Page 41 of Combust
“In that case, the sampler platter might be your best bet,” she said. “It’s meant for sharing, but I’ve known a few shifters who tackled one on their own.” She paused, then added with a grin, “If you can deal with the lack of possum, that is.”
She was breathtaking when she smiled.
He looked down at his menu and read the description of the sampler platter. He liked what he saw. Brisket, ribs, chicken,andsausage. Plus, a whole mess of sides.
“I think I can make an exception in this case,” he joked. “Anything catch your eye?”
“The steelhead special sounds amazing. I’ll share some with you, if you’re willing to swap me for a couple of spareribs. Or a sausage.”
He fought to keep from smirking. “Darlin’, I stand ready and willing to give you all the sausage you want.”
Her cheeks went pink, and she exploded into laughter.
Rob returned with tall mugs of dark beer topped with a decent head of foam.
“She loves a man with a sense of humor,” he confided to Cade in a stage whisper.
“Rob! For the love of God, donottry to ‘help’ me.” With a narrow-eyed glare, Maggie framed the word “help” in air quotes.
“Okay, okay, I’ll try to behave,” he promised, grinning.
“There is no ‘try,’ only ‘do,’” she said sternly.
Which only made her cousin’s grin widen before he asked, “Now, what will you two be having for dinner?”
When they had placed their orders and Rob had departed, Cade raised his glass mug and toasted Maggie. “Cheers. I’m glad you said yes to a date with me.”
“Cheers,” she responded. “You seem like an interesting guy.”
He took a long pull and discovered that the beer was outstanding, smooth and rich.
“So, you like baking, and you’re damned good at it,” he ventured, after a few moments of comfortable silence. “Did your mama teach you?”
Maggie nodded. “I grew up helping Mom at Cinnamon + Sugar. I started out with doing basic chores, then graduated to the front counter before going to work here for Justin. After high school, I moved down to Sun Valley for a while, and attended the culinary institute. I already knew the basics, but I enjoyed learning more about the business end of running a café.” She hesitated. “I know that Rob and some of my other cousins can’t wait to leave Bearpaw Ridge, but I love it here. Mom and I talked about what’s going to happen to the bakery when she decides to retire. I told her that I want to take over.”
“I can understand you wantin’ to stay put here, especially with your family nearby. You all seem to be mighty agreeable with one another.”
“We are! What about you, Cade? Dad mentioned that you’ve worked at a bunch of different places. Do you see yourself settling down, or do you like the nomad lifestyle?”
Well, now, Maggie had gotten right down to brass tacks. Though it was a fair question to ask him, since he was courting her.
“In my younger years, I liked movin’ from place to place,” he answered. “There was always something new to see or do, or learn. And I used to think that if I kept going, I could outrun any troubles I encountered.” He paused, considering his next words. “But I’m ready to settle down. Pulling up stakes and establishing myself in a new place every year or two feel wearisome now, rather than exciting. And Bearpaw Ridge seems like a good spot to call home.”
Maggie nodded, as if she approved of his answer.
“So, where all have you been?” she asked.
They spent the next fifteen or twenty minutes exchanging stories, a comfortable rapport blossoming between them. Cade liked how easy and natural it was to talk with her.
He kept his end of the conversation focused on tales from the various ranches he’d worked on, mostly in Texas. He wasn’t ready to discuss what his life had been like before that.
“…I was too young and stupid to turn down a bet, especially on my first day as a greenhorn ranch hand,” Cade was saying when Rob returned.
The young bear shifter carried two large platters of food, which he placed on the table. “Can I get you anything else? Refills on your beers?”
Both of them shook their heads. “Enjoy your meals,” he said, and departed.
Cade picked up the thread of his tale. “Which is how I ended up tryin’ to ride a horse who could smell the bear on me, and who didn’t like that one bit.”
