by Ciara Lake
The time flew by. When Grace blew into the kitchen at six-twenty, Avery and the staff had been working steadily for over three hours.
“Good morning all.” Grace waved at the staff as she headed toward Avery. “Morning, dear.”
Avery smiled at her boss. “Morning,” she said then turned to Lucy. “Okay, Lucy, let’s set out the coffee urns along with the fruit. Then set out a variety of muffins. Get Connie to start setting up. I’ll be out there in a bit to check on things.”
“Right away.” Lucy left to get Connie.
“I’ll be back to check on things too.” After looking around for a few seconds, Grace left, a pleased expression on her face.
Before Avery realized it, it was time for breakfast to start.
The kitchen door banged against the wall. Grace breezed around, examining all the muffins. “They smell heavenly. Looking good, looking very good. Avery, Drew, and I have an appointment with the bride at nine o’clock. I hope our groom’s cake will be done. It would be nice to show the bride both cakes.”
“It’s cooling right now.” Norm pointed to the stackers filled with fresh, steaming baked goods. “It’s a rum cake with raisin rum icing. Avery’s very good. We should have rum cake muffins too.” He smiled. “It’s tasty.”
“Thank you, Norm. I appreciate your good work today and the compliment.” Avery smiled at him.
“Avery, I wish you could go home now, but you’ll have to wait for the meeting with the bride.” Grace patted Avery on the back. “Sit down and have a cup of coffee. The others will clean up.” She eyed them as if to deliver a silent message. “I want this kitchen spic-and-span for our lunch crew. Where’s Timothy?” She put her hands on her hips.
“Your nephew’s still having his morning coffee.” Vivian pointed to the door. “We could sure use his help.”
“Yes, we could, but I am not changing my mind regarding his suspension,” Avery said.
“Very well. I guess he does need a wakeup call.” Grace turned on her heel and headed back to the breakfast room.
* * * *
Katie, their hostess, came into the kitchen. “Hey, everyone. The hungry crowd has arrived. I’ve seated ten tables in the breakfast room and ten in the dining room. I’m sure when I go back out, there will be another line.” She grinned. “Keep those muffins coming. They smell scrumptious. The guests are filling their plates with the muffins like they’re gold.”
“Is it already seven?” Avery looked up at the clock. “And we’re busy already?”
“Yep. Lucy and Connie finished setting up just in time. All the guests must have woken up together. Well, gotta run to keep up with them.” Katie headed back out into the dining room.
“I’m sending up room orders now,” Vivian told Avery. “Rod’s running up two orders at a time. We have twelve orders waiting. The inn’s full up.”
Lucy rushed back into the kitchen. “It’s a good thing we made so many muffins. They’re gobbling them down.” She picked up a towel and wiped her hands.
“Vivian, help Rod run the room service up to the rooms. It’ll go twice as fast with both of you. There’s too many waiting.” Avery inspected the food service trays. “You can go home, Lucy. I’ll take it from here.” She took the towel from her.
“I’ll stay an hour longer, if you don’t mind, then I’ll leave. Okay?” Lucy leaned her hip against the counter.
“Sure. I thought you may be worn out.”
“I really love seeing how they’re nuts about your muffins. Drew’s fruit salad is a hit too. There are some locals here this morning. You’re getting a reputation.”
“A good one, I hope.”
“Of course.”
“Avery.” Katie flew through the door to stop inches from her. She had a huge smile on her face.
“What? Is it hot out there? You look flushed.”
“No, it’s fine.” Katie shook her head. “I wanted to tell you a tall, dark, absolutely gorgeous man is asking for you. He says he’s your friend.” Katie wiggled her eyebrows. “He’s some friend. Where did you find him, and do you have any more friends like him? He’s truly luscious.”
Norm turned to look, his eyes met Avery’s, and he quickly resumed washing down the counters.
Avery peeked out the swinging door. There Aiden sat at a table in the far corner of the room near the big picture window. “He’s a friend from Chicago.”
“Just a friend?”
“Yes, just a friend.”
