Secret Wife - Mia Carson(ang.)

SECRET WIFE

MIA CARSON

No part of this book may be reproduced in any written, electronic, recording, or photocopying without written permission of the author. COPRIGHT 2017 MIA CARSON

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 About the Author

1

“ORDERS IN ! I NEED TWO FISH , TWO BURGERS, AND one steak very rare!” Jaylyn called out as she picked up the new tickets. She slung the towel over her shoulder and stuck the new tickets up on the line with the others. “Yes, Chef!” her man on the grill called, followed by the cook in charge of fish. “We’re slammed tonight, people. Let’s keep everyone happy!” “Including you, Chef?” Frankie, her grill man, winked at her. “Even me, smart ass. Especially me,” she said. The restaurant was packed, as it always was on a Friday night. She moved easily to the rhythm of the kitchen, the sound of food cooking and pans clanking her favorite soundtrack. She and her perfectly chosen crew had spent the last two years

together in this kitchen. When they had started, her dad, Darien Wilson, was in charge. Six months ago, he passed the reins to her, and the restaurant was improving. She’d produced a new menu, which was a hit, focusing on classier versions of good old midwest comfort food. Her family was originally from Kansas, and she’d brought those flavors, along with a touch of her own ideas, to the east coast. Her dad had opened this restaurant nearly ten years ago, and she couldn’t remember a time when she wasn’t working beside him or the dining room wasn’t packed. Cooking was in her blood. Her mom, Mariah, always teased her that if she got hurt, olive oil would spill out of her veins instead of blood. As the busy evening wore on, Jaylyn called out orders and took care of her kitchen. Nothing left unless she approved it. Her cooks made her proud during another crazy night, and as a waitress dropped off the final ticket, she raised her hands over her head. “Final table, people! And, man, is it an easy one. Cakes, please, lemon and chocolate! Then you may all call it a night!” Amy, in charge of the desserts, plated two perfect slices of cake, and the second they were carried out, Jaylyn applauded her crew as they clapped along with her. “Thank you all for another perfect dinner. Let’s

get cleaned up and I’ll see y’all tomorrow.” “Y’all,” Frankie teased her. “Woman, when will you start sounding like one of us east-coasters, huh?” “Never. It’s part of my mid-western charm.” She clutched her hands to her chest and batted her eyelashes. “Besides, I don’t think I could ever lose the slightly hickish accent. Blame my mother for that.” “Never heard her or your dad say y’all.” “You don’t live with them.” She left them to their lists for the evening and headed out to the dining room. She would clean up the last few stations once she checked in with her parents to see how the night went. They sat at their usual back corner table near the kitchen and the bar. “There she is!” Darien announced loudly as she bent and kissed his cheek. “My, you should hear the compliments coming from the dining room tonight. You are getting better every day.” “Thanks, Dad.” She kissed her mom’s cheek next and sat next to her. “Nothing was sent back, so I’m going to assume the guests were happy?” “Beyond thrilled. I think we’ve broken our record for Friday nights,” Mariah announced, shuffling through receipts. “This new menu is quite a hit up here outside Woodstock.” Jaylyn admitted she couldn’t believe her

parents had moved them from Kansas all the way up to New Hampshire, but the east coast had so much more to offer as far as culinary backgrounds. She’d been able to attend one of the better institutions, and the fine dining restaurant Darien wanted to open fit in with the crowd here. Tourists flocked to the beautiful White Mountain National Forest, including many of the upper crust of society, making it a perfect place to open a more high-end restaurant. They’d helped to bolster the tourism, thanks to the success they’d had over the past ten years. It was harder to get the quality beef Jaylyn needed, but their profits were high enough that she could ship in whatever she couldn’t find within driving distance. Darien coughed harshly, and Jaylyn and Mariah exchanged worried glances when he couldn’t seem to stop. He held a handkerchief to his mouth, hacking painfully, and excused himself from the table to disappear into the restroom. “He’s getting worse,” Jaylyn whispered. “I know that and so does he, but you know your father. He’s stubborn.” “He needs to go to the doctor.” Mariah sighed as she set the receipts from the night down. “I think he knows what’s wrong, but hearing those words coming from the doctor, knowing his fate is essentially sealed? I’m not sure he’s ready for that.”

“But if he knows, he can start treatment. He might have a chance.” “And what would he do then? His life is in his food, this restaurant.” Mariah took her daughter’s hand, smiling sadly. “Why do you think he handed it over to you?” Jaylyn pulled the bright blue bandanna from her chestnut hair and fiddled with it. “Nothing is going to happen to him. He will be just fine. You said it yourself—Dad’s strong. He can face down any odds and win.” “Oh, sweetie, you know I wish it was that simple.” “It would be if he’d get his ass to the doctor,” she muttered. “I have to get back to the kitchen.” “Lyn,” her mother pleaded, but Jaylyn walked away, forcing a smile on her face as she entered the kitchen and set to work cleaning and preparing for the next morning. She scrubbed down the counters and checked the dates on every package of food in the fridge. She went through the produce to ensure none of it had turned and needed to be trashed or used first thing tomorrow. She was so caught up in what she was doing that when a heavy hand landed on her shoulder, she screamed, jumping in the air and almost slipping. Another hand reached out and caught her as Frankie’s deep laugh filled her ears. “Damn it,” she cursed. “What the hell, man?”

“Sorry,” he said through his laughter. “I didn’t mean to scare you. You looked like you were about ready to declare war on the produce. I thought I’d come and save it.” She scratched at her head as she exited the fridge and closed it. “I wasn’t killing the produce.” “What’s on your mind that’s got you all twisted up? Your happy face is not exactly happy.” “I don’t have to be happy all the time,” she grumbled. He nodded. “No, but you usually are. What’s going on? I thought we did good tonight?” “We did,” she said, hopping up on the stainlesssteel countertop. “We broke the record for Friday night sales, actually.” “Shouldn’t we be celebrating? Popping open a bottle of red?” “Usually, I would, but I’m not exactly in a celebratory mood.” She swung her legs, hitting her heels on the shelving below. “I know you all know Dad’s sick,” she said quietly. Frankie leaned against the counter opposite her. “We do, yeah. Is he getting worse?” Angry tears stung her eyes, but she grabbed her bandanna from her pocket and wiped them away. “He is, and what does he do about it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing! He sits there coughing and hacking and making himself miserable, and he refuses to go find out for sure what’s wrong! Why,

why would he do this?” She buried her face in her hands as the truth hit her hard. One of these days, her dad wouldn’t be around to see how well the restaurant was doing. He wouldn’t be around to watch her eventually get married and have kids. He simply wouldn’t be there. Not seeing his smiling face as he cooked or baked some new invention for her mother… her heart ached and her mind raced with how terrible the future would be if he wasn’t in it. Frankie draped a heavy arm over her shoulders, holding her against his side. “Come on, we’re getting a beer.” “It’s past midnight. I have to be back in the morning.” “You don’t have to be in that damn early. Get your coat and let’s go, woman. You need it.” She groaned but jumped off the counter to grab her blue Carhart coat and left through the kitchen back door with Frankie. Once it was locked, they hopped in her rundown truck and high-tailed it down the street into the main part of town to one of the only bars open this late and had a bartender who wouldn’t be annoyed if two latecomers showed up. Frankie held the door open for her, and they bustled inside, stomping their feet as the warmth of the atmosphere surrounded them. “I was wondering when you two would get here,” the bartender, Hannah, called out.

“We’re not here every night, you know.” Jaylyn shrugged out of her coat and hung it on a nearby rack. “Yeah, okay. What’ll it be?” “Beers, if you please,” Frankie requested with a sly smile. “That smile will get you into a world of trouble one of these days.” “With you? I hope so.” Jaylyn burst out laughing as he waggled his eyebrows at a blushing Hannah. Their flirting had gone on for weeks, and it drove her insane. She’d told him the other day to ask her out on a date, but despite his outward confident appearance, Frankie was shy around women, at least at first. He and Jaylyn had enjoyed a brief affair when they’d first met but decided after two weekends they liked each other better as friends. Plus, any extra tension in the restaurant had been vanquished, and they needed a smooth-running kitchen to be a top restaurant on the east coast. Hannah set two local craft beers on the bar. “Drink up, kiddies. What’s on the gossip menu tonight?” “Nothing good, I’m afraid,” Jaylyn said as her hands rested on the bar. She glanced around at the very-late-night crowd—or what was left of them— and nodded to those she recognized. Her thumbnail dragged down the center of her palm on the

opposite hand as she heard her dad’s hacking cough again, saw him rush to the bathroom, and saw the pain on his face. A large, dark-skinned hand fell on hers, stopping the motion. “Lyn, the last time you started that shit, you scratched your palm so bad you had to bandage it. Don’t do it again.” She stopped and drank her beer sheepishly. “All right, spill. Is it the restaurant?” “No,” Frankie told Hannah and waited for Jaylyn to tell the rest, but she tipped her beer towards him, giving him the go ahead. “Her dad.” “Darien? I thought he was doing better, hon?” “So did I. You know, parents shouldn’t be allowed to lie so well to their kids. It’s not fair.” “Now you know how they felt,” Hannah said. “I was never a liar because I sucked at it.” Jaylyn drank another large gulp of beer and rested her head on the bar with a grunt. “I’ll have to knock his ass out and drag him to the doctor. Is that illegal? I think I could get away with it.” “What does Mariah say?” Jaylyn laughed, not lifting her head, so the sound echoed back to her from against the bar. “She says he’s a stubborn ass…and she said him getting sicker is probably why he handed over the restaurant to me—or, well, the kitchen.” Jaybird’s Roost was named for her, according to Darien, who told her that at least twice a year since

he’d thrown all their life savings into that rundown building. Jaybird’s. A high-end dining experience with fresh food and fresher recipes. A place he wanted to be his daughter’s one day, but she’d expected that day to be decades from now. Not years…or months. She gulped as her thoughts grew darker and chugged the rest of her beer, raising her hand for a second. “You are in a bad state,” Hannah mused with a sympathetic smile. “Tomorrow is Saturday, and you and I are spending the day together.” “Can’t. I have to prep for dinner.” “And what am I, chopped liver?” Frankie shook his head when she opened her mouth to argue. “No, I see that look on your face. Your eyes are getting all squinty and you’re doing that thing with your hands again.” He scowled and her hands froze. She hadn’t even realized she’d been doing it. “Take the day, go do your nails, and get your mind off your dad. You can’t control him and it sucks, but that’s the way it is. You have a kitchen to run and we need our leader clear-headed. Not wallowing.” Jaylyn hugged the second beer close as she mumbled, “I’m not wallowing.” “Not yet, you’re not. Please, for the sake of all of us in your kitchen?” “Fine, fine,” she said, giving in, and Hannah bounced excitedly. Her boobs jiggled with the movement, and Frankie’s eyes were immediately

drawn to them. “Hey, Hannah, you know Frankie would also love to spend a Saturday with you sometime.” Hannah’s face reddened even more than before, and Frankie kicked Jaylyn’s shin. She’d take the few seconds of pain to see him choke on his words for a change. “Well now, why ever didn’t you ask me before?” He cleared his throat and played with his beer bottle. “I didn’t think you’d be interested.” Hannah leaned over the bar and kissed his cheek, making his eyes widen and Jaylyn sputter on her mouthful. “I am, so you better plan us a nice, fine date for next Saturday. And you,” she said, turning to Jaylyn, “better be ready by nine o’clock tomorrow. We’re having a no-stress girl day.” “Whatever you say.” She drained her second beer as Frankie and Hannah talked about what they might do together. Jaylyn was content to sit and listen as the anxiety from the past few hours slowly washed away with the last of her second beer, and her third. Luckily for her, she could hold her alcohol. The patrons of the Eight Ball Bar filed out, and soon, it was only Jaylyn and Frankie left, the latter smiling brightly as he flirted openly with Hannah. Jaylyn yawned but tried to hide it. “All right, you two, scram,” Hannah said, catching it out of the corner of her eye. “I have to

wipe this place down and you two need some sleep.” “See you in the morning,” Jaylyn told her as she waved and reached for the wallet in her back pocket of her chef’s pants, but Hannah shook her head at her and Frankie reaching for money. “On the house tonight, I insist. Now go, scoot!” She flicked the towel over the bar at them, and they wandered towards the coat rack, bundled up, and headed outside into the cold January air. Tourist season was only a few months away, and Jaylyn was already planning a fresh springtime menu that would lead into the perfect light and delicious summertime food their usual clientele couldn’t get enough of. Jaybird’s was so interesting because she changed the menu every season with the season, adding new flavors and ingredients. Once the farmer’s markets opened in March, she would head there at least three times a week to buy their produce from the local growers. Their fish already came in locally, of course, and her herbs were also purchased from a local grower yearround. The Jaybird was north of town, but her parents’ house, where she still resided, was a few miles away, so after waving bye to Frankie, who could walk to his apartment a few streets over, she climbed into her beat-up truck and headed for home. No one was awake when she crept inside,

and that was the way she wanted it. The beer might have soothed the worst of her worries, but why her dad wouldn’t get himself some help baffled her. She changed into her comfy flannel pajamas and curled up in bed, waiting for her limbs to thaw out and morning to come.

“Oh! What about that one?” “I don’t need a new purse,” Jaylyn mumbled as they wandered around the indoor mall in Manchester. Portsmouth was a cute, touristy shopping town, but there were no regular retail stores. And nowhere to get a manicure. “You need something fun. You haven’t bought anything today.” “That isn’t true,” she argued and held up her shopping bag. Hannah rolled her eyes. “New mixing bowls and a set of cutting boards are not the items I had in mind when I said we’d have a girl day.” “This is about as girlie as I get.” They meandered through the mall, mostly window shopping, looking at clothes and beautiful gowns neither could hope to afford nor even have a place to wear them. Jaylyn and her parents weren’t rich by any means. The restaurant did well, but

they were still paying the mortgage. Not that her parents told her how much they still owed on the place. Or their house. Money was tight, that was nothing new for the Wilson family, but they managed to get by. Jaylyn had been able to pay for most of her schooling through grants and scholarships, but a hefty chunk hung over her head. Despite not really buying anything, the day was more fun than Jaylyn thought it would be, and she thanked Hannah as they stopped to eat lunch at one of the smaller cafés inside. As they drank their fancy coffees and ate their croissants, Hannah frowned and Jaylyn turned around to follow her gaze. “The buzzards are back,” she muttered. “Buzzards?” “You haven’t seen them around? They’ve been eyeing businesses across the state—some uppity investment firm company,” she said. “I heard they’d taken over the mall and a few other places in Manchester. I saw them here two weeks ago.” “What does that have to do with us?” Hannah dunked her croissant angrily in her coffee. “I’ve seen them in Woodstock, too, and heard rumors from surrounding small towns.” “What do they want?” “I have no idea, but you know what happens to small towns when suits start showing up.” A few small towns in the state had been taken

over by investment companies in order to boost the economy and increase the profits of the communities. Their words were all well and good, but once they took over, the smaller businesses that couldn’t stand up to the rigorous demands were shut down and a lot of people lost their jobs. “You think that’ll happen in Woodstock?” “I don’t know,” Hannah whispered. “But I know my boss won’t let some jackass in a suit buy out his bar.” “Same.” She couldn’t imagine her parents selling the restaurant. But she’d heard how these guys had acquired some of their other businesses. They went straight to the banks and found out how much was left on the loans, offered to buy them out plus interest, giving the banks incentives to sell the loans. Then they hiked up the rates, and the owners of the businesses were forced to sell to them. Jaylyn’s coffee tasted bitter in her mouth and her stomach knotted. She gave up trying to finish her lunch. They paid and left the mall, making the long drive back to Woodstock. She dropped Hannah off at the bar and drove further into the mountains to reach Jaybird’s. She barely uttered a greeting or met Frankie’s friendly smile once inside the kitchen. “I thought you two were having a relaxing day,” Frankie asked when she stepped into the kitchen,

tying back her hair with an orange bandanna. “We were. It’s nothing, I hope.” “You remember that conversation about you sucking at lying?” She opened the fridge and gathered the produce she needed to prep for the dinner rush that night. “There are rumors of some investment company in Woodstock, possibly buying up businesses.” “What? They’re not coming here, are they?” “I don’t know. Dad hasn’t said anything, but with how grumpy he’s been lately, he could be lying through his teeth.” “He is a much better liar than you.” Jaylyn chucked a tomato at his head and his face pinched in annoyance, but he threw a handful of flour back at her. “Don’t start something you won’t win.” “If dinner wasn’t starting in a few hours…” she warned, taking her towel from her shoulder and wiping her face off. “You think I should be worried? About losing the restaurant?” “No, I think you should be worried about dinner tonight and nothing else.” “You’re right, you’re right. Focus.” The rest of her kitchen staff arrived and the lively, cheerful atmosphere of her crew distracted her from worries about suits coming to town or her dad being sick. How could she worry about his health when he waltzed in smiling brightly and

looking for all the world like he was at the peak of health? She wanted to drag him aside and demand answers, but dinner came first. Later, if she wasn’t dead tired after the rush, she’d find a way to get the truth out of him.

2

W ALKER SIPPED HIS COFFEE AND STARED AROUND the tiny café on the main drag through Woodstock. “It’s very quaint here. Are you sure this would make a good investment?” he asked, his voice lilting with the British accent he’d acquired from growing up beneath his father’s tutelage, who was from across the pond. His father, Leo Allard, nodded firmly. He removed his black-rimmed glasses and smoothed his hands back through his greying hair. “We’ve been eyeing properties close to White Mountain for years. And it just so happens that this town, in the past few years, has increased its tourism and profits by a rather large margin.” “And the reason for that would be?” “A few very successful businesses, including a restaurant—Jaybird’s Roost.”

Walker arched a brow arrogantly. “Doesn’t sound very up-scale to me.” “No, it doesn’t, but a name can be changed. It’s in the perfect location. There used to be a lodge near it, but it was shut down. The owner of the restaurant was interested in the lodge, but he’s never had enough money.” Walker spun his coffee cup around on the saucer, watching the passersby outside the window. It being January, he could tell the walkers were mostly locals, but come the spring and summer, the town had the potential to be flooded with tourists. “And you want to offer to buy it for him? Have him run both?” Leo stared pointedly at his son. “Have you learned nothing from me in all the years you’ve worked beneath me?” “Of course I have, Father. I was merely curious how you would convince this man to sell his restaurant, one that seems to be doing quite well without any aid from us.” “The way I always do. Make him an offer he can’t refuse.” Walker nodded but kept his thoughts to himself. Over the years, he’d grown tired of arguing morals with his over-eager, egotistical father that the way the Allards did business was wrong because all they ever did was make more enemies wherever they went. But his father refused to listen. He wanted to

own properties that would make him and his other investors rich. Walker tried a long time ago to get out from under his father’s shadow but was roped into the life. His mother died when he was young, and Leo was all he had. A cold, hard man who didn’t care for a son but wanted a business partner. A legacy. “Have you spoken to the owner yet?” he asked finally. “No, but I have a meeting with the bank first thing in the morning. I want you there and I want you to run it.” “Me?” he asked, surprised. “Why?” “Because when we purchase this restaurant and the lodge, you will be in charge of getting both up and running before summer hits. I already have a list of potential customers and have promised them a very special trip up to the mountains. I expect you to make it happen,” Leo stated as if he was merely asking Walker to pick groceries up from the store, not potentially ruin many people’s lives so they could make a profit. “I don’t think I’m ready for this—to be on my own, I mean.” “You are nearly thirty. Do you wish to be under my thumb forever?” Walker sulked. “No, but you have never let me be in charge of any of these properties. I am merely curious about your reasoning to let me start now.”

“Sooner or later, a son must take over from his father, as I did from mine.” Walker drank his coffee to avoid opening his mouth, replying inappropriately, and upsetting his father. He’d been in a decent mood lately, and Walker liked to keep him so. Leo in a bad mood made everyone around him miserable. “I hear you’re having troubles at home,” Leo commented. “Troubles?” “Your man, what’s his name again?” “Douglas?” Walker was used to a certain lifestyle—or rather, a certain lifestyle was expected of him. When he’d purchased his oversized home on the outskirts of a nearby small town, he’d hired a man who was essentially his assistant and butler. He hated having someone waiting on him at home, but the man was twenty years older than Walker, had kids and grandkids, and was quite a fun fellow to chat with in the evening. After a few months, Walker became used to Douglas and was very fond of the older man. He was also quite handy in assisting with business matters. “Yes, him—exceptional man. He tells me you fired another cook.” “I had the same meal four times in a week,” he explained, though it was a lie. “Ah, that is unacceptable.”

Walker agreed outwardly, but inwardly, he couldn’t have cared less; but he wasn’t the one who complained of the repetitive meals to the point it made his life miserable. “I’m seeing Georgette this evening.” “And how have you found Ms. Tindal?” “She’s beautiful, I’ll grant her that,” he mused, thinking of her long, luscious, black waves of hair and the bosom she insisted on almost exposing each time they met. “I’m afraid we have yet to find any real common ground, though.” “And what of the other two?” Walker tilted his head, remembering the dates with the other two potential women Leo wanted his son to date, Brittany Kraus and Helena Landon. “I’m afraid it’s the same with all of them. They’re intelligent, no mistake there, but I’m missing that connection.” “You might not have a connection, as you put it,” Leo grumbled. “I expect you to choose one as your bride-to-be by the annual holiday party. You are an important man from an important family. When I die, I expect my legacy to carry on, which means you must find a wife and have a son.” “What if I have daughters?” Walker asked and watched his father’s cheeks redden. “If you have daughters, then so be it, but you need a son. Have five children, have ten. I care not, but this is your duty as an Allard.” His father

removed his wallet and laid a fifty-dollar bill on the table. “I expect to see you tomorrow morning bright and early, no matter how well your evening goes.” Walker watched him exit the café and walk to the black sedan waiting at the curb. A man stepped out to open Leo’s door and his father slipped inside. The waitress came to collect the bill. “Keep the change,” Walker told her. She looked at the check and the fifty-dollar bill. “Sir, are you sure?” “Yes, I insist,” he said warmly and smiled. “Have a wonderful rest of the day.” The bell above the door chimed as he stepped outside into the blustery cold air. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he wandered down the sidewalk. Small town atmospheres were his favorite, or they used to be before his father began to ruin them one by one. There was a charm that couldn’t be found anywhere else. If he’d had his way, he would’ve found a job where he could work with computers or do something with his hands. He hated being an investor. Hated the markets. Hated the men and women he worked with. Hated all of it. He had tried to escape this life, but his father always found a way to drag him back, claiming he was the only heir. He needed Walker, promised they would change and shape the business together. That promise had been made five years ago and

Walker had been foolish enough to believe it. All the wealth he had in the world was tied up in his father’s company. If he wanted to leave, he would have nothing to start over with, and the idea frightened him and excited him at the same time. He craved adventure. Backpacking across Europe, seeing the world. He turned the corner to explore more of the town before heading home when he spied a bar across the street. “The Eight Ball… interesting,” he murmured and hurried across to get out of the cold. There was an empty seat at the bar, so he hopped up on a bar stool. The bartender meandered over, laying out a napkin for him, and handed him the drink menu, a cheery smile on her face. “You new around here?” “Just visiting,” he explained, glancing over the beer menu. “I’ll take a White Mountain ale, if you please.” She bobbed her head, blonde curls covering her face, and drew out the bottle, popped the cap, and set it in front of him. “What’s a fancy suited man like you doing in Woodstock?” The question sounded nice enough, but there was an edge to her words he’d be an idiot to miss. “Business trip.” “Business trip.” “Yes,” he said uncertainly. “You part of that group of suits buying up

people’s places?” she snapped, her smile still in place. Walker felt the air grow colder and the room seemed to shrink. The few people in the bar had fallen silent at her words, and he hunched his shoulders, regretting his decision to stop in. “I work for an investment company, yes, but I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.” “Right, sure you don’t. Enjoy the beer, it’s on the house. Then get the hell out of this bar and don’t come back.” He needed the beer now more than before, and as he sat there, feeling eyes on his back, he drained it. The flavor was bold and pretty good. He spied the bartender near the end of the bar speaking on a cordless phone. She glared at him before turning her back on him as if afraid he would read her lips. He pulled out a twenty and laid it under his napkin for her and left the bar before it could get any uglier inside. His truck was parked down the road from the café, and he swore he felt angry eyes on him his entire walk to it. The drive home was less than pleasant and when he finally parked in his large garage, he was exhausted and in no mood for a date. “Ah, there you are,” Douglas greeted, his British accent stronger than Walker’s. Dogs barked from inside the house as Walker moved past him

and into the kitchen from the garage. “You appear distraught.” “It happens when an entire town suddenly rises up with pitchforks and torches,” he muttered, slipping out of his wool suit jacket. Three dogs rushed to jump up and lick his face, mutts all of them, and well over sixty pounds. “There’s my boys.” He scratched each one in turn, their brown and black mix of fur following him as he moved through the kitchen. The all-brown one was a mix between a lab and a pit bull named Legolas. There was a black and white malamute mixed with several other breeds named Strider, and the last one was a runt compared to the other two, his brown, tan, and black fur a swirl of colors. He was part lab and part mystery. His name was Gimli. They were all about five years old and had been adopted from the local shelter. The best part about his dogs was that they were very selective of who they liked, and so far, none of them liked any of the three women he dated. Douglas took his jacket from him and followed him through the mansion, the dogs in tow, their nails clacking on the floor. “That sounds rather exciting if you ask me. Very adventurous.” “Until they catch me,” he added, tromping upstairs. The pack of dogs followed, yipping and barking excitedly as they played. Walker grinned

and moved easily around their bodies, used to his dogs always trying to get him to play or pet them. “Your date will arrive in a few short hours.” “Do you think there’s any way I could cancel?” “Do you wish to have her call your father and complain about a missed date?” Douglas warned. “Out of the three women your father has deemed best suited for his son, Ms. Tindal appears to be the one with the…how to put this nicely?” “The one with the biggest mouth?” Walker supplied. Douglas laughed deeply. “Yes, those are the appropriate words, I think.” “Damn. I guess I’ll suffer through, then, for the good of my sanity.” “There is a slight complication with tonight,” Douglas informed him as they entered the master bedroom and Walker stepped into the large walk-in closet. All three dogs leapt onto the large, kingsized bed. Maybe he should take a picture of the dogs on his bed and show it to the women? That would be a decent turn off. “And what might it be this time?” Douglas cringed as Walker unbuttoned his sleeves and moved onto his shirt. “Your cook.” “Hell,” he muttered. “We haven’t hired a replacement yet?” “No, we have not. Might I suggest I order takeout for the evening? I’ll place an ad on Monday

to find a new one.” “Put in the ad this time that the person must be flexible.” Douglas grinned and nodded. “I will do so. Dinner will be here before your date arrives. Have no fear.” “With you around, I never do.” Douglas exited the room, whistling for the dogs. “Who wants dinner?” The three barked and raced after him down the hall, leaving Walker alone to ponder his night. He stepped out of his wool pants and browsed through his clothes. The day had been cold and he was in the mood for comfortable, warm clothes. He found a dark pair of designer jeans and a heavy black sweater to go over a red button-up shirt. Once he was dressed, he grabbed his black boots, pulled them on his feet, and walked back downstairs, following the smell of something delicious. “How the bloody hell did you get this here so fast?” he asked. Douglas was in the middle of plating the potatoes and steaks with green beans as he replied, “Magic. It’s how I do everything around here.” “Are the dogs put up for the evening?” Though it was his home and he felt he should never have to lock his dogs up for anyone coming to see him, his father scolded him the first time he let the dogs run rampant when Georgette arrived. They’d growled

and barked at her for a solid twenty minutes before she said she would come back later. Walker hoped she wouldn’t come back, but of course, his father was called and he was given another Allard lesson on manners. Now his dogs had to stay upstairs in his bedroom until the date was over. “Yes, they’ve been out to take care of business and have fresh bones to keep them occupied.” The clock struck six and the doorbell rang a second later, setting the dogs off upstairs. “Right on time,” he murmured, voice dripping with sarcasm. Walker reached the front door and opened it. “It took you long enough,” Georgette complained as she stomped inside, shivering from standing out in the cold for a mere moment. Her heavy fur coat slipped from her shoulders, and Walker forced the smile to remain on his face when he saw what she wore underneath. “If you wore something a little more substantial, you might not freeze to death,” he suggested and kissed her politely on the cheek, taking her coat in his other hand to hang in the hall closet. “Where is your man? Why wasn’t he here to open the door?” She glared upstairs as the dogs continued to bark. “I don’t know why you keep those animals around.” “He’s busy in the kitchen at the moment. I can step into his shoes for a few minutes and answer

my own door,” he said through gritted teeth and pointedly ignored her comment about his dogs. He hung her coat up and cringed when she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Oh! You’re so warm. I think I might just settle in here.” Walker prayed she would move before he had to do it for her and embarrass her. “Ah, Ms. Tindal,” Douglas announced, and Georgette’s arms disappeared from his torso. “Dinner is ready for you both in the dining room. Your usual red tonight?” “Yes, yes, Douglas, thank you,” Georgette said with an obnoxious wave of her hand. Walker wanted to marry, but he told his father over and over he wanted to find a wife for himself, a woman he could stand for more than a few hours. Maybe even a woman who wasn’t a spoiled brat and accustomed to a life of leisure and being waited on hand and foot. The Tindals weren’t as wealthy as the Allards, but they came from old money just the same. Leo had his money on Georgette. Walker wanted to tell him not to hold his breath. “Shall we?” He offered her his arm, and they strolled into the lodge-style dining room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the grounds around his home. He pulled out her chair as Douglas poured two glasses of red and returned to the kitchen for dinner. “Should we drink to anything

special this evening?” he asked once he took his seat. “To many more nights enjoying each other’s company,” she purred and raised her glass. Walker clinked his glass against hers, but when the time came to drink, he sealed his lips. Her words sounded innocent, but that slinky black dress told him a completely different story. The past few dates with her had been the same. She’d tried to get him into bed, and he politely thought of excuses for her to leave. He was running out of ideas, though, and worried he would have to come clean and tell her that though he found her quite attractive, she was not the woman he wanted to marry, let alone fall into bed with. He knew her type, had been with them before. The second he took her to bed, she would think he belonged to her. Douglas brought out dinner and they ate, chatting about their days and her plans for spring. She technically had no job and spent her days spending her family’s money and, from what he understood, being a terror to the house staff. She told him a while back about her prospects of finally doing something with her business degree, but nothing ever happened with that plan. When dinner was finished, Douglas cleared the plates away and brought out two slices of chocolate cake and coffee. “Oh, I really shouldn’t,” Georgette fussed.

“Why not? It’s dessert and it’s the weekend,” Walker argued. “I’m on a diet.” “What for? You’re thinner than a bleeding tree.” She beamed and he bit his tongue instead of the cake. His eyes watered and he cursed himself mentally for saying anything at all. “That’s because you haven’t seen all of me.” Douglas cleared his throat loudly from the kitchen doorway, and Walker breathed a sigh of relief as Georgette’s hand, which had been creeping closer to Walker, fell back to her lap. “Sorry for the intrusion, sir, but you have a phone call.” “Can it wait?” Georgette complained. “I’m afraid it’s your father,” Douglas said with a faint wrinkle to his brow. Walker swallowed his mouthful of cake and washed it down with his coffee. “I’ll be back as quick as I can,” he told Georgette and stood from the table. He stepped into the kitchen behind Douglas and hung his head as the door closed. “How do you always know when I need to be rescued?” Douglas tapped the side of his nose. “Intuition.” “How long before she gets annoyed enough to leave?” “Ten minutes? Perhaps more. Here,” he said and handed him a glass of amber liquid. “Take this

and hide in the pantry for a while. I’ll collect you when it’s safe.” Walker didn’t argue. Douglas was a better man than he deserved. The pantry was large and had a convenient stool in there for him to use. He could go to his office, but he would have to pass through the dining room again and Georgette would most likely follow him, insisting on speaking with his father to know why he’d interrupted their date. As he sipped the brandy, he mulled it over in his mouth while he examined his life closely. Sitting in a pantry, hiding from dates… this was what his life was reduced to. Many men in his position would take every chance they had to sleep with these phenomenal women, but Walker had had his time as a playboy. The routine grew old, and after a while, all he wanted was someone he could come home to at the end of the day, someone he could snuggle with on the couch before a roaring fire. Someone who wouldn’t drive him insane with pointless talking for hours on end. He wanted a kiss to mean more, to set him alight and make him feel…anything. Georgette was not that woman. A while later, the door opened and Douglas poked his head inside. “She is at the door, ready to leave, but insists you leave your business long enough to wish her farewell.” “That I can do.”

He shot back the rest of his brandy and sauntered away to wish his date a fond goodnight, not looking forward to when he would have to see her again.

Walker was uncomfortable and the meeting had barely started. Leo sat beside him as the banker typed away on his computer before them. The meeting had started five minutes ago, and they were currently finding out how much was owed on the restaurant loan as well as how much the seller was asking for the lodge. “It appears,” the banker, Mr. Sanders, finally said, “the lodge currently has a price tag of two million on it. It has been on the market for a while, however, and I’m certain the seller would be willing to negotiate.” “And the Jaybird’s Roost?” Walker asked, trying to sound as authoritative as his father. “That is another story altogether. The owner had placed a hefty down payment, but over the years, his payments have grown smaller. He’s barely covering the minimum amount due each month.” “How much is owed?” “With interest? Nearly eight-hundred-

thousand,” Mr. Sanders said. “It appears they have a few other debts from their house and their daughter’s culinary education, as well as Mr. Wilson’s other debts from renovating the restaurant.” Walker’s leg bounced nervously. He couldn’t do this, could he? Be this heartless to people clearly in need of proper assistance? “Walker,” his father whispered harshly. “Yes… we are interested in purchasing the lodge property as well as the restaurant that was originally part of that property,” he announced. “The hotel I presume we will have to purchase from you, of course, and the rest will be taken care of once we purchase the loan.” “I’ll have the appropriate papers drawn up for you. If you would wait here? Once we have everything ready, we’ll need your lawyer to go with ours as we acquire the hotel property first. As far as the restaurant, I’m afraid that falls on you to remove the current owner.” Walker thanked the man, a forced polite smile on his face, and tugged at his suit jacket. “Once this is taken care of, you’ll have to spend time hiring new staff for the lodge and the restaurant,” Leo said. “The restaurant has a full staff,” Walker said, confused. “Why would I need a new one?” “You know how we do things, son. You get rid

of the old and bring in the new. People you can trust, who you can control,” he said matter-offactly. “You will let them all go.” “Their chef is the reason it does so well. I can’t simply get rid of him.” Leo turned a stern gaze to his son, removed his glasses, and leaned closer. “You will do as I tell you to. That chef can leave his recipes and everything else behind, but he goes with the rest of the staff. Chefs are easy to replace, as you well know. You go through, what, one a month?” Walker’s lips thinned in annoyance. “I am not a restaurant and my chefs only have to cook for one person. This is an upper-scale restaurant with an amazing reputation. You truly wish to put it on the line when we’re about to reopen the lodge for the summer?” “I trust you to do what is necessary and find the right person for the job.” Leo cleaned his glasses with a small, white cloth before he placed them on his face. “Was I wrong to trust you so soon?” Walker stilled, feeling his chance at freedom slipping away. “No, you were not.” “Good. By tomorrow, you will be in control of the lodge, which we’ll have to rebrand, and this Jaybird’s Roost. I suggest you change the name as well so it matches the lodge.” “Not only am I laying off a decent number of people, you wish me to rub salt in their wounds.”

