff.”

  Her wounded expression pulled on his heartstrings. He knew that look all too well. He saw it in the mirror every day when he thought of Jason Crowe and how he’d betrayed the man Kyle forever thought of as his father, Patrick Cavasos.

  How could you have called him your best friend, Jason, then slept with my mother?

  Kyle gently removed Cookie from his lap before standing and attempting to brush himself to be presentable.

  “Okay, who’s hungry?” Gabriella slapped her hands together.

  The women grabbed their purses and sweaters before heading for the door.

  Trinity zipped up a light jacket over her sweater and put on fingerless gloves.

  He pointed. “You have heavier coats than that, right?”

  They shook their heads.

  “You can’t go out without a heavy jacket. You’ll freeze to death.”

  “How cold is it?” Gabriella asked.

  “In the twenties.”

  “Good Lord! And I’m guessing nothing is open right now where we can buy coats?”

  “They roll up the streets early here.” Trinity rolled her eyes as she plopped on the couch. “Guess we’re staying in. Who delivers?”

  Kyle chuckled. “Nobody.”

  Slamming her hands on the couch, Trinity screeched, “Oh my gosh! Where did you move us, Gabby?”

  Tears welled in Gabriella’s whiskey-brown eyes. “Trinity, please. I’m doing the best I can.”

  Again. Great. Nothing like a teen tantrum to send a nice evening down the shitter.

  “Look, we can bundle up in layers. It’ll be fine.”

  Holding her arms out, Trinity scoffed, “I’m already wearing everything I can.”

  Gabriella sniffed, but when Trinity didn’t move off the couch, Gabriella gave Kyle a stressed smile. “I’m so sorry. It looks like we may have to take a rain check. Seems we didn’t really prepare for the weather.”

  “It was in the seventies when we left home,” Trinity snapped. “And now we live in Antarctica.”

  “Antarctica is in the Southern Hemisphere,” Kyle replied before remembering the boxes in his living room. “Wait here.”

  Within a few minutes, he’d returned with a couple of thick coats, gloves, and hats.

  Relief flooded across Gabriella’s face as she donned the red turtleneck sweater and put on a thick blue coat. “Burberry? Where did you get these?”

  Dammit. In his haste to secure their date, he’d forgotten they were high-end clothes. “People are donating to the new kids’ center. People always need extra clothes in all sizes.”

  Kyle had to bite his tongue as she pulled the thick fabric over her body. The rich scarlet only accentuated her natural beauty, making her more breathtakingly gorgeous.

  “Looks good,” he squeaked and cleared his throat. “Seems to fit.” Better than any woman should wear a sweater.

  Trinity zipped up a thick, bright pink ski jacket and slid on the matching hat with the multicolored pom resting on the end. “Wow. Kate Spade.”

  Shit. If that doesn’t make them ask questions, I don’t know what will. “Glad they fit.”

  “Oh, you know, this reminds me of that movie that Jason Crowe was in.”

  The mention of that man slapped him harder than the winter winds that had kicked him in the face when he walked outside moments ago. “What?”

  “Movie star Jason was some secret king or rich guy or something or other and gets the girl a coat because she’s time traveled from some place. Apparently, they only wear tiny bikinis in her world. She was really cold wherever his kingdom was. Kind of like that chick on the cover of US Weekly.”

  Sounds like Jason’s kind of movie. He plastered on his best smile as angst churned in his stomach. “Haven’t seen it.”

  “Just as well, sounds ridiculous. I’ve never liked that actor. A man who’ll cheat on his family like that isn’t a man at all.”

  Great, she knows my story. “Agreed.”

  Gabriella pulled the jacket’s collar close to her face and blissfully sighed. “It’s warm. I’ve been fighting to get warmed up all day.”

  Despite her harsh words about his father, Kyle swallowed hard as his mind raced with plenty of ways he could keep her warm. “Looks great on you.”

  “You sure you’re not a secret prince or billionaire or related to that movie star guy?” Trinity asked as they walked down the front steps, the pom on the top of her beanie winter hat bouncing with each step. “Because you sure look like you could be.”

