AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It’s a lie.
When I’m not throwing myself into work, I’m in my kitchen. Cooking, baking, grilling—it’s all like fucking therapy.
“But you used to love it, right?” Willow’s no doubt referring to the summer in high school I worked as a short order cook. Rose had broken her arm and needed someone who was good at taking directions. I learned so much those few weeks—the only summer I didn’t work for my dad.My favorite summer. It awakened a passion I didn’t know I had. But going to culinary school instead of college wasn’t something my family supported.
“That was a long time ago.”
Willow bites down on her bottom lip, and I feel guilty that I’m making her uncomfortable. She’s not responsible for the decision Kinley made. The one that severed our friendship and made it clear I wasn’t the one she wanted in her life.
“Is there any way you’d consider being our short order cook for a few weeks? Just until Grandma Rose gets back? I’d really like tonotrun the diner into the ground before she gets back. The locals might take pity on us, but the tourists could destroy us on Yelp alone.”
I glance at the email, tempted. My brother and I don’t exactly get along. But I’d rather deal with his grumpy, arrogant ass than be around Kinley knowing she’s fucking another guy who doesn’t deserve her. One who didn’t witness our kiss because he was trying to fuck one of the bridesmaids. Not that Kinley believed me when I told her.
The sheer thought of it all makes me so angry my fists ball in my lap. “I don’t think I can spare the time.”
“I heard Cassius is back in town. Maybe he can cover for you?”
Shit.Word travels faster than a fucking forest fire in these parts. “He is.”
“Is this because of Kinley?” She’s sympathetic. I can see it in her eyes. But that’s the last thing I want from a Gray sister.
I reach for my mug again before remembering it’s empty. The coffee here is shit. All the good stuff is in the headquarters building. But even that fancy shit can’t compare to the diner coffee. I don’t know what Rose’s secret is, but it’s the best damn coffee in Alaska. I used to drink it by the gallon.
“I’ll tell you what.” I push out of my chair and approach Willow. Hoping to usher her out the door before she figures out what’s behind this nasty rift between Kinley and me. “If you convince Kinley to ask me—in person—then I’ll cover your kitchen while Rose is traveling.”
Willow’s entire face lights up. “Really?”
“Yep.”
“Can you start tomorrow?”
“Don’t get your hopes up, Willow.” I pat her on the shoulder and steer her toward the exit. “Kinley’s not going to come near me.”
“Why not?”
The memory of that fight still plagues me. We both said terrible things in the heat of the moment. I tried to fix it by kissing her. And damned if it wasn’t the best fucking kiss I’ve ever experienced. I’d bet my entire collection of cookbooks that Kinley felt the same. The look in her eyes said it all. The passionate slap said more. Yet, she still chose that city fucker over me. “You’ll have to ask her.” I hold the door open for her. “See you around.”
CHAPTER3
Kinley
Trekking up Rowan’s long, winding driveway was not on my list of things to do tonight. It doesn’t matter that I’m a born and raised Alaskan. I’m not the outdoorsy, hiking type. If I see a bear, odds are I’m getting mauled. But with my car out of commission—thanks, Aurora for backing into a stop sign the second we got it unloaded tonight—the best Willow would do is drop me off at the bottom of the hill.
In her defense, I had to climb over the locked gate. Not like she was willing to ram it.
I shove both hands in my pockets, but that only lasts a few steps. Halfway up, I’m using my arms to propel me upward. Swinging them wildly with each step climbed. I don’t remember his driveway being so damn steep. Sweat dots my temples and I’m huffing as if a bear is actually chasing me.
If we had any other choice where the diner was concerned, I wouldn’t be here.
The last time I saw Rowan Jacobs was at Willow’s wedding. Well, it wasalmosta wedding until she ran off without telling anyone. After everyone realized Willow wasn’t coming back, most of the guests left. A bunch of us stayed because the booze was already paid for.
I took a fork right to the wedding cake, and that’s when it all started.
A loud, deep bark echoes from the top of the driveway, jerking me back to the present. I let out a scream and stumble back a few steps, catching my back on a birch tree at the edge of the driveway. I reach behind me and grip the skinny trunk to brace myself. A few more barks echo in the deserted driveway before a beast of a dog comes into view.
“Bear, knock it off.” Rowan’s booming voice causes my heart to skip a beat. My fingers dig into the tree trunk, as if I can blend in if I just hold on tight enough. I can be invisible.
Rowan struts forward, stopping beside his dog. His gaze zeroes in on me instantly.