“This is business, Walker. You can’t take it personally.” “Maybe not, but I’m fairly certain they will.” “Go take a walk.” Walker frowned. “What did you say?” “I am telling you to take a walk and clear your head. You’re not in your right mind, and if you continue to fight me at every turn of this deal, I will have another take it over. Is that what you wish?” Walker rose and buttoned his jacket as he said, “No, it’s not. You’re right, I’m not thinking clearly.” He nodded to his father and stepped outside, but all the cold air did was remind him that the people he would lay off would face a jobless winter when it was cold. What happened if they couldn’t pay their bills? If they lost their heat or their homes? His father might not have a conscience about making such quick, harmful decisions, but Walker didn’t want the reputation his father had. Ruthless. Cold-hearted. Walker would go through with what his father wanted, but he wouldn’t like it. The day would come when he could break away from this mess and find his own way to do business—the correct way. One that didn’t leave him stuck with a woman he didn’t like as a wife and being hated by the hundreds of people he’d put out of business and fired. Resolved to make it through this deal, if only to

prove to his father he was no longer a child, he walked back inside and signed the papers that would give him the lodge. Later that afternoon, they would purchase the loan of the restaurant, and in a few days, that too would be theirs.

3

W EDNESDAYS WERE TYPICALLY THE SLOWEST NIGHTS of the week, and Jaylyn expected this night to be like every other week. The kitchen was staffed lighter tonight, and the dining room was only about half full. She let the subject drop about her dad needing to get to the doctor and focused on running a great kitchen. If his illness grew too serious, she could only hope her mom would drag his ass to the hospital and be done with it. “Right, I’m taking a break,” she announced, tossing the towel from her shoulder into the dirty bin. “Frankie. You’re in charge.” He saluted her and handed his spatula to another cook as he took over Jaylyn’s spot, reading new tickets. Whenever Darien made her officially the owner, she couldn’t spend all her time in the kitchen as head chef. Frankie was the best

candidate for taking over. He knew how she expected dishes to come out of the kitchen, knew her recipes as well as she did, and knew how to keep a cool head when things went to shit. If ever that day came, she’d be ready with Frankie by her side. She sat down at the bar and ordered a pop to enjoy for a few minutes. The regulars waved to her and she smiled back. Her parents sat at their usual table. She wanted to join them, but their faces were both set and they appeared to be having a rather heated discussion. It wasn’t like them to get so riled up while at the restaurant, but they weren’t yelling. She wondered what the problem could be and her mind drifted to the suited men she saw at the mall and a phone call she’d received a few days ago. Hannah had called her saying a man who claimed to merely be visiting had popped into the bar. She claimed he was one of the suits she saw walking around the other day, but Jaylyn told her not to assume anything yet. For all they knew, he was simply passing through—though passing through to where was the better question. As Jaylyn drank her pop, she saw the doors open and a man bustled in with a very intent look on his face. He whispered to the hostess, and she frowned, shaking her head. The man held up a stack of papers, shaking them in her face. Jaylyn hopped off her stool and hurried to the man.

“Can I help you?” she asked, crossing her arms and glaring at him. “I am looking for Mr. Darien Wilson,” he snapped. “And you needed to yell at my hostess for what reason?” He huffed. “She told me Mr. Wilson does not see anyone except customers during business hours.” “She’s not wrong. Mr. Wilson will see you if you call and make an appointment.” “He’s not a CEO! It shouldn’t be this difficult to speak to him.” The man tried to see around Jaylyn, but she kept moving, blocking his sight. “I must speak with him. It’s urgent business.” “Involving what?” “His business.” Jaylyn’s chest tightened. “And? Give me something specific or I’ll throw you out of here for disrupting our guests.” “They are no longer your guests,” the man seethed. Jaylyn started to laugh, not sure what the man was playing at, but he shook the papers in his hand. “What are you saying?” “Exactly what you think I’m saying. Where is he?” Jaylyn’s thumbnail dug into her palm, but she pointed back to her parents’ table. “I’ll take you to

him,” she said slowly and led the way through the tables, putting a smile on her face for the sake of the people enjoying their dinners. “Dad? This man says he needs to talk to you about the restaurant.” Darien stood. “Darien Wilson,” he said, holding out his hand. The man shook it. “What can I do for you, Mister…” “Ullie, Gregory Ullie,” the man said. “I’m afraid it’s regarding your loan.” “My loan? You’re not from the bank,” Darien said, confused. “No, I represent the people who currently possess your loan—all of your loans.” Darien’s face paled and Mariah was on her feet, too. “Jaylyn, go back to the kitchen, please,” Darien instructed. “I’m sure Frankie probably needs you by now.” “Dad, what’s going on?” she asked, but he didn’t even look at her. “Now, please.” She shot the man one more annoyed look but did as her dad asked, though she hated walking away. She hung around near the doorway of the kitchen, but they were speaking too quietly for her to hear over the din of the kitchen. “What are you doing?” Frankie asked in her ear, and she jumped, smacking him in the arm. “Why do you keep trying to give me a heart attack?”

“Because it’s so easy. Why are you eavesdropping at your own kitchen door?” He looked over her head out the circular window. “Who’s with Darien?” “Some asshole who said something about the restaurant not being ours anymore.” “What?” “I don’t know, it’s just what he said. That and something about the loans.” She shook her head and moved away from the door when her mom glanced over. “I don’t like this, and he kicked me back to the kitchen.” “You want me to go out there and sit at the bar? Just glare at the guy?” “Yes, but not now,” she muttered. “I guess we’ll get back to work and Dad will fill me in later.” They pushed through the dinner and the minor rush they had at the end of the evening. Jaylyn threw herself into her work, calling out tickets and keeping her hands busy so she wouldn’t dig her thumb into her palm and get another lecture from Frankie. By the time the last ticket went out, she was mentally drained and worried because she hadn’t seen her parents at all. Frankie shooed her away to go figure out what was happening, letting her team handle the cleanup. She pushed through the doors, surprised to see her parents at the bar with drinks in their hands instead of at their table. “What’s going on?” she

asked, looking around for the man. “Sit down, Lyn,” Darien said, patting the empty seat beside him. Jaylyn didn’t move. “No. Tell me what’s going on.” Darien glanced at his wife and she nodded. He slid the stack of papers down the bar, and Jaylyn picked them up with a shaking hand. “You remember this restaurant was originally part of the old lodge?” he asked and she bobbed her head. “Someone has decided to purchase the lodge and all the surrounding property.” “But they can’t buy the restaurant,” she argued. “It’s not for sale.” “No, but we don’t own it outright. We have loans, and the Allard Investment Firm has purchased our loans in order to reopen the lodge and include our restaurant as part of it.” Jaylyn skimmed through the pages, but the legal lingo only pissed her off. “I don’t understand. What does this mean for us? Are we still open? Is it still our place?” she rambled, her heart pounding and her palms sweaty. “We don’t know yet,” Darien admitted roughly. “We’re not sure what’s going to happen.” “What…what do we do? Can’t we fight this?” “With what money?” he asked hotly, sucking in a deep breath when she flinched. “I’m sorry, but we know as much as you do right now.”

She sank onto a stool. “What do I tell my crew?” “You tell them nothing,” he said sharply. “I don’t want morale to tank.” “They have a right to know if they’re going to lose their jobs.” Darien stood, taking the papers with him. “The lawyer assured us the Allards will do their best to keep as many jobs as possible.” “And you trust them?” “No, but we don’t have another choice. If you tell people now, they might quit anyway and then what will we do? You keep this to yourself, Lyn. Do you under…underst—” his harsh coughing cut off his words, and he shoved a handkerchief to his mouth, pushing away from her and Mariah as he disappeared down the short hall to the office. Mariah sighed and Jaylyn was at a loss. “He’s under a lot of stress right now.” “Because he’s sick and won’t admit it,” she muttered. “You don’t understand what he’s going through,” Mariah said roughly. “Let it go for now, Lyn. We’ll deal with this how we’ve dealt with everything, but don’t add to his stress by demanding answers from him.” “You can’t simply expect me to carry on as if nothing is happening,” she said as her mom walked away. “Mom?”

“Let it go. Clean up the kitchen and get home. We’ll see you tomorrow.” Jaylyn had been dismissed by both parents. She stayed at the bar for a long while, watching the last few customers leave. She smiled and waved at them, though inside, she screamed and wanted to pull her hair out. Not knowing what could happen in the next few weeks or days would drive her nuts. What was she supposed to tell Frankie? She couldn’t leave him in the dark, not when his job might be on the line. She poked her head through the kitchen door and called for Frankie to meet her outside when he had a minute. He said he’d be right there, eyeing her curiously. Jaylyn wouldn’t tell anyone else, but Frankie had to know. “Jaylyn?” She stopped her mad pacing long enough to look at him, then away, too full of guilt to hold his gaze long. Not that she had anything to feel guilty about. She wanted to fight for her crew and for the restaurant. What she didn’t understand was why her parents acted like they had already lost? “We have a problem,” she said finally. “You can’t tell anyone else. I’m not supposed to tell you, but I can’t not let you know.” “All right, I’m listening,” he said slowly. “That man who came in? He told Dad we no longer own the restaurant.” She rambled on about

what she was told by her parents and what she thought the paperwork basically said. Frankie’s expression never changed and he let her come to an end before he even moved. “Well?” “Well what?” he asked. “Aren’t you going to get mad? Threaten to quit? Do something besides standing there looking at me like this is not a huge deal?” Frankie scratched the tip of his nose, shrugging his massive shoulders. “What good will that do?” Jaylyn’s mouth fell open. “Seriously?” He held her shoulders and bent so they were eye level. “Yeah, seriously. You said it yourself, you’re not sure what’s going to happen. I’m not going to freak out until I need to and I’m definitely not going to quit and leave you alone for however many days we have left. We’re in this together until whatever shitty end comes our way.” Her head fell forward. “I don’t deserve you as a friend.” “Ha, ain’t that the truth.” He guided her back inside, an arm over her shoulders, and they grabbed beers from the bar before heading back to the kitchen to finish cleaning up. Jaylyn embraced his light-hearted mood, at least until she drove home a couple hours later. She lay in bed, wide awake, wondering if her dream was about to go up in flames.

A week passed and the situation involving the ownership of the restaurant only made the tension between Jaylyn and her parents worse by the day. Mariah was a bit more talkative, but Darien made sure not to find himself alone with her. She snooped around the office at the restaurant but found no sign of the papers. She tried at home, too, but Darien hid them and she’d grunted in annoyance as she stormed to her room that morning. There’d been no sign of that lawyer, either. She should take it as a good sign, but her gut told her the worst was yet to come. Sunday morning, after she’d spent an anxious week biting what little nails she had, Darien left a note for her in the kitchen to head to the restaurant early. When she arrived, the entire staff was there, sitting in the dining room and looking confused as hell. “What’s going on?” she asked her mom when she saw her by the bar. “Just have a seat,” Mariah said, smiling, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Mom?” “Good,” Darien said before Mariah spoke again, and Jaylyn turned. Her dad stepped out of the kitchen with two men flanking him. One she recognized as the lawyer who’d dropped off the

papers. The other wasn’t familiar. “If everyone can have a seat?” Jaylyn didn’t want to sit down, but Mariah glared at her so she found Frankie towards the back of the room and sat beside him. “Any ideas?” he asked out of the side of his mouth. “One, and it’s not good.” Darien shot them a look, and she held his glare with one of her own. “These two men are here to help explain a new transition about to take place here at Jaybird’s Roost. Please, listen to what they have to say.” Darien stepped back and the lawyer and the other man stepped up. The one Jaylyn didn’t know was attractive in a weird, older man kind of way with the greying hair at his temples and his blackrimmed glasses he removed as he observed the gathered employees. “I had hoped my son would be present today since this is currently his project,” the man started. “However, as he couldn’t be here, I will be more than happy to explain the situation. My name is Leo Allard. I have recently taken over ownership of the lodge property this restaurant sits on, as well as the restaurant itself.” A few whispered murmurs sounded throughout the room, but the man didn’t stop to hear them. “One of those changes is that we will hire new staff members for the lodge…and replace the jobs here at the restaurant.”

“What?” Jaylyn snapped loudly, jumping to her feet. Darien looked as shocked as she felt. “I’m sorry, Mr. Allard, that wasn’t what we discussed a few days ago,” he argued. “You can’t simply fire everyone here.” “You’ll find that I can and am doing just that,” Mr. Allard said in his haughty, British accent. “As of today, none of you work here. You will be compensated for the remainder of the month, but after that, you will have to find employment elsewhere.” “There’s barely two weeks left in the month,” Jaylyn pointed out furiously. “Yes, I understand that.” His scowl held no sympathy, only annoyance at the interruption. “I’m sorry, who are you?” “Jaylyn Wilson, the head chef and the one who’s come up with the recipes for this kitchen for the past two years.” She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin with pride. “I’m the reason we’ve made a profit.” Mr. Allard clasped his hands behind his back. “A bit full of ourselves, are we? All chefs are.” Jaylyn’s mouth fell open, and Frankie was on his feet beside her. “Now one damn minute, sir. She’s not just saying it to say it. It’s true. You get rid of Jaylyn and this place will never do as well again.”

“I’ll take my chances. I will not have a chef in my kitchen who isn’t loyal to me.” “You think I would ruin this place because I don’t like you?” She marched towards him and stopped a few inches short, glaring up into his face. “Now who thinks he’s all important? This is my father’s place and mine. Y’all can’t walk in here and take it away from us without a fight.” “Lyn, stop,” Darien whispered behind her. “No, he can’t do this! We’ll come up with a plan—any plan,” she replied, but he shook his head and started to cough. He clutched his chest as the fit continued, and Mariah handed him a handkerchief. He bent over double, and Jaylyn rushed to his side when he collapsed to the floor. “Dad?” “Fine,” he gasped. “Fine…we have to…have to let it go.” Jaylyn blinked back tears of rage and fear as Darien continued to cough. “Someone call an ambulance!” Frankie said he was on it and drew out his cell. Mr. Allard stood close by but offered no sympathy, nothing but a cold-hearted stare when Jaylyn and Mariah helped Darien to a chair. He moved farther into the room and told the employees to clear out their items, but if they stole anything, he would know, having taken inventory that morning. Jaylyn suddenly saw red. He was in the midst of another

sentence when she tapped him on the shoulder and punched him square in the jaw. She cursed, holding her hand and hopping at the pain blooming in her fingers, but the red mark on Mr. Allard’s jaw as he staggered backwards and the shock in his eyes was worth it. “I could press charges!” he seethed, holding his face. “Then do it. What the hell do I care?” He grunted at her but said nothing else as he stormed out the front door. The ambulance arrived moments later and took a protesting Darien away. “For once, Darien, shut up,” Mariah snapped at her husband. “You’re going and it’s final. Jaylyn, lock up and meet us there.” Mariah tossed her the keys and Jaylyn watched them load her father up and take him away. “He’s strong, your dad,” Frankie said, standing beside her. “Yeah…yeah, he used to be.” She heard his sigh but didn’t look at him. “I’ll help everyone get their things together and you can lock up.” She mumbled some thanks, and he gathered everyone around to clear out their employee lockers and anything else they didn’t want thrown out when they left. Jaylyn stood at the front door, praying her dad would be all right. She only had an inkling of what might be wrong, but her parents

never let her know what he was sick with or how bad it really was. She let herself play the naïve daughter and pretend Darien would be all right. Reality was harsher still, knowing they were losing the restaurant. Once everyone was packed and gone, she locked the front door for what might be the last time. Frankie walked her to her truck and offered to drive her to the hospital in Laconia, the closest major hospital, but she said she’d be fine. “Text me when you get there, at least,” he pleaded. “Hannah and I will be waiting for news.” “You headed to the bar?” “Yeah. I’ll let her know what happened here.” He kissed the top of her head and hugged her. “Go see your dad.” Numb, she climbed into her truck and started the long drive south, out of Woodstock.

4

“I QUIT. NO ONE CAN WORK UNDER THESE conditions.” Walker paused with the glass halfway to his mouth as the yelling continued from the kitchen. Brittany’s eyes narrowed as she glared at the door. “What is going on in there?” “Nothing. I’m sure it’s nothing,” Walker lied and tried to take another drink. Glass shattering made them both jump and he cursed, spilling brandy over his hand. “Will you excuse me for a moment?” he asked politely. Brittany nodded and he pushed his chair back calmly from the dining table and entered the kitchen to find the china set out for that evening’s meal in pieces all over the floor. “Ah, sir, impeccable timing,” Douglas announced. “It appears Benjamin has put in his

notice.” “What the bloody hell for?” Walker demanded, watching as the latest chef he’d hired grabbed pots and pans he’d brought with him and stacked them on the counter. “Benjamin?” “I refuse to cook for these…these crazy women a moment longer! How much pickier can they get? No chef should have to put up with this shit. And I am too good to waste away in your kitchen cooking for your floozies.” Walker winced when Benjamin yelled angrily, slamming pots around the kitchen and muttering incoherently under his breath. “I understand they can be difficult, but—” “No!” Benjamin shouted, hoisting a skillet and pointing it at Walker’s face. “A toddler is difficult. Your women are impossible—outrageous. I quit.” Douglas scooped glass up into the dustpan and tossed it out. “We are sad to see you go.” “That’s it? That’s all you’re going to say to this man?” Walker said in disbelief. “What else do you want me to say? You and I both know the man speaks the truth,” he added in an undertone. “Your dates, of late, have been quite picky.” “They’ve always been picky and we both know it,” Walker corrected, walking to Benjamin. He held out his hand and the man stared at it like it might reach out and strangle him. “I understand,

truly I do. I wish you all the best. I’ll be sure you’re paid for the full month, even though you were only here three weeks.” Benjamin accepted the handshake. “I’m glad you understand, and if I can be honest?” He leaned in and whispered, “What are you doing with these crazy women anyway? They don’t seem your type.” “They’re not,” Walker admitted. “My father, however, approves of all of them.” “What is this, the Dark Ages?” “Some days, it does feel as if it is.” Walker remained in the kitchen as Benjamin packed the rest of his belongings and left. “Now then, what shall we cook for dinner?” Douglas opened the large freezer and peered in. “There are several frozen pizzas.” “Are you trying to kill my date?” Walker broke into a smile the same time Douglas did. “You know what, pizza it is. I’ll explain the situation. Maybe she’ll leave.” “And I’m assuming you wish me to put another ad out tomorrow?” Walker puffed out his cheeks in annoyance. “Yes, I still need a chef, I’m afraid. Unless you want to call the fire department every other night if I attempt to do it. I’m not sure I can find someone to appease these three—what did Benjamin call them?”

“Floozies, sir,” Douglas supplied with a perfectly blank stare. “Yes, floozies.” The doorbell rang and Walker glanced at the clock in the kitchen. “I’ll see who it is. Can you manage to put this in the oven?” Douglas asked, nodding to the frozen pizza on the counter. “I’m sure I’ll manage.” Douglas chuckled as he exited the kitchen through the other door not leading to the dining room, leaving Walker alone. The past few weeks had been interesting, to say the least. His father wasn’t speaking to him directly after he’d refused to be present when Leo fired all the old employees at Jaybird’s. He claimed he was ill that day, but his father knew better. Walker didn’t have the stomach to let so many people go. Thinking about it made him queasy, and he doubted he would be able to eat dinner at all now. A deep voice reached his ears from the dining room, and he heard Brittany reply with a high-pitched giggle that made him want to tear his ears off. Douglas returned through the other door, a forced smile on his face as he cleared his throat. “Your father is here, sir.” “What? Why?” “He says he wishes to discuss the hiring for the lodge.” “He should have simply called. We’re nearly at

full staff,” Walker said, agitated. “And for the restaurant?” Walker smirked. He couldn’t help it. He had been informed about the incident and how the chef hauled off and punched his father in the face. The man deserved it, especially when the old owner had to be taken away by ambulance and his father simply walked away, not even bothering to check on the man’s condition. Walker had, several times, and the man was home now, resting according to his assistant, who’d managed to get ahold of the wife. The entire situation could have been avoided had his father let the man keep the restaurant under his control and keep his staff. “That is proving far more difficult. No one around here wishes to work for us after what my father did. Serves him right.” “If this property fails, you fail, remember?” “Yes, I remember.” “Then I suggest you find a way to entice new hires,” Douglas told him. “And you might want to go out there and speak with him before he feels the need to barge in here to find you.” “Are you going to serve my father, Leo Allard, a frozen pizza for dinner?” Douglas opened the oven and slid the pizza inside. “If it’s beneath him, he should have called and warned us he was coming for dinner.” Walker put on a straight face as he exited the

kitchen and saw his father seated beside Brittany at the table. “Father, what a pleasant surprise. And the bruise on your face is completely gone.” Leo’s eyes narrowed a touch as Brittany turned to him. “Bruise? What bruise?” “There was an incident at our new property. Nothing to concern yourself with, my dear.” Walker had a little bounce to his step for getting a jab at his father, while he moved towards the drink cart. “Brandy?” “Yes, thank you,” Leo replied stiffly. “Brittany tells me there was an incident in the kitchen?” “Yes, I’m afraid my chef has quit on me. Terrible loss, really. He had such potential,” Walker explained as he fixed two brandies, one for himself and one for his father. “Thankfully, Douglas has a backup plan, so dinner will be out shortly.” He set one glass in front of his father and resumed his seat at the head of the table. “So your trouble with finding a chef extends to your home as well as your restaurant.” Walker sipped the liquor, eyeing Leo over his glass. “Apparently, I’m simply unlucky in that regard, but rest assured, the restaurant will have a full staff before the lodge opens in May.” “That is only four months away and counting.” Leo’s gaze slid to Brittany, her eyes narrowed as she moved her head, studying his face. “Whatever are you doing, my dear?”

“Searching for a sign of a bruise. I don’t see anything at all, but for a man of your age, you have a wonderful complexion,” she informed him brightly, patting his hand. Walker stifled a laugh and took a large swallow of brandy as Leo’s whole body stiffened in his chair. “Yes, well, I have good genes.” “I can tell, and you passed them down to Walker. He is, by far, the most handsome man I’ve ever had the pleasure of dating.” She wiggled her fingers and winked at Walker as he toasted her with his glass. His smile became stuck in place when he felt her foot gliding up his leg, reaching higher to his groin. “I can tell he gets his serious side from you, too.” Walker shifted his leg, but her foot remained firmly planted on his thigh. “We Allards have always been a serious lot, isn’t that right, Father? Never having any real fun. Not that we’d know anything about fun.” “Don’t I know it.” Walker drained his brandy and used his empty glass as an excuse to stand and pour himself another, but the decanter was nearly empty. “If you’ll excuse me? I’ll fetch more from the kitchen.” “Oh, I’ll join you!” Brittany was on her feet and holding open the kitchen door before Walker could think of an excuse for her to stay. “Mr. Allard

doesn’t mind a few moments alone.” “Quite,” he replied and didn’t look at either of them as they left. Walker led the way into the kitchen, hoping Douglas was there, but he was nowhere in sight. The door swung shut behind them and Brittany was on him, her lips smashed against his as she wrapped her arms around her neck. “Uh, I’m not sure…we should be doing this,” he mumbled, shoving her away gently. “Why not? You can’t keep stringing a girl like me along forever, you know.” “I don’t plan to, but my family is very traditional, you see.” “And that means we can’t make out? Come on, Walker. I know you want to see what’s under this dress,” she purred, running her hands down her curves. His eyes followed, but he shook his head and turned his back to her. “Perhaps when we are better acquainted. We have only been dating for a month, you know, which isn’t really that long for me.” He dug around in the cabinets for another bottle of brandy to fill the decanter as her hands snaked around his body again, fiddling with the buttons on his shirt. “Brittany, my father is in the dining room.” “Yes, but that’s not the kitchen,” she whispered, pressing herself to his back.

He caught her hands and turned around, forcing her to step back. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I am a man who enjoys moving slowly. Very slowly.” She pouted, crossing her arms. “Most men I date would’ve been in my bed by now.” “I am not most men,” he informed her with a raised brow. “And if that’s the type of man you’re looking for—one who trips over his tongue in his hurry to have sex with you—I suggest you leave. I am not that man.” Her lips parted in surprise. “You can’t talk to me like that. I am a Kraus.” “And I’m an Allard. Names mean nothing in this conversation. I’m dating you, yes, but I will not turn into your sex toy for your amusement.” “Are you calling me a slut?” “I am merely stating the fact that you appear to be more interested in getting into my pants than getting to know me, as was suggested when we began this endeavor.” She tossed her red hair over her shoulder. “I know about the other two women. We all know about each other.” “I’m well aware, since it was my father’s idea for me to date the three of you at one time.” “I’m the better choice of the three. You know it, I know it, and so does your father.” “Perhaps he does,” Walker agreed, “but in the

end, the decision is mine.” They stared each other down and were only interrupted when the timer dinged on the oven. Douglas suddenly reappeared in the kitchen, humming under his breath. “Oh—sorry, sir, I didn’t realize you were in here with Ms. Kraus.” “No worries, Douglas. Is dinner ready?” he asked, not breaking the stare-down. He knew the second Douglas pulled the pizza from the oven: Brittany’s eyes widened and her lips turned down in disgust. “Something wrong?” “Frozen pizza? You were going to serve me frozen pizza?” she stormed. “Ugh. What is wrong with you?” “I’m afraid neither Douglas nor myself know how to cook, and without a chef, this is what I’ll be serving for dinner.” Walker sniffed the air loudly and sighed. “Hmm. Smells perfect.” She stuck her nose in the air and her heels clicked as she left the kitchen in a rage. Walker sagged against the counter, filled his brandy glass to the rim, and drank half. He smacked his lips and gave himself a good, hard shake. “You think she’s gone for good?” he asked as Douglas cut the pizza. “I doubt it. She’s desperate, that one, with her hands all over you.” Walker should’ve known Douglas was close by if he heard the oven timer go off. “And you

neglected to save me because?” “I needed entertainment.” “Walker? Why did Brittany storm out of the house?” Leo asked as he joined them in the kitchen. “Is that…is that pizza?” “Yes, it is. Would you care for a slice, sir?” Douglas asked happily. “No, I will dine elsewhere this evening. And as for you,” he said, pointing to his son, “I expect you to continue dating Ms. Kraus. Her family has influence over many companies that would be beneficial to ours.” “I thought you were pulling for Georgette?” “All three of the women you date are solid choices for a wife. Remember, you have until the holiday party to decide which one you will marry. Be thankful I’ve giving you months to figure this out,” he added with one final glare at the frozen pizza. “And for God’s sake, find a cook you can keep longer than three weeks.” Walker swirled the liquor in his glass as his father left. “This turned out to be a marvelous evening, wouldn’t you say?” Douglas plated the pizza and set them on the island counter. “More for us, sir. I’ll drink to that.” Walker laughed with him and they dug into the pizza. He ate his first slice as he walked upstairs and unleashed the hounds. They trampled past him to get downstairs and sniff out who had invaded

their home. He followed, wondering when his life had become so complicated? Find a wife, secure the new property, make his father proud. All of it seemed hard enough, but the most impossible task was finding a damn decent cook for his own house. If he couldn’t do that, his father might be right. The restaurant would be doomed and they wouldn’t open on time, if at all. Tomorrow would be a long day of placing phone calls and waiting to get lucky in finding the right person for both jobs he needed filled.

Jaylyn sipped her coffee at the kitchen table. Her father’s coughing had kept her up most of the night, but she wouldn’t complain. Since he was taken to the hospital, everything in her life had changed. He had lung cancer. They’d known for a few months but couldn’t afford the treatment on top of paying for the restaurant, so what did her father do? Kept paying for the restaurant, his and Jaylyn’s dream, instead of taking care of himself. Now the cancer had progressed and what was usually her most exciting time of year to see what fresh, exciting recipes she could come up with was filled with dreary prospects of no job, no money, and a dad who was dying slowly. She couldn’t do

anything to help him except be there. Mariah shuffled into the kitchen and smiled absently at her daughter. “How is he?” Jaylyn asked. “Eh, in pain, but says the meds are helping.” “When is he going in for treatment?” Mariah sighed, setting down the coffee pot. “You know he won’t. We can’t afford it, not on top of the debt from the restaurant.” “I can’t believe they hiked up the interest,” Jaylyn snapped. “How can they do that?” “I don’t know, but it’s legal. We had our own lawyer check. Our savings will last us a few more months, but we might have to consider selling the house this summer.” Mariah covered her mouth with a shaking hand and turned away from Jaylyn. She rushed to comfort her mother as she sobbed, trying to muffle her cries so Darien wouldn’t hear. Jaylyn held her tightly. Her mother had a breakdown once a week now, terrified for Darien and for herself and Jaylyn, too. She told her daughter to move away and find a life for herself before she was dragged down with them, but she wasn’t going anywhere. “I’ll find a new job,” she promised her mom. “I’ll make some money and you can use it to pay whatever you need. I can forbear my loans for a while and it’ll be fine. Everything will be fine.” Mariah wiped at her face with the sleeve of her

robe. “You certainly inherited your dad’s optimism,” she said, cupping her daughter’s face and kissing her forehead. “Someone has to stay positive around here. Why don’t you get some sleep?” “I can’t sleep.” “Lie down on the couch for a few minutes, please? If Dad needs anything, I’m right here.” She guided her mom to the tiny living room and made her lie down. She covered her with a heavy quilt to beat back the cold from the February day and watched as her eyes closed. Within seconds, she was asleep. Jaylyn tiptoed back to the kitchen and continued to skim through the wanted ads in the paper. She tried job searching online the other day, but her and computers didn’t get along so she settled with the old fashion way of job hunting. Every morning had been the same since she left Jaybird’s. Get her coffee, grab the morning paper, and hunt for a job—any job. Nearly a month had passed and she was beginning to lose hope that she would be able to find a new job. She gulped her coffee and spat it back out just as fast when a name caught her eye. “What the fuck?” She picked up the paper, shaking it out and held it close to her eyes. “’Walker Allard residence seeking in-home chef. High pay, benefits. Must be flexible with recipes and understanding specific dietary needs. Please

call Douglas Mansford for more details and to request an interview.’” Jaylyn dropped the paper on the table. No, she couldn’t possibly go to work for the son of that asshole, could she? Would he even hire her? Hell, he might not even realize who she was. She tapped her nails on the table as ideas formed in her mind. She could get hired and prove to him what a great chef she was, how well she could run a kitchen. If she played her cards right, there was a chance he would let her go back to Jaybird’s and maybe… maybe she could fight to regain partial ownership of the restaurant. Walker couldn’t be as bad as his father. That was her hope when she picked up the cordless and called Douglas Mansford for an interview. “Hi, yes,” she said when he picked up on the first ring. “I’m calling about the ad in the paper?” “I’m happy to hear it. Would you be available to come in this morning? In two hours?” Jaylyn looked at her pajama-clad body. “Two hours would be fine. I need an address, though, and don’t you need to know my name?” “I judge a cook by his food, not his name—or hers, in this situation.” She had no clue what to expect from Walker Allard, but Douglas sounded pleasant enough. He told her the address and she jotted it down. “Do I

need to bring anything with me? A resume maybe?” “Simply your ability to cook anything I request. I have everything you will need here.” “Great. I’ll see you soon. Thanks!” As she rushed to the bathroom to take a quick shower, she texted Hannah to see if she could swing by the house and stay with her mom for a few hours. Her friend replied saying she’d be there in twenty and Jaylyn said she owed her. After a two-minute shower, she pulled her hair back in a thick braid, started to pull on her dressy black slacks and blouse, but stopped. If she would be cooking, she would wear what she was comfortable in. She found her lucky jeans with a few tiny holes in the knees and pulled on a t-shirt under her chef’s jacket. She slipped into her coat as Hannah’s Bug pulled up out front. “Thank you,” Jaylyn said when she was outside. “What’s going on?” “Interview. I’ll give you the details later!” She kissed her on the cheek, jumped into her truck, and high-tailed it towards the address Douglas gave her. She arrived a half hour early and sat outside the residence, looking at the mansion from the street. “Shit, he lives here?” The house could fit five of hers easily. She considered waiting but didn’t want the cops called on someone looking like she was casing the house,

so she pulled up the long drive and parked. The mansion was surrounded by trees and acres of open lawns and gardens that led into the woods. Never in her lifetime could she afford to own a place like this. Self-consciously, she smoothed her hands down her coat and dragged her purse higher up her shoulder. “You can do this. You ran the kitchen at one of the best restaurants in the state. You can certainly cook for one person, no matter what his special dietary needs.” She huddled in her coat against the gusting, freezing wind and knocked hard on the front door when she reached it. Dogs barked behind it and she smiled. She loved dogs, but she was never home so she didn’t have one of her own. She bounced from one booted foot to the other, wondering if she was too early and no one was home. The lock clicked and the door opened to reveal a man with greying hair and a kind smile dressed in an impeccable suit. Behind him were three large dogs sitting expectantly, tails wagging. The man gave her an odd look, glancing back at the three dogs then back at her. Jaylyn worried something was wrong, but he smiled at her. “Ah, you must be the chef who called this morning,” he said and held out his hand. “I’m Douglas. Welcome to Walker Allard’s home.” “Thanks.” She shook his hand. “Do you want to

know my name yet?” “No. I would like to see you cook.” He stepped aside and she moved gratefully into the warm house. He took her coat and purse, hanging them on a rack by the front door, and guided her through the house. The dogs followed, sniffing closely at her legs. Douglas tried to shoo them away, but she shook her head. “No, it’s fine,” she said, holding out her hands for them to sniff. “I love dogs.” “And they appear to like you as well. Interesting.” “Do they not normally like people?” she asked, confused, as they licked her hands. “It depends on the person, it seems. As long as you don’t mind having three shadows, we’ll continue our tour.” Her head fell back in awe as she took in the beautiful hardwood floors, stone and brick accented walls, and the windows at the rear of the house opening out to the backyard. A grand staircase was set off to the right, leading up to a landing before it turned. “This place is incredible,” she whispered, hurrying to catch up to Douglas. “Yes, it is quite impressive, but I believe your favorite room is just ahead.” She wasn’t sure what he meant until he pushed through a swinging door and she saw the state of

the art, gourmet kitchen beyond. “Holy shit. I’m sorry,” she rambled as he laughed. “I just… wow. I’ve only seen a kitchen this nice at the restaurants I’ve worked in.” “Please, look around.” She moved slowly around the perimeter of the room, running her hands over the stainless-steel fridge, the double oven, and the gas ranges on the island. She opened a few cabinets after Douglas motioned for her to go ahead, and a few moments, she admired the cooking and dishware filling every cabinet. The pantry was as big as her bedroom at her parents’ house. “This is incredible. Why is he looking for another chef?” she asked, stepping back out. “I’m afraid Mr. Allard has guests quite often,” Douglas explained. “Each one has certain… expectations when it comes to their meals, and the past few chefs have found it difficult to…well, to be honest to not go a little crazy.” “Who does he have over?” “That is something you will find out if you’re given the position.” “Fair enough. What would you like me to cook?” Douglas bowed his head to her and simply said, “Impress me. You may use whatever is here.” Jaylyn wracked her mind with what to fix for this man with a smooth accent who worked for the

man who destroyed her life and that of her family. She pulled a purple bandanna from her pocket and used it to keep any loose hair out of her face and moved to the freezer. She was from Kansas. She would show this man exactly what that meant. An hour later, she laid out an appetizer of lightly fried pickles with an aioli sauce and a beautiful personal recipe of a single serve meatloaf topped with barbeque sauce, potatoes, and carrots. The lemon blueberry muffins were about to come out of the oven. She stood back from the island as Douglas walked around, examining the food. “Where are you originally from?” he asked, picking up a pickle to dip it in the sauce. “Mid-west. Around Kansas and Missouri,” she said. The oven timer dinged and she went to pull out the muffins. “These are fantastic,” he mused. “Thanks.” She tossed the hot pads down and watched as he moved to the meatloaf. “Most of these I’ve tried are always too dry,” he warned as he dug his fork in. Jaylyn nodded in agreement, but she wasn’t worried. His eyes closed and he mumbled under his breath as he ate the forkful and went for a second one. “But I must say, this is the best one I have ever tasted.” She plated a muffin next and slid it over. “How about a little dessert?” “I don’t even have to try it to tell you my

decision,” he informed her with a smile but picked up the muffin anyway. “Now, I will ask for your name.” Jaylyn hesitated for a split second, but she was doing this for a reason. “Jaylyn Wilson.” Douglas set the muffin down and wiped his hands on a towel. “Well, Ms. Wilson, it is my pleasure to offer you a job. Your work schedule would be five days a week, unless you desire to be here on weekends, and the salary will be more than adequate, I can assure you. Say around eightythousand to start? Will you accept?” If he knew who she was, he didn’t show it. The salary shocked her for a moment, but she’d be a fool to turn it down. “Yes, yes, I will. Thank you so much.” She beamed, bouncing a little on her feet. The dogs, who had sat patiently sat beside Douglas the entire time, bounded to her side so she could pet them. He grinned. “You will do well here, I believe. Can you start tonight?” “That will work fine with me.” “Good, then after I finish devouring this delicious food, I’ll give you an official tour of the main floor of the house and go over what’s expected of you, and Mr. Allard will be thrilled he won’t have to suffer through another night of my horrendous cooking,” he teased. “I’m happy I can be of assistance.” She would

have to bring some of her recipe books here so she could be sure to really impress Walker Allard. This was her chance and she wouldn’t blow it.

