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Sam glanced around. “You could place the corn in the serving bowl next to the stove.”
“You’re brave. I’ve never been able to cook corn on the cob.”
“Most people overcook it. What some don’t realize is you can eat them right after removing them from the stalk in the field. You don’t need to cook them. Boil water and add a half cup or so of milk. Turn off the heat, then place the shucked ears in the pan. Let them sit a few minutes, until they’re warm, and serve them.”
“That’s it?”
“Yep. My aunt and uncle used to grow acres of corn on their farm. Their field produced the best corn I’ve ever tasted.”
“Good to know. I’ll give your method a try the next time I cook corn.” He moved the bowl next to the platter of steaks.
Sam looked at him. “You might want to wait until you’ve tasted today’s corn before deciding.”
“I’m sure it will be great.”
“Hey, Benny. When did you get here?” Quinn held out his hand.
“Five minutes.” He clasped the outstretched hand. “Sam was telling me her secret for preparing corn.”
Quinn looked at her. “You have a secret, Sam?”
She smirked. “All women have secrets, Quinn. You should know that by now.”
“How long will you be staying here, Benny?” Sam set down her coffee, picking up a plate with a generous slice of peach pie. Taking a bite, she felt a small surge of satisfaction at the burst of flavors.
“This is wonderful pie, Sam. Why didn’t I know you were an accomplished cook?” Beth slid a fork under a small piece, slipping it into her mouth.
“I don’t usually have time to cook. When I do, it’s for me.”
“What happens when you make a full pie?” Abbie asked.
“I eat it.” Sam laughed along with the others.
Logan watched her, the same as he had since she’d arrived earlier that afternoon. Something about her affected him in a way he’d never experienced. It was ridiculous. She was good-looking. His mother would’ve called her cute. Of course, his mother always thought of herself as beautiful. She preferred the word stunning, though Logan had never understood the difference.
“Did you know Sam could cook, Logan?”
He shook his head at Beth. “Not a clue.”
Jake stood, cutting himself another piece of pie. “Good idea to bring two pies, Sam. I believe they’ll be empty by the time you head home.”
“Thanks, Jake.” Sam shot a look at Logan, expecting him to make a comment, making everyone laugh. He didn’t. Nor did he cut another slice for himself. Odd, given what she’d witnessed when he ate at the ranch.
“Is this your mother’s recipe?” Abbie refilled her cup with steaming coffee.
“My father’s. He was a terrific baker. My mother cooked the meals, and he made desserts, muffins, cookies, banana bread, gosh…just about anything you find at a bakery, my father could make. He always did great at the county fair.”
Benny took another slice of pie for himself. “Where’d you grow up, Sam?”
“Oklahoma. My parents own a small ranch. With the amount of food they raise, it could be called a farm. Pop trained horses and raised a few head of Angus cattle. We never had a lot of money, but we didn’t need much. Where’d you grow up, Benny?”
“Seattle, mostly. My parents wanted me to be a doctor. A lawyer would’ve been all right, too. Broke their hearts when I wanted to raise cattle.” He chuckled. “I thought they’d disown me. I told them it was their fault for sending me to Japan for part of my schooling. If they hadn’t insisted I go, I never would’ve learned about cattle and Wagyu beef.”
Sam leaned forward, resting her arms on the table. “What do they think of your choice now?”
“I’m a genius.”
She laughed with everyone else. “I just bet you are.”
