Page 50 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

He shook his head. “I got it.”

“Have you decided what you’re going to make?”

He rested his forearms on the island, and an impish look overtook his handsome face. It nearly knocked the wind out of her for a moment. “It’s a surprise.”

“You can tell me.”

“But can I trust you?” His expression was playful, and she was captivated once again. “Fine.” He lowered his voice. “Bananas Foster Belgian waffles.”

Her mouth began to water. “Please tell me you’re going to make enough for you and me too.”

He chuckled. “Of course I will.”

“And you don’t need any help?” When he shook his head, she lifted her chin and said, “I’ll have you know that I’m an expert at setting the table.”

He laughed again, and she savored the sound. “Okay, then that would be helpful.”

They both were silent for a moment, and then he pushed off the island. “Right. Then I’ll see you bright and early.”

“Good night,” she told him.

While he sauntered toward the back door, Mrs. Newton’s comments about Cade replayed in her mind:

“She said he’s just a sweet soul who’s had a tough time...”

Once again, Everleigh wondered why Alana never told her about Cade. And now she also wondered what his story was and what had led him to the Sunshine Inn.

***

“This is outstanding.” Everleigh pointed her fork toward her plate of bananas Foster Belgian waffles. “I have never had anything as delicious as this.”

Cade and Everleigh sat across from each other the following morning. She’d arrived in the kitchen at seven, singing a pop song to herself. She bopped around, smiling and humming, while she put the fruit cups together, made coffee, filled juice glasses, and then set the table before asking what else she could do.

Although he thought Everleigh had way too much energy for someone who had just woken up, he had to admit she was a tremendous help. All he had to worry about was cooking, and thanks toEverleigh, breakfast was on the table when Mr. and Mrs. Newton arrived exactly at eight.

The older couple had enjoyed the meal and then left for the beach, leaving Cade and Everleigh to eat together while sitting on stools at the island.

“Did you serve this at your restaurant?” she asked. “Because if you didn’t, you sure should have.”

Cade took a long draw from his mug of coffee. He wished he’d never admitted to her that he’d owned a restaurant. It wasn’t something he wanted to share with anyone. Those memories were best left in the past, just like his memories of his time with Serena.

“Occasionally I featured it as a special on Sundays.” As soon as he’d spoken, he regretted this admission too. Her dark eyes lit up with excitement.

“What else was on your menu?”

He pressed his lips together, wanting to change the subject. “Mostly American fare, but we had specials highlighting certain countries on certain days.”

“Like what?” She rested her chin on her palm and studied him as if he were the most interesting person she’d ever met.

“We’d have a German day with bratwurst or sauerbraten.”

“Yum! I love German food. What else?”

“Lasagna or eggplant parmesan on Italian day.”

“Also yum. What other international meals did you make?”

“Burritos and things like that.” He ate another forkful of waffle.

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