Sunlight made his ebony hair gleam blue-black. Women standing in line for muffins nearly ran into each other staring at him. Avery recognized one of them as the bride. The young woman dropped her muffins on the floor, giggling and fanning herself in front of Aiden’s table. She was flustered and flirting shamelessly. Connie was giving Aiden personal service by bringing him a plate filled with muffins. He was already sipping a cup of coffee. His own coffee carafe was on his table. When Connie set the muffins down in front of him, he bestowed a smile that could have melted the polar ice caps.
Katie pushed at Avery’s arm. “Go out there, Avery. These women are going to eat him for breakfast, and you’ll end up with the leftovers.”
Grace rounded the corner, a hand on her hip as she slowly sauntered directly toward him with a flirtatious smile. She turned to see Avery peering out the door. Aiden’s eyes met Avery’s too.
“See, you gotta go now. He sees you.” Katie pushed the door open and propelled Avery into the dining area.
Avery nodded at people as she passed. Aiden stood up as she approached his table. Suddenly, Avery realized she still had her hat on. She gave him an embarrassed smile as she touched it. “I forgot I still had this silly chef hat on.”
Aiden grinned. “You are beautiful in your chef’s hat.” He pulled back a chair for her. Looking over at Grace, he said, “I love her muffins.”
“Avery, I didn’t know you had a visitor.” Her boss stared at Aiden, and admiration gleamed in her eyes. He was the tallest person in the room, built like a professional athlete. He still wore the black trousers with boots, and he wore a black blazer over a tight dark shirt.
The man is a god. No, an angel. Avery’s mind whirled with wild thoughts. Where did he get the new clothes?
“Aiden arrived this morning just before I came into work. He’s from Chicago.”
“Where are you staying?”
“With Avery. I am sleeping on the sofa.”
“Oh my, you’re big for the sofa.” Grace giggled, patting his arm. “Avery, you can move to a larger cabin. There’s an empty one.” She batted her eyes at Aiden. “I think you’ll find it much more comfortable. I’ll have it prepared right away so you can move in immediately.”
“Grace, you are very kind.” Aiden nodded. “Thank you for your generosity.”
“No problem. The move’s for as long as Avery needs to reside on-site.” She glanced at Avery. “If you decide to look at houses, my sister’s in real estate.”
“Again, you are so kind.” Aiden grinned.
“I’m very pleased with Avery’s work, and I don’t mind upgrading her accommodations to make you both more comfortable.”
“Have a seat, my dear.” He put his hand on the back of the chair. “Grace tells me you have been working hard, you need a break. I would love to share my muffins with you.”
“Absolutely, Avery, sit and enjoy your break with your young man. I’ll check on the kitchen staff. Remember your meeting with our bride is at nine o’clock. Then you’ll be free for the day. It was so nice to meet you, Mr. McMichael.”
“Please call me Aiden.”
“All right.” She blushed. “You two come back for dinner. Let’s say around seven? Dinner will be on the house. It’ll be nice and quiet in here with the reception in the ballroom.”
“That is very thoughtful of you. What do you think, Avery?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Wonderful, I’ll stop by and say hello. Have a good breakfast.” Grace rushed off.
“I’ve never s
een Grace so flustered.” Avery poured a cup of coffee. He was watching her intently. Instinctively, Avery knew his eyes saw everything much deeper than others.
“I often affect people.” He grinned.
“Women the most, right?”
“I suppose.” Aiden shrugged. “Women, perhaps, I affect in a more positive way.” He grinned, flashing beautiful white teeth. His dark eyes twinkled like gems. “Men are often threatened by me.”
“I can see why. Threatened on many levels, I’m guessing.” Avery raised her right eyebrow as she sipped her coffee.
“It’s not good to find yourself on the other end of my sword.” He winked.
Her heart fluttered from his gorgeous smile he’d focused directly on her. His mere presence made her feel as if she could swoon.
* * * *
Aiden sat quietly sipping coffee at his corner table while Avery went back to work. He watched everything and everyone, never complaining at how long he had to wait. The discussion with the bride took place only two tables from his. Keeping the bride focused on their discussion was not an easy task. She kept stealing looks at Aiden. Ridiculously, Avery was angered by the bride’s flirtatious glances in his direction. For some reason she felt possessive of him. He didn’t seem to be affected, but it got on Avery’s last nerve. To her surprise, she had difficulty remaining cordial with the bride.