5

W ALKER FINISHED HIS MEAL— THE BEST ONE HE’ D had in months—and sat back in his chair. “I have to hand it to you, Douglas, you found a good one this time.” “Yes, she is a remarkable cook,” Douglas agreed, clearing the plates. “Take a load off, sit down, and have a brandy with me. Is she still here?” he asked as he stood to fix them both a drink. “I would like to meet her and give her a compliment, or five.” “She has yet to make it through one of your date nights.” “I have a feeling it won’t be a problem for her. Is she still here or not?” Douglas accepted his glass of brandy with a thanks and scratched Gimli on the head when the dog rested it in his lap. “No, she hasn’t remained at

the house past a certain time since she started. Something you would know if you had been home at all.” “I know. This new project with the lodge and the restaurant has swamped me.” He sat back down and patted his thigh. Strider came over and climbed halfway up into his lap. He let the dog lick his face and his cares from the crazy week disappeared. “The dogs like her,” Douglas said. “What?” Walker frowned at Strider and the dog barked. “They do?” “Loved her the moment she stepped in the door. She’s even cooking their food now.” “Fancy that. Now you boys can be as spoiled as I am. When is she here, the new cook?” “Jaylyn, and she is here around five in the morning to fix your breakfast. She leaves for a few hours if you’re not here for lunch, then returns in the afternoon to make the dogs’ dinner, your dinner, and dessert if you should request it,” Douglas explained. “Then she leaves for the evening once it’s served and she knows you’re happy.” “Where does she go?” he wondered aloud. Douglas shrugged. “I haven’t asked. As long as she does what is required of her, I don’t pry into her life. It seems rude, but feel free to ask her yourself if you plan on meeting her one of these days.” Walker set his glass down and Strider hopped

off his lap. “What’s gotten into you?” “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, sir.” “Douglas, I’m sorry I’ve been rude and not introduced myself properly to my new cook. I’ll do so first thing in the morning,” he promised. “Good. Now then, how about we enjoy the key lime pie she made for dessert?” As Douglas went to grab the pie from the kitchen, Walker refilled his glass and was thankful tomorrow was Saturday. The new hires for the lodge would start on Monday, but he still needed at least fifty more employees and had yet to track down a chef for the restaurant, or a decent bartender. Many of the people coming in for interviews were from Manchester or the surrounding states. It appeared the small towns nearby had boycotted Jaybird’s and refused to set foot there. Walker wanted a chance to speak to the old employees. He wanted to try and hire some of them back, but none of them returned his calls. He used to wonder why his father had become so cold-hearted and numb. Now he realized it was so he could endure following through with causing people to lose their jobs and their business. It still made Walker sick to his stomach. Saturday meant he didn’t have to see his father, but he did have another date with Georgette. She insisted on seeing him all weekend, and he hadn’t told her no yet. No excuse sounded believable, and

he had a feeling he would be stuck with her finding a way to stay the night. The dogs couldn’t be penned up all weekend, so if she wanted to stay, she would have to endure the animals she turned her nose up at whenever she heard them bark. “The pie has arrived,” Douglas announced, carrying two slices into the dining room. The dogs had their noses in the air, sniffing noisily as their tails went crazy. “And for you boys, cookies from your new favorite person.” He pulled out three large biscuits shaped like gold rings inscribed with writing and handed them out. “Creative. What are the specialty shaped and iced cookies for, though?” Walker asked. “She mentioned your dogs’ names, said you named them after a movie or something.” “I did, and she took the time to make their cookies in the shape of rings. Who is this incredible woman you’ve found to cook in my kitchen?” Douglas hid a smile behind his glass as he replied, “You will have to find out for yourself.” They ate their pie and drank more brandy as the night wore on and the dogs curled up around the dining room, falling fast asleep. Walker hated to wake them, but he was yawning and Douglas was headed home for the night. The second he scooted back his chair, all three dogs perked up and he waved goodbye to Douglas as he followed the furry butts to the back door to let them out for the night.

He stepped out onto the stone patio with them as they trotted off into the grass, chasing and wrestling each other despite having been sound asleep just moments before. The stars shone brightly overhead, the new moon giving them a chance to be seen. Walker tilted his head far back and smiled as he picked out a few constellations he recognized. When he was little, his mother and he would stay outside long into the wee hours of the morning, watching the stars. She taught him many constellations and he’d never forgotten. Even when the cancer took hold and she was weak, she would make Leo wheel her outside so she and Walker could stare up at the inky night sky. “Miss you, Mum,” he whispered. He wondered what she would think of the women Leo made him date. She was serious about the family business, too, but when she got sick, her attitude changed. She tried to have fun, laughed more, and spent time with Walker. Leo never seemed to understand. He thought she’d given up, and Walker saw the bitterness in his father’s face even now when he spoke of his wife. Lucinda. His Lucy. Leo rarely spoke of Lucinda anymore. Walker gave up years ago when he stopped trying to hold onto the fun-loving and carefree life his mother left him wanting.

He whistled when the wind picked up, carrying with it a chill that seeped into his bones. Tomorrow morning, he’d meet this new cook. If he liked her well enough, maybe he’d have her work at the restaurant instead of his house.

Jaylyn sipped her coffee from her bright orange thermos. The warm liquid glided down her throat, warming her belly as she flipped through her handwritten recipes, wondering what she would make tonight. The past week had been rough. She’d gotten in three arguments with her dad and one with her mom last night. She was pissed off when her alarm went off that morning and considered calling in, but the job was going well. Her first week of pay would be delivered today, too, and she needed it badly. She beat Mariah to the mailbox yesterday and found a stack of overdue bills, including one from the bank about their house. She’d argued with her mom about why she hadn’t said anything before, and it ended with Jaylyn storming out of the house to clear her head before she said something she’d regret. A furry head nudged her leg and she smiled sleepily down at Strider. “What’s up, big guy?” He pressed his big head harder against her hand, his tail

creating a gust of chilly air. “Are you hungry? Where are your brothers, huh?” The other plus side to this job was the dogs. They made her day that much better, seeing their happy faces and floppy ears. Lately, they were the only thing that made her smile during the day, and they’d given her a chance to work on a recipe for dog food. Wholesome and with everything they needed. It had been her mom’s idea a few years ago, but they never did much with it. There’d never been a reason to until now. As she got out the chicken and vegetables she’d prepared the day before, she heard the clicking of more dog nails on the tile and was soon surrounded by all three dogs, waiting patiently for their breakfast. She was laying out their bowls and searching for her coffee to finish it before making another cup when a hand landed on her shoulder. She screamed, jumping in the air, and her thermos sailed from her hand. It clattered to the floor, spilling coffee everywhere when the lid popped off. She whipped around to tell off whomever had the nerve to sneak up on a person like that to see a very handsome man smiling sheepishly back at her. His messy, sandy brown hair covered his forehead, and she had to lean back a bit to look him in the eyes— chocolate-brown eyes—watching her from behind black-rimmed glasses that framed his face

perfectly. “I’m sorry,” he said, and his smooth voice slid over her, warming her better than the coffee had. Jaylyn coughed as her heart pounded in her chest. “Yeah, well, maybe you shouldn’t sneak up on people.” “I thought I made enough noise.” Jaylyn grabbed for the roll of paper towels when the dogs started licking up her spilt coffee. “Get out of that, you three mooches. You don’t need any more caffeine.” She knelt to sop up the mess and they licked her face instead. She giggled as they finally managed to tackle her fully to the floor, and she reached up to pet them all. The man who scared the crap out of her stood by the counter, his brow wrinkled intently and his arms crossed. “What have you done to my dogs?” She managed to push them away and sit up. “Nothing.” “You did something. You’re the first person besides Douglas they’ve taken a liking to.” “I’m a highly likable person,” she replied and finished cleaning up the coffee, picked up her thermos, and set it on the counter. “You’re Mr. Allard, right?” she asked, noting how different this man appeared from the man who had ruined her parents’ lives, and hers. “Walker, if you please. Mr. Allard sounds like my father, and thankfully, I am not that man.” He

held out his hand for her to shake, but Jaylyn’s talk to herself about how she would be polite when she finally met this man went out the window. After a tense moment of silence, his hand fell back to his side. “Do you not shake hands as is polite?” Jaylyn heard Frankie’s voice in her mind telling her to bite her tongue. She dug the nail of her thumb into her palm and said stiffly, “I do, but I’m afraid it’s harder to be polite to your face than I expected.” Way to go, Jaylyn. You couldn’t hide your brutal honesty just this once? Now he’s going to fire your ass. Way to go. Walker’s jaw clenched. “And why is that? You don’t like working for me?” “No, I enjoy working for you.” “Then I don’t understand why you’re upset. This is the first time you’ve met me.” “Yes, met you,” she agreed, “but not the first time you’ve—how can I say—disrupted my day?” He blinked, and it clicked then that Douglas must not have informed his employer who she was. “My name is Jaylyn Wilson. Ring any bells at all?” His jaw clenched hard and his eyes widened before they narrowed. “I see. You’re the daughter of Darien Wilson.” He blinked a few times then took a step closer. “You were the chef there, weren’t you?” “Yes, I was.”

His mouth worked but no sound came out. He seemed disgruntled, but if it was directed at her or Douglas for not telling him who was in his kitchen, she couldn’t decide, if Douglas even realized, but something told her the old man knew what he’d been doing when he hired her. “Why are you here?” finally came out of his mouth. “Because you and your father left me without a job—me and the rest of my family.” “And you chose to work for the man who put you out of business?” He shook his head as if he didn’t believe her. “Why did you really take this job? What do you want?” She dug her nail deeper into her palm. Did she tell him her hopes? No, that look on his face was no longer open and warm. He looked exactly as his father had when he fired everyone at the restaurant. She would keep her reasons to herself until he realized he would never find a chef good enough to replace her at Jaybird’s. “I needed a job and you were hiring. I didn’t have time to be picky.” He turned his back to her, and she expected him to storm out of the kitchen, but he whirled back around. “Tonight is the first of many you’ll have to endure of picky guests under my roof. If you’re successful tonight and the rest of the week, perhaps this job will work out for the best.” “I accept that challenge,” she said, grinning

widely. His eyes narrowed and she grinned wider. “And taking care of the dogs is not part of your job description. I won’t pay you for it.” “I never asked you to. Consider it a bonus of having me in your kitchen.” His hands fisted at his sides and he grunted in aggravation. He stormed out of the kitchen, mumbling under his breath, and Jaylyn sagged against the counter when she was alone. Her pulse pounded in her ears, drowning out every other sound. The dogs had followed him out the door and she was left alone, wondering why the hell he hadn’t kicked her out of his house. She made another cup of coffee and nursed it as she moved to the small kitchen table, giving her a view of the backyard she’d been jealous of since she saw it. Strider raced across the lawn and was followed by Gimli and Legolas. A tennis ball launched over their heads and she saw Walker running after them, laughing as he did so. The sight was heartwarming and the smile on his face genuine. “Where was that man five minutes ago?” she muttered in annoyance, flipping through her cookbook. “Jaylyn.” “Gah!” she yelped and cursed when she sloshed her coffee all over the table. “What is it with y’all today? I swear, it’s a ploy. You’re trying to give me

a heart attack!” Douglas handed her a towel to clean up the coffee. “Y’all?” “Yes, you and Mr. Allard—or Walker, rather. He stopped in to say hello.” “And I would say, from the angry set to your face, it didn’t go well.” He started making himself a cup of coffee, leaving Jaylyn to glower after him. “No, it didn’t, and I blame you. You didn’t tell him who I am? Who does that? Oh, hey, I hired you a cook, but I’m not going to tell you she’s the daughter of the man whose business you just ruined?” she finished on an aggravated yell. Douglas tilted his head back and forth, his lips moving. “I will admit, I was conflicted on whether to tell him exactly who you are.” “And you decided you would rather him be surprised?” “Trust me, he needed the shock.” Douglas’ firm tone caught her off-guard. She’d worked there a week, but so far, this man had only shown her a light-hearted side of himself and seemed satisfied with how she did her work and functioned there as part of the household. Now he looked like a father ready to scold his son for misbehaving again. “Why didn’t he tell me to leave?” Jaylyn asked once he joined her at the table.

“You have no idea how hard it is to find a good in-home cook,” he explained, giving her a horrified look. “You’ve only been here a week.” “What was the shortest time?” “Two days, and the longest was three weeks.” “Who the hell are these people he invites over and why does he do it if they’re such a pain in the ass for a cook to deal with? Just make them pizza.” “Ha! Pizza, yes. We tried that one night. Sent the poor dear home.” Jaylyn paused with the mug halfway to her mouth. “Poor dear?” Douglas reached for the morning paper Jaylyn brought in every morning when she arrived so early. He opened it and shook out the pages. “Yes, poor dear. There are three poor dears in total. They come on different nights and they each demand something different. Quite spoiled, the lot of them.” “Is he…is he dating these women?” she asked, trying to get a handle on the situation she’d jumped into. “He is expected to marry a woman of refined background,” he said, then tilted the paper away so he could add in a whisper, “That’s code for money.” “Yeah, I figured that part out. So he dates three different women. Do they know he’s dating them?” Douglas nodded. “Damn, this is certainly an awkward situation. Why does he have to choose

one of them?” Douglas turned a page in the paper and sighed. “Because of Mr. Allard, his father. He runs the company and thereby runs Walker’s life. Has for many years.” “Why doesn’t he just leave? He obviously has money. And he’ll make plenty off the property he just bought,” she muttered bitterly, flipping through more recipes in her cookbook. “He’ll make some profit and then he can disappear and leave all his troubles behind.” How nice it would to be to disappear. After the last month, Jaylyn was ready to vanish. Darien still refused treatment and Mariah couldn’t force him to do it. She was too worried about the bills, and the painful gnawing in Jaylyn’s stomach started again, thinking of how much money her parents were already in the hole for without adding new medical bills to the mix. But if Darien didn’t get treatment, he’d die. She gulped and her hands trembled. “Jaylyn? Are you all right?” Douglas asked worriedly, setting his paper down. “Yes, fine. Ah, just thinking, is all.” She coughed and focused on the pages in front of her. “Why doesn’t he leave? Does he like dating three difficult women?” “No, but I’m afraid it’s not that simple. Whatever money Walker has is tied up in the company with his father. He technically has

millions to his name, but he’ll never see a cent of it unless his father releases it. The new property is his first test, to see how he does on his own.” Douglas watched Walker and the dogs playing through the kitchen windows. “I’m afraid he’s already failing.” “What do you mean?” “Nope, you’ll have to ask him that yourself.” He folded his hands on the newspaper. “Now then, tonight, you’ll be cooking for Georgette Tindal.” Jaylyn choked and sputtered on her coffee. Douglas pounded her helpfully on the back. “Tindal?” “You’ve heard of her?” “Her family owns half of Manchester. Yes, I’ve heard of her. I haven’t met Georgette, but her parents dine at Jaybird’s Roost, or they used to,” she mumbled. “What does she like to eat? Her parents aren’t picky.” “I’m afraid she is. She has caused two cooks to quit at last count.” Jaylyn straightened and waited for Douglas to go on. No picky, spoiled rich woman would make her quit her job. If Walker hadn’t liked her food all week, he would have asked her to leave by now, which meant on some level, she impressed him. The trick, now, was to impress his lovely dates. “She doesn’t eat red meat,” Douglas started, “or any green vegetable.” “Why the hell not?” Jaylyn flipped past all her

beef recipes. “She tried to explain it one night, and I gave up trying to eavesdrop for fear of falling asleep and crashing through the door.” Jaylyn could see him doing just that and grinned. “What else?” “No starches.” “Shit, all right,” Jaylyn said and flipped through a few more pages. “Anything else?” “If there is, I’ve forgotten.” “That’s not terrible,” Jaylyn mused. “It might take me all day to find something to cook, but it could be much worse.” The green vegetable thing was merely confusing, but she already had several ideas in mind. No starches wouldn’t be hard either. A crème pie for dessert would be the first thing she knocked out this morning, and from there, she’d tackle an appetizer of bruschetta and goat cheese. Dinner would be slightly more complicated, but she’d bought fresh salmon yesterday. Some fresh red and orange peppers along with some butternut squash would work. She took the pad of paper and pen she kept tucked away in the back of the book, jotting her ideas down before she drained her coffee and set to work. After a few minutes, she turned to grab something else and noticed Douglas watching her intently. “What?” she asked, smiling nervously.

“You move so easily in this kitchen.” “I like kitchens,” she explained as she moved the mixer out from the corner of the counter. “I always feel like I’m home. They’re different but still the same once you get cooking.” “I must say I never managed to cook anything. My wife was the chef in our household. She made the most wonderful shepherd’s pie and a seafood chowder that would chase any dreariness from the day away.” “I’d love to taste her food sometime.” She heard him say ‘was’ but didn’t want to assume the worst. Douglas nodded sadly. “She passed, many years ago, but I think you and she would have gotten along famously.” “You’re from the UK, like the Allards?” “Yes, though they were here before us. We came over when our only child met the love her life here in the States. They decided to stay. There was nothing to keep us across the pond, so we decided why not?” Hearing him speak about his family warmed her and made her forget about the hardships at home. “You sound like amazing parents.” “We are, or were.” His eyes filled with sadness, but there was a happiness mixed in. “Well, I’ll let you get to work, and remember, you have something to ask Walker before too long.”

“You could simply tell me,” she tried again, but he shook his head. Douglas folded the paper, tucked it under his arm, and with a salute, left the kitchen. Jaylyn leaned against the counter, staring at him as he joined Walker and the dogs in the backyard a few minutes later. He opened the paper and pointed to something, and Walker’s face turned red. His arms flew up over his head, and he snatched the paper away, tearing it in half. Douglas stood by, his lips moving, but Jaylyn couldn’t read them. Walker was pissed. She made a mental note to pull up the paper online later and try to figure out what put him in such a foul mood. Right now, she had a three-course meal to prepare for a Tindal. Too bad it wasn’t the parents. They personally complimented Jaylyn on her food every time they dined at Jaybird’s. If only she could get their daughter to do the same, then she’d prove to Walker what type of cook she was. And why they never should have let her go from the restaurant.

6

“THE DOGS LIKE HER ,” W ALKER MUSED AS HE readied for his date in the master bedroom. “Yes, I noticed that the first day she stepped through the door,” Douglas replied. “A good sign that she belongs here.” Walker finished pulling his sweater on over his head. “In a sense.” “She seems very fond of them as well.” “Why didn’t you tell me who she was?” he asked, pinning the man with a glare. He’d wanted to scold him earlier for it, but the story his father printed in the paper took precedence over being annoyed at Douglas. “I saw no need. She’s an amazing cook, you said so yourself.” “Yes, but I like to know who’s working for me.” The moment she’d said her name, all he saw

was his father’s cold face as he commanded Walker to go to Jaybird’s that day and inform the employees they were going to be let go. He couldn’t do it—refused to do it—and his father went and did it himself. Guilt was his constant companion now and seeing the daughter of the owner in his kitchen, working for him…he’d snapped. “I came across as a spiteful bastard,” he grumbled. “Yes, well. You’ll have to find a way to make up for it.” “Me? She mouthed off to me first.” “And you don’t think she has the right to do so?” Douglas challenged. Walker clamped his mouth shut and turned back to the mirror, ruffling his messy hair. “She has all the right, but…I don’t want the woman in charge of my food hating me.” “That woman has too much self-respect to risk her reputation by giving you food poisoning,” Douglas promised. “Your date will arrive shortly. Shall I put the dogs outside this evening? It is the perfect temperature for them, I think.” Walker looked out the window as the yard lights popped on as the sun sank below the trees. “As long as it’s not too cold for them.” “Sir, they each have ten pounds of fur. If they decide they want in, I will wrangle them upstairs.”

He wasn’t really worried about his furry beasts. He had to call them inside during the winter because they loved being outside in the snow for hours. He was worried about this date with Georgette and the woman cooking in the kitchen. The article his father put out didn’t help his emotions, but Leo had refused to take his calls all day long. Instead of waiting for Walker to inform him of the progress made on the property, he set a grand opening date, as well as letting everyone know that this new lodge, sitting on the outskirts of several small towns, would cater mostly to the wealthy. He was rubbing it in the locals’ faces, and Walker had to deal with the backlash. The town of Woodstock already hated him. He doubted he’d be able to show his face there anymore. “Walker?” “Yes, yes, I’m coming,” he said and flipped off his bedroom light. The patio door was just closing when the doorbell rang. He answered it and Georgette frowned. “Answering your own door again? Walker, what is the point of having that old man around if he doesn’t even answer your front door for you?” Walker offered a charming smile and let her inside. “He keeps me sane, what can I say?” “Hmm.” She pulled off her long, black coat to reveal a blood-red dress beneath with a plunging

neckline and very short skirt. She took a deep breath and smiled. “Dinner smells fantastic.” He sniffed the air and had to agree. “Can I offer you a drink before dinner?” Manners made him offer his arm, and she wrapped her hand around his elbow, her red nails practically digging into his sweater as if trying to get a hold on him so he couldn’t get away. They passed the living room windows and the dogs spotted them, barking instantly. Walker held back his sharp comment when Georgette cursed about them again. “Appetizers? I’m impressed,” she commented as they entered the dining room. “Yes, yes, of course. Only the best,” he said, trying to act like it was all part of the plan. The door to the kitchen was open a crack, but it swung closed when he took a step towards it. “Wine?” Georgette nodded, too busy to answer as she had picked up a piece of bruschetta and ate it faster than Walker had seen her eat anything before. “This is amazing. I’ve never had it quite like this. You found a new cook?” “I did, and I have a feeling you will truly enjoy dinner.” He handed her a glass of white and clinked his brandy glass against hers. “Cheers.” She flashed her perfect, white-toothed smile at him, and he wished he had something stronger in his glass to make it through another evening with

her. She wasn’t as terrible compared to the other two. Georgette had yet to feel him under the table as Brittany had, or insist on talking only about how mistreated she had been growing up as Helena did. To be fair, she wasn’t actually mistreated. In her mind, her daddy telling her no was mistreatment. Walker would never marry her. He almost went insane after spending an evening with her. “You never said yes or no,” Georgette asked after the appetizer was cleared away by Douglas and he announced dinner would be served soon. “About?” Walker asked, rattling his brain about the conversation they just had. “About whether you mind me staying over tonight.” She trailed her fingers down the neckline of her dress, and Walker averted his gaze. “For a man who used to be considered a playboy amongst the rich, you act so shy around me.” “I’ve long since put those days behind me,” he explained. “My life is different now. I’m different. Surely you can respect that, unless you want me to go back to my playboy ways.” She giggled, a sound that did not suit her at all. “Only with me.” “But as you know, I’m currently dating three women and falling into bed with one would cause problems.” “Or you could simply choose me and be done with it.”

Walker couldn’t argue with that, if only to get rid of the other two, but Leo would expect a wedding within a month. He needed more time than that to get out of marrying a woman who would dig her claws in deep and make his life a living hell. “I’m afraid I have yet to make my decision.” She sighed dramatically. “Have it your way then. Maybe I’ll change your mind once the new lodge is open. We could spend a romantic weekend there? Get away from the rest of the world? I had no idea it was so close to opening.” Gritting his teeth as he tried not to lose his temper, he murmured. “Neither did I.” The kitchen door swung open a second later and Douglas appeared with dinner. “Salmon for you, Ms. Tindal,” he announced, setting down her plate first and then Walker’s. “Enjoy.” Walker watched Georgette move the food around on her plate, but when she took a bite, bliss overtook her face and she dug in. He breathed a sigh of relief and ate his fish, too. Each bite was as good as the first, and by the time he was finished, he was just the right amount of full. Georgette held up her glass when Douglas stepped back into the room and he helpfully poured her more without a word. “That was the best dinner I’ve had here,” she told Walker. “Who is your new cook?” “A well-kept secret,” Walker said, and Douglas

smiled as he carried away the empty dinner plates. “I have a feeling dessert will be as good.” She sipped her wine as she glanced around the dining room. “I’ve been meaning to ask if plan to update this sad, dark interior.” Walker frowned. “I like the lodge look. You don’t?” “It’s so dark and masculine. You are in desperate need of a womanly touch to brighten the place up.” She started talking about different colors and curtains for the windows, but Walker hated curtains on the windows. He had no reason to block the view. No one lived within two miles of his home, and the only eyes out back were those of the animals living in the woods. He stared out the windows as she continued to talk about new styles of furniture and modernizing the dining room when he heard the scrabble of nails on the tile floor. Douglas yelled and a more feminine curse followed. Georgette turned around as the kitchen door slammed open and all three dogs rushed into the dining room. They barked and growled as they surrounded Georgette in her chair. Douglas and Jaylyn ran out after them. Walker whistled for them to stop, but they refused to listen to him. “Get these beasts away from me,” Georgette screamed.

Walker whistled again, but they continued to ignore him. Jaylyn put her fingers to her lips and whistled, much louder than Walker had, and instantly, the dogs stopped, turning to face her. “Down,” she ordered, lowering her hand. Walker was about to tell her they wouldn’t listen again, but all three plopped their butts down on the floor, eyeing her closely. He watched in stunned silence as she shook her head at the dogs and moved to the kitchen door. “Good boys get cookies. Are you good boys?” Strider’s booming bark made Georgette jump and Jaylyn grinned behind her back. “Then let’s get a cookie. Come on, you lot. Into the kitchen.” She opened the door and the dogs ran into the kitchen. She followed without another word, leaving Douglas behind. “I’m sorry. Strider, that rascal—I barely had the door open and he barreled inside,” Douglas explained apologetically to Georgette. “I’m sorry if I caused you any distress, Ms. Tindal.” She glared at him and opened her mouth, but Walker cut her off. “No harm done, Douglas. Thank Jaylyn for me.” “Of course, sir. Dessert will be brought out soon.” “Tell her to hold dessert,” Georgette snapped, standing from her chair, her legs shaky. “I think

I’ve had enough for one night.” Walker nodded for Douglas to head back to the kitchen and held out his arm for Georgette. “I’m sorry if the dogs frightened you, but they are part of my family.” “Yes, as you’ve told me numerous times.” She ignored his arm and glared towards the kitchen. “That woman, who is she?” “Jaylyn? She’s my new cook.” “Your new cook,” she repeated, her face blank. Walker wasn’t sure where she was going with this. “Yes, we hired her a week ago.” “You hired a woman who looks like she does to be your cook? Do you think I’m an idiot?” “What the bloody hell are you talking about?” Georgette laughed sharply and stomped towards the front door. “That woman is gorgeous. You can’t tell me she’s only your cook. No wonder you don’t want to have sex with any of us. What other hired help do you have around the house, huh? You… you’re just like all the other rich men.” “I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about.” “Don’t lie to me. I saw the way you looked at her.” “How did I look at her?” Walker demanded, his voice rising too. What was wrong with this woman? Was she intimidated by another beautiful woman in his house? Jaylyn was attractive, but she wanted

nothing to do with him. She’d made that obvious that morning. “Fascinated, amazed. You were struck dumb when she came out of the kitchen.” Walker ran his hands through his hair and prayed for patience as he followed a raging Georgette to the door.

In the kitchen, Douglas and Jaylyn held plates of pie and ate it as they eavesdropped on the argument. The kitchen door was open a crack so they could hear better. When Georgette said her line about Jaylyn, her blood boiled with anger. “Are they all like this?” she whispered to Douglas. His eyes widened as he nodded, his mouth full of pie. “Great. I’ll have a wonderful time working here.” Georgette was still screaming about how Walker looked at Jaylyn when he yelled, “Because the dogs listened to her! They hardly listen to me, but they listened to her. Good Lord, woman, do you hear how crazy you sound right now?” Jaylyn and Douglas exchanged surprised glances. “You’re calling me crazy now?” Georgette shot back. “Is that what you’re doing?”

“Yes, I am because you’re acting like that. I hired Jaylyn because she is the best cook in the whole damned state, possibly the east coast. I do not sleep with the hired help.” For some reason, those words hit Jaylyn hard and she stiffened. Not that she would ever dream of sleeping with Walker. He was handsome and adorable in those glasses, and that messy head of hair was hard to resist running her hands through, but he was the enemy in this scenario. Sleeping with him was way out of the question. Then why are you so angry? “You swear there’s nothing going on between you and that woman?” “Nothing. She cooks for me and the dogs and that’s it,” Walker insisted. More words were exchanged, but the yelling stopped and they couldn’t hear any more. “Damn,” Jaylyn whispered and let the kitchen door close. “I was enjoying my dessert with a show. Please tell me the other two women are as entertaining.” “More so, depending on what happens,” Douglas promised. Jaylyn took another bite of the pie and set the plate down so she could start cleaning up. Douglas sat at the kitchen table and scratched Strider’s head as the other two happily ate the treats she baked that day. She wanted to ask more questions about

the three women, but the kitchen door swung open and the dogs rushed to greet a very exhausted Walker. “I calmed her down enough that I think she’ll make it home in one piece,” Walker announced. “Good. Have a piece of pie,” Douglas insisted, offering him a plate. Walker took it and sat down heavily at the kitchen table. Jaylyn kept washing dishes, not wanting to interrupt the two men. “By the way, before she blew up about the dogs, she said dinner was the best she’s ever had.” “Was that before or after she freaked out because you have a woman cooking in your kitchen?” “Before,” he replied sharply. “You were eavesdropping? Douglas, I don’t know why I expect better of you.” “I’m an old man. I need something to keep me going.” “And listening in on my conversations is what keeps you young and alive, is that it?” Jaylyn turned around to warn him about talking to Douglas so rudely, but the two men were grinning at each other like teenagers. “Men,” she mumbled and went back to her washing. “Thank you for what you did with the dogs,” Walker said, sounding sincerely grateful and surprised. “I can’t believe they listen to you

so well.” “It’s the food,” she informed him. “It’s always about the food.” “You don’t have dogs of your own?” “No, I’m not home enough to take care of one so never had one,” she explained, shutting off the water and drying her hands on a towel. Out of habit, she slung it over her shoulder and hopped up on the counter. Walker’s eyes narrowed for a moment then his face softened. Douglas glanced from Walker to her and back again, the gears in his mind turning so hard Jaylyn was surprised smoke didn’t pour out of the older man’s ears. Whatever he was thinking, her gut told her it was a bad idea. A very bad idea. “You certainly act as though you’ve been around them your whole life.” “Thanks, I think.” “That was a compliment.” She pulled the towel off her shoulder, twisting it around her hands. “I’m sure it was and I appreciate it, but I’m not sure why you keep them locked out at all.” “My guests don’t particularly like dogs.” “But this is your house, right?” she asked. “Your house, your rules.” Walker set his fork down and glowered. “It’s not that simple.” “Sure it is. The dogs would get used to these

‘guests,’” she said, holding up her fingers for air quotes, “if they were around them more. They need exposure, not being thrown in the backyard.” He stood abruptly and took a step towards her. “You don’t understand why I have to do anything, so I would appreciate it if you kept your thoughts on the matter to yourself. It doesn’t concern you.” “No, of course not, because I’m just the hired help.” His neck strained and his fingers twitched at his sides as they stared each other down. Why had she said that? She wanted to be the hired help and nothing more. “I’ll finish cleaning up and head home for the night,” she informed him casually. “You don’t have to come in tomorrow.” “Unless there’s a reason you don’t want me around, I’d prefer to be here working than at home.” She started drying off the pots and pans so she could put them away and not have to worry about them in the morning when she returned. Chair legs scraped across the floor and she caught sight of Douglas sneaking out of the kitchen, the rat. “Was there anything else?” Walker seemed to flit from annoyance to guilt and back to annoyance as he shook his head. “No, but everyone needs a day off. You are free to take one when you need it.” “I’ll keep that in mind.” She waited for him to

leave, but he stayed. The tension in the room was thick and she shouldn’t have asked another question to make it worse, but curiosity got the better of her. “Why didn’t you let me go?” “I beg your pardon?” “When you found out my name—that I’m the daughter of Darien Wilson—why didn’t you fire me? Why would you want me cooking for you when you didn’t even want me in my own restaurant?” The guilt came back tenfold for her own lying about her motives for having this job and she wanted to kick herself for asking. “Business, I’m afraid.” “Business, right.” “And you are an impressive chef, the best I’ve seen in this kitchen since I moved out on my own. I’m not letting you go over a business matter.” Jaylyn slammed the pot down on the counter she’d been drying. “Business to you, but that restaurant was my parents’ life. My life. My dream, and y’all…y’all trampled all over it like it was nothing. It might simply be business to you, but it was personal to a hell of a lot of people around here.” Not sure if she could handle putting the dishes away without breaking them in the process, she lifted her keys and jacket from the hook by the back door.

