I pulled up to an unassuming, single story, white roadside building. In addition to the seating inside the restaurant, there were extensive decks in back. The decks were currently empty of tables and chairs, save for one, near the restaurant wall, with its own portable heater snugged up against it.
Bear noticed and nodded. “Perfect.”
I got out and buttoned Bear’s coat around me. He was right: It ought to keep me warm. The wool-lined garment hung to my knees. Bear took one look at me and burst out laughing.
“Yeah, yeah. I may look ridiculous, but I’m warm.”
We walked to the entrance. Bear held the restaurant door open for me and Chaucer, but we didn’t walk in. “I’m pretty sure they don’t want him in their main dining area.” I moved toward the walkway along the side of the building. “We’ll go straight out to the table, if you want to let them know we’re here?”
He nodded, absently pointing a finger at Chaucer. “Good point. Be out in a sec.”
While Bear went to talk with the host, Chaucer and I wandered around the vast decked area. I leaned against a railing, suspended above the water. Chaucer sat next to me, leaning into me, warming that side of my body. The sun was setting, and it was glorious.
I felt, rather than heard, Bear approach. Like Chaucer, he was a wall of heat, only at my back instead of against my leg and hip. Bear didn’t say anything, but I knew he was there.
“It’s gorgeous.” I wrapped my arms around myself. “Thank you for bringing us.”
The low rumble of his voice sounded at my ear. “It is beautiful.” His arms came up around me, leaning on the rail. He didn’t touch me, but his body heat enveloped me. “Not trying to pen you in. You were shivering, even in that big coat. Just trying to help warm you up a little.”
I turned and bumped into his broad chest. “Shall we sit down?”
“Absolutely.” He put out his arm for me to take and then escorted me to the table that had been set up for us. He adjusted the flame on the heater and then inched it even closer to one of the chairs. He looked over at me and grinned, pulling the chair out. “Your seat.”
I plopped in and felt the heat wash over me. He sat opposite, with Chaucer opting for lying on my feet under the table. “The heater’s practically on top of me. Are you warm enough? We should move it back to the center.”
He gave a brief shake of his head, brushing off the topic. “I’m fine.” He pointed out at the glowing sky. Reds and oranges were bleeding into pinks and indigos. “Every season, the sky takes on a different face. Autumn, moving into winter, the blues and purples take on a green hue.” We watched the glowing sky for a few moments before he turned his attention back to me. “So, Kate, I didn’t say this earlier, but I’m really sorry about your grandmother. I thought the world of her.”
Petting Chaucer, I nodded slowly. “Me too.”
“You’re taking over Nellie’s house?” His warm brown eyes studied me.
“Yep again.”
“Well, if you need anything, run into any problems, you let me know. I’ve done quite a bit of work for Nellie over the years. Mostly handyman stuff, but I’ll offer you the same service. If you have items on your honey-do list that are beyond your comfort level, let me know. I can always stop by and take care of them for you.”
“That’s awfully nice of you. I don’t suppose you’re an exterminator, too?”
“Sorry, no. Problem?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.” And by nothing, I meant everything.
We gave the waitress our orders, both of us starting off with the clam chowder to stave off the cold. A few moments later, the bowls were placed before us. I breathed in the steamy goodness, anticipating my first real meal in weeks.
“Bear, it feels like I would have remembered you if you’d been around when I visited as a kid. Did I miss you, or are you a transplant?”
He took a spoonful of soup and shook his head. “Rest assured, even if you hadn’t noticed me, I definitely would have made myself known to you.” He stirred his chowder. “I do have a weakness for redheaded women.”
I looked down, busying myself with my soup, hoping the low light hid my blush.
“No. I grew up in Washington—the state. I met a girl in college and fell in love. She was from Bar Harbor. I came out to visit her and never wanted to go home.” He tilted his head, a self-deprecating laugh at his lips. “The girl dumped me, but the town seemed to like me just fine, so I stayed.”
“Her loss,” I said softly.
Bear looked up at the seriousness of my tone. He reached over and rubbed my hand. “I’m fine, but thank you.”
“How long have you lived here?”
The waitress came back, collected our soup bowls, and placed the teriyaki tenderloin tips in front of me and the salmon in front of Bear.
