Page 87 of Worth the Wait

“And why’s that?” He quirked a brow.

“Because you weren’t there,” I said before kissing him again.

My brain was going a mile a minute, the ideas piling on top of one another. I needed to figure out a menu that fit Sugar Mountain in both seasons, tourist and local. I definitely didn’t want to compete with the Main Street Diner, which was right across the street, so I planned on talking to Mr. and Mrs. Baker first before I settled on anything. There was so much to plan and do, but I was excited to get started.

“Think Bella will come work for me here?”

I pictured a free-standing bar with a handful of barstools so people could hang out there if they wanted. We could have happy-hour deals, and Bella would be the perfect fit with all of her specialty cocktails and clever ideas.

“I think you’d only have to ask her once, and she’d come running.”

The bells on the door jangled, as someone had obviously let themselves inside. I spun around as my eyes met Patrick’s, who looked like we’d just gotten caught doing something naughty.

“What are you guys doing in here?” Matthew asked, his brow furrowed.

I wasn’t sure how to answer, so I stayed silent.

“I was showing her the restaurant,” Patrick answered, and Matthew gave him a crooked grin and a laugh.

“I can see that. But how are you inside?” He pointed at the set of keys that were still in Patrick’s hand. “Did you buy this place, brother?”

“Maybe,” Patrick responded.

Matthew slammed a hand on one of the interior railings. “I wondered why it was still here after all this time.”

“The guy was going under, and I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Leave everything and go away,” Patrick said matter-of-factly, like buying a fully stocked restaurant was something that people just walked around and did every day.

“Wait a second. You didn’t know?” I asked Matthew as that part clicked.

“No. He didn’t tell me,” Matthew answered.

“I didn’t tell anyone,” Patrick said as Matthew studied him. “I wasn’t sure what would happen, and I didn’t want to hear how stupid I was being.”

I winced, and Matthew reared his head back.

“No one would have called you stupid. We all know how much you love Addison.”

“I just didn’t want anyone else’s opinion,” Patrick added.

Matthew nodded like he’d understood that reasoning completely. “I get it. But it all worked out, so it doesn’t matter.”

Matthew slammed a hand on the railing again. “I cannot wait to eat here, Addison. What’s it going to be?”

Grinning, I shrugged my shoulders. “I’m not sure yet. I want to talk to Mrs. Baker and work out a menu that doesn’t conflict with theirs. I’m thinking elevated barbeque. We don’t have that on this side of town. Comfort barbeque with an elevated twist.”

“I like that term.Elevated.” Matthew repeated the word a few times, each in a different fake accent before Patrick groaned.

“Okay. You can go away now.”

“Jeez. All I do is love you guys, and you’re so mean,” Matthew whined, and I made a face.

“Hey! I didn’t even do anything,” I said, defending my own honor.

“You’re right, Addison. You’re delightful. Patrick sucks. But I’ll give you lovebirds some alone time with your new restaurant.”

Matthew turned around and walked outside, repeating, “Elevated barbeque,” over and over again until we couldn’t hear him anymore.

“I’m closing the blinds,” Patrick growled and did exactly that. Then, he locked the front door before he started stalking toward me slowly.

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