AllFreeNovel
Share Us
While Kaleb and Mayson weren't the best of friends, they'd grown up together. Mayson was a few years younger than Kaleb, but he'd always been friendly with him, Scarlet, and Grady. Treated them all like family. Which, he supposed, was the definition of Winter Springs.
The people in town cared for each other, no matter what. There were times when Kaleb wished they didn't care so much, but overall, they were good and decent folk. He couldn't have asked for a better place to live.
Too bad there weren't many single women in Winter Springs. None that sparked his desire, anyway. The one he wanted was taken, and he wouldn't do anything to ruin that.
"Hey, big brother." Scarlet sauntered into the barn, her jeans ripped at the knees, and the short-sleeve shirt looking like it had seen better days. "Are we going to discuss this week's plans?"
"Yeah. I thought we'd wait until Cinnamon arrived. That way, I can head to town if she needs supplies for meals." Kaleb rested his elbow on the top of the rake. "What time is she due back? Do ya know?"
"She's here already. Came early." Scarlet's eyes twinkled in the dim barn light.
"What's with you?" Kaleb moved out of the stall and swiped his forehead with the back of his arm. "You're acting strange."
"No stranger than usual." Scarlet flicked her wrist for him to follow her. "Let's head inside. The sooner we meet, the better."
"Why?" Kaleb returned the rake to where it belonged and caught up with his sister. He closed the doors, locked them, and moved in the direction of the house. "I want to shower first."
"For any reason in particular?" Scarlet raised her brows.
"Nope. Just don't feel like smellin' like a horse." Kaleb opened the door and allowed her to enter first. His parents taught him and Grady to always hold a door open for people, especially a woman. They'd be proud to know he and his brother continued to do so.
"Go shower. We've got dinner warming on the stove." Scarlet pushed him toward the stairs.
Kaleb took the stairs two at a time. Scarlet held a secret. As much as he wanted to know it, he was determined not to fall into her trap. She had a tendency to be sneaky. He'd give her time. Sooner or later, she'd crack.
Hair wet and clothes on, Kaleb strolled into the kitchen. Meatloaf, rice pilaf, and vegetables decorated the stove. His stomach growled in response to the sight before him. "This looks great."
"Thanks," a voice said behind him.
Kaleb spun around, his gaze colliding with Cinnamon's. A shy smile lifted her lips.
"I thought you were with Scarlet." His voice sounded strained, even to his ears.
"I heard you come downstairs, and I thought I'd go ahead and get the food on the table." Cinnamon scooted around him. "Wanna hand me the oven mitts?"
Kaleb grabbed them off the counter, extending them to Cinnamon. Her hand grazed his, igniting a spark within him. He squashed the flame threatening to turn into a blaze. She wasn't his. It wasn't right to fan his feelings for her.
"Thanks." Cinnamon's blond hair hung down her back, contrasting with her tan.
Kaleb finally found his voice, yanking his eyes away from the way her dress moved around her curves as she walked. "Want some help?"
"Sure. Just grab the plates and silverware. I'll bring everything else out." Cinnamon pulled the meatloaf off the stove and followed him to the dining room.
They moved about the table in unison without speaking. Odd how natural she seemed to fit into his house, his life. Yet, she wouldn't be there for long. Once the summer ended, she'd leave since they wouldn't have any need for her to cook for a large number of people.
When the holidays rolled around, he'd hire a part-time helper, but until then, it'd be him and his siblings fending for themselves. An ache settled in the pit of Kaleb's stomach. He'd miss Cinnamon when she left.
It was for the best, though. Kaleb wouldn't have to see Mayson pick Cinnamon up for a date. Not that he did anyway, but the time was sure to come when he would. If he knew when they planned on seeing one another, he could always make himself scarce. He wanted them to be happy, but that didn't mean he had to torture himself, right?
"Kaleb?" Cinnamon's brow knit. "Are you okay?"
Kaleb dipped his head, heat crawling up his neck. "Yeah. Sorry. I got lost in my thoughts."
Scarlet and Grady shuffled in. Kaleb didn't miss the secretive looks between his sister and Cinnamon. Scarlet must've figured out what happened on the date. Kaleb bit his tongue, refusing to take the bait his sister set for him.
After Grady blessed the food, they passed around the platters. "Thank you for making dinner, Cinnamon. You didn't have to, though." Kaleb handed her the meatloaf.
"I was happy to. I like cooking, and it's no fun when it's just for myself." Cinnamon's fingers brushed his.
