Page 14 of Bryce

Make certain thesheets were spotless and the way she liked them on the beds. Sheliked to put flowers on the tables and next to the bed, to give theroom the garden like smell. Pushing up on the pillows, she fluffedthe pillows and sat there staring at the silk water wallpapers, shehad so lovingly put on the walls.

Her life was settled,dammit! And she wasn’t going to allow some movie star tounsettle it.

*****

When he ventureddownstairs after a restless night, he found her already in thekitchen. The scent of fresh coffee brewing mingled with what heidentified as pecan and cinnamon.

His mouth watered ashe stood there in the cozy dining area, undecided. The woman heremembered as Jessica came bustling out with her beaming smile as shewiped her hands on her apron.

“We thought youwould sleep the morning away. Grab a seat and I will be right outwith a pot of coffee.”

“Thanks.”He still stood there, his eyes going to the kitchen where Zahra wasstanding around the spotless counter. “What’s on themenu?”

“Pecan andcinnamon pancakes. Zahra makes the best. How do you take yourcoffee?”

“Black.”He murmured automatically. Pulling out a chair, he sat facing thekitchen where he could watch her. She was efficient, as if she knewwhat she was about. She also looked tidy and professional.

The faded denimsflattered her full figure, and the thin silk sweater suited hercomplexion. She was wearing an apron. And no doubt, ignoring him. Hewas sure she knew he was there.

Jessica came backwith a pot of coffee and a cup. Hurrying back to the kitchen, shecame back with a basket of freshly baked bread and a bowl of butter.

“Breakfast willbe ready in a few minutes.”

“I am in nohurry,” he assured the woman.

Picking up his cup,he took a sip and closed his eyes in appreciation. He was picking upthe knife to butter his bread when she came out. Putting the knifedown carefully, he watched as she made her way towards him with asmall jug of lemonade.

“Hi.”

“Good morning.”Turning his glass over, she poured the juice, without once looking athim.

“Thanks.”

She nodded and wasabout to turn away, when he gripped her hand.

He felt when shetensed, before lifting her head to look at him, brows arched.

“I would liketo talk to you.”

“I am busy.”

“I am the onlyguest here,” he pointed out.

“We have acouple coming in any minute now.”

“Zahra…”

He swore when shetugged her hand and hurried back inside the kitchen. Picking up theglass, he took a long swallow, eyes glaring at her as she went backto what she was doing.

She did not come backout. Jessica came back out with the meal, and he was left alone toeat.

By the time he wasfinished, he learned that she had stepped out to run an errand. Anddid not have to be a mind reader to realize that she was avoidinghim.

Hissing out a breath,he decided to take a walk to clear his head and walk off the heavybreakfast. Normally, his morning meal consisted of two cups or moreof coffee and some fresh fruit. And that would tide him over untilthe evening meal.

He was usually busyon one project or the other and would frequently forget to eat. Overthe last six months, he had been on location shoot in Brazil, Mexicoand Italy, his schedule so hectic, he barely had time for anythingelse.

Reaching the incline,he stood there gazing down at the sleepy little town. At this time ofthe morning, the place looked to be slumbering. The occasionalvehicle would crawl by at no more than twenty or thirty miles anhour. He caught a glimpse of the white steeple attached to the churchhe had passed on his way in.

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