Page 20 of Kiss for My Kraken
Before she set off for the tavern, she paused for a moment, staring across at the island wreathed in morning mist. Sam’s island? The thought that he might be there, might be watching her even now, sent a thrill through her body.
With an effort, she tore herself away and continued up the path to the tavern. She was going to be late if she didn’t hurry, and the last thing she needed was to give Ben a reason to fire her. Especially now, when Fairhaven Falls was beginning to feel like somewhere she could actually stay.
This was one of the mornings when the tavern was open for breakfast, and it was already busy when she arrived, the breakfast crowd in full swing. She slipped through the back door, quickly stashing her bag in Ben’s office where Ozzie had his new bed.
“Be good,” she told the dog, giving him a quick pat. “I’ll check on you at lunch.”
In the kitchen, Ben was at the stove, long ears twitching as he flipped pancakes. He grunted in acknowledgment as she grabbed an apron and washed her hands.
“Sorry if I’m late,” she said, moving to the prep station where vegetables waited to be chopped. “I got a little… distracted.”
“Hmmph.” Ben slid a plate of pancakes through the pass to Annabelle, who winked at Nina as she collected it. “You’re not late. But you’re…” His nose twitched. “Different.”
She focused on the vegetables, trying to suppress the smile that threatened to break free. “Different how?”
He studied her for a moment. “Happy. Too happy. Something happen?”
She knew she was blushing as she hastily returned to the vegetables. “Nothing important.”
“Right.” He didn’t sound convinced. “Well, whatever it is, don’t burn the cornbread.”
“I would never!” She placed a hand over her heart in mock offense, grateful for the shift in conversation.
Ben snorted, turning back to his pancakes, but not before she caught the hint of a smile on his gruff face.
The morning rush kept her busy, hands moving automatically through familiar tasks while her mind wandered. Every time the door opened, she glanced through the pass through, half-expecting—what? That Sam would stroll in for breakfast? The thought was absurd, yet she couldn’t help the little flutter of anticipation each time.
During a lull, Annabelle sidled up to her, blue wings vibrating with curiosity.
“Spill,” she demanded, her voice low enough that Ben couldn’t hear from where he was berating a supplier in the storeroom.
“Spill what?” She kept her eyes on the pie crust she was rolling out.
“Oh please.” Annabelle fluttered her wings, sending a shower of glitter onto the counter. “You’re practically glowing. And you’ve been smiling at that dough like it told you the secret to eternal happiness.”
She laughed despite herself. “It’s nothing. I’m just… having a good day.”
“Mmhmm.” The other woman leaned closer. “Does this ‘good day’ have anything to do with our mysterious river guardian?”
She froze, flour-covered rolling pin in hand. “Our?”
Annabelle rolled her eyes. “Honey, this is Fairhaven Falls. We all know there’s someone lurking in the shadows of the river, even if he keeps himself hidden.” She paused, her expression softening. “He deserves some happiness, and you do too. Just be careful, okay? Some waters run deeper than they look.”
With that cryptic remark, she fluttered off to greet two new customers, leaving Nina to wonder just how much the town really knew about her river prince.
The breakfast rush ended and she continued with the lunch prep, losing herself in the familiar rhythm. She was concentrating so hard on her tasks that she jumped when she turned around and found Flora perched on the counter, beaming at her. She was wearing a vivid purple tracksuit today, emblazoned with the words “Too Hot to Handle” across the chest.
“I see we’re finally making progress,” Flora said cheerfully.
“Progress?” Her voice sounded strangled.
Flora tapped her lips knowingly. “Someone’s been getting up close and personal with a certain other someone.”
She ducked her head, trying to hide her flaming cheeks. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Of course not, dear.” Flora’s expression softened. “And it’s about time, if you ask me. That boy has been alone far too long.”
“Boy?” An incredulous laugh escaped her. Sam, with his brilliant eyes and powerful presence, hardly seemed like a “boy.”
