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“I feel the same way,” Elliot said. “It’s such a different life from the one I had in Seattle. This place makes me feel more creative and peaceful. Must be the sky.”
I smiled to myself, happy to hear they appreciated the Moon family and the state we called home.
Elliot shuddered. “When I think of that stalker creep, it makes me never want to go back to the city.”
Stalker creep?
“He can’t find you,” Sammie said, a bitter edge in her voice. “Even though they should have put him in jail.”
“I hope not,” Elliot said.
“Why they won’t lock abusers and stalkers up, I can’t understand,” Sammie said, shaking her head. “Men like that don’t change. No matter how many times they promise to.”
Elliot had mentioned a man who wouldn’t leave her alone but I hadn’t realized he was a full-fledged stalker. Is that why she’d come here? Did the guy know where she’d gone to? How long had he bothered her? All questions I would have loved to ask, but my policy of remaining professional kept me quiet.
Sammie straightened her apron. “All right, I’m going out there. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck,” I said, absently, my thoughts on Elliot.
How I wished I could take her aside and give her a hug or tell her she was safe here with us. But I couldn’t. Not today or any day.
6
ELLIOT
Caspian Moon was a total enigma. I’d been working for him for almost seven months, and I had yet to know anything about him. The arrangement between us should have suited me fine. Given my grief and trauma, I would have assumed I’d love anonymity and being left alone, without prying questions or unwanted attention. Yet for some unknown reason, I craved more. Endless curiosity about him had not lessened but grown stronger. His utter sexiness might have something to do with it. I mean, maybe.
There was something about him I found irresistible. His slightly messy hair and light blue eyes, not to mention his muscular arms and chest, made it hard to focus. However, it was important I keep my head and my healthy imagination in check. The last thing I needed was to get involved with my employer. This job was more important than flirting with the hot chef.
What had Caspian thought when he’d heard I had a stalker? Would it make him see me differently? And not in a good way. What if Russo followed me here and put him and the rest of the staff in danger? I wouldn’t blame Caspian if that’s what he thought. Who wouldn’t be worried?
Strangely enough, because obviously it wasn’t my fault, Russo’s actions had filled me with lingering shame and embarrassment, like dirt that wouldn’t come off in the shower. Worse, Mike Russo still haunted my dreams. I woke often from nightmares. Who could blame me?
After I got the job, I’d moved into the motel in town. There were no apartments or houses I could afford, but the owner at the motel had agreed to a cheap—compared to Seattle—monthly rate. The rooms were total dumps, and I wanted out of there as soon as possible. I’d been putting money aside as best I could, but had a ways to go for a down payment on a house of my own.
Regardless, I was thankful for my temporary home and job at the Bunkhouse. The people I worked with were wonderful, as was my boss. Caspian never raised his voice or berated any of his employees. He’d also given me full freedom when it came to what desserts we offered. Each week, I prepared three for the revolving menu, using as many local ingredients as I could. Since taking the job, creativity surged through me, propelling me out of bed and off to work with enthusiasm. I felt as if I were a different version of the woman I’d been in Seattle.
Would I stay here for years? Who knew? If I ever wanted to meet a man, I’d have to move to an area with more eligible candidates. Here in Bluefern, it appeared the Moon brothers were the only men on the market. It was clear Caspian had no interest in me. He barely even looked at me, keeping it professional by focusing on my work and nothing else. Again, that should have made me happy considering the other places I’d worked. Yet after our brief interactions, a hollow, lonely feeling settled in the pit of my stomach.
Now I put the finishing touches on my wedding cake and stood back to admire the results. Even though I was worried about the pink flowers, my creation had turned out well. Icouldn’t help but smile. This was a beautiful cake, if I did say so myself.
“I’m done.” I glanced over at Caspian. “What do you think?”
Caspian left his station and meandered over, a slight smile lifting the corners of his mouth. He knelt over my frosted, flocked cake, seemingly taking in every detail before straightening. “Well done. Truly.”
“Thank you. I’m pleased with it.”
“You’re talented, with wicked skills. I don’t say it enough. We’re lucky to have you here.”
“I’ll remember that during my annual review,” I said, teasing to hide my embarrassment.
He leaned his backside against the counter, watching me. “How’s motel living?”
I peered back at him, unsure where this was going. “It’s fine for now. I’m saving for a house.”
He grimaced. “That motel’s pretty awful. I’d offer you a room at our house, but Sammie and Chloe already took it.”
Living with three sexy Moon brothers would be a nightmare. I wouldn’t know where to rest my eyes. The beauty would overwhelm me, especially Caspian. And knowing he was forbidden? Sadly, it made him even more appealing. Anyone in my past who had come after me aggressively had scared me away. If they expressed interest, anxiety overwhelmed me, and I quickly made an exit.
