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“Cool. Good luck with finding the right woman.” He meant the words and hoped he didn’t sound sarcastic.
“I’m thirty-two. It’s time to get on with my life. My jock days are over. I want to find a good woman and start having a family before the goods dry up.”
His utter sincerity shocked Zander. “Guess it’s too late for me. I’m thirty-eight.” He laughed, but his brother’s words echoed in his head. Was it time to seriously think about his own future instead of fretting about his mother and siblings? He did want a family, eventually, because he certainly didn’t want to end up alone like Mrs.Miggins with nothing but an overweight dog for company.
Again, his mind circled around to Heather and the impossibility of dating her. She’s your brother’s employee, he reminded himself. She had shadows in her eyes too, and he didn’t need to be responsible for solving someone else’s problems. Darn it, now he sounded selfish, even to himself.
Everyone had a history and often that meant wounds. His father’s death had left scars. Watching his mother grieve had hardened his heart. He didn’t want to live that. Ever. Being alive when such a big piece of your heart was gone. No, thank you. Even so, sometimes, late at night, he wished he had someone to draw into his arms when the darkness and solitude grew oppressive.
He shelved his confusing, circular thoughts, and tried to help Ty through his troubles. Unfortunately, hearing about his brother’s longings had sparked something in himself that he didn’t want to identify, or deal with.
Chapter 7
“Good morning,” Zander greeted Lexi as he strolled into the inn.
“Zander, you’re up and about early.”
Her smile was warm and welcoming, unlike the water pouring down from the heavens. It had been raining for three days straight. He was more than sick of it and tired of sitting at home avoiding his thoughts.
“I thought I’d swing by and make sure my brother was still treating you right.” He winked and she laughed.
“Liar. What really brings you here? I suppose you’ll tell me that you’re not here to see Heather. I saw you watching her at the opening and again at dinner the other night. She’s very pretty.”
He pretended to consider what she said. “She’s okay.” He’d take the teasing from Lexi. From the day she showed up as the inn’s first, unexpected guest, they’d shared a casual friendship.
“Okay. You crack me up. She’s stunning.” She rolled her eyes. “And man, can she cook. I’m going to weigh a million pounds from all the treats.”
“She can bake, that’s for sure. Dinner the other night was pretty good too,” he conceded.Except that slapping bit, but he’d deserved it.
“I’m so glad she’ll be expanding our food service. It’s going to be great for business.” She gave him a sly look. “Want to grab coffee and a muffin with me? I was just going to take a break.” She didn’t wait for an answer, she just waved him toward the kitchen.
“That sounds great. I could use a coffee. It’s cold and depressing out there.” And seeing Heather’s sweet smile was the perfect antidote to the weather.
“Morning, Heather,” Lexi called out. “Is there coffee?”
Heather turned and smiled. “There’s always coffee. No better way to start the day.” She seemed to notice Zander. “Hi, Zander. How are you?” She whirled round and grabbed two mugs and set them by the coffee pot then turned her attention to whatever she was mixing.
“I’m good. How’s your world?” The bright florescent lights shone on her blonde hair turning it to molten gold with streaks of liquid silver.
“Same old, same old. I cook, I do dishes, I go home and sleep.” Her laugh brightened the room and tickled across the hairs on the back of his neck like a whisper soft touch, leaving longing in its wake.Whoa!
Heather worked quietly while he and Lexi drank their coffee. “Can you do me a favor?” Lexi asked. “I need some birthday supplies from the mall. Do you think you could run and get them for me? Jacob’s gone to Seattle for the day, and Derrick is busy fixing a busted radiator. I’m swamped at the desk.” She clasped her hands together in entreaty. “Please?”
“I guess.” He wasn’t much of a shopper. He was a get in, get out, kind of guy. “Do you have a list?” His clinic was closed today, except for emergencies. He had time to run an errand or two.
“Oh. I need muffin papers, parchment, and more measuring spoons. Could you grab those for me?” Heather asked eagerly.
“You should go with him,” Lexi said with a smart-alecky grin. “Get my stuff, and your stuff, and look at ideas for decorating the inn for the July long weekend. I haven’t gotten that far in planning a celebration yet. This would be a huge help for me.”
“I have to cook,” Heather said, denying the request without actually saying no.
“Oh, poo. Breakfast is over. There are enough treats to last until tomorrow. You can spare the time.”
Heather winced.
“Consider it an order from your boss. I’ll grab my list.” She scooped up her muffin and coffee and quickly stepped out of the kitchen.
“I guess we’re going shopping.” Zander laughed.
