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"And Harper said it's fine?"
"Harper said what's fine?" Harper spoke behind her.
Cinnamon motioned her forward and patted the spot next to her. "Scar says you're fine with me helping out Linden Farms."
"Well, I wouldn't say fine." Harper shrugged. "But we'd get along okay for the summer."
"You're not okay with it then?" Cinnamon stole a glance at Scarlet, whose eyes were wide.
"I think we'll be alright. We've got the new gal, and we can hire extra help." Harper leaned around Cinnamon and poked Scarlet's leg. "Gotcha, didn't I?"
Scarlet crossed her arms and scowled. "What's with you two messing with me today?"
Harper giggled. "Couldn't help it, sorry."
"Whatever." Scarlet's lips twitched. "Would you please tell Cin what you told me?"
"Fine, fine." Harper waved her hand in front of her. "Would I like you to work with us all summer? Sure, but we can get along without you. We know the situation Linden Farms is in, and you're the best person for the job."
"Okay. I'll pack up my belongings for the week. When I have my days off, I'd rather stay at my house." Cinnamon stood and brushed the sand off her backside. "Does that work for you?"
Scarlet nodded and jumped to her feet. She threw her arms around Cinnamon. "Thank you. I can't tell you how much this means to us. We seriously didn't know what we'd do."
Cinnamon returned her hug and laughed. "You do realize there are other chefs around, right?"
Scarlet released her and shook her head. "None that can handle a large crowd like you."
"I agree with Scarlet." Harper rose off the sand. "We've been blessed to have you for so long at Kris Kringle Inn. My aunt knew what she was doing when she hired you."
Cinnamon's face warmed under the praise. "You're biased. We were friends long before I started working for your aunt."
"Be that as it may, I know talent when I see it. And so does Noel." Harper motioned with her hand to her husband standing in the shade of a tree. "Remember he used to work for his father's resort? He knows quality when he sees it."
Cinnamon turned to Scarlet. "Is she trying to get me to stay at the Inn?"
Scarlet raised her eyebrows. "I was wondering the same thing." She wagged her finger at Harper. "You already gave me permission to ask her."
"I sure did, but I didn't say I'd make it easy for her to decide." Mischief hid in Harper's grin.
Scarlet rolled her eyes. "Oh brother. She already agreed to do it, remember?"
"Alright, you two." Cinnamon laughed. "I appreciate you fighting over me, but I can decide on my own. I'll work for the Lindens until the end of summer, and then I'll come back to Kris Kringle. Will that give you and your brothers enough time to find another chef?"
Scarlet nodded, though her eyes held a gleam. "Absolutely. I think we'll be able to get it covered."
"Ladies, you ready to head out?" Noel called a few feet away from them.
They hurried to where the men had packed everything up. Cinnamon lagged behind the two couples, her heart aching at the loving glances they gave each other. That should've been her, walking hand in hand with Kaleb after enjoying a fun-filled time at the lake with friends.
But no. He made the choice to end their relationship. He gave up on the dreams they were working toward. Kaleb pushed her away without any input from Cinnamon.
And she just agreed to live in the same house as her ex-boyfriend and work for the farm he and his siblings ran together. What was wrong with her?
Climbing into the back seat of Shane's suburban, Cinnamon stared out the window, ignoring the chatter between her friends. She'd have to be extra careful around Kaleb and never allow him access to her heart. He broke it once before, and she sure as shootin' wasn't going to let that happen again.
Chapter Three
Kaleb sauntered out of his bedroom and paused at the top of the stairs. The scent of coffee wafted toward him. Normally, he'd be the one up and making sure the automatic coffee pot turned on. This morning, his sister must've gotten up early and seen to the brew. He quickened his steps, hoping to snatch the first cup before Scarlet beat him to it.
