Page 34 of Love Me Sweet

CHAPTERTEN

Sylvie moved into the large house that evening. Andrew wanted to come with her to pick up her things, but she told him it’d be easier for her to go through her stuff alone. When he received another call about his patient in Boston, she slipped out of the house, his car keys in hand.

Her van was back in Jackson and, for now, that’s where it would remain. She would pick up a few personal items that she’d need, along with some clothes, and call it good.

The trip into town took less time than she anticipated. It would probably be super quick at three am when she left to do her baking. Perhaps, living in Spring Gulch for the next few weeks wouldn’t be that bad.

The home was beautiful and she enjoyed the warmth of the fireplace this evening. Still, it wouldn’t do to get too comfortable. Once Andrew left she’d be back in her ‘Spartan’ digs. It’d be a long time before she could afford anything better.

The rain was coming down in a steady stream and she was grateful when the garage door slid open and she could pull her vehicle inside. She was still slightly damp from her dash into her shop when the rain was at its worse.

Andrew looked up from his laptop when she walked into the kitchen. In the time that she’d been gone he’d changed into jeans and a charcoal shirt that made his grey eyes look like smoke. “Sounds like the rain is coming down at a good clip.”

“Forget rain. Think Typhoon.” Sylvie dropped the single battered suitcase on the floor. “Did you get your patient on the road to recovery?” Gentleman that he was, Andrew pushed back his chair and stood. He glanced at the scarred suitcase and crossed the room. “I’ll get the other bags out of the car.”

“There are no other bags.”

He whirled, obviously trying to control his surprise. “Seriously?”

“That’s all I have.” She chuckled. “And, all I need.”

His gaze dropped to the case, the size of an airline carry-on, before refocusing on her. “You believe in traveling light.”

“Something like that.” Sylvie meandered across the shiny floor to the cupboards. “Do you mind if I get myself something to drink?”

“Mi casa es su casa.”

She’d just opened the refrigerator when the doorbell rang. Sylvie cocked her head. “Are you expecting someone?”

“No. You?” Andrew tossed the words over his shoulder on his way to the front door.

“No one but Josie knows I’m here,” she called after him.

Curious, Sylvie decided to check it out for herself.

Andrew shook his head, his body between her and the unexpected visitor.

Sylvie saw by the look on his face that he didn’t recognize the man at the door. Instead of using an umbrella to ward off the rain, the tall broad-shouldered man had simply pulled up the hood of his jacket.

“I know we haven’t met. I’m—” The visitor paused, catching sight of Sylvie. “Now, there’s someone familiar. Hi, Sylvie.”

“Hi, Keenan.” Sylvie smiled and motioned him inside. “Don’t just stand there. Come in out of the rain.”

Andrew stepped aside to let Keenan inside, then closed the door behind him.

Keenan pushed back his hood. For a second Sylvie thought he was going to shake off like a wet dog. He paused and appeared to think better of it. Still, he wiped a hand against his jeans before extending his hand to Andrew. “I’m Keenan McGregor, your neighbor.”

“Andrew O’Shea.” Andrew took his hand, offered a smile. “My friend Jack owns this home. I’m staying here for a couple of weeks.”

“It appears you’ve already met the best baker in the Hole.” Keenan winked at Sylvie.

“That’s very sweet. Thanks, Keenan.”

Andrew’s gaze shifted between the two of them. Whatever he saw must have reassured him because he smiled. “Can I offer you a beer? Or a soft drink?”

“Actually, I came over to issue a last minute invitation to a small neighborhood party Mitzi and I are hosting this evening.”

“Mitzi?”

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