“Wait,” he blurted. “What for?” “I just… I’m sorry for what happened,” he said lamely. “You’re sorry. I’m glad to hear you’re sorry,” she said quietly. “But sorry doesn’t fix the problem and it doesn’t pay the bills. I’ll see you tomorrow, Walker.” She stepped outside before he could say anything else. The nights were growing warmer as they moved into March, and she didn’t need her jacket. She climbed into her beat-up old truck parked around the back and started the engine. It sputtered and choked but wouldn’t turn over. She took a deep breath and tried again, but it barely made a sound. “Damn it. Come on, you piece of shit,” she yelled, slamming her palms against the steering wheel. The truck died completely, and she rested her forehead on the wheel. “Please? I’m sorry, baby, but please start. A little longer, you only have to work a little longer…” She held her breath and turned the key and the engine roared to life. “Thank you.” The drive home was longer than usual, her anger making it take forever. She pulled into the drive and considered going to see Hannah at the bar when she saw lights still on inside. Her parents knew she had a job, but she hadn’t told them who she worked for just yet. They really had no time to

talk to her much. Mariah was exhausted from taking care of Darien, and he hardly left the bedroom anymore. One day, she’d tell them. “How was your day?” Mariah asked as she stepped in the front door. “Long, but not bad.” Her first check would be deposited tomorrow and she could help her parents pay some of their overdue bills. She needed a new truck, but that had to wait a little longer. “How’s Dad?” “Sleeping, and I’m headed there, too. I wanted to see you, is all.” “Mom? About yesterday,” Jaylyn started, but Mariah hugged her. “No, I’m sorry. We should’ve told you sooner about everything, but your Dad wanted you to focus on the restaurant and yourself, not worry about bills.” She kissed her forehead, smoothing her hair back. “We’ll make it through, though, don’t you worry. We always find a way.” Mariah had told her that all the time when she was a kid. Back then, she’d believed it wholeheartedly, but watching her mom walk tiredly upstairs to go to bed, she knew in her heart they wouldn’t make it out of this situation in one piece. She walked to the kitchen and fixed herself a bag of popcorn. Stress gave her the munchies, and though she didn’t need to eat, she wanted to. She grabbed a can of pop from the fridge and walked

down the short hall to her tiny bedroom on the first floor. She popped some cheesy movie into the DVD player and watched the actors move across the TV, not following the story at all. Two months ago, life had been close to perfect, and now…now they were taking a trip down a shitty path that left her questioning every decision she ever made. If she’d paid attention more, if she’d talked to her parents more, if she had taken a different path and found a job that wasn’t so risky… Too many ifs, and they circled around and around as she sat on her bed and the negativity closed in. Before she turned off the light to go to sleep, her cell dinged with a notification. “Hmm, looks like my money was—what the fuck?” She stared at the number deposited into her checking account, her mouth hanging open. It had to be a mistake. That was much more than the amount Douglas told her she would be paid on a weekly basis. Two-thousand dollars. He’d paid her twothousand dollars. For a week. It had to be an error. First thing in the morning, she’d track him down and show him the deposit. Or you could not tell him and use it to pay bills, she told herself. But that didn’t sit well with her. If he did realize he paid her that much in error and asked for it back, she’d have to find a way to make it up to him. She wasn’t taking his money.

That wasn’t who her parents raised her to be. She set her phone down and pulled the covers up over her head to drown out the world and get some sleep.

7

SUNDAYS WERE USUALLY DATE NIGHTS WITH Brittany, but she’d texted him that morning to cancel. She was sick and promised she’d make it up to him during the week. He smiled as he read the text and nearly let out a whoop of joy. Now he had the whole day to enjoy by himself. He walked the stretch of his property, all three dogs running and chasing each other as they joined him. Douglas had today off, but when he circled back around and reached the house again, he saw Jaylyn’s truck parked out back. “She drives that?” he wondered aloud. He hadn’t seen her vehicle up close yet. Douglas simply told him she drove a truck so he wouldn’t be surprised to see one at the house. The red paint was faded and there was rust all over the frame. She desperately needed new tires, and it

looked like the two back windows were either stuck down or she forgot to roll them up. The guilt at making her lose her restaurant increased even more and he cursed, kicking at a tuft of grass by the drive. Every time he was with her, he wanted to explain the situation, but her anger made him feel worse, and for some reason, he fell into his business mode. He sounded like Leo and hated himself for it. Gimli’s ears perked up as the back door opened and Jaylyn stepped out. The other two dogs bolted after Gimli, racing to get to their new favorite person. She smiled and held up her hand. All three sat and Walker saw the cookies in her hand. She held one out to each dog in turn, and they took them, tails wagging, and ran off to various spots in the yard to devour them. “Spoiled,” he mused as he joined her on the patio. She shrugged, still smiling as she watched the dogs. Her hair wasn’t pulled back in a bandanna, yet her chestnut waves fluttered lightly in the breeze. “All dogs should be spoiled.” “I feel the same way.” He licked his lips, trying to decide how to tell her what really happened the day everyone was fired, but the words refused to come out. He sensed anger from this woman, but there was something more underneath it. She was

attractive and he wished he could see her smile more. She had a ‘don’t take any shit’ attitude he liked very much. Too bad none of the women he dated were like her. “I wanted to speak to you about something,” she said and pulled her phone from her butt pocket. “My check went in last night, but I think there was an error.” “No, no error,” he assured her before she opened the app on her phone. “What? No, it has to be. It’s way more than Douglas said.” “Starting bonus,” he explained. “I do it for all my new cooks.” Her cheeks reddened. “Thanks. It helps.” “Why couldn’t you find a job at another restaurant? I heard about your reputation,” he said curiously. “I’m not sure. I applied at a few places, sent resume out, but then your ad popped up in the paper. I didn’t have months to spend looking for a job.” He knew all about her parents’ finances, but the look on her face said there was more to it than the loans for the restaurant and their house. She dug her thumbnail into her palm hard. Without thinking, he reached out to stop her. His hand closed around hers. Her brow crinkled as she glanced up at him. He expected her to yell or yank her hand back, but

she did neither. They stood like that until the dogs finished their treats and surrounded her, nosing her pockets to see if she had more. She shook her head and pulled her hands free, readjusting her bandana. “Well, I…uh, I guess I should get going on dinner. It’s Ms. Kraus tonight, right?” “Actually, no, she left me a message saying she was sick.” “Oh, well…wait, if you wanted me to have today off, who would have cooked for you tonight? Douglas isn’t here either.” “No, it’s his anniversary,” he told her. “He spends the time with his daughter.” “So you were going to cook for her?” Walker shoved his hands in his pockets and motioned to the swinging bench for them to sit down on. “I was going to have something catered. It’s safer.” “You can’t be that bad at cooking.” They leaned back in the bench and it swung gently as the dogs romped around the yard. “I’ve been known to set things on fire. I’m sure Douglas would be more than happy to share the details with you if you asked.” “Then I’m glad you’re not cooking—at all. Ever.” “I’m sure the insurance company is thrilled, too,” he said with a cringe.

Jaylyn laughed quietly. They sat together on the bench, swinging lightly back and forth, listening to the quiet of the woods around them. Walker had tried living in a city once a long time ago, but too many people and cars, too much construction and traffic, had driven him insane. He couldn’t hear himself think trapped in an apartment overwhelmed by so much chaos. Out in the woods, far from the city, surrounded by nothing but trees, he could simply relax and let his mind wander. “I saw the article in the paper the other day, about the lodge having an opening date set,” she said after a while. “Is that what you were pissed off about?” He sighed. “Yes. My father seems to think things are moving along smoothly, so he set a date without asking me first. I still have a lodge to renovate, half the staff to hire, and as far as the restaurant goes, I have no kitchen staff. None. It’s a disaster in the making and he’s placing it all on my shoulders.” “Must be tough,” she mused, but he heard the smile in her words. “Yes, thank you for that, because I’m not dealing with enough ridicule for what happened.” He stalked away across the patio. She couldn’t possibly understand the pressure he was under to make this project a success. This lodge being successful was his way out from under his father’s

thumb. He would have his own source of income and finally get away to do something he wanted for a change. His father taught him many things, but Walker didn’t want to take over a property. He wanted to build his own and run it how he saw fit and not piss off an entire small town. “I’m sure you are. I hear you haven’t stepped foot in Woodstock.” “Before I even bought the place I was chased out. Why would I go there now?” “To show the people you’re not a dickhead like your dad,” she pointed out casually as she made it to her feet. “Or are you the same as him and you’re merely putting on an act?” “I’m nothing like him,” he insisted. Her pursed lips said she wasn’t sure she believed him. “Then prove it. Do something to help the town or the people you fired.” “Like giving them all jobs? I shouldn’t even have you working for me. If my father finds out, he’ll blow a gasket.” “Do you want me to leave?” she asked, her truck keys in hand. “No, no, I don’t want that,” he said, hurrying to block her path. “I want you to work for me here, as you’ve been doing.” She tucked her keys away again and he sagged in relief. “Fine, but you have to do something to help all the others you fired. Help them find jobs,

help them move out of state if they have to, but don’t stand by and let them suffer so your family can profit.” She shook her head. “I still don’t understand the reasoning behind firing all of us.” “He wanted the employees to be loyal to me, or him. Not your father.” “They were loyal to the business,” she insisted. “A lot of those people had been there since my dad opened Jaybird’s. They only cared about keeping it going and making it successful. And you…you came in and swept all that away.” “I didn’t do that,” he finally confessed. “Or at least I didn’t want to.” “What are you talking about?” He rubbed his forehead and needed a drink. “When my father decided it was time for me to run my own project, he purchased the property,” he explained. “He wanted me to take over the lodge and restaurant, but I didn’t want to fire anyone.” “You didn’t,” she stated as if she still didn’t believe him. “No. I argued with him for days over it. Darien Wilson had a fine staff. They worked hard, they brought in a profit, and you being in charge of the menu and kitchen made Jaybird’s special. You brought in the clientele that made the experiences there so incredible.” He thought about the morning when Leo told Walker he had to go and fire everyone. He’d put his foot down and refused to

budge. “I tried everything to convince him to let you keep your jobs—all of your jobs—but he wouldn’t listen. At the end of the day, he owns it all.” “He doesn’t own you.” He laughed bitterly as his gaze met hers. “Actually, he does.” “You’re going to stand there and tell me you, a grown man of what—thirty—can’t tell his dear old dad off and strike out on his own? You can’t start over?” “I would have nothing,” he argued. “No money, no home, no chance to start something.” “Who owns this house?” she asked, waving her arms at it. “Or the expensive truck in your garage? Or your suits?” “I do.” “And you’re going to stand there and tell me you have nothing. Wow. Just…wow.” She crossed her arms, tapping her toe as her aggravation mounted. “You know what I think? I think you’re scared.” Walker’s palms were sweating and he tried to look away from her piercing gaze, but her words hit him hard. Was he scared? “No, I’m not scared.” “Bullshit. You are scared of being away from daddy dearest.” “Don’t talk to me like I’m five,” he snapped. “Then don’t act like you’re five!” she fired

back. “You stand there and talk to me like I’ve never had to deal with any hardships in my life.” She paced away from him, and he saw her hands move together in front of her. When she turned back to face him, her thumbnail dug into her palm. “You and your father caused me to lose my job, my career…my entire future. And on top of that, I’m dealing with a sick father. We have no money, nothing to fall back on, and you…you stand there whining because you’re too scared to go out on your own. Don’t you dare act like the weight on your shoulders should make me feel sorry for you.” Walker was at a loss for words. He didn’t want to admit she was right, but she was. If he really wanted to walk away from the business, he could. His father could keep the money because there were other ways to get money. He’d stolen her job and her future at running her dad’s restaurant. And he was sick. “I didn’t know he was still sick,” he told her quietly as she fumed at him. “I’m sorry, truly I am.” “Wow, that’s really all you can think to say, huh? Just, wow.” She flipped him off and stormed past him. He stepped into her path, and as she attempted to walk around him, he reached out and caught her arm. “Let me go, bastard.” “Let me help you,” he pleaded. “Please, what does your father have? Or I can give you a raise?” “You think everything comes back to the

money.” She yanked her arm from his hand and opened her truck door. “I want my future back, my dad’s restaurant back. That’s what I want. I want my respect back,” she muttered, climbing up behind the wheel and slamming the door. He couldn’t do any of that even if he wanted to. At least not yet. If there was a way—any way—he could get the restaurant out of his father’s control and give it to her, he would. Wouldn’t he? She was the life of that place. She cursed and smacked her hand on the steering wheel of the truck, drawing his attention to the fact it wouldn’t start. “Wait,” he exclaimed and held onto the truck door through the open window. “Wait, please. I’m not my father, Jaylyn.” She stopped trying to start the truck and glared at him. “Really? Prove it.” “I’m trying to,” he said, and she looked confused. “Right now, Jaybird’s and the lodge are under my father’s name.” “But you said this is your project.” “Yes, but his name is on everything important. He won’t relinquish power to me until it’s up and running for six months, successfully, and….and I take care of another matter I’ve put off,” he mumbled, wondering if he was ready to embrace his fate if he could help one person, if it would help Jaylyn. The cold voice in his head that sounded

more and more like his father these days told him not to be an idiot, but the old Walker rose and told that voice to go to hell. His father ruined people’s lives. Walker wouldn’t let him ruin Jaylyn’s. “What’s the other matter?” He grimaced. “Listen, do you want my help or not? I don’t want to tell you about it.” Her hands slipped from the wheel to her lap as she scrutinized him. His hands trembled. Why was he so damn nervous to hear her reply? She was a good cook and he’d hate for her to leave his employ, but it was more than that. She was strongwilled and passionate and damned attractive, even when she was pissed. “I do, but I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying.” “Give me a year,” he requested. “No, sorry, nine months. Give me nine months, and if everything goes as planned, when I officially take over the restaurant and the lodge, I’ll put you and your family back in charge.” “And your dad?” “Won’t be in the picture. Next year, he’s moving himself further south. He won’t be here to complain, and if he does…well, if he does, I’ll deal with it.” “How can I trust you?” He removed his hands and gave her the most genuine smile he could muster. “You can’t, but I’m

a man of my word. Nine months max, and as soon as Leo Allard is out of the picture, the Jaybird is yours again.” He saw the thoughts racing in her mind as her eyes narrowed. He could pull it off. All he needed was her to give him the time. Your father will eat you alive for this, he warned himself. Why do you care so much about her? “Deal,” she said finally and stuck her hand out for him to shake. He took it and she clasped it hard. “If you fuck this up for me, if you go back on your word, you’ll regret it.” He believed every word she said. “I won’t, you have my word.” She released his hand and tried to start her truck again as he stepped back. He wanted her to stay, maybe talk with her some more, but if her dad was sick, he might need her. It took a few long minutes for the engine to turn over, and she backed down the drive to the turnaround spot and left. Walker watched the smoke spewing from her exhaust and wondered how much she would hate him if he bought her a bonus on top of the extra he’d paid her. Strider bumped his leg and barked. A tennis ball was at Walker’s feet, and he bent to pick it up. “Ready to run, boy?” Strider barked excitedly and Walker chucked the ball across the lawn. Nine months. He had nine

months to get the lodge and restaurant up and running and find himself a damn wife to present at the ball on New Year’s Eve. He’d be hitching himself to one of three ladies he could barely handle an evening with, let alone the rest of his life. Hopefully, if he suffered through a few years of marriage, he could get a divorce and be finished with the situation. Either way, he had to throw himself into these renovations and hiring people; otherwise, his plan would go to shit before he managed to get anywhere at all.

The next week passed in an exhausted blur. Walker rose early in the morning to reach the lodge and speak with his contractors and see how training was coming along for the new staff. The main lobby still needed to be completely torn apart, and he was running out of time. March would be over in two weeks, which brought that damn opening date that much closer. He loathed Leo for forcing his hand, but Walker held on to the notion that he would win this one in the end. Jaylyn would get her restaurant back, no matter what. But by the end of the first week, though he’d managed to staff the whole lodge, there was still no

cook willing to take on the kitchen at Jaybird’s. No applicants. Nothing at all. He parked his truck in the drive and slumped over the steering wheel. The reason no one would work there escaped him. Was it possible all the local cooks and chefs he considered knew Jaylyn or Darien personally and were boycotting the restaurant? He didn’t want to go to Jaylyn and ask her to find someone to take her job, but he was desperate. He needed a full kitchen staff so they could figure out a good summer menu. Orders would need to be placed in advance to ensure they had product when they needed it. “Just ask her,” he muttered to himself as he climbed out of his truck and trudged inside. “Good evening,” Douglas said, greeting him as always, no matter how late in the evening it was. “Don’t you ever get tired of being here?” He handed over his suit jacket and crouched to pet his dogs as they swarmed him. “I never expect you to stay so late.” “I’m not the only one here late, sir,” he explained with an arched brow. “Jaylyn?” He checked his watch. “It’s after nine. I don’t have a date tonight.” “She said she had things to work on for this weekends’ meals and she’s making a larger batch of food for the dogs.” He ran his hands down his thighs then stood.

“Yes, well, I guess this is a good thing.” “You have something to discuss with her?” Douglas asked, intrigued. “That I do, but it’s nothing too exciting, so off with you. No eavesdropping, unless you truly want to hear then you can simply follow.” Douglas’ blank face broke into a grin immediately. “I do love my gossip.” Rock music trickled out from the kitchen as Walker neared. He pushed the door open quietly to see inside. Jaylyn was mixing something at the counter, her back to him. Her chef’s shirt was tossed over a chair and she stood in her snug jeans and a sleeveless black shirt that hugged her body. Her arms were well-toned, and when she turned, flour decorated her cheek and her dark hair was pulled back in a bright pink bandanna. It was like a punch to the gut. He hadn’t had the chance to watch her work for long, but spying on her now, when she thought she was alone, so lost in her element, the true beauty of this woman was revealed. She smiled to herself as she mixed and added ingredients, moving with the music. A screaming, head-banging song came on that he utterly despised, but she smirked and banged her head lightly a few times along with the beat. “Do you plan on staying here all night, sir?” Douglas asked behind him and Walker cursed. Jaylyn turned the music down and squinted at

the door. “Douglas? That you?” “And me,” Walker said, having no choice but to step inside. “You know you’re not required to be here this late.” “I do, but I like to be prepped for the weekend. Habit.” “A good one, I’m sure,” Walker said and rapped his knuckles on the island counter. Jaylyn continued to mix whatever was in the bowl. “Did you need something? Oh, besides your dinner. It’s in the oven, warming.” She turned to grab hot-pads and pulled out a small casserole dish. Walker moved closer, building up the nerve to ask his extremely difficult favor. The mixture in the bowl looked good, and as he thought over exactly what to say, he stuck his finger in it to get a scoop and ate it. “What is this? It’s fantastic,” he mused and dipped his other finger in for one more bite. Jaylyn set down the casserole on the stovetop and burst out laughing. She bent over double, wiping tears from her eyes as Walker looked on, confused. “You realize…what you’re eating…right?” Douglas chuckled behind him as well. “What did I miss? What is this?” He mulled the last bite over in his mouth, but it tasted fine. “That would be your dogs’ dinners,” Jaylyn informed him, struggling to keep a straight face and failing miserably as Walker wiped his finger on his

slacks and coughed. “Oh, don’t look so horrified. If you can’t eat it then your dogs shouldn’t eat it either.” “A fair point, but strange all the same.” He retrieved a glass of water to wash it down, and when the taste was gone from his mouth, he turned back to see her still smiling and Douglas looking on in amusement. “I wanted to ask you a question, and you may feel the need to either hit me or throw something at me,” he started. She turned to him, swinging the towel up over her shoulder, and crossed her arms. “I want you to know I am prepared to face whatever the consequence of me speaking may be.” “Uh huh,” she muttered. “Go on.” “I appear to be in need of a chef for Jaybird’s. Actually,” he admitted with a defeated sigh, “I need an entire kitchen staff.” “Still,” she stated. “You still need a kitchen staff.” “Yes, yes, I do.” “Walker, you open in two months. How do you not have a kitchen staff?” “I have tried, believe me I have, but no one has applied and those I send inquiries out to I never hear back from.” “Who have you tried?” she asked, taking this situation much better than he anticipated, which only made him more worried she was saving up her

anger to lash out him when he least expected it. He found his phone in his pocket and rattled off the names. “Do you know them, by chance?” “Yeah, and I’m not the only one. That idiot,” she snapped and chucked the towel in the sink. “That damn, stubborn ass idiot! I’m going to kill him!” “Who are you going to kill, and is it me so I can get a head start?” Walker asked. “No, not you. Give me the weekend and come Monday morning, you’ll have a kitchen staff.” “Just like that? How?” “Trust me.” She grumbled a few other curses at whomever she seemed to think was responsible for Walker’s lack of kitchen staff. He picked up his dinner and carried it to the kitchen table to eat. Douglas joined him and they watched Jaylyn finish her prep work. She turned the music back up a little, and when she was finished, placed the food in the fridge and plopped down beside Douglas. “For the record, I did not tell them to do this.” Walker swallowed his mouthful of food. “Do what?” “Turn down any job offers coming from you for the restaurant.” “They are boycotting Jaybird’s?” “I’m not sure yet, but I have a feeling that’s what’s going on.” “So who were you cursing?” She held his gaze

and it clicked. “Your father.” “Yes, my sick, aggravating, annoying father.” She rested her head in her hands, tearing off the bandanna and shaking her hair out messily. “He thinks he’s going to hit you where it hurts, but I’m not going to let him destroy what he built out of spite.” “Jaylyn,” he said, “do your parents realize what your new job is?” Instantly, he saw her dig her thumbnail into her palm. “Of course they do. What kind of daughter would I be if I lied to their faces about working for the enemy.” “So that’d be a no,” he muttered and she sagged. “You might want to tell them.” “Now I don’t have a choice.” “And you didn’t tell them about the deal, either?” “No, I didn’t.” Walker shouldn’t have said anything else and let it go, but during the last week with Jaylyn, they’d warmed up to each other more. They talked and joked in the few minutes they would see each other before he headed off to work or she left for the day. “Now who’s scared?” His words hung in the air, and for a second, he thought she would leave. Quit right there and he’d be screwed. Instead, she stood up, walked to the counter where a freshly made cream pie sat, picked

it up, and stalked towards him. “Oh, now, come on, I was only joking!” he insisted, trying to get to his feet and away, but she was too fast. The pie slammed into his face, and he heard Douglas chuckling uncontrollably as Jaylyn joined him. He pulled the pan from his face and swiped away the pie enough to see them both bent over with laughter. He stood, pie dripping from his face to the floor. He scooped a handful off his face and chucked it at Jaylyn. She gasped as it smacked wetly into her face, and he giggled like a kid as he did the same to Douglas. Vanilla orange mousse and whipped cream flew across the kitchen as the three dove into the food fight whole-heartedly. Walker hadn’t laughed this hard in far too long, and the notion that this moment would give Leo a heart attack if he saw it only made it that much better. When most of the pie was gone and they had to clean up—with the help of the dogs, of course—Jaylyn wiped off her face and sighed. “All right, I’m going home. See you in the morning, hopefully with good news.” “Thank you, Jaylyn,” Walker said sincerely. “Hey, if you’re going to make good on this promise, I’m not letting my family’s restaurant be dragged down into the mud. My dad will have to swallow his pride and get over it.” Walker watched her leave and leaned against

the counter. “Douglas?” “Yes?” The question died on his tongue, and he told him to forget about it. Douglas went home for the night, and Walker and his three dogs went to bed, all four dreaming of flying pies and an amazing woman he knew would get him into trouble.

Jaylyn expected her parents to be in bed like always when she got home, smiling from the food fight in the kitchen, but the lights were on in the house. Worried something was wrong with Darien, she sprinted inside and found them both sitting at the kitchen table, a stack of papers between them. “Guys?” she asked. “What’s going on?” “Sit down, Lyn,” Mariah said, patting the chair beside her. “We weren’t sure when you’d be home tonight but wanted to tell you what was going on.” “You could’ve texted. I would’ve left earlier. Dad?” He was pale, so much paler than before. “We’ve decided…well, it’s more like your mother is dragging me to the hospital for treatment.” “Good. It’s about time.” Mariah nodded, but she didn’t seem happy about it. “The medical bills will bury us and we’re

already behind on so much… we have to sell the house, Lyn. We can’t afford this place if your father starts treatment.” Jaylyn tried to swallow around the lump in her throat. “The money I gave you? It’s not helping?” Her parents exchanged a glance. “That’s another issue we wanted to talk to you about,” Darien said. “Who exactly did you say you’re working for?” Jaylyn couldn’t meet his gaze when she replied. “I told you. Some rich guy who lives not far away. He pays really well and I hoped you could use it to help with the house.” “No in-home cook makes that much money without doing something on the side.” Mariah reached for her daughter’s hand. “Are you doing things for this man? Sleeping with him? Is something else going on we don’t know about?” Jaylyn’s jaw dropped. “What? Are you seriously asking me that? Jesus Christ, Mom! I’m a chef, not a prostitute!” She jumped up from her chair to grab a glass of water. “Then who do you work for? Why don’t you talk about your job?” Darien insisted. She gulped her water and refilled the glass, watching the clear liquid as she thought frantically of the best way to explain her current situation. “Look, you’re not going to like it so I’m just going to tell you, but you can’t say a damn word until I’m

finished, got it? Neither of you.” They agreed, but she knew the moment she said Walker’s name, Darien would lose it. “All right, I’m working at the home of Walker Allard,” she explained. “He put an ad in the paper and no one else contacted me, so I interviewed and have been cooking for him the past three weeks.” Darien’s face went from pale to bright red in a shot. “You are working for that bastard’s son? The man who stole everything from this family?” “I thought you said you wouldn’t interrupt,” she reminded him. “You can’t work for him. I forbid it,” he raged. “What is wrong with you?” “What’s wrong with me?” she yelled back. “You’ve been sick for how long and you refuse to get treatment because you’re a stubborn ass man. We lost our restaurant, but I’m working on a way to get it back. I’m doing something about it, I’m fighting for it. For us.” “You don’t think I am?” he argued. “No,” she said slamming the glass down. “I know what you did. You called every cook you thought he might try to bring into Jaybird’s and told them to boycott.” “I see nothing wrong with that.” “Well, I do. I have a chance to win our dream back, Dad, and you’re going to fuck everything up.”

Mariah stood quickly. “Both of you need to calm down, right this second, and Lyn, you don’t speak to your father like that.” Jaylyn wanted to tear her hair out but kept her hands firmly planted on her hips. “I have talked to Walker, Dad. He was impressed by my reputation, by the restaurant’s reputation. If he can’t open this summer, it will never be the same and you know it.” “I will not have our life’s work run by that rich, hoity-toity son of a bitch.” “It won’t be if you would shut up and listen.” She took a deep breath and waited to see if he would keep yelling or give her a chance to speak. “In nine months, when Walker can prove the lodge is a success, his father will hand it over to him completely. After that happens,” she said, holding up her hand when Darien opened his mouth. “After that happens, he will put us back in charge of it. It will be ours again. We only have to ride the next nine months out and ensure it does well.” Darien’s eyes widened as Mariah asked, surprised, “He’s doing this for us? Why?” “Because he’s not his father. I thought he was just as bad at first, I did,” she confessed. “But he’s not. He’s a nice guy who’s stuck in a shitty situation. He didn’t even want to fire everyone. That’s why he wasn’t there that day.” “I don’t trust him,” Darien swore. “I don’t trust

him and I don’t like it.” “We don’t have a choice,” Jaylyn reminded him. “We’ll never have the money needed to buy him out. This is our best chance to get the restaurant back. Please, Dad, call off the dogs. Tell your friends you need a trusted colleague to take over and hold down the fort.” Mariah looked to her husband. “Well?” “Well what?” Darien snapped. “Your daughter has a plan. You’re going to listen to her and you’re going to do it.” Darien’s eyes darkened, but Jaylyn felt his resolve crumbling. “I’ll do it,” he announced finally, “but if he goes back on this deal—if he messes up—I’ll find a way to get back at him.” Jaylyn hurried around the table to hug him. “I already warned him of that. Thank you, Dad.” “Are you sure you can’t work for anyone else?” “No. I have a good position, and this way, I can keep an eye on him and the deal. I’ll survive.” “I’m sorry we’re making you move out,” Mariah told her as she hugged her daughter. “I’m not sure what we’ll be able to afford, and your dad needs treatment.” Tears wet Jaylyn’s shoulder as she comforted her mom. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll think of something.” All the money she’d made so far had gone to bills, so she had nothing saved. She’d get paid this

weekend and could use it to find an apartment but wasn’t sure that was her best option. Treatments would be expensive and her parents would need the extra income. In the morning, she’d figure out her next move, but for tonight, she wanted to be with her parents. They popped in an old movie and piled onto the couch to watch it together, just like old times. Jaylyn clung to the closeness of her parents, the sound of their laughter and the warmth of their love. A shadow growing in the back of her mind told her everything would not be all right. She tried to shake the feeling all night long, but when her head hit the pillow later and she drifted off to sleep, the shadow grew larger and her dreams turned into nightmares.

8

C OFFEE WASN ’ T DOING IT FOR JAYLYN THE NEXT morning when she dragged her feet into Walker’s kitchen. The dogs greeted her within seconds of the door opening. “Hey, boys,” she mumbled sleepily. “Who wants breakfast?” She filled their bowls and left them to it as she made a pot of coffee for the morning and opened the fridge to decide what to make for breakfast. She was frying bacon and cooking some scrambled eggs when the door swung open and Walker shuffled in, his hair a mess, and gave her a smile. “You look like you got about as much sleep as I did.” She poured him a cup of coffee. “Here, you’ll feel better.” He breathed in the steam wafting up towards his face. “I always feel better after your cooking.”

The compliment settled over her shoulders and lifted her spirits. “I talked to my dad,” she told him, removing the eggs and bacon from the burners. “He’s calling off the hounds so you should get a very good phone call Monday morning.” “Truly?” She laughed quietly at his accent and such formal talk so early in the morning. “Yeah, truly,” she teased. “A full kitchen staff. Or at least one. I’m sure you’ll get multiple interested parties calling you now.” “You have no idea how much this will aid the renovations.” “Like I said, I’m not letting my Dad’s dream fall to ruin because I’m not there.” Walker helped get plates and silverware out, moving closer to her with each twist of his body. He wasn’t even in clothes yet, just cotton sleep pants and a tight t-shirt she had the urge to lift to see what hid beneath. Her hands stilled and she kicked herself mentally. It had been a while since she’d been with a guy, but there was no way this could get personal. Not a chance in hell. “And your dad knows about where you work now? About us?” About us…why does that sound so good? “Yeah, he knows. He wasn’t happy at first, but I talked him down off his high-horse.” “I’m glad to hear it. I’ll admit, I was uncertain

you would return this morning.” She dished food onto their plates and carried them to the table. “I was, too, but I’m as stubborn as he is.” She picked around her eggs, her stomach rumbling, but food no longer seemed appetizing. “Jaylyn? Is there anything else troubling you?” Her parents selling the house was of none of his business, or how sick her dad was and the medical bills that would soon pile up. Lie, that’s what she would do—or what she meant to do until her mouth opened and the wrong words poured out. “My parents are selling the house to help pay for Dad’s treatment, and I…uh, I will soon find myself without a home.” His fork clinked as he rested it on his plate, but she remained focused on her coffee mug. “I see. And the income you receive, it’s not sufficient for a place to stay?” “It would be if I wasn’t trying to pay their bills for them.” Telling him her troubles left a bitter taste in her mouth. She wasn’t one to complain about her lot in life, but the words refused to stop coming. “They have no income and their savings are almost gone. I’m doing what I can for them.” She glanced up and saw his hands folded and him studying her closely. “It’s really nothing you need to concern yourself with. I have time to figure something out.” “No.” Jaylyn was confused. “No? What do you

mean, no?” “I mean you don’t need to figure anything out.” “And why is that, exactly?” “You know how many bedrooms are in this house? Six. I’m the only one who lives here, or I was.” He stood and held out his hand. “And what do you want me to do with that?” What is he saying? What’s going on? Red flag, this is a red flag moment. But she slipped her hand into his and he pulled her to her feet. “Trust me?” he asked. Three weeks ago, Jaylyn would’ve been more open to poisoning his food than taking his hand and letting him lead her God knew where, but she followed him out of the kitchen. He led her to the grand stairs and up they went. The hall was longer than she imagined, and several doors were open along it. “My bedroom is at the far end of the hall, but you may have your choice of any other room. There’s a large bathroom in the middle there,” he said, pointing it out to her. “And you, of course, know where everything else is.” She stepped down the hall, away from him, spinning in a circle. “You’re giving me a room. Here. In your house.” “Yes, I am.” “Why?” “Why not? You work here, do you not? And

you can’t tell me you have the most reliable vehicle. I would rather you be able to make it to work and have a place to live without worrying about your truck dying in the middle of nowhere.” He explained it as if this was the most obvious solution to her problem. If she lived there, she wouldn’t have to worry about her truck, unless she had to go get more supplies for the kitchen. No driving back and forth every morning and every night. And her parents wouldn’t have to worry about her. “What about rent?” she asked. “I’m assuming you’ll pay me less? Which would be fine with me.” “No. No rent.” “But that’s what you do when people live with you.” “Yes, but this is quite a different situation.” He joined her in the middle of the hallway and reached for her hand but stopped himself short. “I’m trying to be a good person. Let me help you. No strings attached, no weird new contract. It makes sense, and the dogs would love to have you around full time.” Jaylyn admired the décor of the hall, matching that of the rest of the house. She wandered from one bedroom to the next, imagining herself living in such a grand place, certainly one she could never afford. The bathroom had a claw-foot tub big enough for three people, a stone shower, and two

vanities. Each bedroom had a king-sized bed with dresser and nightstands, plush rugs over dark hardwood floors, and above her head, exposed ceiling beams. The bedroom beside his was decked out with bears—not cheesy teddy bears but big powerful bears. The walls were a dark, forest green, and it called to her. She tiptoed inside and, with a wild impulse, flung herself onto the huge bed. She sank into the comforter and laughed hysterically. “This is insane. I can’t do this. It’s a dream, all a dream.” “Not a dream,” he assured her from the doorway, watching her as she sat up on the bed. His brown eyes filled with a look of pure hunger, and Jaylyn slid off the bed quickly as an answering hunger grew in her gut. He cleared his throat loudly and glanced around. “Good choice, this room.” “And you’re sure about this?” “Yes, I’m sure,” he said, exasperated. “And your dates won’t mind the hot cook living with you? Sleeping right next door?” His body stiffened and he seemed to mull it over, shrugging. “My house, my rules, right? They’ll deal with it, and if not, they can find some other rich man to drive insane.” He turned to leave, but Jaylyn reached out for his arm. “Wait—these women you’re dating and that thing you said you had to embrace…oh, my God.”

She covered her mouth and stepped back, horrified. “No, no way. No, we can’t do this deal.” “What do you mean? Yes, we can.” “No, because you have to… you have to marry one of them, don’t you?” She knew she was right when he didn’t respond. “Jesus, Walker, I can’t force you into that situation. That’s awful. I’ve met these women, and you can’t stand them.” “Honestly, it doesn’t matter either way. My father won’t let me gain control of the property until I’m properly wed. That’s how it is, I’m afraid.” He picked up a strand of hair from her shoulder and laid it behind her back. “Don’t worry about me and my life. I’ve known for years I’d be stuck with someone I wouldn’t be too keen on marrying.” “But he can’t force you to marry anyone.” “I want you to have your restaurant back. And I want to be able to get out from under his control. I can do the latter, but then you lose your restaurant. I don’t want that hanging over my head.” “You said it was just business, though.” “And you said it was personal, remember?” He took another step away and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Things will work out. Besides, that’s why divorce exists, right?” The dogs barked at the back door to be let it in. “I’ll get them. If this is the room you want, I’ll help you move your stuff this weekend.”

“No, I have a friend who can help. I don’t want to disrupt your plans.” Her excitement from finding him a kitchen staff drained away as he left her to explore the room, her new home. Married. He would have to get married for her to get her restaurant back. The idea made her sick to her stomach and the guilt almost made her change her mind completely. She wanted Jaybird’s back, but at what cost? He was giving up his future so she could get hers back. Serves him right. He shouldn’t have taken it in the first place, she told herself as she paced around the huge bedroom. She repeated the words over and over in her head, but each time, they only made her feel worse.

“You’re moving in with this guy?” Frankie hoisted another box up into Jaylyn’s truck. “Seriously?” “Yes, seriously,” she repeated for the tenth time. “I need a place to stay and I’m not going to pass up free rent.” Frankie had managed to find a job with a local catering company and was doing pretty well for himself. She called him to tell him about where she was really working and what was going on. He’d been calm for about five seconds, then she got the

same lecture Darien had given her. “You sure he’s just not trying to get into your pants?” “Yes, I’m sure. He’s sort of engaged, or betrothed, or something.” “Sort of?” he asked, hefting up another box to her so she could slide it back. “Lyn, why couldn’t you have found a nice, simple job somewhere else?” “I tried, but I couldn’t find one fast enough. My parents need the money.” He shot a worried look to the house where Darien was resting. “I know, but this feels wrong.” Jaylyn hadn’t told him about what Walker was going to have to do so she could get the restaurant back, and the guilt ate away at her all day yesterday. “Yeah, it does, but my hands are tied. If I do this right, if the next few months pan out the way I hope they will, we could be back in the kitchen by January.” “I do miss my second home.” “So do I, and I’m not ready to give up fighting for it yet.” “Can I meet Walker?” Jaylyn shoved another box back with the others, throwing him a grin over her shoulder. “Did you expect me to move all this inside by myself?” she teased. “Nah, I expected your new boyfriend to do it.”

