Nobody Does it Better

by Samantha Chase

  “Okay?” she asked with a laugh. “Ryder, this is incredibly sweet of you. I’m feeling a little spoiled. I would have been happy with grilled cheese sandwiches!” Then she let out a soft sigh. “I was thinking of making some comfort food when you texted.”

  “Comfort food?”

  She nodded.

  “What does that even mean?”

  The look on his face and the question itself were enough to make her laugh a little. “Oh, Ryder, come on! You have to know what comfort food is!”

  His blank expression said otherwise.

  “Okay, comfort food is…exactly what it implies–food that brings you comfort. Things like macaroni and cheese, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, pot roast, soup and grilled cheese, um…spaghetti and meatballs…” With a smile, she reached out and rested her hand on his. “It’s different for everyone, but usually it’s food from your childhood that makes you feel good. Don’t you have something that you make when you’re tired of eating out?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t cook. At all. PB&J, I can handle. Basic sandwiches of any kind, I can do. Once you get the stove or oven involved, all bets are off.”

  That just made her laugh again. “I can’t imagine having to get takeout for every meal!”

  “Haven’t you noticed that in the last month? You’ve looked in my refrigerator. Has there been anything in there that indicates that I can cook?”

  She had to think about it for a minute before realizing he was right.

  “Is there a meal from when you were a kid that you still enjoy? Something maybe you ask for when you get together with your family?”

  Now it was his turn to laugh. “The Ashfords don’t take food requests. Although, my mother really enjoyed all the food I ordered from the café. If she ever comes back to Magnolia, I’m sure she’d have a few requests. But other than that, I can’t think of a single meal we had as a family that I’d ask for.”

  “Well that’s just sad.”

  Another shrug. “There are meals I’ve had while traveling that I’d gladly hop on a plane for, but…”

  “Please…I still don’t want to think about planes.”

  Picking up her hand, he kissed it. “Sorry.”

  She was just about to comment when she yawned. “Sorry! We didn’t sleep much last night either. We talked and watched TV and it was a good night, but…I’m definitely a girl who needs her sleep.”

  “Good to know.” He motioned to the food. “Come on, let’s eat.”

  Peyton helped herself to a bit of a variety and they talked about everything and nothing while they ate. An hour later, she was still yawning and very full. Ryder stood and held out his hand to her. “How about this–we take a nap. I think we both can use it.”

  She didn’t even argue. She simply let him lead her to the bedroom where he helped her undress before taking his own clothes off. As soon as they were under the sheets and in each other’s arms, sleep was suddenly the last thing she wanted.

  “Ryder?”

  “Hmm?”

  “How sleepy are you?”

  He chuckled softly. “Peyton, you were half asleep at the table.”

  “I know, but…” Her hand gently roamed over his chest as she tangled her legs with his. “I was just thinking…”

  Slowly, Ryder rolled them over until she was beneath him. His heated gaze told her he was on the same page. “There is never a time when I don’t want you,” he said gruffly. “All day, every day. Last night was torture and I kept telling myself to relax because it was just one night, but…I don’t sleep when you’re not here. It’s crazy and completely unlike me, but…” His dark eyes scanned her face. “I need you.”

  If the look in his eyes and the heat and hardness of his body didn’t do it for her, his words definitely did. She raked her hand through his hair. “I need you, too.” Then he guided his head closer and kissed him. It was warm and possessive and so full of promise. He maneuvered above her until she wrapped her legs around his waist. She loved the feel of him on top of her, loved the weight of him. It was such a simple thing, and yet it turned her on more than she thought possible. “Make love to me, Ryder.”

  And he did.

  Slowly, tenderly, and thoroughly until they both fell asleep, exhausted and sated in each other’s arms.

  “Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.”

  Ryder fought hard to keep a neutral expression on his face as he slid into the booth at The Mystic Magnolia on Friday afternoon. He was here because Austin was a good friend and colleague, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t still a little annoyed with him.

  “I was a complete ass to you at Mason’s party and…I never should have reacted the way that I did.”

  All Ryder could do was arch a brow at him.

  “Mason told me the two of you talked and…” With a growl, Austin shifted in his seat. “You have to see where I’m coming from here. You and Peyton had me in the middle of everything not that long ago, and all I knew was that she hated you. Then you show up hand in hand and it just freaked me out. I’m sorry.”

  He instantly relaxed. “Apology accepted.”

  “Okay. Whew,” Austin said with a smile. “I’m just looking out for Peyton, that’s all.”

  “And while I appreciate that and respect it, you have to know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her.”

  “You already did hurt her and I was there to see it.”

  “That was different,” he argued lightly. “And we’ve come to an understanding about it and we’re moving forward.”

  “Just know, that if you do anything…”

  “Austin, enough,” he said firmly. “You’re not her brother and it’s none of your business, okay?”

  “Fine.” Crossing his arms, it seemed like he was trying to intimidate Ryder a little more, but eventually, he relaxed.

  “So, how are the resort plans coming?”

  “They’re all set and back at my office.”

  “Why didn’t you just bring them to lunch?”