  “Not a prince that I know of.” Kyle laughed through his worry about the teen figuring out who he was.

  And if she does, that would ruin everything I’ve worked for.

  Chapter Six

  The rich flavors of chicken tortilla soup and grilled cheese sandwiches hit her nose as soon as they entered the diner. Every muscle in her body relaxed as she soaked in the ambiance.

  Mine. The word coursed through her veins as Kyle escorted them to a table nearer to the kitchen and away from the door’s intermittent cold.

  My diner. My business.

  Being from a large family, Gabriella had always struggled for her own share of anything from clothes to food to the twin bed instead of having to sleep next to one of her sisters or cousins in the full-sized ones. Even though it was over a thousand miles away from home, knowing this place had only her name on it gave her a feeling of pride she couldn’t begin to describe.

  Booths lined a wall as tables filled in the rest of the room. Red leather-covered, short-backed stools sat in front of a long counter. The seats were solidly grounded into the wooden floor, but appeared to swivel with ease. The large kitchen pass-through window was big enough to get a quick view of how far back the kitchen stretched and to the left, a set of three-quarter, wooden swinging doors led to the back.

  The solid redbrick wall opposite the front door begged to be painted. Although a sturdy structure that separated the diner from the business next door, Gabriella could imagine some amazing mural, something eye-catching as customers walked in.

  She suppressed her excitement as her tired brain revved up with ideas, but her cheeks hurt from smiling so hard as she took in every inch of her new adventure.

  Even through the thick sweater and coat, she could feel Kyle’s gentle hand as it rested on her shoulder. He pulled her chair out, a chivalrous gesture. “For you.”

  “Thank you.” A guy who knows manners. His mama raised him right.

  As soon as Trinity plopped her messenger bag and her heavy coat in the spare chair, Kyle held a seat out for her before she could claim her own. He flashed her a winning smile. “Young lady.”

  “Thanks.” She gave him a smile, but when her eyes met Gabriella’s, angst washed over them. “I don’t see any kids here my age.”

  “Calm down, sweetie. It’s going to be okay.”

  “Hey, Flo.” Kyle hugged the woman who gave him a quick kiss on the cheek as he settled in.

  “Visitors?” She pointed with the pencil she’d grabbed from behind her ear.

  “Flo, this is Trinity and Gabriella Marcos. They just arrived this afternoon. Moved in next door to me.”

  The woman’s thin eyebrow cocked up. “You wouldn’t happen to be the Gabriella who now owns this place, would you?”

  She hadn’t expected such a rushed introduction, but Gabriella nodded and extended her hand. “Yes, that would be me. Nice to meet you, Flo. Paige has told me so much about you.”

  The waitress enthusiastically responded in kind. “We don’t have too many Gabriellas pass through here, much less move into town.”

  “Oh?”

  “And Paige sent your info and photo. Said you had rented the house next to Kyle.
” The corner of her pink-lined lips curled up as she filled their water glasses. “Welcome, but I have to say, that picture didn’t do you justice, sweetheart. If we weren’t busy before, we’re gonna be swamped when word gets out that you’re here all the time.”

  “No kidding.” Kyle sucked his bottom lip like the words had unintentionally jumped out of his mouth.

  The heat of embarrassment swept across Gabriella’s face. “Thank you both.”

  Her daughter looked over each of her shoulders. “I don’t see any other kids my age here.”

  Reaching out, Gabriella patted the table in front of her daughter. “It’s Wednesday night, honey. They are probably at home. Please, it’s going to be okay.”

  Flo set the water pitcher down and pulled a pencil from behind her ear. “What can I get for y’all tonight? We’ve got chicken tortilla soup, apple-cinnamon pork chops and of course, this guy’s favorite, pot roast.”

  “That’s why you suggested we come here. Got a soft spot for stick-to-your-ribs type of food.” Although Gabriella had no idea how Kyle could have a body that looked like his and eat such rich food. She’d only seen him in his loose workout clothes and now cleaned up. It didn’t matter he had on layers of shirts or a heavy coat. The thickness of his arms and the broadness of his shoulders made it quite obvious that the guy had abs you could bounce quarters off of.

