“Biking.”
“Vanilla or chocolate?”
He loved the way her eyes crinkled when she was caught off guard, but she rolled with it immediately.
“Chocolate.”
“Neck kisses or collarbone kisses?” He knew both sent subtle shivers through her body.
She sucked in a breath, stepping closer. “Both?”
He laughed, kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m sorry I don’t have more time today.”
Her hand on his arm felt so natural. “Don’t apologize. I’ll go on the easy hike with you so you don’t have to be alone with the trio.”
“You’re my hero,” he said, meaning it. He kissed her again; lingered.
When she pulled back, her eyes were hazy, sort of like his feelings. “Your turn to be my hero. Feed me.”
His laughter came easily around her, something that surprised him. It was something he knew would be all too easy to get used to.
After the walk—no one could actually call it a hike—and lunch, Beckett went to check on the progress of cabin four. The smell of paint hit him hard, so he opened the windows, looked around.
They’d done well in a very short period of time.The power of accepting help.Tevin had brought a friend with him when he’d come to stay the night for Beckett, and the two of them had finished the final touches while Gray had a campfire and s’mores for the guests.
The walls were a forgiving gray, the furnishings simple, the fireplace welcoming. It looked awesome. He opened the door to the bedroom, pleased with the way Jill had made the bed appealing with a dark gray throw blanket resting on top of the dark blue comforter. Pillows she’d had made weeks ago had clearly arrived, because they sat on the bed, staring right at him and making him smile. Stitched into the white covers were the wordsGET LOST.
The cabin was definitely guest ready. If they could sort things out with food and amenities, Gray would pull this off. He shut the cabin door on his way out, pulling his phone from his pocket to set a reminder for himself to come back and close the window.
He’d set his phone on silent during the walk but now saw three missed calls and a number of texts from Mrs. Angelo. When he slid the screen to unlock it, he saw they were actually from her daughter.
Mrs. Angelo
Hi Beckett. It’s Elizabeth Angelo.
Mama wanted to make sure you
have enough food until Chef’s return.
No time like the present to tell you
this will be a good trial run for us working
together if your family is on board.
Sorry to bug you again.
Your brother came in for lunch with
the nicest older gentleman.
We talked to him about breakfast
and lunch options.
Mama says to tell you lunch is on us
next time you’re here. Also, my cousin,