“He offered to rent a moving truck, but I told him I don’t have much stuff.” All her things were packed in a few boxes and bins that fit snugly in the back of her truck. She told her parents to sell her furniture with the house if they wanted. Mariah was teary-eyed last night when Jaylyn said she found a place to live and was moving out the next day. Then she said where she was moving and her parents hadn’t known how to respond, so they said nothing. They’d come around when they realized this was the smartest option. Frankie helped her tie everything down and followed her in his car. When they reached Walker’s mansion, Frankie stepped out of his car and whistled. “Damn, woman, are you sure you don’t want to marry this man?” “Ha, right, because that would ever happen.” An image of her and Walker together appeared in her mind and she flinched. Why did that look so right? “We…uh, we should get unloading.” Frankie removed the dolly from the back of the truck and she scooted boxes towards him. Dogs barking caught her attention. All three of them raced to surround her truck. They jumped up on Frankie, trying to lick his face. He gave in and sank down so they could reach him better, knocking him over completely. Walker appeared a few seconds later, waving his arm over his head. Jaylyn waved back and sat down on the edge of the truck bed.

“Glad you made it back in one piece,” he said. “Who’s this?” Jaylyn hesitated at the sudden look of jealousy on Walker’s face when he held out his hand for Frankie as he straightened. “This is my friend, Frankie. We’ve worked together in kitchens for a few years. Frankie, meet Walker Allard.” “Pleasure,” Walker said tightly. Frankie looked to Jaylyn then back to the man. “Same to you. Nice to know you’re not a dickhead like your dad.” Jaylyn covered up her laugh with a cough. “Yeah, well, you know.” She continued pushing boxes towards the tailgate and the two guys took them down. She tried to tell Walker he didn’t have to help, but he ignored her protests. He and Frankie took the first load in the house together, and she wondered if leaving the two of them alone was a good idea.

Walker set the two boxes down in Jaylyn’s room. “You worked with Jaylyn?” “That’s what she said, man,” Frankie agreed as he set down another two boxes. “And you two, you’re friends. Close friends?” Frankie eyed him sternly. “Listen, I’m only

going to tell you this once, so listen up. That woman down there is a friend—a very dear friend. And before this shit gets complicated, you better think good and hard about what happens between you and my friend. No, me and her are not a thing. We tried a fling, and it didn’t work. We’re friends and I’m happily dating someone else. But,” he went on, holding up his hand, “she tells me you’re engaged or something?” Walker frowned. “It’s a long story, but essentially something along those lines.” “Then her moving in with you better not lead to something you can’t follow through with.” Frankie closed the distance between them. The man was a good head taller than Walker, who was not used to being looked down on. “You hurt her and she’ll be the least of your problems. Got it?” He gulped. “Understood. I’m trying to help her, that’s all.” “Good. She could use more friends.” “And that’s all I want to be. Her friend.” His words rang false, and he wasn’t the only one who heard it. Frankie stared him down long and hard before breathing out his nose loudly. “Right, let’s get another load.” Walker cursed himself quietly on the walk back to the truck. Jaylyn sat on the tailgate, swinging her legs, with two of the dogs sitting beside her. His heart stuttered in his chest at the sight, and he

paused for a moment to simply enjoy the view. When he dreamt last night, it wasn’t of Georgette or the other two. Jaylyn was with him, and the image hadn’t left him since he opened his eyes before sunrise that morning. But Frankie was right. Walker was spoken for, and he couldn’t lead her on and start anything he wouldn’t be able to follow through on. Hurting them both in the process of getting her restaurant back would only guarantee a difficult working relationship. “What took y’all so long?” she asked, hopping down. “I gave Frankie a short tour,” Walker lied. “He liked the kitchen.” “Big surprise there. You know, he’s working for a catering company now. If you ever have parties, you should go to him.” “I’ll keep that in mind. There’s usually a gathering at the end of the summer.” “Good,” Frankie said happily, but there was a warning in his smile. “I’ll be sure to jot your name down on my calendar and keep you in mind.” “I would greatly appreciate it.” Their forced politeness apparently wasn’t sitting well with Jaylyn and she eyed them suspiciously. “All right, what’s going on with you two?” “No idea what you’re talking about,” Walker said casually, reaching around her for another box. Frankie attempted to look just as innocent, but

Jaylyn wasn’t buying it. “You two are so full of shit. Frankie, you start a pissing contest or something?” “Me? Never. I’m a gentleman.” “Like I said, I gave him a tour,” Walker added and whistled as he strolled back to the house with another box in hand. He heard them arguing quietly behind him but left them to it. He thought long and hard all day about Frankie’s words, and they were still on his mind when he stood at the front door, waiting for Brittany to arrive. She was vegetarian, and Jaylyn had cooked for her a few times already, so he wasn’t worried about the food. He was worried about himself around Jaylyn. Had he asked her to move in so he could be closer to her? She was right next door to his bedroom. He would see her first thing in the morning and last thing at night, giving them ample opportunity to…to do what? As he opened the door at Brittany’s insistent knocking, he was more confused than ever and apparently, it showed. “You look like you’ve been sucking on a lemon,” Brittany told him. “What’s going on?” “Nothing. Work will be hectic tomorrow and I’m already worrying about it, I’m afraid,” he said, which wasn’t necessarily a lie. Tomorrow was the day he hoped to receive a phone call, telling him he had a full kitchen staff ready to be trained at the

restaurant. “Shall we have a glass of wine before dinner?” “White, if you have any good ones. The last one I had here was horribly dry.” Walker offered her his arm, as he did with all the other dates, and they chatted lightly about her weekend as he moved to the dining room and poured them two glasses of wine. Douglas stepped out of the kitchen with their appetizer, lightly seasoned and sautéed vegetable skewers that Brittany instantly fell in love with. Walker continued to be impressed by Jaylyn’s level of skill. Too bad he couldn’t have her secretly in the kitchen at the restaurant without his father finding out. If he did, it would be the end of Jaybird’s for certain. He would probably blacklist Jaylyn, and Walker would never have his chance to break away from his father’s company. “You’re doing it again—that puckering, sour face,” Brittany informed him once they took their seats and waited for dinner to be served. “Sorry, I have a lot on my mind.” Like the woman in the kitchen who’s now sleeping one door over from my bedroom. He tried to listen to Brittany, but his dream from the previous night returned to the forefront of his mind. He pictured himself throwing Brittany out of the house, striding into the kitchen, and taking Jaylyn in his arms as he kissed her passionately.

Kissing her would be incredible, he already knew it. She always smelled of savory foods or sweet pastries, and she was smiling more. He could tell she worried about her father, but being around the dogs, being around him and Douglas seemed to make her happy. He could make her so much happier if given the chance. As if he was watching a movie inside his mind, a completely different life unfolded before him, one with Jaylyn by his side—not as his cook, but as so much more. Brittany’s talking faded into background noise, and Walker heard the sweet sound of Jaylyn’s voice and her laughter, feeling her hand holding his though he’d only touched her once. During his days as a playboy bachelor, he’d waited to have a moment like one his mother described of finding her true love, the man she was meant to be with. None of those women ever came close to making Walker feel like he did now, his heart pounding and blood running hot with want. And not merely lusting after Jaylyn’s body in those jeans and tank but of being with her. He couldn’t imagine any of his potential brides willingly starting a food fight in the kitchen or ever accepting his dogs. “Will you excuse me?” he said, standing abruptly, interrupting Brittany’s ramblings about some dress or other. “I guess so. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just… I forgot I have a phone call to return today. Lost track of the time.” “Can’t it wait a while longer?” she complained and reached out to snag his hand. He shifted out of the way and she missed, nearly falling out of her chair. “Walker!” she whined with a pout. “I’m sorry, it shouldn’t take long at all.” He refilled her wine glass before he rushed into the kitchen. “Dinner will be out in a few,” Jaylyn said without turning around. “Hold mine if you would.” “Walker?” She stared him up and down, flinging her towel over her shoulder, a habit he saw her doing constantly in the kitchen. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, nothing at all.” “Uh huh, then why are you all pale and sweaty?” He wiped his forearm across his brow. I’m trembling! Damn, what the hell is wrong with me? Douglas joined them in the kitchen, coming in from outside. “Ah, Walker, I gave the dogs fresh bones. They should be content for the remainder of the evening.” “I need you to run interference,” Walker pleaded quietly. “Please.” “Interference?” Jaylyn repeated. “For what?” Douglas stared at him intently as Walker

narrowed his gaze and tilted his head to the right towards the dining room. He dragged Walker through the kitchen to the mudroom and smiling at a suspicious Jaylyn, closed the door. “Walker, are you unwell? You look like you’re going to be sick.” “I can’t do this tonight,” he whispered, pacing around the small room. “Do what? The date?” “All of it,” he groused. “Damn it! Why couldn’t I have met Jaylyn sooner?” Douglas smiled knowingly. “Why did you ask her to move in with you?” He puffed out his cheeks and blew out a heavy breath. “I want to get to know her, who she really is,” he admitted. There was no point lying to this man. He’d see right through it. “I don’t understand what’s wrong with me. There can’t be anything between us. I doubt she would ever agree to anything.” “You might be surprised,” Douglas whispered and winked. “But no matter. I’ll take care of your date. Go hide with your brandy.” “And Jaylyn? You’re not going to say anything to her, right?” “That you’re having a mild panic attack because you found a woman you actually like but can’t have? No, I’ll let you keep your secret for now.” “I don’t deserve you.”

“Ha! Don’t I know it.” Douglas exited the mudroom to find Jaylyn standing close by, her arms crossed, and tapping her foot in annoyance. “What’s going on with you two?” “Nothing out of the ordinary.” Douglas left the kitchen, and Jaylyn mumbled under her breath as she turned back to the stove. “You really don’t have to keep cooking,” Walker said as he pulled the brandy from the cabinet, poured himself a glass, and went to sit in the pantry. “What are you… are you hiding from your date?” she whispered. “In the pantry?” He lifted his glass in a toast to her. “Cheers. Oh, and I’m not here. Just run with it.” “What?” she asked, but he closed the door and waited it out as he’d done so many times before. He drank his brandy slowly, savoring each sip as the minutes ticked by. He expected to hear Brittany complaining loudly, but after twenty minutes, the door opened and Jaylyn grinned at him in disbelief. “Is it safe?” “Yes, it’s safe,” she said through her laughter. “She’s gone. You do this often?” “You have no idea.” “Your dinner is still warm if you’d like vegetarian pasta. Or, I made something on the side, just in case.” He followed her to the counter, and she lifted a

towel off a large steak on a plate. Walker’s mouth watered as she revealed a bowl of potatoes to go with it. “You are a Godsend. You’re going to join me, right?” She looked ready to say no, but Douglas came in, laughing about something, and Jaylyn nodded. “As long as Douglas eats, too. I made enough steak for six people.” The dogs were let inside while Jaylyn, Walker, and Douglas ate in the kitchen like any normal friends would do. It was casual and so much more relaxed than any of his evenings spent with the three his father had chosen. They passed around wine and beer, sharing stories and talking late into the night. The steak was mostly gone, and what was left over, Walker fed to his dogs. Jaylyn started to clean up and he helped her, drying dishes as she washed the pots and serving trays. They tossed the dinner made for Brittany in the trash, Walker laughing perhaps a little too much to see it disappear. He was fine with vegetarians, but she insisted he eat the same thing she did. Once the kitchen was clean, Jaylyn stifled a yawn behind her hand and said she was going to bed. Douglas headed home for the night, too, and Walker was left in the kitchen with his three dogs. He whistled and they followed him to the master bedroom. On the way, they passed Jaylyn’s bedroom, but the door wasn’t closed all the way.

Strider sniffed it and pawed at it so it opened more and ran inside. Walker paused at the threshold when he heard her yelp of surprise and then laughter as she spoke to the dog. He waited for Strider to join him, but the dog didn’t leave the closet where Jaylyn stood. “I think you’re stuck with him tonight,” he called out so she wouldn’t accidentally walk out half naked. Not that he would complain, but he wasn’t sure she’d appreciate it. “I’ll be all right with him.” She turned the light off and exited the room in a pair of sleep pants and tank top with no bra. He forced his eyes to remain on her face as her nipples hardened beneath the thin fabric to create a perfect outline of her chest. “Right, well, I’ll…uh, I’ll see you in the morning,” he said roughly and hurried to his room before he made an even bigger fool of himself.

9

W ALKER BARELY MUMBLED A HELLO TO JAYLYN THE next morning as she handed him a warm thermos filled with coffee and a muffin for the road. He would be at the restaurant most of the morning, training the new staff and praying for that phone call saying he finally had the kitchen crew he needed to open. He was all nerves as he drove to the restaurant, but when he pulled into the lot, the manager he’d hired was there to greet him, a wide smile on his face. “Clarence, you appear in a right good mood,” Walker said as he reached him. “As you will be when you join me inside.” Walker frowned but followed the manager inside and was greeted by a man in a white chef’s coat and six others standing behind him. He held out his hand and Walker shook it. “I’m sorry, who

are you?” “Name’s John, and I heard you’re in need of a new cook,” he said. “We’re looking for a new kitchen to stretch our legs in.” “You are very welcome to work here,” Walker said. “Have you seen the kitchen yet?” He spent the rest of the morning showing the man and his crew around and getting them set up. John said he knew the menu well, knowing Jaylyn and her father, but told Walker if he wanted to update or change anything now was the time. “I’ll leave that to your expertise. I think you’d know what the Wilsons would want for a good summer menu.” “That I do,” he agreed. “Then if you’re all set, I think I’ll take care of some other business. Clarence? Call me if you need anything.” “Where are you rushing off to?” “Paperwork for here and the lodge, and designs for signs and logos, need to be approved. My office for all of that is at home,” he said with a smile, knowing who else was at his home right now. “See you tomorrow!” Normally, he would’ve brought all his paperwork there and worked from the restaurant, but now that he had a full kitchen crew, his stress level halved and he decided that spending the day working from the comfort of his office would be a

nice change of pace. Jaylyn being at the house was a bonus. When he pulled up to the house, he saw her in her truck, slamming her hands against the steering wheel. He parked his car on the drive and strolled to her driver’s side, knocking on the window. “Why are you home?” she asked as she rolled down the manual window, a testament to the age of the truck. “I thought I would work from here today because, thanks to you, I finally have a fully staffed kitchen. Thank you, really.” “You’re welcome. Who is it?” “John.” “Perfect. He’s a good guy and I trust him not to let the food go to shit.” “Yes, I got that vibe as well.” He glanced at her forced smile and her purse on the passenger seat. “Are you having problems with your truck?” She shrugged. “If you mean will the old thing not start, then yes, I’m having some issues.” “Where are you headed? I’ll take you.” “I have to go to the market, but you have work to do. It’s fine, I’ll get her to work.” “Seriously, I can drive you.” “No, Walker. When I said the market, I meant the farmer’s market that’s an hour and a half away,” she argued, but he was already walking away. “Walker!”

“If it’s that far, then I suggest we hurry so we can get back in time for dinner.” “Walker!” He ignored her and climbed into his truck, waiting for her to join him. She gave up and opened the passenger door of his truck. “You’ll have to give me directions.” “You’re impossible, you know that?” She took his phone and typed in the address of the market, handing it back with a huff of annoyance. “If you don’t get your work done today, you can’t blame me.” “Can’t I want to spend a nice day outside instead of trapped in my stuffy office?” He grinned as he started the truck, but when their eyes met, a curiosity flickered to life in her gaze and he wanted to lean across the console and taste those lips he bet still had coffee on them, or maybe whatever sweet thing she cooked for breakfast. “We won’t get very far if you don’t drive,” she told him, her voice rough. “Right, driving. Let’s go to the farmer’s market.” “Have you ever been to one?” “I can’t say that I have. I’m a farmer’s market virgin.” She smirked and settled back in the passenger seat for the long drive.

Jaylyn expected the car ride to be boring, but as with every conversation with Walker, it was comfortable. They talked about the new cook and what she expected from him. Then talk moved to the lodge and how it was coming along until they shared stories from their school days and learned more and more about the other. When she’d taken this job, she’d been so bitter and ready to hate this man on principle, but the more time she spent with him, the harder it was to think badly about Walker. He was nothing like his dad, and for that, she was grateful. “Wow,” he said as they pulled into the lot and he parked. “Is it always this crazy?” “This is the first week it’s open,” she explained and climbed out. “They’re open every morning during the first week and then it’s only on Saturdays.” He followed her into the large lot filled with booths and tents for the local farmers selling their produce and other goods. He was like a kid in a toy store for the first time. She even had to grab him and drag him to different booths. “I have a budget to stay within,” she reminded him when he stopped at a booth with incredible cuts of meats. “Budget? What budget?” His eyes widened.

“No, you’re not paying for this out of pocket! Why didn’t you tell me to work out a shopping allowance for you?” “It’s not that big a deal,” she tried to tell him, but he shook his head. “Nope, everything is on me from now on, so whatever you want to get, buy it. And no arguing.” She was about to do just that, but if he wanted to buy all the food for her and the house in general, there was nothing she could do to stop him. They stopped at almost every booth then, buying ingredients she had only dreamed of working with, along with specialty cheeses, wines, a good bottle of whiskey, and several pounds of bacon and steaks. When they couldn’t carry any more, they found a booth towards the end near the parking lot where tables were set up for people to sit down and eat the hot pretzels and cheese, all made fresh. “I think you should bring me here every weekend,” he said, sitting across from her at their tiny table and watching the other people enjoying the market. “I didn’t think you’d have so much fun here.” “What’s not fun about this? The people, the food.” “Yeah, you’re going to be my guinea pig from now on.” “I think I can live with that,” he replied, smiling as he took another huge bite of his pretzel.

They ate in comfortable silence, but Jaylyn could tell from the way he kept fidgeting he wanted to ask her something. She could’ve been nice and helped him, but she honestly had no idea what would come out of his mouth. Instead, she asked her own question. “How many times have you hidden in the pantry from your dates?” He swallowed his food and picked at the rest of his pretzel. “More than I should have, honestly.” “If you don’t like them, why not simply tell your dad?” “I tried that when we first started this arrangement,” he told her, “but he ignored my complaints and said I needed to grow up and accept my responsibilities.” “For what? Being unhappy for the rest of your life?” He shrugged, nodding his head. “You might not be able to tell, but once upon a time, my father was happy. He actually smiled and laughed, but he changed. No matter what I do, I can never get the old Leo Allard back.” Jaylyn almost couldn’t believe that man had ever been anything more than an ass. “What happened?” “My mum had cancer and died,” he said with a sad smile. “Everything changed after that. I was young when it happened, and I didn’t know what to

do, but my father…he shut down.” After meeting Leo briefly that one time, she expected to hate him for what he’d done. But learning how he lost his wife, that he went through the same thing her parents were going through at this very moment, made her sympathetic towards his behavior. Slightly. She wasn’t about to give him a hug the next time she saw the man, but part of his behavior could be explained now. “I’m sorry you lost your mom, but losing his wife doesn’t give him the right to make you marry someone because it’ll better the family name or whatever.” “No, but if it makes him happy knowing his son has a secure future, I can at least give him that peace of mind.” He rapped his knuckles on the table and opened his mouth, shut it again, and shook his head. “What? I know you want to ask something.” He picked at the plastic edge of the table nervously, avoiding her gaze. “I want to make sure you’re happy with your job and living at the house.” “It’s only been two days,” she reminded him. “I know, but being happy is important.” He wanted to say more, she saw it plain as day on his face, but he left it at that. “Yes, I’m happy.” “Good. That’s good to hear.” She checked her cell and frowned at the time.

“We’ll be late for dinner if we don’t leave now. You have another date tonight—Helena, right?” “Yeah. Helena.” They packed up the purchased items in the truck. The car ride back to the house was tenser than the ride there, but Jaylyn couldn’t think of anything to say to break it. She knew what she hoped was bothering him, but she wasn’t going to get close to that potential complication. Walker was a hard man not to like, and lately, she found herself waking from very vivid dreams of her and him together. As the house came into view, she tucked those dreams away again and focused on her job and nothing more. Douglas greeted them when they arrived at the house, and Jaylyn busied herself with putting away the groceries and figuring out dinner while Walker headed upstairs to change. All evening, she told herself to stop thinking their relationship could be more than what it was— employer and employee. He was meant to marry a woman his father chose, not her. She would never be good enough, not a chance. All she wanted from Walker was her restaurant. If she could get that, she would be able to move out and leave him and this mess behind her for good. But as she hid in the kitchen during his date that night, hearing his fake laughter with a woman who didn’t deserve him, a sharp spike of jealousy made

her sick to her stomach. She should be the one out there enjoying herself and having a good time. At least with her, he would laugh for real. She was cleaning the dishes, mocking Helena’s annoying voice under her breath, when her cell vibrated in her pocket. The time was past nine, but when her phone dinged with a missed call followed by a voicemail from nearly twenty minutes ago from her mom, she dropped the pot in the sink, splashing water everywhere, and hurried to open the message. She listened to the message and tears pricked her eyes. Her dad was supposed to be getting treatment the whole week, but according to the doctors, there were no changes and he was getting worse. Mariah asked if she could come and stay at the new apartment for a night. Darien had asked to see his daughter. She tried calling, but her mom didn’t answer so she left a message saying she’d be there as soon as she could. “Douglas,” she said, poking her head out of the kitchen door not leading to the dining room. “Douglas!” she hissed louder and he appeared around the corner. “What’s wrong?” “I received a message about my dad. Can you let Walker know I had to duck out tonight but I’ll be back tomorrow?” “Of course. Do you need a ride? He said your

truck wasn’t working.” “Shit,” she muttered, forgetting all about it. Douglas held out the keys to his sporty little coupe. “I can’t.” “Yes, you can. I’ll stay here for the night. Go see your dad.” She hugged him, kissed his cheek, and rushed out the back door to Douglas’ car parked beside hers. She slipped behind the wheel and had to force herself not to floor it all the way back to her parents’ tiny apartment in Woodstock. She hated to knock and texted her mom to let her know she was outside. The door opened a second later and Mariah pulled her daughter inside and straight into a hug. She’d been crying, and her eyes were red and puffy. “Mom? How bad is it?” she asked quietly. “I’m awake,” Darien’s voice came from the small living room. “And it’s not that bad. Your mother is overreacting.” Mariah glowered at the back of Darien’s head. “I am not. You should’ve shown some signs of improvement, but you haven’t.” “These things take time.” Jaylyn joined her dad on the couch and hugged him. “You look pretty pale, Dad. Are you sure they’re doing everything they can for you?” “Yes, they are, so stop acting like your mother. I wanted to talk to you and see how things were

going,” he explained brightly. “Not have you lecture me more than she does on keeping my hopes up and praying I’ll get better.” Jaylyn flinched. “Are you saying you don’t want to get better?” she whispered, confused. He patted her hand with a tired sigh. “I’m saying I don’t want whatever days I have left spent feeling like shit and trapped in a bed because I’m too weak or tired to move. I want to spend my days with your mom and you. Can’t I have that?” Jaylyn wiped at the tears in her eyes and nodded. “You can have whatever you need, Dad.” She hugged him and Mariah joined them on the couch, snuggling close as they used to do. He asked about Walker, and she told them how good the job was going and that the staff had made it to the restaurant. John would be a good fit until Jaylyn could get back in the kitchen, hopefully with Darien running things again. She said it, but her dad didn’t agree. He merely nodded and changed topics. “That Walker, I’ve heard he’s quite a looker,” Darien teased. “Where did you hear that?” “Just around. You and he don’t have anything else going on, do you?” Her cheeks grew hot and she turned away from her parents. “No, nothing’s going on. He’s currently my boss and soon to be my partner in a business.

I’m not putting all that on the line because he’s a really great guy and funny, and extremely good looking…” She trailed off when she felt their intense gazes, both grinning madly at her. “What?” “I guess this is why she never dated,” Mariah mused, leaning into Darien. “Yeah, she was waiting for the son of our enemy to come along,” Darien teased. “Fancy that.” “No, wait, what? No, I said I’m not into him. He’s got this weird thing that he has to marry another woman, anyway,” she argued, hurrying to get a glass of water from the kitchen. “We couldn’t —I mean, I couldn’t… it wouldn’t work,” she finished lamely. “Some advice from your old man?” Darien grunted as he made it to his feet and joined her by the sink. “Don’t fight whatever feelings you have, because you never know what might happen.” She nursed her glass, watching the ice swirl around as she remembered how much fun they had at the market, and in general. The sound of his laughter and how his smile lit his eyes. How cute he looked in the morning when he wore his glasses and those snug t-shirts… “You’re drooling, just a bit,” Darien whispered, and Jaylyn quickly wiped her mouth then shook her head as he laughed. “What’s to say you’re not the one he’s meant to be with?”

“I’m not rich and can’t bring anything to his company, that’s why.” “According to his dad, right? Not him.” “It’s not like anything’s happened yet,” she reminded him before her hopes rose too high. “He’s merely a really good friend.” “Yes, a friend who pays you a handsome amount of money and let you move into his mansion.” “Can we talk about something else? Please, I’m begging you here. Mom? a little help?” “Nah, I’m enjoying this. It’d be nice to see you with someone for a change. I hate to say,” she said as she joined them in the kitchen, “but maybe the restaurant being bought out was a good thing for you.” She tossed her head back. “This is not funny, not at all.” Mariah hugged her close. “Oh, we’re just giving you a hard time, kid. We want to make sure you’re happy.” Jaylyn hugged her back, and they spent the rest of the night talking and laughing, playing cards at the small kitchen table, and avoiding anything to do with Walker or her. When she finally left, Darien turning in for the night and Mariah joining him, she considered crashing on the couch but wasn’t tired. The drive back to the house was uneventful at nearly two in the morning. She opened the back

door quietly, sucking in a breath when the door creaked and she heard the jingling of dog tags coming downstairs. “Hey, boys,” she whispered in greeting as they surrounded her, wagging their tails and licking her hands and jumping up to reach her face. Strider ran to the back door and she let them out, walking out with them to bathe in the full moon’s light as it covered the patio and the lawn. She sat down on the swinging bench, remembering how cozy it had been when Walker sat beside her. With a push of her foot, she set the bench to swinging, pondering about where her life had taken her. About her dad and him not wanting to spend his last days in treatment. He said he wasn’t giving up, but she saw the look in his eyes—the knowledge that his life was ending far quicker than he’d anticipated and there was nothing they could to do change that. She’d lost the restaurant, and though there was a chance of retrieving it, worry remained that it was false hope. Her dad was sick and dying, and she was stuck working for the first man in a long time she felt a connection with but couldn’t express. Not openly. She tugged her knees up to her chest and watched the dogs playing. They started to bark as they wrestled, but she let them be. “Strider!” Walker yelled from the back door, sounding confused until Jaylyn turned, drawing his

eyes to her movement. “I didn’t know you were back.” “Sorry, the dogs wanted out.” “No, it’s fine. I thought they’d managed to get the door open.” He stepped outside, and when he grew closer, his brow crinkled and he adjusted his glasses on his face. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing. I wasn’t tired.” “You’re crying,” he whispered and reached out to wipe the tears from her cheek. She hadn’t even realized it. He sat down beside her. “Douglas said it was your dad. Is he back in the hospital?” Jaylyn opened her mouth to tell him he was fine, but it was as if her mouth wasn’t hers anymore and everything spilled out. About her dad and the restaurant, her worries about him not fighting to live or wanting to keep going. She stopped herself short of blurting out what she was slowly feeling for him and buried her face as she hugged her knees to her chest. “That was terrible, I’m sorry,” she muttered, the sound muffled. “I don’t want to dump this stress on you. You’ve got enough shit to deal with.” “It’s fine, really. I understand exactly how you feel.” He sighed and his arm draped around the back of the bench. “Mum reached a point when it was too much for her. The treatments and the hospital stays. She wanted to enjoy the time she had left. It pissed my dad off, but in some way, I

understood.” “I want him to hold on a little longer until I get the restaurant back.” “Then tell him that.” His arm moved to her shoulder and he pulled her against his side, comforting her with his warm body and soft murmurings. Jaylyn breathed in deep, and the stress melted away. She lifted her face to thank him, but the strange look of longing in his eyes made her pause. What was he doing? She’d been telling herself this would never happen, but he was staring at her as if he knew exactly what she was thinking, what she was feeling. His hand cupped her cheek, and her eyes closed as she felt the smoothness of his hand on her skin, wanting him to feel more of her. Her mind raced with one insane thought after another until his lips were on hers. She gasped in surprise but didn’t pull away from the heat of his kiss or the gentleness with which his lips moved. The kiss was sweet and Jaylyn was lost in the moment. She moved closer, kissing him again as they clung to each other as the moon held vigil overhead. Strider charged into their laps, wagging his tail and trying to lick their faces. They broke apart, and Jaylyn’s fingers touched her tingling lips. “I…uh, I should get to bed,” she said, but her voice was rough and she had to clear her throat and

repeat herself. “Early morning and all.” “Yes, of course,” he agreed hoarsely. “Shall I walk you to your room?” Jaylyn’s heart fluttered and she giggled nervously. “No…no, I think I can find my way. Thank you for…uh, for listening and everything. It means a lot.” “Anytime.” She sat there for another long moment, watching him. “Jaylyn?” “Right. Right, I was leaving,” she rambled and hopped off the bench, nearly sending it swinging so far back he slipped off, too. “Damn, sorry, I’m just out of sorts. So yeah, morning. See you then.” She made sure she was out of earshot before she berated herself for acting like a dewy-eyed school girl with a crush. “You can’t have this so don’t even try. Stop it before it goes any further.” Too bad that as she lay in bed that night, all she could think about was finding a way to make it work.

10

“DID YOU HEAR ME, SIR ?” DOUGLAS REPEATED louder and knocked on the table. “Huh? Oh, sorry, Douglas. What were we talking about?” He smirked and laid the paper down in front of Walker. “You’ve been distracted the last few weeks.” “I’m thinking about the grand opening and whether we’re ready,” he murmured, picking up the newspaper and staring at the date printed above a picture of the lodge and restaurant. “Three days. I can’t believe we’re finally here.” “And that’s all that’s on your mind?” Douglas urged. “You’re certain?” He sat up in his chair. “Yes, why?” “Nothing. It’s just that Jaylyn has seemed distracted as of late as well, and it has nothing to do

with her father.” “And how do you know that? Are you psychic?” Douglas shrugged. “I’ve been around a long time. I know these things.” Walker shook the newspaper out hard. In the days following his kiss with Jaylyn, he found it difficult to suffer through his dates. Feigning interest grew difficult, and he sensed Helena was on the verge of giving up altogether when he spent the entire dinner darting into the kitchen for random items just to see Jaylyn cooking and baking, her hair back in a bright orange bandana and using the chopping knives like they were extensions of her hands. They acted as if nothing had happened, but the memory simmered immediately below the surface, along with the emotions it awoke in him. He wanted Jaylyn, and not only because she knew how to cook a steak better than anyone he knew. He wanted her, but it couldn’t happen. He knew that almost better than she did. So move past the kiss! But he couldn’t. Every night when he passed her bedroom door, the urge to knock was so intense he found his hand raised to do it before stopping himself short. “Well, in this instance, you’re wrong,” Walker finally said. “Sorry to disappoint you, old man.”

“Old man? That’s hitting below the belt,” he teased as the kitchen door swung inwards and Jaylyn joined them. Her nose was buried in a cooking magazine and she grunted in reply to their greetings. Walker knew her routine perfectly now. Get up, get coffee, and flip through magazines and cookbooks for the first hour or two while making breakfast and planning the rest of the meals for the day. She frowned at something on the page and shook her head. “Something you don’t like?” he asked as she joined them at the table. “Sadly, but I’ll come up with something else.” The dogs circled her chair for their morning pats on the head, and she scratched their ears. Walker was struck by the image of them at the table together, drinking coffee, enjoying the morning, but not as cook and employer. “Walker? You okay?” “Yes, perfectly, why?” “You keep staring at me.” He averted his gaze but not before catching the hint of a smile on her face. “I was lost in thought. It won’t happen again.” “Hmm,” she replied as if knowing all too well it would. He couldn’t seem to help himself lately. Every time they were in a room together, he saw the two

of them in a different light, one where they were together. The doorbell rang and all three dogs took off after Douglas. Walker checked the time. “That’s odd. I wasn’t expecting company. You?” Jaylyn shrugged. “No one for me.” They listened to the dogs barking, but the second the male voice answered Douglas, Jaylyn spurted coffee all over her magazine and Walker cursed. Both jumped to their feet, her looking in every direction. “Pantry,” he whispered. “Seriously?” “Do you want to be seen by him?” “No, but the pantry? I thought that was your hiding place?” He didn’t argue with her. Instead, he bent down and kissed her until they were both breathless. She blinked, stunned by his action, but Leo’s voice grew closer and she ducked inside. Walker closed the door and stood in front of it when Leo entered the kitchen. “Ah, there you are. I was hoping we could have a nice chat this morning.” “Good morning to you, too, Father,” Walker said, stepping in front of the pantry door. “You could have called.” “Why would I need to call?” he stated. “Do you mind grabbing me some coffee?”

Walker moved to do it, but Douglas shook his head. “Allow me, sir. Why don’t you adjourn to the patio? It’s a wonderful day outside.” Leo grimaced. “No, I’d rather we stay inside. My allergies have been frightful this season.” “Study it is then,” he suggested. If they were in there, he could close the doors and Jaylyn wouldn’t have to hide in the pantry until his father left. “Fine. Douglas, you know how I take my coffee, I presume? And where is your cook? I was hoping to meet him.” Walker nearly looked at the pantry. “He’s at the market right now, I’m afraid.” “Pity. I’ll have to stop by another time for dinner.” Walker hung his head, knowing that could never happen, and led Leo to the study. Leo took a seat behind the massive oak desk. Not wanting to start an argument over something as simple as his father feeling the need to take his seat, Walker took the chair before it and waited for Douglas to bring Leo’s coffee. Once he had it in hand, Douglas closed the doors to give them privacy and a chance for Jaylyn to move to a better hiding place. “What did you want to talk about?” Walker asked. “I wanted to double check everything was ready for the grand opening. You have a long list of clients with rooms already booked for the summer,

and I’ve been told reservations for the restaurant stretch out for weeks as well.” “Yes, it should be a successful opening,” he agreed. “With that in mind, have you given any more thought to who you will marry?” Jaylyn, he thought without meaning to and had to get up and walk around so Leo didn’t see the panic on his face he felt overwhelming him. “Sadly, no. This isn’t an easy decision.” “As understandable as your situation is, you must have a bride by the holiday party, or our deal will not be valid. I’m certain I don’t need to continually repeat myself to make that clear.” He drank his coffee as if they discussed the weather and not his son marrying a woman he didn’t like so he could prove—hell, he had no idea what he was supposed to prove anymore. The lodge and restaurant would open this week, and he had no lingering doubts that it would be a success. John, the chef, had consulted Jaylyn on the menu, and though she couldn’t take public credit for the food, it was all influenced by her. “What if I found another woman?” he said without thinking and held his breath as Leo set his cup on its saucer. “Someone you don’t know.” “I know everyone worth knowing in this state. To whom do you refer?” “A new family,” he lied. “They moved here

only a few weeks ago and I bumped into their daughter. She’s quite an intriguing woman. Very smart and classy, and I would like to add her to the list of potential women, but,” he said, holding up his hand, “I don’t want her knowing about you or the business.” Leo’s brow knitted together as he removed his glasses to clean them. “You want to see if she falls for you as you are? A plain man?” Walker bristled. “I don’t believe I’m a plain man without my money.” “All men are plain without something of value to offer a future bride,” he sighed. “If that is what you wish, I will allow it, but when the time comes to pick your bride to be, I will do an in-depth check into her background so I know she is a good fit for this family.” He took another sip of coffee and stood. “I will not have our family name watered down.” “No, of course not, Father,” Walker said with a smile, even though his insides twisted with disgust. How could he be so crass? “Shall I see you Thursday evening at the opening?” “Yes. After all, this is only your project in name. I’m still the front of this company.” Walker sucked back the words he wanted to yell at his father and merely bowed his head. “Then I will see you Thursday. Would you like Douglas to show you out?”