  And I’ve got three rolls of quarters.

  A mischievous grin spread across Kyle’s face. “You got me. Always loved it, since I was a kid. Never make it for myself though. Takes too much time.”

  “You could always use a crock pot.” Gabriella shrugged. “Not much effort. Just need to add the spices, throw in some beef broth and let it cook for six to eight hours. It should fall apart.”

  “That’s true.” Flo nodded as a few more customers came in. “But you’d have to convince this guy to use something other than lemon pepper if he makes it himself.”

  “I bet I could show him all sorts of ways to spice things up.” The words registered after they spilled out of her mouth and Kyle raised an eyebrow.

  “I mean, I could teach him about different spices.”

  Trinity stifled a giggle.

  That’s a mental headslap for sure.

  “I’d appreciate learning how to spice things up.” Kyle gave her a quick wink that just about melted her panties off.

  Fanning herself, Flo waved to another person who sat down at a table with four other men. “Evening, Carson. The usual to start?”

  “Much obliged, Flo.” He tipped his hat before removing it and sitting at the table.

  Knowing the established customers only added to the excitement of the night. Gabriella’s heartbeat kicked in a notch. “Regulars, I’d guess?”

  Leaning toward Gabriella, Flo whispered, “Those are the Scott brothers. Here every Wednesday. There’s five of them.”

  Gabriella craned her neck to get a better view of the group as they sat close to the window. “Is that their regular table?”

  “No, they pretty much take where they can sit. Annie’s the wife of Carson, that big fella that I said hi to. Annie works here a couple of times a month, but not on the nights Carson comes in with his brothers.”

  “Is there a reason for that?”

  “Sure, she’s having girls’ night with the Scott wives.” With her pencil, Flo pointed to different people around the room. “That’s Casey. She’s a full-timer.”

  A short, dark-haired girl with a nose stud gave them a nod as she picked up an armful of plates from the kitchen pass-through window and headed over to the Scott brothers’ table.

  “Four plates at a time. Impressive.” Gabriella smiled.

  “Casey’s brother, Brett, works with Kyle.” Flo playfully patted Kyle’s shoulder, but his jaw clenched.

  What’s that about? “The cook’s name is…?”

  “Merlin. He and his brother, Griffin, trade shifts. Both have worked here for years. We had Mrs. Thorpe here for twenty years, but she retired awhile back when the diabetes made it hard for her to work.”

  “Is that Colton’s mom?” Kyle asked.

  “Yes. The very same. We’ve got a third cook works weekends. Travis. He’s a senior in high school.”

  Despite Paige sending all this information to her, Gabriella appreciated putting names with faces. “Thank you for the introductions, Flo. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone on Monday.”

  “Monday, huh? Not tomorrow?”

  The question unexpectedly unnerved Gabriella. “Monday was when I planned to meet everyone. I wanted to give myself a day or two to unpack. Get settled in.”

  Flo made a clicking noise with her tongue. “That is a long drive, I hear. Rest up. I’m pretty sure I can hold down the fort until Monday.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Okay, Kyle. Pot roast with double mashed potatoes or were you needin’ a side of broccoli this time?”

  The countertop bell rang as Merlin yelled, “Order up!”

  “I’ll take both, Flo.” Kyle patted his stomach. “And a slice of the lemon pie if you’ve got any.”

  “I’ll save the last slice for you, but that’s a lot of food. What’s the occasion?”

  “Working at Harry’s House tomorrow. Reconstruction day.”

  “That’s right. You boys will be working on getting the place up to code. And here I thought you were stocking up to work at the station.” She playfully slapped his arm.

  It suddenly occurred to Gabriella she knew very little about her neighbor. “What kind of station? Radio? TV?”

  “Fire.”

  Well that just sent him up about fifty points on my sexy scale. “I didn’t realize that.”