“Holly, let’s go take a look at your cakes. They’re marvelous.” Grace took control, redirecting the young woman.
“Sure, I’d love to see the cakes. This is so much fun.” As they walked past Aiden’s table, she paused. “Excuse me. Are you a professional athlete or a movie star?” She giggled. “I’m sure I’ve seen you on television or in the movies.”
Aiden stood up and smiled at her. “No, miss. Congratulations to you. The groom is most fortunate.”
Holly blushed and turned to follow Grace to the kitchen.
“I’ll be a little longer,” Avery told Aiden.
“I have all the time in the world, and I have learned much patience.” He winked as he sat back down.
Avery joined the other women.
When she entered the kitchen, Holly looked at her with a huge smile. “This cake is exactly what I dreamed of. It’s wonderful. The groom’s cake is splendid too. Well, I’m off to the beauty shop.” She clapped her hands together before rushing out the door.
Grace grinned at Avery. “Go home with your young man. He’s something else.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Your new cabin should be ready now. It has three bedrooms, with a much larger living space. A gorgeous kitchen too, perfect for a chef. It’s truly a house, not just a cabin. How long will he be staying?”
“I’m not sure.” Avery shrugged.
“I see. Well, don’t let him go without a fight. He’s a fine one for sure. You two make a handsome couple. If I were only ten years younger, you might have to fight me off. He’s hard to resist.” She shook her head, patting Avery on the arm. “Go now. Take tomorrow off. I’m going to have Lucy make more muffins for tomorrow’s breakfast too. You’ve earned some time off.”
“Sounds wonderful. I could use a day off.” Avery took off her chef’s uniform, grabbed her jacket, and then her umbrella.
“It’s still raining. It’s chilly too. Did I tell you your new house has a fireplace?” Grace grinned. “Make good use of it on these chilly nights. You know what I mean?”
“We’re just friends.”
“Oh, my girl, don’t be silly. With a man like him, testosterone is streaming from his knockout body. Unless he’s married, make your move. Don’t waste time. He sure likes you a lot.”
“You think?”
“Yes, I know.” Grace nodded. “I have radar for these things. I see how he looks at you.”
“Really?”
“Yes.” Grace grinned. “Absolutely, the vibes are there.”
“You feel vibes?”
“Don’t you? He’s hot for you.”
“Hmm, I’m not sure you read him right.”
“Oh, I think I did.”
“Thank you, for everything.” Avery hugged her.
“You deserve happiness. Oh, make sure you have some candy for trick-or-treating. I encourage locals to bring their children to the inn’s grounds. Also, I’d like you to decorate the outside of your cabin for the Christmas holiday by the second weekend in November.”
“Okay, I’ll pick up some candy today.” Just as she was about to push the swinging door open, Aiden walked into the kitchen as if he belonged there.
“I thought you might be ready.” He took her hand.
“I am.”
“Excellent. Have a good day, Grace. We will see you at dinner. At seven?”
“Yes, at seven.”
“I look forward to it. Thank you again for your kindness.” He held Avery’s hand firmly. A zing of pleasure raced up her arm, settling in her womb.
“My pleasure.” Grace nodded. “Hey, Avery, keep my advice in mind. This type of opportunity doesn’t come around often.” She waved to them as they left the kitchen.
Avery followed Aiden back out into the lobby.
“Avery.” Rod walked fast to catch her, holding something out for her to take. “I have your key to your new cabin. It’s cabin number 22B. I was told to tell you to leave your cabin as is. Our cleaning staff will take care of it. Just move your things. Enjoy your new place. And by the way, I loved your muffins this morning.”
“Thanks, Rod.”
“We will move now. Thank you.” Aiden took the key. “I love her muffins too.”
“I’m Rod Sullivan. Nice to meet you.” He held out his hand to Aiden.
He shook Rod’s hand. “Aiden McMichael. Thanks for the key.”