Leo’s eyes narrowed. “I can find my way to your front door, Walker.” “Just trying to be helpful,” he whispered as Leo brusquely left his office. He walked around his desk and sat down, and a few seconds later, he heard the front door slam. “Nice of you to visit, Dad. So glad you stopped by to chat, Dad,” he grumbled under his breath as he checked his e-mails. “Yes, Dad, I’d love it if I didn’t have to marry some crazy floozy by December. Thanks for finally seeing me as a man.” The creak of a floorboard made his eyes shoot to the doorway where Jaylyn stood, holding a plate with an omelet on it and trying not to laugh. “Need another moment alone?” “I thought you were hiding,” he grumbled. “How did you find time to cook me breakfast?” “It’s an omelet, pretty simple.” She set it on his desk. “Have a good talk with dear old Dad?” He leaned back in his chair and smiled as what he’d just done sank in. “Actually, I did.” “From your grumbling, I’d say it was a tossup.” She fiddled with the bottom of her jacket. “Why are you staring at me funny?” “No reason at all.” “And that’s a load of bullshit,” she said, turning to leave. “Keep your secrets, that’s fine and dandy.” “What are you doing tonight?”

She paused mid-step at the doorway. “Cooking dinner like always, why?” Shit, that’s right. Georgette was over tonight. “Tomorrow night?” “Walker, what are you doing?” she asked, and he heard the hint of hope in her words that told him she knew exactly what he was trying to do even though he’d said nothing. “I thought we could enjoy an evening of being friends. You know, hanging out, maybe watch a movie,” he said and wanted to smack himself. How horribly lame did that sound? You’re trying to ask her on an official date and that’s what you come up with? Jaylyn’s shoulders sagged slightly but enough that he noticed. “Sure, why not? Maybe you can cook, too.” “Ha, you don’t want me in there. I’ll set something on fire.” “Maybe, maybe not. I could always teach you how to cook. Wouldn’t be a bad set of skills to know in case you ever own another restaurant. And it could impress your future wife instead of having someone else do it for you all the time.” Walker felt the sting of her words from across the room. Jaylyn wouldn’t be there past the new year. She’d be back in her restaurant and he would be a married man, most likely to a woman he couldn’t stand and he doubted any of them would

be appreciative of him in the kitchen, but he hated the notion of trying to hire another cook. Unless he made this work with Jaylyn. He’d kissed her that morning, and it was hotter than the first kiss they’d shared. He’d wanted to disappear into the pantry with her for an hour or two or tote her up to his room and explore the new and confusing feelings he had for her. He cared for her, but it was so much more than that. He wanted to know everything about her and be a part of her life, and not as her employer. “Yeah, you’re right,” he replied finally. “Right. I should get back to the kitchen to figure out dinner,” she said and waved. Walker opened his mouth to call her back, but she was gone. He was treading a very dangerous path with no plan, no idea of what he was actually doing. He convinced his father to let him date someone not on his approved list, but they couldn’t be seen together in Woodstock, not on a date. He would start taking the other women out, away from the house, so Jaylyn wouldn’t have to stress over them and their obnoxious attitudes. He shook his head, searching for the best way to do this, but he would now juggle three women he did not want to be with and the one woman he had to figure out how to have by his side. If it works out, he reminded himself. Jaylyn and he might not fit together as he dreamed, but that’s

not what his jittery hands and fluttering heart told him. “Douglas!” he bellowed, and the old man hustled into his study, looking panicked. “What’s wrong?” “Close the door, would you? I’m in desperate need of your assistance.” Douglas’ lips thinned as he closed the door. “May I suggest the next time you are simply in need of my assistance, do not bellow as if you’re dying? I thought I would have a stroke.” “Sorry, but it’s rather urgent. Jaylyn—I want to treat her tomorrow night.” “Oh?” Douglas’ brow arched and he gave a knowing smile. “And what did you have in mind?” “I’ve done something that will probably come back to bite me in the ass,” he admitted, “but I’ve convinced my father to let me date a new woman, one he doesn’t know…if you catch my drift.” Douglas’ eyes lit up and he clapped his hands together. “Yes, I believe I do, but sir, you understand how tricky this will be? What happens if she’s the one you decide to be with? Leo Allard will never allow his son to be with, let alone marry, a chef.” “We’ll worry about that if and when the time comes.” Douglas frowned, worried, but didn’t argue. “What do you need from me?”

“Tomorrow night, I need help cooking.” “I beg your pardon?” “Oh, come off it, I’m not that bad a cook,” Walker said, but Douglas scratched his nose, looking down and away from him. “Fine, you cook and I’ll get the house ready for a fun date night for once.” “Have you told her this is a date?” Walker cringed. “Not exactly. I said a night as friends.” “And that is mistake number one,” Douglas whispered. “Sir—Walker—you are playing a very dangerous game with your emotions and hers. I’m not sure I see this ending well.” “So you expect me not to try in case it doesn’t turn out the way I hope?” Douglas paced the study, his hands clasped behind his back. “I want you to understand the risks you’re taking here, for you and for Jaylyn. She’s already in a fragile state because of her father. If you get her hopes up that she can have a life with you and it doesn’t happen, it could break her. I know you see, as I do, how she’s barely hanging on some days.” Walker hadn’t thought of what any fallout from this could do to Jaylyn. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right.” “What would you like to do?” “Go along with what I told her, I guess,” he

said, his gut clenching as he thought of their kiss that morning and how much more he wanted to have with her. For the moment, he would have to wait. They both would. “We’ll order pizza or something instead.” “Sounds like a good night with a friend to me,” Douglas agreed and quietly left the study. Walker couldn’t eat anything and pushed the omelet away. The only thing that mattered was Jaylyn getting her restaurant back. He reminded himself of that again and again throughout the morning. He’d told her that from the beginning. Trying to be with her would mess everything up worse. If Leo ever found out, he would not only keep the restaurant and lodge from Walker, but ensure Jaylyn never worked in this state again, believing she had seduced his son to get what she wanted. Leo would take it personally, as he did every action made by another, especially if he believed it damaged his family. After she had her place back and after he was married and divorced, then maybe he would have his chance with Jaylyn—if they were both willing to wait that long. He stood and walked to the window, glaring out into the woods surrounding his home. When had his life become so bloody difficult?

11

JAYLYN FOUND A NOTE FROM W ALKER IN THE kitchen the following morning telling her not to prepare anything for dinner that night. He had taken care of it. She wanted to question him about it, but Douglas told her he was out the door early that morning, helping with last-minute details at the lodge and restaurant. Her restaurant. She was dying to be there opening night and see how well it did and how the food tasted, but if Walker’s father was there, she didn’t want to stir up trouble. She wasn’t good at keeping her mouth shut when people pissed her off, and Leo Allard pissed her off royally. Simply thinking his name made her curse as she poured her coffee and sat down at the table, three dogs at her feet to keep her company. With no dinner to plan for, she flipped through the paper, not really reading anything. Her truck was

still having fits and she needed to take it into the shop, but that involved calling a tow truck. Her money for the month had gone towards her bills and those of her parents to dig them out of their financial hole. Darien was supposed to get treatment that day, but a text from Mariah early that morning said the hard-headed man made them load up in the car early and drive along the coast because he wanted to see the ocean. Jaylyn was tempted to be at their apartment when they returned to whack her dad upside the head to try and get him back to the hospital, but he was a stubborn ass. It wasn’t going to happen. Being alone gave her time not only to fret over her dad, but about Walker, too. Yesterday when his dad showed up and he kissed her, she hadn’t known what to think. Still didn’t. That man confused her as well as delighted her, and it all aggravated her. There couldn’t be anything between them. She knew that and he should, too, but he kissed her. Twice. Why? The friendship they’d built so far was strong and she wanted to keep it that way, but at the same time, she longed to explore those kisses further and see what else they could be together. He awoke a passion in her she thought she’d lost the day his father bought the restaurant out from under her family. She was at home in this kitchen and in this great big house. It seemed strange to

think a day would come when she wouldn’t be here with three dogs following her around and Douglas to talk to when she worked, or hear Walker’s voice calling out when he was home or playing with the dogs. “You seem extremely deep in thought, my dear,” Douglas said as he joined her at the table later. “And it is far too early in the morning to ask yourself the deep philosophical questions of the world.” She smiled and reached down to pet Strider’s big head when he sat up. “I can’t help it.” “Your father?” She nodded. “He’s refusing to go back for treatment again. That man will drive my mom insane.” “He has good intentions.” “How is dying sooner good intentions?” she snapped, then recoiled. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bite your head off.” He patted her hand warmly. “Your stress is understandable. No need to apologize. What I meant was he’s thinking of you and your mother, but maybe not in the way you want to understand. He’s trying not to leave you with a mound of debt you can’t get out from under. He doesn’t want to be sick all the time so you both have to take care of him like a child. I’ve seen it before.” “With Walker’s mom?”

“No,” he said, smiling sadly. “No, with another family I worked for. The husband did the exact same thing. They were wealthy, but the first year of his sickness cleaned them out. I stuck around out of friendship more than anything else.” His eyes took on a faraway stare as he looked past her and out the window. “It’s hard to watch the ones we love leave us.” “I want him to fight, to hold on a little longer,” she whispered. “Just until I get the restaurant back to show him we did it. That we fought back and won.” “I’m sure he’ll know, even if he’s not around.” Jaylyn hated hearing out loud that her dad might not make it through the rest of the year, but it was the reality she had to face sooner or later. Darien Wilson, the rock of her family, might not survive for much longer. At least the grand opening was in a few days and he could see his restaurant still being successful, she hoped. “Are you looking forward to this evening? A night of relaxation?” Douglas asked brightly, and Jaylyn was happy for the distraction. “I think so, but I’m not sure what he’s up to.” “Why, whatever do you mean?” “Y’all suck at lying, just so you know.” She leaned in closer and whispered, “We’ve kissed, Douglas. Twice. What am I supposed to do with that?”

Douglas grinned, but she saw a hint of worry on his face. “I’m afraid I can offer you suggestions on many subjects, but Walker kissing you is not one of them.” “But tonight isn’t supposed to be a date, right?” Her hands fidgeted in her lap until Strider pawed at her to keep petting him. “He knows as well as I do that would never work—a relationship, I mean. So there’s no point in trying, right?” The old man sighed as he folded his hands on the table and she saw a range of emotions cross his face. “You may have a point, but then again, what do you keep telling your father? There’s a point in trying, yes? We’ll never know for certain what the outcome of any situation will be, but if we don’t try, we’ll never find out.” “That’s what you’re going to leave me with?” she complained as he stood up. “Douglas!” “I have chores to attend to, my dear.” He waved at her and disappeared into the dining room. Jaylyn grunted in annoyance and Strider huffed at her. “I know, right? He can’t just leave like that. So,” she said, leaning down so she was eye level with the great, big dog, “what do you think, huh? What’s your daddy up to?” Strider’s booming bark bounced around the kitchen, but it didn’t tell her a damn thing. Too distracted to even think of spending the day experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes, she

took the dogs outside to play, hopeful that watching them tear around the yard would pull her mind away from the possibility of starting something with Walker. They were hanging out tonight as friends. Nothing more. It couldn’t be anything more.

Jaylyn screamed and covered her face as the little girl screamed and raced across the hall to attack the people in the other room. Walker was there with her, clutching the throw pillow tighter to his chest as he looked away. “Why did we think this was a good idea?” she muttered and smacked his arm playfully. “What? You said you’d be down for watching any movie.” “So you pick a horror movie about a doll? I hate you right now. I really, really hate you.” She jumped again a few moments later and he laughed, draping his arm around her shoulders. “I’ll keep you safe.” “I’m glad you don’t own any dolls.” He glanced down at her, then away. “What? You don’t, do you?” Despite her worries for what this evening was really about, when Walker came home and their

evening started with beers and pizza, she relaxed and went with the flow of the evening. He was fun and she was so comfortable around him, as if they’d been friends for years, not months. They’d started far apart on the couch, but as the movie became terrifying, Jaylyn found herself cuddling into his side as he cackled at her expense…until he jumped and cursed too. He was so warm and cozy to be beside that she hadn’t found the urge to move back to the other side of the couch and give them some distance. He didn’t attempt to move the other way either, so they sat on the middle of the couch, her with her legs pulled up beneath her and his propped on the ottoman. For the remainder of the movie, Jaylyn kept one hand covering her eyes in case it got too scary and Walker’s arm stayed on her shoulders. As the credits rolled, they looked at each other and decided a more light-hearted movie was needed before they could attempt to go to sleep. She flipped through the channels and landed on a romantic comedy she hadn’t seen before. “I’m never watching a scary movie with you again,” she murmured and waited for him to scoot away from her, but he didn’t. She thought about it and made a move to, but his hand fell to her shoulder and drew her closer to his side as if on instinct. He stared at the TV, either not realizing he’d done it or waiting to see what she would do.

“I thought it was quite enjoyable,” he announced. “We should make it a weekly tradition.” “Should we now?” “Why not? I haven’t had such a relaxing evening in months, and I have a feeling neither have you.” She couldn’t argue with that. “Walker?” “Yes, my lady?” She grinned. He called her that earlier, too. She didn’t want to like it, but she did. It sent a pleasant thrill down her spine, hearing him address her so formally. The words she wanted to hear slipped from her mind and she fumbled, her thumb digging into her opposite palm as her nerves spiked. She sighed, desperate to get back what she’d rehearsed all afternoon about her reasons why they shouldn’t let this, whatever it was, go any further. His hand suddenly closed over hers, stopping her bad habit. He lifted her chin and their eyes met, making her breath catch. Her heart thudding in her chest, she licked her lips, and he watched the movement, scooting even closer. “Walker,” she breathed as she moved towards him like a magnet being pulled. “Jaylyn,” he replied softly, cupping her face. His thumbs brushed her cheeks and she forgot why this was a bad idea. She closed the distance between them and kissed him hot and heavy as he

pulled her easily onto his lap. His hands held her ass as they kissed without worry or care for what they were getting themselves into. Jaylyn didn’t think she could stop now that they had crossed the line. She wanted him, plain and simple. From the way he held onto her, the feeling was mutual. His kisses trailed down her neck to her collarbone as she tugged at his hair and heat pulsed through her body. She felt his erection harden in his jeans as she straddled his lap, and being with him was now a necessity. His hands moved up beneath her sweater, each touch of his fingers pressing into her back driving her want for him even more. She kissed him, their tongues dancing to a frantic beat as he surprised her with his strength and picked her up as he stood. Without a word, he carried her to the stairs and ascended them, their path slow as the dogs ran around their legs, thinking they were playing. When Jaylyn had first arrived, she thought she would hate every day working for him, hate being in the same house with him. But those feelings had been thrown to the curb when he showed her the man he truly was. She hadn’t wanted to admit it before, but she was falling for this man with every kiss, every soothing, hot touch of his hands on her body, with every step closer to his bedroom. They laughed as Strider jumped up, trying to get into his arms with Jaylyn, and he had to set her on

her feet. They weren’t in the bedroom yet, but she pressed him into the wall so she could kiss him again, tugging at his t-shirt until he lifted his arms and she shoved it over his shoulders. It dropped to the floor and she was finally able to admire his well-toned abs and pecs. She ran her fingers along those abs and lower, following the light trail of sandy hair leading into his jeans. As her hands moved to his hips and she stood on her toes to cover his lips with hers again, she worried they were moving way too fast. They’d only kissed twice and were going to have sex? The idea of pulling away now made her long to have him back again. He ran his hands through her hair as the passionate kiss turned to so much more. He removed her sweater from her body and slid the straps of her bra down her arms, one after the other. Goosebumps covered her flesh at his light touch and the hunger burning in his eyes as he stared at the slopes of her breasts about to be laid bare before his eyes. He reached around and unhooked her bra easily, letting it fall away. He practically growled in approval and lowered his mouth to kiss and suckle her before she had a chance to brace for the intensity of the raw desire flowing into her from him. She was in his arms again as he carried her the rest of the way to his bedroom and laid her on his bed, following

her down. Walker’s kisses were so intense, they resonated deep, and she wanted him buried within her. He kissed his way from one breast to the other, suckling hard on her nipples as she squirmed beneath him. His tongue did not play fair, swirling around the hardened points of sensitive pink flesh as her hands clung to the sheets, grasping for anything to hold onto. He slid down her body and painstakingly unbuttoned her shorts, revealing black panties beneath. He grabbed the tops of both at her hips and with his eyes locked onto hers, dragged them down her ass and legs so she was naked before him. Jaylyn wasn’t close to shy, not with him, not as his gaze raked over her flesh and promised so much pleasure tonight. Jaylyn wanted him to strip out of his jeans and join her, but when he spread her legs, it wasn’t his cock he filled her with. His fingers glided along her swollen, throbbing lips, driving her to the edge. She tried to shift closer, but he didn’t let her have what she wanted yet. When she was about to complain that teasing wasn’t nice, he went down on her, sucking her clit hard as his fingers thrust inside her body. They twisted as they thrust, rubbing perfectly on her gspot as if he knew exactly where it was before he even started kissing her. The moan quickly became a cry of pure ecstasy as his mouth worked against

her bead, terrorizing the nerves as his fingers filled her, stretching her even wider. Her gut told her Walker would be a good lover, but she had no idea he’d be this intense. She thrashed on the bed, her hips bucking as she rode his mouth, not caring what she looked like lost in the throes of passion. As she rode the waves of the orgasm, he licked the length of her before his tongue replaced his fingers. Her body couldn’t be ready for another one, but the moment he thrust that muscle within her sheath, she was right on the edge again and tumbling head over heels. “Too much,” she gasped as he held her hips, dragging her further down the bed. “Want…want you,” she pleaded as her body trembled with another rush of pleasure. “Walker.” He pulled back and she sank to the bed until she heard clothes rustling and sat up again. He was naked, his cock bobbing. She wanted it. God, did she want him and his impressive form standing at the foot of his bed. She reached out and wrapped her hands around the burning hot shaft. His grunt of pleasure made her lick her lips before she closed her mouth around the tip. He smoothed back her hair and watched intently as his cock disappeared into her mouth, but as much fun as she hoped to have with him, he removed himself from her grasp and they tumbled back onto the bed, wrapping arms and legs around each other in their desperate need

to be close. There was no room for words, no spare breath as they moved as one being until finally coming together in a mad rush of thrusting bodies and grasping hands. He spread her legs wide with his knee, and Jaylyn was more than swimming through a world of ecstasy. She was home. With Walker holding her close as he kissed her fiercely and his hips moved faster and faster, she was home. He rolled them again and she was on top, riding him hard as his hands cupped her breasts, tugging and teasing her nipples until she threw her head back on a cry. A fire in the kitchen wouldn’t have any heat compared to the inferno growing between them in the sheets. When she shuddered and collapsed to his chest with a scream of release, he rolled them over again and finished with another powerful thrust home, burying himself completely inside her as his groan joined her cries. He fell to her side and they lay beside one another, covered in a fine sheen of sweat and panting for air. When she found his gaze, they started to laugh, and the laughing turned into hysterics as he drew her close, kissing her up and down her neck and on her cheeks, tickling her sides. The dogs leapt up in bed with them, and Jaylyn forgot Walker was the son of the man who had ruined her family. That he was her enemy and her boss.

Instead, she saw only the man she’d been waiting for all this time. A man she could be herself around and enjoy life with. Whatever worries she had for their future would be set aside and dealt with tomorrow. Tonight, she would take her parents’ advice and live.

Walker grunted in his sleep, stretching carefully as he yawned and grinned at how worn out, physically, he was. Mentally, he was ready to take on whatever life threw his way next. Jaylyn mumbled in her sleep as she rolled over to her stomach, hugging his pillow close. The sheet slipped down her body, and he gazed at her back, a back he knew quite well. He’d been ready to hold off on making any moves, but during the movie, they found their way to each other until neither could resist. Softly, he kissed her back and she smiled, still asleep. He rested easily beside her, the three dogs snoring around the room. He couldn’t be with another woman, not after this night. He finally saw the fun, carefree side of Jaylyn, and that was all he wanted to see. No stress, no worry about him marrying someone he loathed so she could get her restaurant back. No matter how this went down, he would find

a way to get her what she deserved and make her his. The road ahead was far from clear, but he’d be damned if he didn’t try his hardest to make her happy. She belonged with him. After one night, he knew it deep in his soul. Jaylyn was meant for him and no one else. She rolled over again and snuggled into his chest as he held her. His eyes slipped shut and he drifted back into a restful sleep.

12

A PHONE RANG CLOSE BY. W ALKER GRUNTED AND buried his face in the pillow, but it kept ringing and ringing and ringing. A pillow whacked him in the head and he bolted upright, confused. Last night came back to him—even more exciting than the previous night—and he spied a naked Jaylyn ready to hit him again, still looking half-asleep herself. “Phone,” she said through a yawn. “It’s like the tenth time they’ve called.” “Who is it?” “No idea, but I’m going back to sleep.” She tugged the comforter around her and disappeared beneath the blankets, leaving Walker to scrounge around on the floor for his jeans to find his cell. “Hello?” “There you are,” a furious voice answered him. “Walker? What’s going on?”

Shit, I should’ve looked, he thought glumly as he rubbed the back of his head. “Nothing, I’m fine. Georgette, why are you calling so early?” He heard the covers rustling in the bed and winced. He shouldn’t have said her name aloud. “Why? Do you not remember what today is?” He rubbed his face, trying to catch up to the morning, and cursed when he remembered the grand opening was today. He’d promised Georgette a private tour of the lodge and restaurant before the festivities kicked off that afternoon. “Yes, I remember. I’m slightly out of sorts, is all. It will be a very busy day.” He heard feet hit the floor and watched as Jaylyn wrapped the sheet around her body and disappeared into the master bathroom, closing the door behind her before he could say a word. He climbed back up to sit on the edge of the bed, wishing Georgette hadn’t called him. All day yesterday, he’d thought about what to tell Jaylyn, and he could tell by the look in her eyes, she was torn, too. They had a great connection, but both teetered on the edge of not wanting to fall into each other’s arms again and get caught up in the moment. Somehow, they’d wound up back in his bedroom, forgetting about their worries and how badly this could end. “Yes, it is. Do you still have time to pick me up

or should I meet you there?” Walker watched the bathroom door, waiting impatiently for it to open again so he could talk to Jaylyn. “Uh…meet me there if you could. I’m running behind, I’m afraid.” “Meet you there? I wasn’t really asking, Walker.” “I’m sorry, but I don’t have time. Please meet me there? I promise I’ll make it up to you today.” “You’d better,” she muttered and hung up. He tossed his cell on his bed and held his face in his hands, wondering what he should do. Jaylyn hadn’t come out of the bathroom yet, so he decided it was time to go in after her. The water wasn’t running when he knocked and she called for him to come in. “Sorry, I’ll be out in a second,” she said, not even looking at him. “I know you need to get going.” “Wait a second,” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist, but she slipped from his hold. “Jaylyn.” “No, it’s fine. The last two nights were fun,” she said brightly, but he heard the annoyance in her voice. Whether it was at herself or him, he couldn’t decide. “But we both know this is nothing more than a fling.” It couldn’t have been worse if she suckerpunched him in the gut. “A fling?”

“Yeah. I’m bringing us back to reality. You’re an Allard and I’m your in-home cook.” “I think you’re a bit more than that and you know it. I know you do,” he argued, but she backed away from him towards the door. She smiled, but it failed to reach her eyes. “Look, this is fun what we have going here. I’m not saying let’s not keep this going.” “The fling, you mean,” he said to clarify. “You want to what, be friends with bennies?” “Why not? We’re adults,” she pointed out. “And that way, no one gets hurt. We don’t get wrapped up in emotions and then shit gets messy. It’ll be easier.” She was rambling and Walker tried to follow, but she rushed past him and out the door. “What the bloody hell just happened?” he muttered to his confused reflection. He showered and dressed, stuck in a daze. He was ready to fight for what he felt for Jaylyn, but she backed down from it like she was scared. Scared of what? Walker didn’t want to admit Douglas could be right and him trying to start a very complicated relationship with Jaylyn while she dealt with her father and the restaurant was too much. He had to find a way to make her understand what he was willing to risk. He knew what he’d experienced the last two days and it was far from simply lust. Since she’d worked for him, they’d grown closer as friends first, something that had

happened with no other woman before her. Once he was ready for the grand opening, he made his way downstairs, but Jaylyn wasn’t in the kitchen. “She left,” Douglas called from the dining room. “I thought her truck wasn’t working,” he said when he reached the man. “She borrowed my car. Said she needed to get to the store today.” “Sure she did,” he muttered. “Did something happen?” Walker didn’t have time to fill Douglas in. “No, nothing at all. I’ll see you this evening.” “Good luck today, sir. I’m sure your father will be very proud of you.” Walker was sure Leo would be his usual serious self, no matter what the good news was about the lodge having every room booked and the restaurant reserved both nights of the weekend already. Leo Allard wouldn’t even congratulate Walker. No, he’d wait until they were a few months in and the restaurant hadn’t fallen down around him. Then, maybe, he would tell his son what a grand job he did all on his own. A drive he’d been looking forward to yesterday now made him anxious and fighting himself on turning around to go find Jaylyn instead. She acted like she had to be strong all the time. It had to be why she wasn’t willing to try.

He’d suck it up and get through the day, but when he saw her again, he wouldn’t let her walk out on him, not until he told her exactly how he felt.

“How does the food look? Nothing’s been sent back, right?” “Will you calm down,” Hannah said through the phone. “John is doing a great job and it’s packed.” “Walker did Frankie a favor for helping me move,” she explained, pacing anxiously around the kitchen. “Y’all are sure everything’s going well? Nothing’s on fire or something and you’re just trying to keep me sane?” Hannah sighed. “I thought you wanted it to do well.” “I do,” she confessed, thinking of how confused and almost hurt Walker appeared that morning when she hurried out of the bathroom. She had to get out of the house and clear her head. She intended to check on her parents, but after texting her mom, found they were not at home and walking through the park up north instead. She’d driven around for another hour, filled Douglas’ car up with gas, and finally deemed it safe to return to the

house. “Can you see him at all?” “Who?” “Who do you think, Hannah?” “All right, you don’t have to be so testy.” She hummed under her breath, and Jaylyn tried not to picture him walking around her restaurant with that woman on his arm instead of her. Her stomach ached, remembering how warm and perfect it was to have his arm around her, and imagining that arm around Georgette. She didn’t even know the real Walker. None of them did. “Are you sure he’s here?” she said, but her voice was higher pitched than normal and Frankie muttered something in the background. “Hannah, I love you, but don’t lie to me.” She mumbled something Jaylyn didn’t catch and suddenly, Frankie’s voice came through. “He’s here and he’s with that Tindal woman.” “And do they look like they’re having a good time?” “He’s smiling, but it’s fake. I can tell that from a mile away. Why do you care so much if they’re happy?” he asked sharply. “Is there something you need to tell us?” “Nope, nothing at all.” “Uh huh. Right, keep telling yourself that,” Frankie muttered. There were muffled sounds and then Hannah was back on the line. “Do you want me to be obnoxious?”

“No. As long as the restaurant’s doing well, that’s all I care about.” Hannah sighed. “Yes, it’s doing great. Are you going to be all right? Do you want me to stop by sometime?” “No, just have a fun date night with Frankie. I’ll talk to you guys later.” She hung up and forced herself to sit down in the living room to watch a movie, but the only ones available that night were romantic comedies. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” She grunted and tossed the remote aside, giving up trying to find something that had nothing to do with two people falling in love. That wasn’t what happened with her and Walker. She was not in love with him. They spent two incredible days together, but thankfully, reality came knocking that morning and she was reminded why it could never happen. He was back with Georgette and she would have to accept it. Her focus needed to be on her dad and the restaurant, not having the happily ever after playing on the TV.

Walker set his empty glass on the bar and checked his watch. “Is there somewhere you need to be?” Georgette asked, sitting beside him at the bar.

“If you’re about to scold me for being distracted, I could get onto you for the same thing,” he pointed out, nodding to her cell in her hand. “That thing’s been going off all night. If you need to leave, please feel free to go.” She tucked her cell in her purse, her fingers tapping anxiously on the bar. “No, I don’t need to leave.” Walker frowned. “Who keeps texting you?” “It’s none of your business.” “Look, if we’re supposed to get along and potentially marry one day, it might be good if we actually started talking like we like each other, as friends if nothing else.” She hung her head. “It’s my ex-boyfriend. He… uh, he broke up with me a few months before all of this started. He couldn’t exactly stand my family so he dumped me and now he keeps texting, saying he wishes he never had.” Walker ordered two more drinks for them. “Do you want him back?” he asked quietly. She sighed heavily, and for the first time since meeting Georgette, he felt like he stared at who she really was and not the face she put on every time they got together. “Sometimes, but I can’t exactly change my family, you know?” “Oh, I know.” “I’m sorry, that was wrong. I shouldn’t tell you that.”

“No, I would like us to be friends and be honest with each other.” She tilted her head as she studied his face. “There’s someone you wish you could be with, isn’t there?” she stated. “I knew it. You’ve changed recently, and I knew it had to be a woman.” He tried not to smile but couldn’t help it, thinking of Jaylyn. “It is, but I’m in the same boat you are. It’s quite complicated and she has quite a bit on her plate at the moment, too, so I don’t think it will work out the way I hope.” She patted his arm and lifted her glass. “To the loves we can’t have, eh?” He clinked his glass against hers. “To the ones we wish we could be with.” He shot back his drink and set the glass down on the bar. His mind racing with the knowledge that Georgette was trapped in the exact same situation as he was, he wondered if he could use that to his advantage somewhere down the line. One thing he did realize after this night was if he had to marry any of these three women, it would be Georgette. Tonight changed how he saw her and he realized they could be friends if nothing else. The evening wore on and Georgette told him she was heading out for the night. She kissed his cheek warmly, as a friend would, and left him at the bar. His father had left a half hour before, so there was no reason for Walker to stick around. He

waved to the bartender and checked in with the kitchen to let John know he did a great job for the opening and he’d be by to see them all in the morning. The drive home was better than the drive there as Walker’s mind shifted from one idea to the next on how to make Jaylyn see they could be together and that Georgette might be the key to it all. He parked his truck in the garage and hurried inside, where he heard steps flying down the stairs. Worried something was wrong, he rushed through the kitchen and ran into Jaylyn struggling to pull a sweater on and hold her purse at the same time. “Shit!” she yelled when they collided and he caught her before she fell. “Sorry, I have to go.” “Go where? It’s after nine.” “Dad—he’s in the hospital,” she sputtered and ran past him out the back door. Walker followed and watched, confused, as she climbed into her truck. “Your truck doesn’t work.” “I don’t have any other vehicle. If it doesn’t start, I’ll call a cab.” “No, you won’t. Get in my truck. I’ll drive you.” She didn’t argue like he expected and hopped out of the truck to follow him to the garage. He asked which hospital and she told him as he backed down the long drive, turned around, and hit the road. Jaylyn’s leg bounced and she held her head in her hand, glaring out the window.

“What happened?” Walker asked ten minutes into the drive when she still hadn’t spoken. “I don’t know. Mom texted and said she was rushing him there.” “He’ll be all right,” he said and reached over for her hand, holding it firmly. He expected her to pull away, but she squeezed it back and fell silent again. He drove faster and cursed mentally as his plans for him and Jaylyn would have to be put on hold again. But her father was more important. They made it to the hospital forty-five minutes later, and he followed her inside, headed up two floors, and found a woman who looked remarkably like Jaylyn except older pacing the hall. “Mom!” “Oh, Lyn!” The woman ran to meet her daughter, and they clung to each other as she mumbled to Jaylyn what had happened. “He collapsed. He couldn’t breathe. I don’t know what’s happening.” “Have they said anything?” Jaylyn asked. “He’ll make it through the night, but they have to take new images to see how far the cancer spread. That stupid ass man. This is what happens when he doesn’t get treatment like he’s supposed to.” Walker shoved his hands in his pocket and hung back, not wanting to interrupt. Jaylyn turned, wiping tears from her eyes. “Mom, this is Walker

Allard. He was nice enough to give me a ride.” The woman held out her hand. “Mariah Wilson. Jaylyn’s told me great things about you.” Walker didn’t take her hand; he wrapped her in a hug and she hugged him back. “If you need anything at all—I’ve told Jaylyn, but I want you to know too—anything, please let me know. It’s the least I can do for you and your family.” “Thank you,” Mariah told him. “We appreciate it, we do.” She smiled softly as she patted his cheek. “You are certainly nothing like your father.” “So I’ve been told. Jaylyn? Mind if I talk to you for a moment?” She walked down the hall with him. “Thank you for getting me here.” “Listen, your mom needs you right now and so does your dad,” he said. “I want you to take some time off and stay with them. Just until you see how your dad’s doing.” She shook her head. “No, I need to be at the house. What about your dates? And the restaurant. I have to be around in case anything goes wrong and they need help. Or you need help.” He laid his hands on her shoulders and bent so their faces were level. “Your parents need you more. I’ll survive for a few weeks.” She shoved her thumbnail into her palm, but he caught her hands quickly to stop her. “Take as much time as you need. The job will be yours and you will still get

paid. Think of it as paid vacation,” he told her. “All right?” “Mom would be happy to have me around to help,” she admitted, giving in. “Good. I’ll have Douglas bring you some clothes tomorrow and you take your time, as much time as you need. I’ll check in with you.” He wanted to kiss her, wanted to take her in his arms and promise everything would be all right and he had a plan to work their complicated lives out, but he had no plan. And kissing her now might make matters worse. She might say what they had was no better than a fling, but they both new the truth. Now was not the time and place to push the issue. She hugged him and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Walker.” He wanted to keep holding her, but he had to let her go. She hustled back to Mariah’s side, and he forced his feet to turn around and take him back to his truck. He didn’t want to go back to an empty house, and even the dogs seemed sad as he climbed upstairs to bed. They stopped at Jaylyn’s door, wagging their tails and waiting for her to appear. “She’s not coming back today, boys,” he said and whistled. “Come along.” But the dogs didn’t move. Walker gave them each a scratch behind the ears and gave in, opening the bedroom door. They charged in and jumped on her bed, sniffing madly and looking for her in every

corner of the room. When they came back to him with no Jaylyn found, Strider barked. “What? I can’t help it,” he told the dog. Strider barked again and growled at him, his tail wagging and ears up. “I know, boy. I’m going to miss her, too. But she’ll be back, you’ll see.” The dogs finally joined him in his room and curled up in his bed with him. He closed his eyes, his hand resting on the furry body of one of the dogs, and ignored the growing worry in the back of his mind that he had lost his chance with Jaylyn and she might never come back.

