Page 25 of Call It Love


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Jack wasn’t the only one who wasn’t on a leash anymore.

As we played, my thoughts kept drifting back to the boy. Chase hadn’t given me an exact rundown of what was expected of me as the new housekeeper, but maybe I could find something I could do until we worked out the details.

My stomach growled a little, reminding me I hadn’t eaten anything since Em’s amazing breakfast. I didn’t have any food in the cabin, something I’d have to take care of first thing after Chase went over his expectations with me. Whistling for Jack, I led him to the main house and tentatively let myself inside.

Chase had told me to make myself at home, but I still felt like a sneak as I opened the fridge. A quick search of the crisper drawers revealed a ton of lunch meat, a variety of cheeses, and another drawer was full of garden vegetables. The rest of the fridge was full of miscellaneous groceries, and the freezer held plenty of frozen meat.

I hesitated, wondering if Chase had any plans for the food in here. Then I thought about how the teenager looked like he could use a good meal. I didn’t know if Chase would allow him into the house, but at the very least, I could make something he could take with him. Hopefully, Chase wouldn’t mind. And if he did, I was good at apologizing. I’dsimply replace the food as soon as I could. Decision made, I lost myself in cooking.

Sometime later, the kitchen was filled with the savory scents of good, old-fashioned comfort food. Peeled potatoes simmered alongside fresh green beans mixed with bits of bacon. The chicken I’d thawed quickly in warm water was breaded and ready for the hot oil heating on the stovetop, and golden biscuits cooled on the counter. On the island, a cutting board held neatly sliced tomatoes and onions alongside jars of pickles, mayo, and mustard, and a loaf of sandwich bread—everything for an enormous meal that should satisfy even the pickiest eater.

I took a step back, momentarily surprised. After so many years of not cooking, I’d somehow managed to pull this together. It gave me hope that I’d be able to handle the job Marta used to do.

My stomach growled, eager to dig in. I hoped Chase would make a reappearance soon, hopefully with his sidekick. Most of it could be kept warm easily enough if the guys were late.

I’d just put the last piece of chicken into the hot oil when the kitchen door slammed, startling me.

“Whoa.”

The teen stood next to Chase with his jaw dropped. His eyes widened as he stared at the kitchen table loaded with bowls and platters. He seemed frozen until Jack whined and nuzzled Jordan’s waist.

“You’ve got a dog?” He cocked his head. “I mean, itisa dog, right? He’s huge.”

“He’s a Great Dane,” I answered, surprised at how easily my dog adopted another friend. If only it were that easy for me. “His name is Jack.”

The boy bent and used both hands to pet Jack. Hemurmured words I couldn’t make out, but both Jack and I understood the tone. Jack’s tail wagged as he leaned into his new devotee, soaking up the attention.

Meanwhile, Chase studied me with quiet intent. “You did all this?”

I couldn’t read his expression, and uncertainty crept into my chest.

“Um. Yes. I hope that was okay. Of course, I’ll help pay for anything,” I added quickly, suddenly conscious of the amount of food I used, not even knowing if anyone liked it. Not to mention, I hadn’t finished cleaning up. “I’m sorry. Let me clean up, and I’ll get out of the way. I overstepped, and I’m sorry?—”

Chase’s brow furrowed. “Why are you apologizing? This is incredible! Jordan, man, let’s wash up and grab a plate.” Chase looked at me. “You, too.”

The boy finally had a name, and Jordan didn’t have to be told twice. He gave Jack one last scratch, then washed his hands at the kitchen sink before loading up a plate with a bit of everything except the sandwich makings, though I saw him eyeballing it against his full plate.

Chase followed behind him, but before he sat down, he glanced at me. “Thank you.” His eyes shifted meaningfully to Jordan, who’d already finished a fried chicken leg and was reaching for another.

Jordan offered an almost imperceptible nod without taking his eyes away from his plate. “Yeah. Thanks.”

I breathed a little easier. I fixed myself a plate, but it wasn’t nearly as full as the others. For several minutes, we ate in silence, with just the sounds of forks scraping against the plates.

Jordan broke the silence; his voice was hesitant. “Is it okay if I get some more?”

“Have as much as you want,” Chase answered. “In fact, you should know that a hot lunch will be provided for you while you’re working here. Part of the job.”

Jordan stared at Chase, his fork in midair as skepticism creased his brow. “For real?”

Chase nodded. “You’ll have earned it. Trust me.”

Jordan’s eyes flickered to me. “She always cook like this?”

“That’s completely up to her. This is Anna. She’s a good friend who is going to help me run the house.”

“Friend, huh?” A smirk twisted Jordan’s lips.

Chase put his fork down and leaned forward. “She’s a friend. And while you’re here, I expect you to treat her—and anyone else on this farm—with respect. We clear?”