When they stepped outside a gust of damp wind hit Avery, making her shiver. “It’s chilly.” Avery’s teeth chattered. “Poor Holly, it’s a rotten day to get married.”
“There is never a bad day for mortals to join in marriage if it is to be a good marriage. However, I fear hers may not be.”
“Why? Because she couldn’t stop looking at you?” Avery grinned as she looked up into his eyes. Her heart paused for a second. For sure, she could get lost in their dark depths. “Today is really overcast. It looks like it’s almost dusk, instead of ten in the morning.”
“Yes, it is dark.” Aiden gazed up into the sky. “When near the Atlantic ocean this time of year, there are many days like this.”
“Why do you think Holly’s marriage isn’t going to be a good one?” Avery asked.
“Her heart does not feel love for her chosen. I can tell these things. But sometimes love grows. And if conditions are right, it can grow quickly.” He put his arm around her. “Let us get to your cabin. You are cold.” He pulled her close to him. As if on cue, she shivered, not only from the cold. She didn’t resist him, allowing her body to mold against his side. “You can lie down, rest, and I will move your things to the new cabin.” His large body shielded her from the weather. “I do not think your umbrella is going to do much good now. The wind is blowing too hard. Can you run?” Aiden had a mischievous expression. “Or shall I carry you?”
“Yes, I mean, no, I can run. I’m sure I’m not as fast as you, but I can run. There’s no need to carry me.”
“I thought I would offer.” He had an impish look on his face. “I can run slowly. I mean at your pace. Come.” Aiden took her hand again. In his other hand, he held her umbrella. At a nice pace, they jogged to her cabin’s porch. “You do move slowly.” He lightly squeezed her hand.
“Told you. Anyway, my legs are half the length of yours and I’ve worked this morning.” She lightly hit him on the arm. “Plus, you’re an angel. How can I compete with you?”
“So true.” He laughed as he opened the door. “You are playful. I like playfulness.”
“Didn’t you lock the door?” Avery nodded toward the door.
“Yes, but I do not need a key. Let us get inside. You are shivering.” Warm air rushed out to welcome her.
“Tell me what goes to your new cabin. I will move it while you rest. You look tired,” he said as he studied her.
“I do?” Avery peered into a small mirror on the wall. She pulled a band out of her hair and let it go free. It flowed down her back in large curls. “It feels better down. Sometimes when I wear my hair up, it gives me a headache.”
“Do you have one now?”
“No, I’m just tired.” She yawned.
“Your hair is very beautiful.” He walked up behind her, touching her long strands.
Avery trembled, although this time it wasn’t from cold. She could feel his touch run through her body and it excited her. I shouldn’t be reacting to an angel like this.
“A woman’s hair is her crowning glory. Please do not think of cutting it. It would be a shame.” He held a strand close to his nose. “It has a pretty fragrance too.”
His eyes met hers in the mirror. For several seconds, they looked at each other, holding eye contact. The moment was loaded with emotion, and its intensity stunned her. He moved a lock of her hair back from her face to behind her ear. He bent toward her until his face was so close to hers she thought he was about to kiss her cheek. He stopped to glance back up into the mirror, his eyes oddly brighter.
“You do look tired.” He stepped back from her. “It is nothing a little rest will not cure.”
“Okay I’ll show you what goes to the new place. It was very nice of Grace to do this.”
“It certainly was,” he agreed. “She is a kind woman.”
Avery led him around the small cabin, pointing out her personal possessions. “I don’t think you can move it all without me. I have a lot of junk.”
“Do not worry. I can take care of things.” Aiden took off his jacket. His shirt emphasized his arms and chest. She inhaled deeply to cool the emotions which fought to swamp her. She’d never had such an instant response to a man.
He’s not a man, he’s much more.
“Avery, are you listening?”
“Yes.” She nodded.
“After you rest, we will go shopping for some clothes to wear to dinner. I need a wardrobe which is of this era.”
“Where did you get your new jacket?” Unable to resist the urge to touch him, Avery fingered the wool jacket’s sleeve. “It’s very nice.”