13

JAYLYN FLIPPED THROUGH THE COOKING MAGAZINE, jotting down notes on the post-its in her lap and sticking them to certain pages. The hospital chair made her ass go numb, but her mom was asleep on the small cot by the window and she didn’t want to leave Darien’s side. For three weeks, she’d been in and out of the hospital, taking shifts with Mariah and forcing her to go home at least for a few hours every now and then. Darien was stable again but the doctors weren’t willing to release him, so for three weeks, this had been Jaylyn’s home. She missed the dogs greeting her in the morning. She missed the massive kitchen she got to cook in, but worst of all, she missed hearing Walker’s laugh. She missed talking to him in the kitchen. She missed their casual dinners together and she missed having him in her life. He

texted her and she texted back, but neither seemed to have the guts to call the other. “You’re thinking too hard,” Darien rasped from the bed. Jaylyn lowered her magazine and smiled. “Nice to see you too, Dad.” He tried to sit up but was weak. She stood to help prop him up. “You spend too much time here, just like your mother.” “We’re keeping you company. Do you not want us to keep you company? Save you from endless hours of boredom stuck in this white-walled room?” A nurse came in to check on Darien and smiled at Jaylyn. She asked Darien a few questions about how he was feeling while she checked his IV and the monitors. Jaylyn was fine with waiting until she left, but clearly her father was not and picked up the conversation where they left off. “I’m not going anywhere in the next few days, kiddo.” “So?” “So, get your ass out of this hospital and get back to your life,” he argued firmly. Jaylyn crossed her arms. “You are part of my life.” “You know damn well what I mean. That Walker man. Your mother told me all about him, and I can tell by the way you’re fidgeting you want to be with him. So go be with him.”

“It’s not that simple.” The last time she saw her dad this heated over anything, it was when they’d lost the restaurant. “And I don’t think it would work out anyway.” “Why the fuck not?’ “Dad!” “What? Gertie has been my nurse every day. She knows I have a mouth.” Gertie laughed as she made some marks on his chart. “Oh, don’t I know it, Mr. Wilson.” “See? So then tell your old man why you aren’t willing to give him a chance. You like him, don’t you?” Jaylyn turned away from him. “Maybe, but we’re friends. We’re good friends. I don’t want to ruin that, and he has duties and the restaurant is on the line.” “Your life is far more important than a restaurant. Your happiness is more important.” Confused, she turned back to stare at him. “But Jaybird’s is your dream. It’s what you and Mom worked so hard for. If I don’t get it back, what kind of daughter does that make me? I can’t let you lose your dream.” He held out his hand. “Lyn, come here.” She sagged but moved to his side and held his hand. “What?” He chuckled and dragged her to sit on the edge of his bed. “I’m going to be very honest with you,

hon. I’m sick and I’m only getting sicker.” “Dad, you’re supposed to stay positive.” “Listen to me,” he said sternly. “What matters most is not restaurants, or businesses, or anything else. It’s about the people you want in your life, and I do not want you throwing away your chance to be happy for a damn building.” Tears pricked her eyes, but she couldn’t wipe them away. He was telling her to give up the restaurant so she could be with Walker, but it couldn’t happen like that. Without the restaurant, she had nothing, and if he didn’t marry floozy one, two, or three, he would lose everything he had to his name. How could she drag him down like that? “I want you out of this hospital and back at Walker’s by the end of the day.” “I can’t walk away from you.” He hugged her and kissed her forehead. “You’re not walking away from me. You’re fighting for a life of your own, and there is nothing wrong with that. I love you, kiddo, but you can’t hang around all day waiting for me to die.” Jaylyn bristled at his blunt tone, but he was right. She hugged him hard, fearing if she let go he would vanish, but he pulled his arms back and gave her a gentle shove off the bed. “Get your ass out of here.” She brushed the tears from her eyes, picked up her tote filled with a spare change of clothes and

several magazines, and did as her dad said. She looked a mess, but she wanted to see Walker face to face. She could freshen up when she got back to the house. She called for a cab and debated on the whole drive whether he was still interested in her as she was in him. What if she walked in and he was making out with Georgette? Or in bed with Helena? Her thumbnail dug so hard into her palm, she winced and tried to rub away the crescent-shaped dent in her skin. If he moved on, she would, too, and she would focus on the restaurant. And if not…if not, she would take back her words of it only being a fling. She didn’t want a fling. She wanted Walker. The cab parked at the end of the long drive. She paid and headed up to the house. She was more nervous than she’d been on the day of her interview, but the second she stepped into the kitchen and the jingling sound of dog collars exploded through the house, she was home. She crouched down and let the dogs knock her to the floor, smothering her with kisses and wagging tails. Laughing felt so good after the tension of the last three weeks sitting on pins and needles about her dad’s health. “Jaylyn?” She managed to see Walker through the furry bodies. “Hey, I hoped you were home.” “How’s your dad doing?” he asked and offered her a hand to pull her to her feet. He didn’t let go

and neither did she. “Better. He…uh, in no uncertain words, told me to get my ass out of the hospital.” “He’s still there?” “Still there, but stable, so I’m trying to stay positive.” She glanced around the kitchen, but everything appeared to be in good shape. “How have things been here?” “Quiet but not terrible. The kitchen hasn’t caught fire yet.” “With you or Douglas cooking?” “Both, actually.” “You cooked?” she asked, surprised, as he reached down and picked up her tote. “I did.” He offered her his arm and they made their way upstairs to her room. “You would be very proud of me.” “I’m sure I would be.” The tension between them grew, but all her plans of tackling him the second she saw him disappeared as her nerves took over. He said nothing about the other women, but he did have her hand tucked in his arm. “We’re glad to have you back,” he said firmly when they stepped into her room. “It’s been quiet without you around.” “It’s nice being back. I’ll get right back into the swing of things.” “Take your time. I haven’t had too many dates

these past few weeks.” She frowned. “I hope it’s not because of me.” The smoldering gaze he gave her left her breathless as she realized it was definitely because of her. “Get yourself settled back in and I’ll cook for us tonight.” “I look forward to it.” He backed out of her room, leaving her to unpack her bag and take a long, hot shower to wash away her unstable emotions over being back in the same house with Walker. For three weeks, she pictured him spending all his time with the three women, but none of them were there tonight with him. She was, and she would find the courage to say something.

Days passed with Jaylyn back in the house, but every time they were together, he was tongue-tied and couldn’t bring himself to say the words he’d spent three weeks figuring out. He wanted to kiss her even more, but for reasons he couldn’t fathom, he froze each time he considered making a move. She seemed as uncertain as he was, and they played a game of avoiding each other from the time they met in the kitchen over coffee to the time they turned in for the night.

Douglas sighed every time he saw Jaylyn leave a room without Walker saying anything besides a normal conversation. “You’re letting her slip away,” he whispered. “Aren’t you the one who told me I shouldn’t do this? That it might be too much for her? What if it doesn’t work out?” he argued. “Then it doesn’t work out, but I will admit I think I was wrong.” “You’re saying I should try to be with her?” “If you fail, then you fail, but at least you’ll never regret not trying.” Douglas’ words stuck with him for the next few days as June passed by and July drew closer. He was planning the end of summer family get together —at his home this year—when Douglas said he was taking off early. Walker frowned but didn’t argue and watched the man leave out the back door. “Where’s he going?” Jaylyn asked as she exited the pantry with a basket of spices in her hands. “Had to get home for something,” Walker said, and she nodded absently. The house was empty and would be the rest of the day. This was his chance to talk to her and explain that he wanted more than a damn fling and knew she did to. “So this party you’re having in a month,” she asked, her back towards him, “you going to call Frankie and ask him to cater it? I think it’d be good

business for him.” Walker stood and walked towards her slowly. “I was planning on it, unless you want to call him for me, get the ball rolling so to speak. I think he likes you better than me anyway.” “Hmm, he’s just a good friend.” “We all need those sometimes, and sometimes…” He hesitated when he was only a few feet from her. So close, he could reach out and pull her in his arms. “Sometimes, we find someone we want to be more than just friends with.” The hand sorting the spices froze and he heard her sharp intake of breath. “Walker.” “I wasn’t sure if you’d come back,” he whispered. “I was worried I’d lost my chance.” “What chance? We don’t have a chance and you know it,” she argued, not facing him. “You don’t know that, and don’t you dare stand there and lie to me saying you don’t want to see where this could lead.” She didn’t respond, but he took it as a good sign. “Jaylyn, please. I know that night you felt something more.” “How could you know that? You can’t know that.” Her voice was quiet, but he heard the pleading in her words, wanting it to be true. Wanting them to be together. “This is stupid. We’ll have to what, date in secret, and then what?” He shrugged. “Then we figure it out. We worry about it when the time comes.”

She sagged against the counter, but he wasn’t giving up yet. He turned her around, forcing her to look him in the eye as she decided whether she wanted to take this chance. Their gazes met and he decided words were pointless. He kissed her passionately, crushing her to his chest as his lips moved with a hunger he could no longer control. He waited for her to pull away, shove him back, slap him even, but she melted into him. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she stood on her toes to kiss him better. He picked her up, needing to feel her, needing to have her after so many days apart. He wanted this to be romantic, to carry her off to his room and make love to her the proper way, but their desires were too great. Her body thrummed in his arms with pent up energy, and he laid her out on the closest thing he could find: the kitchen table. Jaylyn voiced no complain as he set her on it and they fumbled for each other’s pants. He tore at her chef’s jacket and pushed it over her arms, tugged up her tank, and struggled to undo her bra as she made quick work of his pants. Her hands closed around his hardened shaft, and he groaned as she pumped him hard and fast. He pulled himself free so he could suckle her breasts and she whimpered, wanting to hold him, but pressed his head closer at the same time. Pants… he needed to get her pants off. Their limbs were a flurry of movement as he lifted her enough to drag her jeans down along with

her thong that shouldn’t even count as underwear. He grabbed himself and laid her back, spreading her legs wide so he’d fit. She was dripping, waiting for him to pierce her slick folds. The moment he thrust home, they gasped in unison. He grabbed her hips and thrust again. She held onto the edge of the table as each powerful thrust moved her entire body. He shifted his hold so his thumb massaged her clit, and her back arched off the table as a moan escaped her lips, those lips he’d waited too long to kiss again. This moment, this was what he wanted with a woman. Every move and sound was raw and real. There was no faking. Jaylyn and he, in that moment, this was real. The intensity grew and he lost himself in the sound of her cries, thrusting faster, filling her with more than simply his cock. He gave himself over to her freely, trying to explain with every caress that he wanted her to take him, all of him, body and soul. Her body thrashed against his as she squeezed every drop from him, her orgasm igniting his. He threw his head back with abandon, bellowing his release as she cried out with him. They came together as one being, their bodies quivering until they were both sated and collapsed to the table. Except he didn’t want to let her go, and she clung to his body as if he was the only thing in her life

that mattered. He kissed her as he slipped free, making them both shiver from the loss. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the stairs. Neither said anything. He reached his bedroom and laid her down, falling beside her as their touches became less frantic and more exploratory and loving. He stripped out of his jeans completely and removed his t-shirt so she could see every inch of his body. It belonged to her anyway. He knew it in his heart. No other woman would ever make him feel like this again. Only Jaylyn. She kissed down his chest and lower still. He was about to tell her he was far from ready to go again, but the moment she licked his shaft, it jerked and perked up as if they hadn’t had a quickie on the kitchen table. While her hands massaged his thighs, her tongue lathered his cock until it was hard and standing again, ready to be buried in her burning hot sheath. But she didn’t move to straddle him. One hand pumped down him followed by her mouth and those perfect lips. Her tongue licked his tip each time she moved back up, and he grunted, digging his fingers into the sheets as curses fell from his lips. “That shouldn’t be legal,” he muttered then drew in a breath as she sucked hard on him. When he managed to glance down, he saw her lips curled in a mischievous grin before she took almost all of

him into her mouth. He felt himself bump against the back of her throat and nearly came. His eyes rolled back as her mouth moved faster and he finally had to beg for mercy. “Don’t you want me to keep going?” she whispered seductively. “Not until I hear you scream again first.” He rolled over, pulling himself from her gasp, and spread her legs wide. His fingers spread her swollen lips and filled her a moment later. He twisted and turned them as his mouth sucked on her clit until her hips bucked and she tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her go. He moved up her body and captured her lips hotly in his, his hand fucking her hard and fast. He took a nipple between his teeth, nibbling and sucking as she rode his hand without a care. But it was too much for Walker to simply watch. He couldn’t take it any longer. Removing his hand and grinning at her annoyed whimper, he rolled her to her stomach, grabbed her hips, and spread her legs easily with his knee. He rubbed his cock against her lips and she shivered, pressing her ass back into the cradle of his hips. Guiding himself in, he took her from behind. She twisted her hands in the sheet, her cries turning into one long scream. Walker closed his eyes, losing track of his body as he thrust until he finally filled her completely and was overcome with ecstasy. He remained deep within her until he couldn’t hold

himself up anymore. They tumbled to the bed in a mess of limbs and sheets. His hand rested on her thigh and hers on his, their panting the only sound in the room. “I, uh, I missed you,” he said finally, and she laughed. “I’d be an idiot not to say the same.” Her laughter died away, and he propped himself up to see the worry gathering in her eyes again. “We’re going to wing this and see what happens?” “We’ll keep it low key,” he promised. “But I can’t keep my hands off you. And I don’t want to.” He brought her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles. “I don’t want you to,” she whispered, even though her brow furrowed with confusion. “What’s wrong?’ “Besides what’s going on with my dad, nothing feels wrong about this,” she said sincerely, entwining their fingers. “It’s better than the first time we fell into bed together.” He found his way to her and kissed her sweetly. “I’m yours. Don’t think I can picture myself with anyone else.” “Good.” She kissed him back, and they hugged until her stomach growled and his echoed it a second later. “I think a trip back to the kitchen might be in order.” She hopped off the bed and scooped up his t-shirt.

He leaned back, admiring her legs as his shirt covered the rest of her body, but barely. She dug her thumbnail into her palm and he grabbed her hands. “What are you so nervous about?” “Nothing, I just…I’ve never been very confident about certain parts of my body. Too much extra fluff in certain areas.” She glanced down and frowned. “There is nothing wrong with any part of your body, and later, after we’ve eaten, I’ll prove it to you,” he said with a wink as his stomach growled again. “But you realize I haven’t eaten all day.” “I made breakfast.” “If I recall, you didn’t eat it either.” “I have a lot on my mind—well, had. Now it’s dropped quite a bit.” He tugged on his jeans, and slipping his hand into hers, they left the bedroom. “Glad I could be of some help.” Tomorrow, maybe they would find time to come up with a better game plan for what they were getting themselves into, but for now, all he wanted was Jaylyn, smiling and happy by his side.

14

THE REST OF JUNE FLEW BY IN A BLUR , AND WHEN the time came to host the party for Walker, she was beyond turning back. Whatever the two of them fell into was more than a fling. It was more than simply sex—not that she’d admit that aloud yet, and neither did he. Still, she couldn’t even count the number of times they snuck a quickie in the pantry or on the desk in his study. Or the living room couch, or the kitchen island. Once, they even did it outside at night under the blanket of stars, and she’d never felt so alive. That morning when she woke up in his bed again, she ran her fingers down his cheek as he slept. The three dogs snored loudly around the room, and she let herself believe this could be her future. Waking up to his face every morning. She slipped from the bed and took a quick

shower before making her way downstairs to get the dogs fed and the kitchen prep started. Frankie would arrive in a few hours with his crew of cooks to get the food ready for the upcoming party. She’d barely started a pot of coffee when the door swung open and two strong arms wrapped around her waist. Walker nuzzled her neck and she giggled as he kissed her. “You have to be hands-off today, remember?” she reminded him as he continued to hug her as she moved around the kitchen. “Walker.” “What? We still have a few hours.” “And you don’t think this is going to be weird at all? Me here with your three ladies roaming around?” She expected to feel a spike of jealousy knowing he would spend the day talking to them and ignoring her, but at the end of the day, she knew who Walker wanted to be with. “It is, but my father will be present as well, so there’s not much I can do unless you’re ready to lose the restaurant.” She spun in his arms and stared up into his face. Darien told her the restaurant wasn’t everything, and she knew that, she honestly did, but at the same time, she wanted Jaybird’s back. Wanted to run it and carry on her dad’s legacy. “You’re right, I know. I just don’t want to make life difficult for you.” He kissed her again and held out a purple

bandanna for her hair. “The only thing you do is make my life about a hundred times better. Don’t forget it.” “I’ll try not to.” The back door opened and Douglas walked in, muttering under his breath about the dogs trying to get at the bones in the shopping bag. “You confounded beasts. No one’s going to get anything if you don’t settle down,” he tried, but the dogs kept bouncing around him. Walker clapped his hands to try and calm them, but that failed too. Jaylyn rolled her eyes, put her fingers to her lips, and whistled. All three dogs turned on the spot and plopped their butts down, waiting patiently as they stared at her. Douglas and Walker looked to her, and she planted her hands on her hips. “You have to know how to talk to them.” “Traitors,” Walker whispered to the dogs, and Strider yipped. “Right, I’ll be upstairs getting ready if anyone needs me.” Jaylyn wanted to follow and sneak in a quick shower with him, but Douglas was there and Frankie wouldn’t be too far behind. She busied herself with setting up the kitchen before moving to the dining room. They would turn the table into a massive buffet line. Frankie’s boys would take care of the grill out on the gravel drive while he and Jaylyn managed the kitchen. When the horns started honking outside, she threw a towel over her

shoulder and went outside to see Frankie stepping out of his catering truck with two more vans behind him. “You look like you’re in a fantastic mood,” he said when he reached her. “Is that a bad thing?” she asked and propped open the back door. “Mind the dogs! They won’t bite, but they’ll lick you to death!” Douglas rushed out after the dogs to try and gather them up and take them around back. They would have to be put on leads for the party, but the day was cool and they had plenty of bones and water to keep them occupied. “You ready for this?” she asked and lead the way inside. “Catering a party for a bunch of rich ass people? What’s not to love?” “At least we get to hide in the kitchen all day.” Not having to watch Walker speak to those women was a bonus, or seeing Leo Allard walking around with that serious, smug face of his. She wondered if one day, his face would freeze in a permanent scowl.

Hours later as the sun made its downward descent in the sky, guests arrived and the festivities began.

Walker set up lawn games out back, liquor flowed freely from the bar in the lounge across the hall from the dining room, and the house was filled with music and cheerful voices. The kitchen bustled with cooks and servers pushing food out of the kitchen and bringing in more from the grill. “Jaylyn, Frankie,” Douglas said on one of his pass-throughs, “the food is a big hit. Walker wanted me to tell you how impressed he was. He’s throwing in a bonus for a job well done.” “You can tell that man thanks very much,” Frankie said with a wide smile. “You need to make friends with some more rich men. I could make bank in a few years and retire early. Sounds like the perfect plan to me.” Jaylyn nodded, but she wasn’t really paying attention. Frankie had asked her earlier how living there was going, and she’d lied and said it was boring but doable. She was making money and that was what mattered, but the truth tugged at her annoyingly until she wanted to blurt everything out to her friend. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” He nudged her, and she set down the knife she’d used to chop vegetables. “The usual. I’m worried about Dad and the restaurant.” “Both of which, I think, are doing fine,” he mused.

The kitchen door swung inward, and she caught a brief glimpse of Walker speaking with some men, drinking beers, and having a good time. “I knew it,” Frankie whispered and she flinched. “Knew what?” “Don’t lie to me. You’re turning bright red, woman. I told Hannah. I told her you were hiding something! Are you and him? Are you two…you know…” He bumped his fists together, and her face burned hot. Grabbing his arm, she dragged him to the mudroom and closed the door. “Stop with the hand gestures and close your mouth, for God’s sake.” “You’re having sex with him. Jaylyn, what the hell are you thinking?” “It’s a long story.” “No, it’s not. You made a deal with this guy to get your restaurant back, and now you’re sleeping with him? You really don’t think this is a bad idea at all? In any regard?” He pressed his palm against her forehead and she shoved it away. “I’m not sick and I’m not crazy, all right?” she snapped and paced away from him. “I like him, Frankie. I like him a lot and he likes me, too.” Frankie was frowning when she faced him again. “I thought you said he was engaged.” She crossed her arms nervously. “Like I said, it’s a long, complicated story.”

He blew out a heavy breath. “What did you get yourself into, woman? Do you even understand how wrong this could go? Do you really think he’s going to give up this rich life of his to marry you?” “Not at first, no.” “Not at first?” he repeated confused. “Jaylyn—” “He has to marry one of the women his dad approves of first, get the restaurant under his control, and then he can divorce her and we can be together,” she rambled. The second she said it, she realized how bad it sounded and why Frankie stared at her like she’d lost her mind. “I’ll admit it sounds worse than it is.” “You’ve landed in a goddamn soap opera!” he yelled and she hurried to shush him when a few of the people in the kitchen turned to look at them. “I have to tell Hannah. We’re having an intervention or something. This is insane. I can’t let you be with a guy who’s clearly using you!” “He’s not sleeping with anyone else.” “And that’s supposed to make me feel better? None of this makes sense, you see that, right? To a normal person, none of this makes sense!” “I never was much for sanity,” she muttered and stalked towards the door. He blocked her path, but she glowered at him and he stepped aside. “I’m trying to look out for you.” “Well, you’re doing a shitty ass job,” she

snarled and whipped around on him. “I’ve put up with some shit before, but with Walker, the world does make sense. I’m happy with him, happier than I’ve ever been, and he’s willing to put himself in a horrible situation so I can have my dream and we can run it together.” She sucked in a deep breath and yanked her bandanna from her hair, her heart pounding. “I’m sorry if you don’t approve, but things aren’t always easy. I’m not walking away from him and I’m not leaving my dad’s restaurant behind either. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get some air.” She stormed out of the mudroom as the words she nearly let slip rattled around in her mind. Love. She’d almost admitted she loved Walker. She cut through the hall that led from the kitchen, around the house, and towards the foyer and ducked her head low as she marched upstairs to wash her face and cool off before she accidentally set something on fire, like Frankie’s hair. She tried to tell herself countless times falling for Walker was a bad idea and the chances of them actually winding up together happily ever after were slim. But no matter how hard she attempted to stay away from him, she always wound up back in his arms. Jaylyn couldn’t walk away now. She would have to see this through to whatever end.

Brittany’s laughter cut short when she caught the woman darting upstairs. No one ever went upstairs in Walker’s house, but that woman had. Excusing herself from the gaggle of women she gossiped with, she walked to the stairs and glanced up in time to see the woman disappear down the hall. After all the times she’d come here, Walker never once gave her a tour of the upstairs, and Brittany swore she saw a chef’s jacket. She hurried quietly up the stairs and peeked down the hall. The woman disappeared into a room and Brittany bristled. Was that her bedroom? Or Walker’s room? He was outside with his father and a few other business men, discussing how well the lodge was doing. So why was she up there? Brittany hustled down the hall, struggling not to fall in her four-inch heels and tugging her short dress down when it rode up her ass. The door was open, and when she peered inside, she had to swallow a gasp of shock. The room appeared well lived in, as if this woman lived in the house with Walker. Her Walker. She glared around the room and her gaze landed on the messed-up bed as her thoughts darkened. Was he sleeping with the help, or was she sleeping with him thinking she’d be able to weasel her way into his life? She crept further into the room when she heard water running and assumed the woman was in the bathroom. There was a photo on the dresser of a woman with two

older people Brittany assumed were her parents. A quick glance in the closet showed nothing of taste and there was no jewelry in sight. Nothing that told her who this woman really was. She should have left, but her jealousy rose like a violent beast, and she parked her ass on the foot of the bed to wait. The door opened a few moments later and a woman Brittany had to grudgingly admit was pretty jumped when she saw Brittany. “Damn it, what are you doing up here?” she asked, confused. “I could ask you the same thing. You are the cook, are you not?’ she snapped, though a smile remained on her face. “Yes, I am.” “Then why are you up here? Do you live here?” The woman glanced around the room with an arched brow. “Clearly, so if you would be so kind to get out of my room, that would be great. I have to get back to the kitchen.” “Yes, the kitchen.” She sighed as she stood and sauntered towards the woman. “I want to remind you that the kitchen is your place and your only place in this household.” “Is that right?” “Quite. Walker Allard is not for you, or any other woman of your…stature. He belongs with a woman like me.” The woman stared at her blankly and burst out

laughing. “I’m sorry, it’s amusing is all. You think you’re his favorite, don’t you?” Brittany huffed. “Why wouldn’t I be?” “No reason, except I know for a fact you’re not,” she whispered as she passed her on her way out the door. “You know what? I don’t care. Stay up here, snoop around. You won’t find anything, but whatever makes you feel better.” “Are you fucking him?” Brittany yelled, hoping to shock the woman, but she kept on grinning. “Are you?” “Why don’t you ask him yourself if you’re so insecure?” She winked and waltzed out of the bedroom, leaving Brittany to fume alone. She went through the woman’s things, but aside from a poor taste in clothes, she found nothing to give evidence she was sleeping with Walker or they had any relationship at all. But she was living in his house, and when Brittany finally exited the bedroom, she spotted another open door at the end of the hall and cursed. The woman slept in the room right beside Walker’s. No one’s help slept that close to them unless it was for a reason. As she rejoined the party, she sought out Helena and Georgette and pulled them away from their conversations. “What do you want?” Georgette drank her martini and appeared bored as she always did. “Do you know who the cook is?”

“Which cook? The one Walker hired who makes incredible food?” Georgette asked. “Why do you care so much?’ “Did you know she fucking lives here?” Helena’s eyes widened in shock as she choked on her drink, but Georgette merely blinked. “I’m not sure why that’s surprising. She does work here all day long. He probably wanted to save her the trouble of commuting.” “Or he’s doing something else with her,” Brittany seethed. “She’s digging her claws into him, manipulating him. She’ll turn him against us.” “Now you’re being paranoid,” Georgette argued. “Or I’m onto something. Has he ever made a move on any of you?” Helena and Georgette shook their heads. “You think he’s having sex with her?” the first asked, horrified. “Why would he do that to us?” “We’re not married to him yet,” Georgette reminded them, “and we all know he’s dating all three of us. He’s not exclusive. He can do what he wants for now, as far as I’m concerned.” “Seriously? You really want this tramp with him? Why doesn’t this piss you off more?” Georgette finished her drink and offered a polite smile, but Brittany saw the gears turning in that woman’s eyes. She knew something the others didn’t, but whatever it was, she kept it to herself.

“Good afternoon, ladies. I’m heading back to the party.” Brittany fumed as she walked away, her hips swaying as she flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I hate her.” “Ditto. What are we going to do about this cook?” “I already warned her to stay away, but if that doesn’t work, I’ll come up with something to get rid of her. Walker needs the three of us. He can always hire another cook.” Brittany shot back the rest of her whiskey and pop, and went to grab a second one. She glared at Walker from across the room. All this time, she knew that man hid something from them. No man turned down a night with her, but he flat-out refused to give in to her flirting. Soon enough, she would change the game, and Walker would be eating out of the palm of her hand and the rest of the women could watch from a distance, envious of all she had gained.

15

THE PARTY WENT OFF AS WELL AS COULD BE expected, but Walker forgot about his stuffy ‘friends’ and what they had to say about his lodge and the restaurant. He’d seen Jaylyn several times throughout the day, and her mood shifted from happy to downright pissed off. He asked her about it once everyone had gone home, but she shrugged it off and put on a fake smile. That was over a week ago and she’d barely been alone with him since. The notion that one of his ladies had figured out that Jaylyn lived there and might have said something to her about it crossed his mind, but he didn’t feel the urge to call and ask each one if they’d harassed his staff. None of them could know what really went on between him and Jaylyn. If word reached his father, their quickly budding

relationship would fall apart in a shot and he would lose everything, along with the restaurant. Evening had settled in, and he walked inside after spending all afternoon playing with the dogs and trying to clear his head. His hope was to coax Jaylyn outside, too, but she remained tucked away in the kitchen. He’d just opened the door when he heard a gasp and glass shattering. “Jaylyn?” He raced through the mudroom and saw her clutching her cell in one hand, standing barefoot amidst a pile of broken glass from whatever she dropped. She didn’t say a word, but he heard someone talking on the other end of the line. Tears streamed down her face and she looked ready to collapse. Walker lifted her quickly out of the glass and sank with her to the floor as she buried her face in his shirt, mumbling, “No,” over and over again. Walker’s heart sank as he understood what the phone call must be and placed it to his ear. “This is Walker Allard. Jaylyn’s not in a state to speak. Who is this?” “Gertie,” the woman said through her own tears. “I’m the nurse taking care of…or was taking care of her father. He passed away this morning, about twenty minutes ago.” “What?” he asked, shocked. “I know, we were all surprised. It was so sudden.”

“I thought he was doing better?” “He was, but he didn’t make it. Mariah Wilson is here. Can you bring her daughter and get them both safely home?” “Yes…yes, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He hung up in a state of numb shock. “Jaylyn?” “He can’t be dead,” she rasped, shaking her head violently. “He can’t be dead! I can’t… I don’t want to say goodbye to him!” She sobbed and he pulled her into his lap, rocking her gently as he soothed her the best he could, whispering in her ear that everything would be fine. The day his mother died, he had been a wreck. He understood the heart-wrenching pain of losing a parent unexpectedly and far too soon. They sat on that floor as she cried and sputtered words he couldn’t really hear but didn’t need to. He knew what she meant. Her pain washed over him, and all he could do was hold her tight and wait for her to be able to stand again. “We need to get to the hospital,” he whispered. “No—no, I don’t want to see him like that,” she muttered. “I can’t.” “Your mother is there, and she’s hurting like you. She needs you now.” He held her shoulders and stared firmly at her. “You both lost someone today. You won’t get through this unless you support each other.” “How?” She wiped angrily at her face. “How

can I be strong for her? I can’t even stand.” He hoisted her to her feet and held both her hands in his. “I’m going to be right beside you. Whatever you need, you let me know.” He waited for her to nod that she understood and then he looked around. “Where’s your purse? We’re going to head to the hospital now.” She mumbled something about it being upstairs and glanced down at her feet. “I need shoes.” He told her to stay where she was and he would find her sneakers and her purse. Once he had them, he helped her slip into the sneakers, and carrying her purse, he guided her out of the house to his truck. He made sure she was belted in and drove as quickly as he could to the hospital. He wasn’t sure where Mariah would be, but as soon as they stepped through the doors, she was there to grab her daughter, and they hugged, sobbing together. A nurse stood by—the one Walker assumed had called him—and she squeezed his arm. “Thank you for being here for them.” “Anything they need,” he promised. “I can’t believe he’s gone.” “No one can, but it was peaceful, while he slept.” Gertie smiled sadly as she added, “He even had a smile on his face as if he was ready to go and just…drifted away.” With one arm around each other, Mariah and Jaylyn stepped towards Walker. “You are truly a

blessing to this family,” she whispered. “I hope you know that.” “Thank you, Mrs. Wilson. Jaylyn means a lot to me and so does her family. I don’t want either of you to worry about anything while you grieve, so please, whatever you need. If you need me to call people, make arrangements, I can help.” Mariah squinted at him. “You’ve lost someone before, haven’t you?” “My mother, many years ago.” She patted his cheek softly. “You must take after her.” “That I do.” He held her hand to his face and smiled. “Are you ready to go home, or did you need to finish up here?” “No, I think we’re ready. The next few days won’t be easy, and there’s no point in putting everything off. We have to deal with it sometime, and it might as well be now,” she said strongly and pulled herself upright. “Lyn? You know your dad was so proud of you. Still is. He said it a few times yesterday and told me to remind you to be happy.” Jaylyn’s eyes shimmered with more tears, but she wiped them away on her sleeve. “And I will be, somehow. Let’s get you home, Mom.” Walker followed them out of the hospital, his chest tight and heart heavy. If he could take away Jaylyn’s pain, her sadness, he would in a heartbeat. But she had to face this head on and move through

the grief. All he could do was be a good shoulder to lean on.

As the next few days dragged by and the funeral for Darien Wilson finally arrived, Jaylyn wondered how she would ever have made it through without Walker’s help. She panicked when she realized the apartment her mom lived in was far too small to host anyone after the funeral took place. Walker told her the night before he was shutting down Jaybird’s Roost so they could hold the gathering there. She tried to argue, saying his father would be pissed, but Walker had very sternly told her to shut up and let him worry about Leo. “That place is your dad’s legacy,” he’d told her. “It’s only right that you should get the chance to say goodbye to him there.” The sun shone as they went from the funeral home to the cemetery and laid Darien to rest in the ground. Jaylyn and Mariah held hands during the entire ceremony, tears falling silently down their faces, but they didn’t last long. Jaylyn had cried so much since she’d heard the news, she wondered how she had anything left to pour out. Her dad was gone. The idea was strange, thinking she wouldn’t see him at the apartment or at the restaurant, or

hear his voice in her ear when she called. He was gone. A cool breeze blew across her face as the last of the people tossed roses on the coffin lowered into the ground. “Now, let’s go say goodbye to your father the only way he would’ve wanted.” Jaylyn smirked as they walked away from the gravesite towards the car waiting to take them to the restaurant. She saw Walker leaning by his truck, talking to Hannah and Frankie. He waved when he caught her eye, and she smiled, unable to think of how to repay him for all the kindness he’d shown her. Frankie wasn’t smiling, but he hadn’t decked the guy yet so she assumed they were getting along. She’d spoken to Frankie a couple of times, and they’d apologized to each other for their spat. He and Hannah had been over the night before, toasting Darien with shots of whiskey until Jaylyn fell asleep on the couch. “That Walker man, I think he likes you,” Mariah said once they were in the back seat of the car. “We’re good friends,” Jaylyn said, but her mom grinned. “What?” “You’re sleeping with him, and don’t bother asking me how I know. I just do.” She patted her hand and sighed. “I’m happy you listened to your dad, about worrying about being happy rather than

getting the restaurant back.” Jaylyn leaned on her mom’s shoulder. “We both tried, I think, to fight it, but it’s like we were pulled to each other no matter what we did.” “I know the feeling.” “I’m worried it won’t end the way we want.” “It’s better to go after the things you want in case they do work out,” she said. “I wanted you to know that I like him, too. And so did your dad. He swore up and down Walker had to be adopted.” “He said his dad changed after his mom died,” she explained. “But I’m glad he didn’t turn out like Leo. I think I would’ve given him food poisoning by now.” They arrived at the restaurant and everyone waited respectfully for them outside. Mariah greeted them all with Jaylyn by her side. “I want to thank you all, friends and family, for being here today,” she said, her voice shaking. “I…uh, I asked Darien a while back what type of sendoff he would want, and all he did was grin. Let’s put the somberness of the day behind us and celebrate the life of Darien Wilson in true Wilson family, midwest tradition!” Those who knew the family or were family hooted and hollered as Mariah and Jaylyn led the way inside. When Walker asked how the gathering would go, she’d almost told him about the kegger but decided the look on his face would be worth

the wait. Music played, a mix of rock from the eighties and bluegrass country her dad was always a sucker for. Two kegs sat at the end of the bar, and drinks flowed a-plenty. Toasts were shouted out to Darien every half hour, followed by a shot of whiskey. Jaylyn was tipsy after the first two hours, flitting from one group of people to the next to hear stories about her dad. She laughed until her sides hurt, and as she stared around the restaurant he had built, she knew he would always be a part of her life and a part of this place. His blood, sweat, and tears were in every board of this building, and no one could take that away. Hannah and Frankie waved to her from a corner booth, and she hurried to them, giggling as she slipped into the seat beside Hannah. “I think Dad would be quite proud to see how many people are already drunk.” “How are you holding up?” Hannah asked, hugging her. “I’m good. Sad, and I miss him like hell, but I’m good.” The first few days had been the hardest. She hadn’t been able to say goodbye to her dad the way she wanted. But then she’d think about the day at the hospital when he’d kicked her out of his room. He’d been saying goodbye that day. She just hadn’t wanted to hear it. “I think part of me knew he wouldn’t last the year, or didn’t want to. He was in

too much pain.” “He was worried about your mom,” Frankie told her. “I spoke to him a few times, and he admitted he didn’t want to spend years wasting away and watching it tear Mariah and you apart.” Jaylyn wiped quickly at her eyes and cleared her throat roughly. “To Darien, always thinking of others before himself. And responsible for all the drunks in this room today.” They toasted him and took another round of whiskey shots. “Damn, I’m going to feel like shit tomorrow,” Jaylyn said with a laugh. “Life will be weird.” “But you have us,” Hannah reminded her, “and you have Walker.” Jaylyn picked at the table cloth. “And you two are all right with that?” Frankie nodded. “I am. You’ve been happier with him, but I’m not going to lie. You’re in a weird situation with him and his…whatever they are.” “I know, but I’m actually not worried about it.” “I say we toast to that.” Hannah waved her arm for more shots, but Jaylyn shook her head. “I think I’ll get some air for a few minutes, try to get my head to stop spinning.” She pushed herself out of the booth and headed to the outdoor patio. No one was out there, and she leaned on the railing, watching the sunset through the trees. The air was cool and she shivered, rubbing her hands up

her arms, when a warm jacket fell over her shoulders. Without turning, she knew it was Walker. His woodsy cologne filled her nose and his presence comforted her. She leaned back and he was there to hold her up. “Thanks for this, all of it.” “It seemed fitting,” he said, his voice rumbling in his chest and vibrating through her back. “I didn’t realize you had such colorful sendoffs for your family members.” “Yeah, old tradition. We always have a kegger.” “We had my mother’s in a pub,” he told her, and she heard the smile in his voice. “Quite a few drunk relatives stumbled home that night.” His hands rested on either side of her body on the railing, and they stood in companionable silence, watching as the sky darkened. “I’m not sure when I’ll be normal again,” she whispered after a while. “It’s so surreal.” “You won’t be normal,” he replied. “At least not in the way you think. It’ll take time. You’ll have your good days and your shit days, but you’ll get through it with time.” He kissed the top of her head sweetly and held her in his arms, snug and safe. “And as far as I’m concerned, you don’t have to cook a damn thing in my house anymore.” She frowned and tilted her head so she could stare up at his face. “What would I do?” “Live there, with me.” “Just like that? As what exactly?”

