Page 25 of Cougar Chronicles

“That’s okay. But Miss Holly and I are starved, so we’re going to go to the kitchen and eat our supper. Where’s Luisa?”

“She’s in the kitchen.”

“Okay. You run along and play for a little while. It’ll be bedtime soon.”

“Okay.”

“What a good natured little thing,” Holly said to Jack, as he led her to the kitchen.

“Yeah, he’s a good kid.”

As Holly had originally feared, Luisa was indeed a Latin beauty with black hair and eyes, red lips, a sumptuous figure. She stood at the sink rinsing dishes.

Husband,Holly reminded herself.She’s no threat.

Not that it mattered anyway.

Jack made the necessary introductions and a few minutes later Sam ran in.

Luisa caught him in a hug. “Come on,mijo.Let’s get you ready for your bath.” She excused herself and left the kitchen with Sam.

She’d left them a Mexican feast—cheese enchiladas,refritos, andcarnitas, which Holly had never eaten before. It was stewed pork served with guacamole, sour cream andpico de gallo. It was delicious and very spicy.

Her nose was running after the first few bites.

Jack laughed and handed her a box of tissues from the counter. “Sorry, sugar. Luisa only knows how to cook hot, hotter, and hottest.”

“No problem,” Holly said and meant it. “I love spicy food, really. This is just a little spicier than I’m used to. But it’s wonderful, and it’s homemade. I don’t get to eat homemade food very often.”

“You don’t cook?”

“I love to cook. But what’s the point of cooking for one? Frozen entrees are cheap and easy.”

“When’s the last time you cooked?”

“Heavens, I don’t know.”

“Do you have any specialties?”

“Well, yeah, actually.” Her cheeks warmed. “I told you my mom’s French. I make a meanboeuf bourguignon.”

“Sounds delicious. What is it?”

“It’s beef stewed in red wine, and it’s divine. In fact”—an idea came to her—“why don’t you give Luisa the night off tomorrow, and I’ll make it for you and Sam? You’ll love it, I promise. I’ll have to start it in the morning. It cooks for several hours and the whole house will smell great.”

“What do you need? I’ll have Luisa go to the market.”

“A nice lean cut of beef, about two pounds. And a dry red wine. Some pearl onions and mushrooms. Thyme and bay leaves. Especially the thyme. That should do it. Oh, and flour, unless you already have that. It’s a staple in most kitchens.”

“Now, sugar, flour I have. I make a mean flapjack myself.”

“Okay then.” She shot him a grin. “I’ll expect your flapjacks for breakfast, and I’ll make you a great dinner.”

“Sounds like a deal.” Jack sipped his glass of Chardonnay.

Holly, who normally only drank red wine, had to admit the oaky white worked well with the spicy Mexican fare.

Luisa whisked into the kitchen. “Sam’s ready to say goodnight.”

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