  Flo patted Kyle on the shoulder. “Marietta’s finest first responder.”

  A fireman? Another fifty points. Gabriella wanted to sit on her hands to keep from fanning herself. “Good to know.”

  “He’s one of the first responders, not the only first responder,” Casey murmured as she ran by with a tea pitcher in each hand.

  Apparently, Kyle didn’t hear the waitress’s comment, because as Flo continued to brag about him, a slight blush colored his cheeks. His obvious embarrassment didn’t appear to slow down her compliments. “How long have you been living here, Kyle?”

  “Close to a year.”

  “We’re glad to have you.” She tilted her chin up and then turned to Gabriella. “What can I get for you, boss?”

  Gabriella liked the sound of that. “Me? Whatever you think is good, I’ll try.”

  The sizzle of something being tossed on the grill danced though the half-full dining room right before the thick flavor of perfectly seasoned beef, with a hint of onion, followed.

  Her stomach growled. Eating on the road had thrown off her body clock and she couldn’t remember the last good meal she’d had.

  Flo gave her a nod. “Fair enough. And you, Trinity? What can I get for you, darlin’?”

  The teen shrugged, her elegant fingers playing with her new hat. “Not sure.”

  “We can make just about anything. Chicken. Beef. Pork chops. Sandwiches. Soup. Salads.”

  “I wish they had barbacoa.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I would really love some.”

  Oh goodness. Her favorite comfort food. For the past few weeks, Gabriella had made buckets of it. “T, I can make that this weekend if you want, but right now, Flo needs your order.”

  “No, no, we’ve got barbecue. What did you want that on?”

  “Sorry Flo. She said barbacoa.” Kyle answered before Gabriella had a chance.

  “Not sure what you’re sayin’ then.”

  “It’s like pot roast. Served in a gravy. Made from the head and cheek meat of cows.”

  Holy crap! He knew what barbacoa was? Kyle shot up her sexy scale so fast, Gabriella was pretty sure she’d be pregnant by dessert.

  Even Trinity looked impressed.

  Flo continued to stand wide-eyed. “What?”

  “I
t’s served at a lot of Mexican food places.”

  “Are you serious?”

  Impressed that Kyle even knew how to say Trinity’s favorite dish much less what it was made of, Gabriella added, “It’s good. The meat is really tender, but the traditional way is to cook the entire head in a pit, in the ground.”

  Scratching her head with the end of her pencil, Flo shrugged. “I’m not gonna have anything close to that.”

  “No problem, Flo.” Turning to her daughter, Gabriella reined in the angst that slammed around her gut like trapped hummingbirds. “What do you think, sweetie? Pot roast? I see they have grilled cheese.”

  The fear in her daughter’s eyes broke Gabriella’s heart.

  Flo walked around and rested her hand on Trinity’s shoulder. “Darlin’, Merlin makes an incredible grilled cheese. Will put any kind of cheese you want on it. A lot of the kids around here love it. Isn’t that right, Frederick?”

  A young man’s voice answered, “Sure is, Miss Flo.”

  “Frederick goes to the high school.” She nudged Trinity. “What grade are you in, again, sweetie?”

  “Freshman.”

  “Frederick’s a sophomore.” Flo’s tilted her head over Trinity’s left shoulder. “Frederick picks up dinner for his parents every Wednesday. Don’t you, Freddie?”

  “Sure do, Miss Flo.”

  Flo excused herself to check another table.

  The teen spun around in her chair as Gabriella cocked her head to the side.

  The young man walked over to the table from the counter, his eyes only on Trinity. “Hi, I’m Frederick. Call me Freddie.”

  Her daughter chewed on her bottom lip for a second before answering, “I’m Trinity. Call me, um, Trinity.”

  Kyle gently elbowed Gabriella and gave her a wink.

  Excitement bubbled in her gut as she watched her daughter twist a lock of her hair between her fingers while she spoke to the young man.

  Oh my goodness that’s adorable. But within seconds of considering the situation endearing, a mama-bear fierceness slapped her from out of nowhere.