Page 208 of How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother
The dog immediately skids to a stop, trotting over to Tatum like he doesn’t have a care in the world. A door slams down the hall, Zach yells, “I’ve got the goat!” and just as suddenly as the chaos broke out, all is calm.
Calm . . . and a complete disaster.
A trashcan is on its side, its contents spilled. Utensils litter the floor. A pan of marinating chicken breasts is upside down on thetile, though it looks like most of the marinade hit Willow’s chest before it landed at her feet.
Olivia is beside Tatum now, her eyes telling me if I’m not on my best behavior, she’ll never let me forget it. She may be younger, but my little sister is a fierce boss.
Tatum steps forward. “Lennox. I’m so sorry. I had no idea—I don’t think he’s ever even seen a goat before. He’s never behaved like this.”
Her hand sinks to the dog’s head, whose tongue is lolling in a way that makes him look like he’s smiling. The image almost makes me laugh, but not in ahahaha-this-is-funnykind of way. More in a maniacalbarely-keeping-it-togetherway.
The stress of her being here in the first place, mixed with an unexpected tug of attraction is a lot on its own. And now my kitchen is in shambles, and it’s too much. I’m feeling too much.
My chef’s coat is no longer an ill-fitting snowsuit, it’s a straitjacket, and I need to escape.
Olivia clears her throat. “It was an accident,” she says to Tatum, her voice smooth. “I’m sure Lennox sees that as well as I do.”
“An accident,” I echo. I run a hand through my hair and force a slow, deep breath. “Look at my kitchen. That chicken has to marinate for at least six hours, and now it’s all over the floor. It’ll have to be off the menu for tonight, and that—”
“I can figure out a new chicken dish for you,” Tatum says. She steps forward, her expression earnest. “I can help.”
She can help?Because she’s so much more qualified than I am?
The urge to beawayfor a minute—away from this situation, from her—washes over me again. I hold my hands up. “I think you’ve done enough. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a kitchen to put back in order.”
“Lennox, I’m really sorry.”
I step forward, closing the distance between us until I’m only inches away. I catch the scent of her, something floral and light that reminds me of Stonebrook’s apple orchards in the fall. She lifts her eyes to meet mine, and I hold her gaze for a long moment. I told Olivia I would try, that I could be mature about this whole situation, but it already feels like I’m back in time, complete with all the insecurities and uncertainties that plagued me when I had to compare myself to Tatum every single day.
Whatever transfixed me before has lost its hold.
I don’t need Tatum’s help in my kitchen.
I don’twantTatum’s help.
“Just stay out of my kitchen, Chef,” I say, my tone cool. “And I’ll stay out of yours.”
Chapter Two
Tatum
I heft a boxout of the U-Haul and carry it toward the restaurant’s back door, nudging Toby ahead of me. “Come on, boy. This way.” If only I could strap a box ontohim,then he could help instead of just getting underfoot. If he were half as good at hauling boxes as he is at destroying kitchens, we’d finish in no time.
But it’s fine. I’m a strong, independent woman. Carrying all these boxes by myself is no. big. deal.
Iloadedthe trailer by myself, after all, though then, I was warmed by the California sunshine and fueled by a healthy dose of righteous indignation. Funny how strongnot wanting to look weakcan make you. With Dad looking on, expecting me to change my mind at any moment, strong was my only option.
A bead of sweat trickles down my face, despite the cold outside, and I will myself to ignore it. My nose twitches with the effort, but the box is too heavy to shift. If I stop and lose my momentum, I’ll never make it up this narrow stairwell.
How many steps even are there? Eighty? Eight hundred? This has to be longer than a normal flight of stairs. My biceps areseconds away from giving out when suddenly, I’m at the top, standing on a small landing next to Toby. I drop the box to my feet with a grunt then fish a key out of my pocket.
Olivia planned to show me the apartment, but then she was called back to the farmhouse to handle a disgruntled future bride, and she left me to my own devices, promising she’d be back tomorrow to introduce me to my staff and give me an official tour of the farm. Not that I’m in any hurry to seeanyof the Hawthornes again, after making such a memorable first impression.
I insert the key into the lock, a wave of trepidation washing over me. For the first time, I’m doing something all by myself,withoutmy father standing beside me.
“I’m here,” I say to myself. “I’m here, and it’sfine.” If I keep repeating it, maybe I’ll start to believe it.
I take a steadying breath, and Toby stands, like he senses how monumental this moment is.