He seemed to be mulling over something to say when he settled with, “Do you trust me?” Jaylyn did, without a doubt. “Of course.” “Good. I’ve been working on something, but today’s not the day I want to add any more worries to your plate. Today’s for your dad and your family.” “Will I get to know soon?” she pushed, hoping he’d tell her more. “When you’re ready, then yes, you’ll know.” “I’d better,” she added and relaxed into his arms. “Pretty sunset. A fitting way to end today. Dad was always a sunset kind of man.” They remained on the patio until the sun disappeared. Hannah and Frankie came out to find them. The music played even louder and dancing had broken out in the restaurant as tables were pushed aside to make room. Jaylyn let herself go for the rest of the night, knowing this was exactly how her dad would’ve wanted them spending this day. Celebrating his life with a party to commemorate his adventurous spirit, his wild side. Walker joined in, dancing beside her and even dancing with Frankie at one point. Jaylyn couldn’t thank him or her friends enough for being there for her and it made the day not so sad.

16

W ALKER NEEDED TO PUT A FEW MORE PIECES OF HIS plan into play before he could tell Jaylyn everything he had going for them. Another two weeks had passed since Darien’s death, and she had her good days where she was happy and spent her time creating new recipes in her dad’s memory. Then there were mornings she couldn’t seem to get out of bed. He would curl up beside her and hold her as she cried and told him about growing up in Kansas. The holiday party the Allard company hosted crept closer, but he had plenty of time to make sure he had his bases covered. With Darien gone, he wouldn’t risk losing the restaurant. It should be with Jaylyn. He’d told Jaylyn she didn’t have to play cook for him anymore, and he meant it, limiting his dates

with the other women. He was phasing his time with them out and was having Brittany over that night to inform her he no longer wanted to see her and that he’d made his decision. He doubted she would take it well but hoped things would remain civil. He had planned to get takeout, but Jaylyn had been busy in the kitchen all day. “You don’t think this is strange?” he asked her as he watched from the kitchen table. “I can’t sit around all evening,” she replied, putting a casserole in the oven. “The busier I keep my hands, the better off I am.” He glanced at the clock. Brittany would be there in fifteen minutes. “Tonight I’m telling Brittany it’s over,” he said quietly and waited for Jaylyn’s reaction. She tossed a towel over her shoulder, frowning. “I already called Helena and told her the same thing.” “So you’re going to marry Georgette?” she asked, her voice strained. “I never said that, now did I?” She blinked suspiciously. “What are you planning?” “You said you trusted me, remember?” “Walker, if you mess this up, you’ll lose everything,” she warned him, but he stood and closed the distance between them, silencing her worries with a passionate kiss. “You’re an idiot,” she whispered against his lips as she grinned and

pulled him down for another one. “I’ve been told.” He kissed her again. “Have a little faith. I know what I’m doing.” The doorbell rang, interrupting his ideas of sharing a quickie with Jaylyn in the pantry, but the days for hidden quickies would soon be over. The days of hiding, period, would be over. He answered the door and Brittany threw herself at him the second she was inside. He dislodged her from his body and set her back on her feet. Maybe being polite wasn’t in his best interests tonight. “Brittany, I’m glad you could make it on short notice.” “Why wouldn’t I? I haven’t seen you in so long. I thought you’d forgotten about me.” She pouted and leaned in to try and kiss him again, but he backed up and his smile slipped. Her pout vanished and she glared at him. “What’s your problem?” “I beg your pardon?” “What’s your problem? You can’t get it on with me or any of the other women you date, but you’ll fuck the cook. I knew she was a slut.” Walker’s sense of decency was gone in a shot. “Don’t insult her. She is a hundred times the woman you could ever dream of being, and I believe I don’t want you in my home any longer.” Brittany’s mouth fell open. “You’re admitting it?”

“No, I’m not, but I will not tolerate someone badmouthing those who work under my roof. Jaylyn has been in my employ for months, and I have never received a complaint from a single guest, not one.” “She sleeps here,” Brittany snapped. “Right next to your bedroom.” “You’ve been upstairs?” “I may have followed her at the party,” she confessed flippantly. “What do you see in her that you can’t get with me? I’m all woman, Walker, and I’d be more than happy to show you.” He stepped back again and pointed to the door. “It’s time for you to leave. I’ve made my decision and it’s not you. Leave, or I’ll be forced to call the authorities.” “You wouldn’t dare,” she snarled. Walker smirked. “Actually, I have a better idea.” Placing his fingers to his lips, he whistled loudly. It only took a moment for the dogs to rush out of the kitchen and charge at Brittany. She yelped and ran out the front door, screaming about him being a bastard. Walker didn’t care. He watched from the doorway as the dogs chased her all the way to her car, wagging their tails and trying to jump and kiss her face. He chuckled with mirth and waved happily as he watched her drive away from his house for the final time. “Where’s Brittany going?” Jaylyn asked,

appearing beside him. “She had to run,” he answered as the dogs ran back to the house. “I guess it’s just us and Douglas for dinner.” “I guess so,” she repeated slowly. “I’m not going to tell you so you might as well stop while you’re ahead.” “Oh, come on. This is torture. Douglas.” “Yes?” he called from the study. “What’s he up to?” Douglas put on a horrible innocent face and smiled. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, I’m afraid.” “Bullshit. The two of you are up to something that will make this mess even worse.” Walker caught her arm when she tried to storm off to the kitchen. “Have I ever told you that you worry far too much?” “Yes,” she muttered. “I think I’m allowed to.” “No, you’re not.” He tilted his head subtly to Douglas, and the old man bobbed his in understanding, taking off for the rest of the day to give them some privacy. “In fact, I think you need to relax. How about a bath?” “A bath? Now?” He closed and locked the front door, and as she continued to protest, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. She squealed with laughter as he carried her upstairs, the dogs jumping and

barking as they tried to lick her face. “You’re a ridiculous man.” She sighed. “What’s wrong with a nice, hot, soothing bath?” He didn’t set her down until they were in his bathroom. He turned the water on, poured the bubbles in, and quickly undressed her. She gave up and let him disrobe her and help her step into the large tub. He joined her a few seconds later and drew her back into the warmth of his body as the bubbles swirled around them. He rested his cheek against the side of her head and breathed her in, the fresh herbs she cooked with always a familiar scent in her hair or on her skin. “All right, this is nice,” she said quietly. “Am I ready to know yet?” “I don’t know. Are you?” “If I knew what we were talking about, I’d have a better idea,” she pointed out, but he kissed her cheek and gave nothing else away. “Will I like this surprise, at least?” She spun around and studied him long and hard. Holding her chin softly, he brought her to his lips, kissing her softly at first before it turned into that blinding hunger he experienced when she was around. He drew her onto his lap and ravished her mouth as she straddled his lap. She rubbed her sex against his cock and his desire spiked. It had been a while since they’d had sex, and suddenly, being

deep inside her as she screamed was all he wanted for the rest of the night. His fingers massaged her lips, and he rubbed along her cleft, spreading her folds wide as he rubbed with the palm of his hand, his fingers teasing and tugging her clit. She gasped and her head fell back. His eyes zeroed in on her perky nipples and he sucked one into his mouth. The water lapped at their bodies as steam rose around them. He needed her, but he needed to hear her release first. His hand moved faster, rubbing in the places he knew she enjoyed. Walker’s heart exploded with more than desire. He loved this woman in his arms. Loved her no-bullshit attitude, loved how she took life by the horns and let nothing keep her down. Loved how she laughed with everything she had and wasn’t afraid to fight for what she wanted. He loved her, and as she clenched his fingers, crying out from the pleasure he gave her, he knew he was doing the right thing by making her his and giving himself completely to her. While she was still shuddering, he guided himself to her sheath and bucked his hips. She gasped as he filled her, and he groaned to feel her stretching and taking him in inch by agonizingly pleasurable inch. Cupping the nape of her neck, he stared deep into her eyes as they came together as one. Her jaw dropped and her nails bit into his shoulders, but their gazes never left.

“I love you,” he whispered, thrusting again, and she clenched tighter around him. There was no shock in her eyes, no fear, but the love that brightened her face as she smiled was all he needed to see. “I love you,” she replied, and they kissed in a frenzy of limbs and lips, dancing tongues, and the deep understanding that they were meant to be together.

Walker’s heart flew that night, and he kept her nestled close as they talked quietly after their bath and made love again. He covered her with his body, promising her without words that he would be there for her every day and every hour, every minute of his life. Their moans filled the night air; their love was their blanket, keeping them warm well into the wee hours of the morning. He stirred when the sun peeked through the curtains, and he saw Jaylyn splayed out beside him. He kissed her nose gently, not wanting to wake her, and slipped from the bed. He pressed his finger to his lips, trying to keep the dogs quiet, and freshened up in the bathroom. Jaylyn muttered in her sleep, rolling over, but she didn’t wake. He gazed at her from afar. His fingers remembered the feel of her skin and his mouth the perfection of her lips, her nipples, and her sex as

she cried out for him again and again. Their times before had been great, but last night had changed everything for them both. Today was the first day of his new life with Jaylyn. He dressed and exited the bedroom to head to his study. Douglas wasn’t in yet, but he was sure he’d see him in a few hours. The date was circled on his planner for the holiday party taking place before Thanksgiving. About two months to go. His fingers tapping nervously on his leg, he picked up the phone and called the one woman he prayed would understand his plight and help him, especially if it helped her get what she really wanted. “This better be good,” she grumbled when she answered. “Do you know what time it is?” “I do, but it’s important,” he said. “Can you meet me for breakfast say, in an hour? Not as a date, either. As friends to discuss a very important matter.” He heard rustling. “As friends.” “Yes, please, Georgette. I believe I have a way to help us both.” “Sure, why not?” she mused. He told her of a café in town and she said she would be there in an hour. He hurried back upstairs and left a note for Jaylyn, promising he would be back in a few hours. Georgette wasn’t the only

person he needed to meet with today. He kissed her cheek and left the house in a hurry. When he reached the café, he found Georgette already there, coffee in hand, waiting for him. “Spill. What’s all this about?” she said the second he sat down. “You and I won’t be happy together. You agree?” Her eyes widened, but she smiled and nodded. “We won’t be, but I heard through the grapevine that you have sent Brittany and Helena packing, which begs the question that if you’re not going to be with one of them, who are you going to be with, Walker?” He leaned back in his chair as she kept smiling. “You know already, don’t you?” “Brittany told us about the cook—Jaylyn? Yes, she said she found out she stayed at the house. I’m not stupid. I knew there was a reason you weren’t pushing any of our relationships further than the dining room.” “And you never said anything? Why?” “You know exactly why.” Her smile faltered as her cell buzzed on the table. Walker glanced at it. “The man you want to be with is on the other end of that phone call and the woman I want to be with…is currently fast asleep in my bedroom.” He reached across the table and rested his hand on hers. “We can’t have what we

want until I marry a woman like you and a man like me is off the market so you can go back to the man you love.” “You make it sound so easy,” she muttered sarcastically. “I think it can be, in a sense.” “How? Your father expects you to marry me and my father expects me to marry you. He’s very reluctant to let a man like you slip through his fingers.” Walker prepared himself for her laughter when he said, “That’s why I think we need a fake marriage.” “What?” “Hear me out,” he said quickly. “I swore I would get Jaylyn her restaurant back, and with her father gone, I can’t fall through on that promise.” Georgette’s hand curled at her chest. “I heard he’d died. How’s she holding up?” “As good as can be expected.” “Wait— I’m confused. Why would there be a fake marriage?” “I want to marry Jaylyn for real, and within the next few days. However, my father will never approve of me marrying my in-home cook or the chef from the restaurant he bought out,” Walker explained. “So the fake wedding would be more of a ruse to throw my father off the scent until he’s signed the lodge and restaurant over to me. Then

we can announce who I actually married, and he’ll be bound by his own contracts, unable to do anything about it.” Georgette stared as if he lost his mind. “You’re crazy. You must present your wife at the holiday party. That’s two months away. You want to keep this going for two months? How?” He grimaced. “I hadn’t gotten that far yet, but don’t you want to be with the man you love?” “Obviously,” she whispered and grinned. “I planned on divorcing you about a month after the wedding, to be honest.” “The same thought crossed my mind as well, but if we do it this way, there’s no messy divorce.” She drank her coffee as the moment stretched on and Walker waited for her to say no. But when she set her mug down, she nodded. “Yes? You’re saying yes?” “I’m saying this will go to shit if we’re not careful, but I like you, Walker, as a friend. And I think it’s time we put our parents in their places. We’re thirty, after all. Time to let us grow up, yes?” She held out her hand and he shook it. “You are most certainly right about that.” “If you’re going to marry her, the ceremony has to be done in secret. Your house?” “I had the same idea. Would you mind terribly picking out a dress with Mariah Wilson? And I’ll get on all the other details?”

“It would help spread the rumors around if I’m seen buying a dress,” she agreed. “Call me as soon as you need me.” She giggled and covered her mouth when he glanced at her funny. “Sorry, I haven’t had this much rebellious fun since I was a teenager.” “Welcome back to the rebellious age.” He told her he’d text her soon and texted Jaylyn, but there was no response so he assumed she was still asleep. His next stop was to see Mariah and ask her permission to marry her daughter in secret. He’d barely gotten the words out after she invited him into the kitchen when she jumped up and down with joy and hugged him. “Yes. You have my permission, and this secret wedding thing sounds exciting. What do you need me to do?” He was blown away by her enthusiasm but saw the need for distraction on her face and was happy to oblige. “I hoped you and a friend of mine could pick out her wedding dress. And the flowers, too. I know she’s not a traditional flower type of woman.” “Not even close. Leave it to me. When do you want to do this?” “Do you think it’s possible in two weeks?” She hugged him again. “Two weeks it is.” He was getting close to her birthday but didn’t want to get married on the day. However, this was

sort of a present for her. He hoped. Part of him worried she’d hate him springing a wedding on her, but she had an adventurous side. Either she’d smack him and call him an idiot or she’d run with it. His next stop took him to see Hannah at the bar, where he texted and asked Frankie to join them. When he told them the plan, Hannah was all for it, but Frankie looked ready to deck him. “Oh, stop being a hard ass,” Hannah muttered and hit his arm. “You’ll do it. We’ll be there.” “Good. Jaylyn wouldn’t want to get married without either of you.” Frankie’s face softened. “Do you need anything from us?” “Do you know an officiant we can get in two weeks?” “You’re looking at one.” Walker thought Frankie was kidding, but he pulled his wallet from his pocket and handed over a card. “You’re an officiant?” “My sister asked me to become one last year. Pretty easy.” “Do you mind? I think Jaylyn would get a kick out of it.” “I’ll do it—and Walker, this better all be for real.” He tucked his wallet away. “If you break her heart, I’ll break your legs, and that’s not an idle threat.”

Hannah rolled her eyes and set three beers on the counter. “Stop with the pissing contest. A toast —to Walker and the future Mrs. Allard!” They drank their beers and Walker checked his cell. There was a message from Jaylyn asking if he’d be back for lunch. “I’ll keep you both posted,” he said and paid for the beers. “I have to get home before she suspects anything.” He drove through town but stopped at one more place on his way out to pick up a bouquet of colorful fall flowers and a cute, stuffed puppy. Two weeks. He had to keep the wedding under wraps for two weeks and then he could officially marry the woman he loved. A woman he never expected to find hiding in the restaurant his father bought out. How life worked out this way was a mystery, but he was finished fighting it.

Jaylyn snuggled with the pillow and tried to go back to sleep. Walker’s alarm had gone off earlier than normal, but he told her to stay in bed. He wasn’t going anywhere but had to make some phone calls from the study. She smiled when he kissed her and the dogs traipsed out the door after him. For two weeks, he’d acted weird, and she had

yet to figure out what was going on. She tried talking to her mom about it, but Mariah was out of town for a week. Her friends decided to take her on a cruise to get her away from Woodstock. Jaylyn didn’t argue. A vacation was just what her mom needed, and she was happy to see her go and have a good time. It left her with Hannah to talk to, but she was busy at the bar or with Frankie every time she called. Jaylyn thought it was weird but didn’t worry about it. What did drive her nuts was the fact that her old rundown truck had vanished from the drive a week ago. She hadn’t wanted to part with it, since it was Darien’s, and when she asked Walker what happened to it, he said she had to be patient. That was only the start. Then he started bringing her flowers—a new one every day—and seemed to judge her response to them. After that, it was cake, not baked by him, and yesterday, he spent the whole afternoon dancing with her in the living room to various songs until they finally found the perfect one for them both. She’d asked him what he was doing, but he grinned and told her nothing. He was losing it. The deal with his dad and the pressure of the restaurant was making him lose his mind. She decided to ask if they could go away for a weekend, get away from New Hampshire and have a few days completely alone. A knock sounded at the bedroom door and she

frowned. Walker wouldn’t knock and it was far too early for Douglas to be there. Sitting up and making sure she had at least a t-shirt on, she called out, “Come in.” The woman who stepped inside was not who she expected at all and she yanked the covers up to her chin. “No need to be shy, dear,” Georgette said with a bright smile, carrying a garment bag over her shoulder. “I’ve known for quite some time.” “I’m dreaming,” Jaylyn muttered. “Right? This is a dream?” “Hmm? No, not a dream,” she said and hung the garment up on the closet door. “But on the bright side, this isn’t a nightmare either.” “Why are you here? And why are you smiling?” “Because this is a happy day, trust me. You will be blown away. I think we got your size right. Your boobs are bigger than mine, I think, but it should work.” Jaylyn shook her head. “My boobs?” Georgette nodded and bounded to the bed, holding out her hand. “Come along, my dear. We have a lot of work to do to get you ready for today.” Jaylyn’s mind raced. “I’m sorry, I just… I don’t understand what’s going on.” “You are getting married.” Jaylyn’s heart stopped and her jaw dropped. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You and Walker are getting married—in secret of course. It’s all part of his plan to get the restaurant back, and for him and me and you to get what we want.” “I’m getting married?” she breathed and grinned in disbelief. “To Walker? Today?” “Yes! It’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” “But aren’t you mad about me being here?” she said, confused, and waved her arms around the bedroom. “I mean, you and he were dating and supposed to get married.” “It turns out I’m in love with someone else, like he’s in love with you,” she explained. “Walker found a way to remedy this situation. So, do you want to sit there and keep talking about it or do you want to get married?” “But my mom—she’s not here, or my friends?” Georgette tugged Jaylyn out of bed and guided her to the garment bag. “They will be soon. I’m in charge of your hair, your makeup, and your dress.” She reached for the zipper and unveiled the dress hiding behind it. “What do you think?” Jaylyn was speechless. The dress was ivory and had a plunging neckline with an overlay of lace and delicate beading. It was strapless and had a sash ribbon at the waist that trailed down the front to a slight mermaid hemline. “Georgette…this is perfect,” she whispered. “How did you know?”

“Your mom, of course. You really think she’s been out of town this whole time? Nah, she’s been with me. She’ll be happy to know you approve.” “How did you get my sizes?” She giggled. “Ah, you’ll have to ask your soon to be husband about that. Something about you sleeping and him taking a measuring tape to you.” Jaylyn let Georgette drag her to the bathroom so they could get started on her hair and makeup. Walker had organized all of this so they could get married and have their happily ever after. The lengths he went to for her touched her deeply, and her love for him grew as the hours ticked by. Mariah showed up with Hannah, both dressed for the black-tie affair. Hannah told her Frankie was with Walker downstairs, getting ready, along with Douglas and the dogs. “But how is this going to work? Leo’s going to want to know who he’s marrying before he signs the contract,” she said in a panic after she slipped on the dress. “All taken care of. I’ve been around three cities, shopping for dresses, tweeting about wedding plans, and everything else I can think of. When Walker tells his dad he’s waiting to officially present his wife at the holiday party, Leo will assume that the rumors were true and he married me.” “And you’re sure his dad can’t go back on the

contracts?” “Nope. We had four different lawyers look at them. Your restaurant will be yours again.” Georgette hugged her. “You’re saving me, too, you know. Walker’s meant to be with you and you’re giving me the chance I need to be with someone I love.” “Will you stay for the wedding?” “If you want me to, I’d be honored.” Hannah hugged her next and then Mariah. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart,” she whispered. “Your father would be too. You look fantastic.” Georgette had done her makeup with the hand of an expert and her hair was piled on top of her head with curls trailing down her back. Mariah handed over the bouquet of orchids and Hannah helped her dab at the tears blurring her vision. “I love you all very much,” she whispered. “Thank you for doing this for me—for us.” Music filtered up from the first floor and she trembled with nervous excitement. “Ready to get married?” Hannah asked. “More than ready.” She walked out of the bedroom and let Georgette and Hannah go down the hall first. They disappeared when they made the turn on the stairs. Jaylyn took a deep, shaky breath and smiled at her mom, who was escorting her to her groom. Jaylyn forced herself to take the steps slow so

she didn’t fall on her face. When she reached the platform and turned, the living room had been transformed into a scene from a fairy tale. The furniture was gone and a white runner led from the bottom of the stairs to an arbor covered in orchids. Frankie stood in a tux under it and Walker was beside him. Tears brimmed in his eyes when he saw her, and Jaylyn nearly sprinted to him. He stared at her dress, and his smile widened with each step bringing her closer to him and their future together. Mariah held out Jaylyn’s hand, and Walker accepted it, bringing her around to face him. “Are you surprised?” he asked. “A bit, yeah,” she replied, laughing. “I can’t believe you did all this.” “I think we’re worth it.” He pulled a box from his tux jacket and sank to one knee before her. “I figured I should at least ask,” he added as those in attendance grinned. “Jaylyn Wilson, we met because of a horrible situation, but now we’ve come together to learn a love stronger than any I’ve known. Be my wife? Share my life with me?” He opened the box and her heart flipped over the beautiful diamond and amethyst ring nestled in velvet. “What do you think?” she finally managed to say. He took the ring, slipped it on her finger, and they embraced, kissing as if no one was there.

Frankie coughed loudly and cleared his throat. “Do you think we can marry you two before you lose your clothes?” he teased. Reluctantly, they pulled away from each other and gave the floor to Frankie. “Now, we have come together today in secrecy to wed a very good friend of mine and a man I have come to not only respect, but call a friend.” Jaylyn squeezed Walker’s hands, and as Frankie talked on, looked into his eyes, seeing everything she wanted in a home and a life laid out ready to be lived.

17

W ALKER TUGGED AT HIS BOWTIE AS THE STRINGED band played on the patio. Heaters created a perimeter out onto the lawn so the festivities could be carried outside as well as inside. Leo had invited more people than was normal, and Walker’s nerves about tonight threatened to eat him alive. Jaylyn was hiding upstairs, for now. When he’d seen her in her snug red gown, they’d stolen a few moments so he could show her exactly how hot she made him in that damn fabric. When the time was right, he would make the announcement. Georgette was there as well, but they kept their distance, only sharing slight smiles and waves from across the room. A month before, Leo approved of Walker being married and said before his son could even tell him he knew he’d eloped with Georgette

Tindal. Walker faked looking surprised, worried for the secrecy, but Leo patted him on the shoulder and brushed away his worries. “If you want to have a good life, son, you keep your wife happy. I saw the tweets along with everyone else. She was excited about a small, private wedding.” “Thanks, Father,” he’d replied, sighing inwardly with relief that his father bought the ruse. “You have truly surpassed my expectations. The lodge and the restaurant are yours.” He’d signed the papers and handed them over without another word. “I do expect you to make the marriage official at the party, of course, but for now, enjoy the honeymoon phase before the rest of the world invades your life.” And that’s exactly what Walker had been doing, but not with Georgette. He went home that day and showed the papers to Jaylyn. She’d screamed and leapt into his arms, thanking him profusely for what he’d done for her, but she didn’t seem to understand what she had done for him. When they’d first met, she’d called him a coward, and back then, he had been afraid to stand up to his father and take control of his life. No longer. The weeks with Jaylyn as his wife were the best of his life. They were so close to being finished with this scheme of his. He shifted from foot to

foot, wanting to come clean right now, but he had to wait for his father to give his annual speech. Then he would announce Walker breaking away from the main company and entering a new phase with a new wife by his side to help build up the business. “Walker,” Georgette said when she neared him. “How is she?” she added in a whisper. The people around them smiled and turned away, most likely to gossip about the choice to elope. Let them. They’d have more interesting things to talk about soon enough. “She’s good. Probably less nervous than I am.” “Don’t forget why you’re doing this,” she reminded him. “It’ll all be worth it.” She kissed his cheek and wandered back into the party. Walker considered ducking inside and speaking to Jaylyn one more time, but this was his plan. He steeled his nerves. After tonight, he would be free from his father. The lodge would be his and the restaurant would be hers. He meandered to the bar, downed a bourbon, and checked his cell to see a text from Jaylyn. She said she loved him and no matter what came next, they would work it out. The night before, they sat down to have a very blunt conversation in case this plan fell apart. If Leo found a way around the contract, they would let him keep the restaurant, but Walker was leaving the family business for good. Even if they had to

start over, move across the country, and open a whole new restaurant, they would do it. He debated on a second drink when Leo raised his glass over his head and the music stopped. “If I could have everyone’s attention, please?” The guests moved to gather on the patio and in the backyard for Leo’s speech. Walker migrated towards his father’s side and shoved his hands in his pockets so no one would see them shaking. “This has been a busy year for our company,” Leo started. “Walker took on his first project, and it has been one of the most successful in the history of this company. Profits are up, and within a year, we’ll make back everything we put into making the Sparrow’s Nest Lodge and Jaybird’s Roost restaurant into what they are today.” Polite applause sounded at his words, and Walker smiled and nodded at their approval. “In other news, my son will be branching away from the main company and officially taking over and staying in charge of the lodge and restaurant property.” More applause sounded and Walker knew what was coming next. “And as I’m sure many of you have heard, Walker has made a personal change in his life, but I’ll let him tell you about that himself. Walker?” He cleared his throat and held up his hand in greeting, stalling until he was sure his voice wouldn’t give away his nervousness. He spotted

Georgette in the crowd, texting on her phone. She gave him a thumbs up and he nodded. “As I’m sure many of you have heard, I have searched for someone I could share my life with and who would help me build my own branch of the company.” He stared over the heads of the crowd and grinned when he saw a flash of red. “Would the new Mrs. Allard please join me up here?” Every head turned to stare expectantly at Georgette, but Jaylyn broke away from the crowd in her red silk dress, her shoulders back and head held high. Walker held out his hand for hers and pulled her close so he could kiss her. She took a deep breath and smiled as she turned to face Leo and the rest of the guests. “Who is this?” Leo snapped, confused. “This is my wife,” Walker announced. “Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Jaylyn Allard, previously Jaylyn Wilson.” “Wilson?” Leo stared between them. “As in the daughter of Darien Wilson?” “Yes, that’s the one,” Walker answered. “Problem, Father?” He searched for Georgette in the crowd. “No… no, you married her.” “Sorry, but I didn’t. Georgette and I didn’t exactly get along in that way.” “I will not allow this. You cannot marry her.”

“We’re already married,” Walker reminded him. “And you said if I found someone else, it wouldn’t be a problem. Jaylyn is that someone else.” Leo’s face paled as he yanked his glasses off his face. “She is the daughter of a man you ruined. You truly think she married you because she loves you? She wants the restaurant back.” “Of course she does,” Walker snapped. “We took her family’s legacy away from them as if it was nothing. You never think about the people you hurt while doing business, but I do. I don’t want to run my life or my business the way you have.” He held Jaylyn’s hand firmly in his. “This is the path I want to take with my life, by marrying someone I love.” Whispers sounded in the crowd, but Walker tuned them out. No one here mattered except Jaylyn. “I won’t let you do this,” Leo seethed. “Too late. You signed the contract and there’s no way to get out of it. I checked.” Leo pointed an accusing finger in Jaylyn’s face until Walker moved between them. “You—you did this to him. You manipulated him.” “No,” she responded. “I hated your son when I first met him because I assumed he would be like you, but he’s not. Maybe it’s time you take a look in the mirror and then look at your son, see how

great he is. I fell in love with him. Even if you destroyed my father’s restaurant, I’d still love him, so get off your high horse and come back to the real world.” Walker’s chest swelled at her words, giving him the strength he needed to tell his father, “You can either accept my life and my wife, or you can choose not to see me again. It’s up to you, Father. Please,” he said, turning to the guests, “enjoy your drinks and have a great rest of the evening.” He started walking away, Jaylyn on his arm. “Walker. Get back here. We are not finished discussing this.” “You might not be, but I am,” he called over his shoulder, not hesitating. He didn’t stop until they reached his truck and he opened the passenger side door for Jaylyn. “Where are we going?” she asked as he helped her inside. “One more surprise for you,” he said. “Settle in for the ride.”

Jaylyn wanted to yank the blindfold off her face, but Walker had already threatened to turn the truck around three times if she did it. “Do I get a hint?” “Stop trying to ruin the surprise.” “You’ll wear me out with surprises,” she

murmured. “Seriously, Walker, where are we going?” The truck turned and she heard him put it in park. “We’re here.” The door opened and closed and then hers was opened. A rush of chilly night air hit her, but he slipped his jacket over her shoulders and led her across a hard surface. Parking lot. She nibbled on her lip as he said to wait so he could open a door. Warmth surrounded her and she sighed in relief to be out of the cold. “Now you can look,” he said and removed the blindfold. Jaylyn’s hand flew to her mouth as she stared around Jaybird’s Roost, empty except for Mariah, Hannah, and Frankie. Walker placed something in her hand. “These are yours now,” he said, closing her fingers over the keys. “It’s your restaurant.” There were no words to say how much this meant to her, so she kissed him instead. She kissed him until those present cheered and whooped. She kissed him until they were breathless and another voice announced dinner was served. “John,” she said and hurried over to hug the other chef. “It’ll be good to have you back,” he told her sincerely. “Your dad would be beyond thrilled.” “You staying on?”

“What do you think? I’m not competing against you for business,” he teased and kissed her cheek. “Now, food. Time to eat and celebrate. Jaylyn is back.” She wandered back into the kitchen as John served the food. Walker followed her. She ran her hands along the counters with relief that this incredible journey was over only to start another one. “Are you happy?” he asked. She spun around and hugged him. “You have no idea.” She’d waited for weeks to share another piece of news, wanting to be sure this plan worked the way it was meant to. “Good timing, too. I’ll have a few months to get the kitchen in good shape before I have to step away from it again.” “Step away?” His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?” “I imagine it’ll be hard to maneuver around this kitchen when I’m nine months’ pregnant.” He gulped and paled, and she worried for a second he would pass out. “Pregnant? You’re… you’re pregnant?” She nodded and he whooped with joy, picking her off her feet to swing her around. “I’m going to be a dad. We’re going to have a baby.” “What?” Mariah yelled from the dining room. “Baby. She’s having a baby.” Walker kissed her and picked her up to carry

her back out to the dining room. Champagne was poured and the rest of the night was spent dancing and laughing together with the knowledge that their family was growing. Jaylyn wasn’t worried about Leo. During their scene in the yard, she saw his love for his son plain on his face. He’d be by sooner or later, and she would welcome him with open arms. Life was too short to hold grudges. Walker led her out to the makeshift dancefloor for a slow waltz, and they held each other close as the rest of the world passed them by.

18

Two Years Later “SEE? DID I NOT TELL YOU HOW BRILLIANT A PLAN this was?” Jaylyn mused from the bar. “You did, but I still can’t believe it. Won’t this make things…odd?” Walker replied, swirling the ice around in his highball class. She tilted her head. “You know, I actually didn’t think that much about it.” “How could you not?” They both grinned when their twins giggled and shrieked with laughter, sitting in between their grandmother and grandfather, Mariah and Leo. A boy and a girl, named after Darien and Victoria. Jaylyn was in awe most mornings that she and Walker made people. Little people that ran around

and drove them both insane as much as they brightened their days. The Allard mansion was never boring. Even Leo visited at least three times a week to spoil his grandkids. The first time Jaylyn heard him laugh, she went to feel his forehead to make sure he wasn’t ill. It had taken time, but Walker told her he was reverting to the man he used to be before Victoria’s death. “I know you said they’d get along, but are they…they’re holding hands, Lyn,” he muttered. She giggled mischievously. “And so my plan begins.” “What plan?” “I told you. They’re perfect for each other. She’s making him smile.” Walker sighed, exasperated. “You do realize if this works out the way you want it to, that will technically make us step-siblings.” “We’re a bit past that, I think.” She patted his hand. “I should get back to the kitchen. The restaurant is packed.” “Frankie can handle it.” She stood on her toes, trying to peer through the swinging door when Hannah, their newest bartender at Jaybird’s Roost, set another whiskey sour down in front of her. “Here, drink this and relax. I think we’re going to have another wedding in our future.” Walker choked on his drink and Jaylyn

smacked him helpfully on the back. “There’s something wrong with the two of you.” “Do you regret everything now? Wish you’d married someone else instead?” Jaylyn teased. “Do I regret how much we’ve both changed each other’s lives? No, not even close.” He kissed her warmly, one arm draped around her shoulders. The kids laughed loudly again, and they broke apart to watch. “You really think this is a good idea?” “Eh, what’s the worst thing that could happen?” They stayed by the bar, watching their family and feeling the love expanding. Jaylyn glanced at the photograph of her and her dad on the wall, and knew he’d be happy for how her life, and her mom’s, had turned out. They were happy and that was all anyone could ask for.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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