  “There’s not enough room to spread them out here and I figured now would be a good time for us to sort of…you know…talk and straighten things out.”

  Nodding, Ryder agreed. “We’re good, Austin.” And because there could be no misunderstanding, he added, “I wasn’t expecting this. Her. But now that it’s happened, I…she makes everything better.” Shaking his head, he let out a mirthless laugh. “I thought I had everything, but being with Peyton has shown me how much I was missing. I can’t imagine my life without her.”

  “Well…shit.”

  “What? Now what’s the matter?”

  Groaning, Austin’s head fell back for a moment before looking at him again. “Now I feel even worse about the way I acted.”

  “Yeah, well…you should.” Before they could banter about it anymore, their waitress came over and took their orders. After that, they chose to talk about other things–how the house Austin was building was coming along, how Mia’s books were doing, and then about the plans for the resort and restaurant.

  “I have to admit, I was a little shocked to see you building a restaurant on the site that Peyton wanted. Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

  For the life of him, Ryder didn’t know why he didn’t share all the details about his arrangement with Peyton regarding the property and the restaurant, but…he didn’t. “It’s fine,” he said instead. “We talked about it and it’s all good. She helped me design the kitchen and we picked out all the equipment and appliances already, so…”

  “Okay, I just don’t want to get in the middle when she gets pissed off about this again.”

  A small smile crossed his face because he remembered how much he actually loved arguing with her in the beginning. It was the hottest and weirdest form of foreplay he’d ever experienced and he’d never been happier to have followed his instincts that night by going to her house. “She won’t get pissed. Trust me.”

  When they were done eating, Ryder followed Austin to his office and then fe
lt a bit giddy when he saw all his plans for The Ashford laid out. It was happening. This was going to be the most personal project he’d ever created and there was something uniquely satisfying about building something from the ground up like this–something that he’d designed.

  Now he understood a little about how Peyton felt when she began planning for her restaurant. Part of him felt bad that she wasn’t doing it, but…wasn’t she? Ultimately, she was still getting the place that she wanted and she didn’t have to pay for it. So really, she was coming out the winner here and he was happy to make that happen for her.

  For two hours they talked about the resort and about permitting and Austin recommended setting up the meeting with Jake Summerford to get the ball rolling. With that done, Austin pulled out the restaurant plans.

  “You didn’t have a name for this one, so I called it Magnolia on Main,” Austin said as he laid out the blueprints.

  “What is it with this town and that word?!” he asked, laughing.

  “Not really sure, but it’s just always been that way,” Austin explained. “My great-grandfather started it and I think it was probably a lot cuter when the town was about a quarter the size of what it is now. Either way, feel free to name your stuff whatever you want.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  “Okay, there were a few concerns with the initial designs you gave to me, so I tweaked things and I believe it still gives you everything you want,” Austin explained.

  “So what changed?”

  “The kitchen seemed to take up a lot of space and I figured you wanted it that way for a reason so I left that alone. The property, however, wouldn’t allow for the amount of parking you would need while letting you have the large outdoor dining. So I recommend you go with cutting the outdoor seating in half, making this side of the building the bar with the sliding glass wall that leads to the outdoor area, and moving this wall here to give you more space in the dining room. The hallway to the restrooms will be shortened by six feet, but I think table space is more important than a hallway.”

  Ryder studied the plans and had to agree. “What about this tree here? If we remove it, that opens up more parking spaces, correct?”

  “Absolutely. Or…” Austin paused and scanned the paper for a moment. “If we turn everything ninety degrees and remove the tree, then you can get back your outdoor dining area. It will mean eating closer to the road, but…”

  “That’s the side road, so traffic won’t be an issue. Let’s go with that. It makes the most sense to get everything as close to the original plans as possible.”

  “I agree. Now that everything’s finalized, I can get copies of these made and have them to you on Friday when we meet with Jake. Will that work?”

  “That’s fine. Thanks, Austin.” They shook hands and Ryder glanced at his watch and couldn’t believe how late it was getting. He had a four o’clock call and then Peyton was coming over and making them dinner because she decided his kitchen was a dream and deserved to have someone cook in it. So if it made her happy, he was more than willing to let her do it. “I’ll see you Friday,” he said on his way out the door.

  No sooner was he in the car than his scheduled call came in early. It wasn’t a problem to talk while he drove, but he preferred to be home with his tablet or laptop in front of him when discussing financial reports. So he made do while he drove home and once there, he went directly to his office and settled in. When he came up the stairs two hours later, he found Peyton in the kitchen unloading groceries.

  He'd given her a key to the house a week ago, and this was the first time she’d used it. She hadn’t offered to return the favor with a key to her place and Ryder swore he didn’t take it personally, but…he did. But rather than mention it, he simply walked over, rested his hands on her shoulders, and kissed her.

  “Hey,” she said softly. “I hope you don’t mind that I used the key. When you didn’t answer…”

  “That’s why I gave it to you,” he interrupted with a low laugh. “So what are we making tonight?”

  “We?” she teased.

