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“Whyis your lipstick smudged, Kin?” Her question carries in the empty diner, catching the attention of Etta Carver in a nearby booth enjoying a late breakfast. Reminding me how easily gossip floats through this town. Like a thick fog barreling its way through. At least the old woman left her shotgun at home today.
Thankfully, the clamoring of dishes in the kitchen keeps Rowan from overhearing this conversation. I’m not sure what’s happening between us. It doesn’t really have a label. I don’t know if it ever will. The last thing I want is to spread rumors about us when I haven’t had time to figure things out for myself first.
“I had a coffee earlier,” I lie. Because I’m not about to admit Rowan’s wearing a bunch of my Va-Va Voom liquid lipstick on his neck last I checked. Though I do enjoy coffee on occasion, it’s not a regular habit. I certainly don’t need the caffeine after yesterday’s mind-blowing orgasm. My belly quivers at the memory of Rowan’s tongue working magic between my legs. I’ve never had a climax cause every cell in my body to tingle like that. I couldn’t walk for twenty minutes after he finished. I just laid on the island, pussy exposed, as he remixed the ingredients for another dessert.
“You got some action, didn’t you?” At least this time she has the decency to lower her voice. But I suspect Etta Carver has vampire-like hearing because I catch her smirking at her pancakes.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“What are we talking about?” Aurora asks, setting a tub on the counter and filling it with empty plates from this morning’s rush.
“Nothing.”
Aurora lets out a pouty sigh. “You guys always leave me out of the juicy stuff. I’m nottenanymore, you know.”
The bells above the front door jingle, and a familiar blonde woman walks inside. Maggie Parsons was a classmate of mine, and once upon a time, one of my best girlfriends. Not as close as Rowan and I were, but still an important person in my life. We lost touch after high school. I went to college in Anchorage. Maggie headed to L.A. and earned herself a stellar reputation.
“This is a sight to see,” Maggie says, approaching the counter. “The Gray sisters getting along?”
“Don’t read too much into it,” I tease.
“You’re that famous matchmaker, aren’t you?” Aurora gushes, her eyes sparkling as if starstruck. As if Maggie wasn’t at our house growing up at least once a week until she moved away.
I notice Maggie doesn’t answer the question as I move around the counter to wrap her in a hug. “I didn’t know you were back in town.”
It’s when I pull back that I see the tremble in her smile. “Surprise.” Her voice cracks on the second syllable.
“Why don’t we grab a booth? I’m due for a break.”
“Maggie should find you a match!” Aurora announces cheerfully, causing Rowan to look over from the kitchen. I pretend to ignore him but secretly feel a thrill. “That’d show Anders.”
“Anders?” Maggie repeats as I lead her away from my sisters to a corner booth. Etta Carver might be within earshot, but her plate is nearly empty. I’ll take my chances.
“My last mistake,” I explain to Maggie as we slip into the booth. “It’s in the past. He’s no one important. What about you? I didn’t think you’d ever come back to Caribou Creek without someone kidnapping you and dragging you here.”
Perhaps it’s the compassion in my voice that makes her uncomfortable, but she ignores my question outright. “You know, I always thought you and Rowan would end up together.” The sparkle in her eyes isn’t as brilliant as I remember, but it’s still there. Promising that though she’s been through some kind of personal hell, resilient Maggie is still inside. I glance toward the kitchen, catching Rowan poking his head through the pass-through. Our eyes lock, he grins, and my neck flares with heat at the memory of where those lips were less than twenty-four hours ago.
“Me and Rowan?” I squeak. “We’re just…friends.”
Maggie sputters a laugh as Aurora delivers a couple glasses of water and takes Maggie’s order. I notice my little sister has no problem with keeping the drinks steady with us.Huh, maybe it’s just the police chief that makes her a nervous server.
“Just friends?” Maggie lifts an eyebrow, her expression calling bullshit.
Iwantto tell someone about yesterday. But until I have a little more time to sort things out, I need to keep this close to the vest. “How’s your matchmaking business going?” I tread carefully with the question because I know she’s been out of the limelight since the divorce. I don’t know how much has changed for her.
“It isn’t.” Maggie runs her thumb up and down her water glass. “I went into hiding so long I think it’s over.” The despair in her tone breaks my heart because I know she’s passionate about helping soulmates find one another. She announced her calling at the age of seven when she could accurately predict who would end up together on reality dating shows from the first episode. “My heart hasn’t been in it. But I do miss it.”
“Maybe all you need is a great comeback event or something,” I suggest.
“Maybe,” she admits, finally taking a sip of water. When she sets the glass back down, she looks right at me, leans over the table, and lowers her voice. “Now stop lying to me about Rowan and spill it.” As if on cue, Rowan catches my gaze and winks at me. “Or I’ll go ask him myself.”
CHAPTER12
Rowan
Kinley’s working late into the night, determined to convert Rose’s books to a digital platform. She was struck by the idea earlier this week, but convinced her grandma would be less than impressed with the unapproved change. Rose Clayton is a woman set in her ways if ever I’ve met one. Which means when she finds outIencouraged her granddaughter to go ahead with this plan, she might come after me too.
With the diner closed for the night, I’ve been testing some new recipes while Kinley sits behind the office computer. Rose doesn’t have filet mignon, loaded baked potatoes, or tiramisu on her menu. Which is why it’s a perfect surprise dinner for Kinley.