  “Okay, fine. What are you making for us?”

  “I thought about our conversation the other day about comfort food and I decided that’s what I wanted to make tonight. So brace yourself. I’m making a meatloaf and homemade macaroni and cheese.”

  “I thought you said mashed potatoes with the meatloaf?”

  Peyton shook her head as she laughed. “It was just an example. Besides, I’ve kind of been jonesing for both of these so I figured…why not?”

  “I’m sure it’s all going to be delicious.” Stepping away, he went to pour them each a glass of wine before taking a seat and watching her work. He considered asking if she needed help, but Ryder knew his strengths and cooking was not one of them. “So tell me about your day.”

  It was completely mundane–this whole scenario where they came together after work and talked while Peyton cooked. Ryder never imagined himself as the kind of man who found this appealing, and yet…he did. Actually, he was finding there were a lot of aspects of his relationship with Peyton that he never thought he’d find appealing that he now did. Other than their trip to Denver, he hadn’t traveled anywhere since their relationship started. All of his business had been done via phone and Zoom calls. He always imagined he’d be antsy by now and anxious to hit the road–or the air–just for a change of scenery, but he was very content exactly where he was.

  “So then he starts boasting about this fantastic property on the edge of town and how much commission he’ll make from the sale,” she was saying before looking at him and rolling her eyes. “The thing is, I know that property, and it’s kind of a legend in town because the guy who built it was a total recluse. I can’t imagine that it’s in the kind of shape Shawn was talking about or that it will fetch the kind of money he thinks it will.” Then she turned back and was putting some sort of ingredients in a pan.

  “Wait…who are you talking about?”

  “Shawn Markle. He’s a local real estate agent–we went to high school together and now works with Jenna who…” Pausing, she shook her head. “He works here in town and primarily does smaller home sales. Anyway, he’s a regular at the café and today he came in and was pretty much bubbling with excitement over this listing.”

  “And it’s…just property?” And yeah, he hated how he clearly wasn’t paying attention to what she said the first time.

  “No, it’s an estate. Massive. It’s on the sound side of the island. Not far from here at all. It looked more like a resort than a home when it was being built, but then the owner did some massive landscaping for privacy and you really can’t see much of anything if you drive by it. Plus, there are more houses built around it so it’s even more hidden.”

  Ryder watched as she flipped whatever was sautéing in the pan before removing it from the burner. She moved around the kitchen without missing a beat. She knew where everything was and didn’t ask him for anything.

  “And now this house is for sale?”

  Nodding, she filled a large pot with water. “It’s on two acres and the house is almost seven thousand square feet.” Shaking her head, she let out a snort. “I mean, who needs that much space?”

  The Ashfords always did, he thought.

  “You can go online and check out the listing,” she told him. “Shawn said it went live last night and then bragged about the amazing pictures he took.”

  Pulling out his phone, Ryder did just that. Just from Peyton’s brief description, he was intrigued. And really, how much could the property possibly be worth? He’d been doing his research all over Magnolia and thought he’d seen the best of the best with residential real estate. There was no way his realtor wouldn’t have mentioned a property that was…

  “Three point nine million?!” he cried. “Seriously?”

  Peyton laughed as she mixed up whatever it was that went into a meatloaf. “Yeah, crazy, right?”

  “Why would someone build something like tha
t here and then let it go?” he wondered. Although, as he scrolled through the pictures, he saw how the place needed a lot of work due to neglect. It had a lot of potential. The grounds consisted of a saltwater infinity pool with swim-up bar and dry seating under a pergola, three golf greens, landscape and hardscape on a triple waterfront lot with five outdoor fire features. “Peyton, did you see these?”

  “What? No. I was dealing with a luncheon we were catering and trying to get it out the door. Why? Is it nice?”

  “Nice?” he asked incredulously. “Property at that price point isn’t normally labeled as nice. This place is just…it has everything. It just needs to be updated.”

  She was busy putting the meatloaf into the oven and then washing her hands, but as soon as she was done, she came and stood beside him to look at the pictures.

  “Damn…look at the size of that kitchen,” she commented in awe.

  “And that’s one of three,” he told her. “There’s a full outdoor kitchen as well as one on the ground floor and then one on the main floor.”

  “Holy crap! Who needs three kitchens?” Then she laughed. “Although, I would probably find a use for all of them! Especially during the holidays!”

  Ryder knew his family probably would have utilized them for entertaining and then never touch them for the rest of the year.

  “Look at that pool! I can’t even imagine living in a place like that. And honestly, it was a single guy who built it. Older guy.” She shrugged. “I guess if you have the money, you can have whatever you want, huh?”

  He had no idea how to respond to that because…yeah, basically that was how he had lived his life.

  Was still living it that way, if he were honest.

  “Well, hopefully Shawn finds a buyer for it. He’s a decent guy and he and his wife are having their first baby. It would be nice for him to make this deal and get a little ahead financially.” Smiling at him, she asked, “You have any rich friends who want to live in a small coastal town?” Without waiting for an answer, she walked back over to the stove and poured some pasta into the pot of boiling water.