LITMIR.BIZ

       Chapter Five

      Kylie combined the ingredients for the frosting in a bowl while Landon got comfortable. The darn man had been in town only a matter of hours and already he was making her jittery.

      “Tell me about the expansion. What does it depend on?”

      “Well, the city owns the building and they use the space next door for town meetings. Sadie—she’s the mayor—thinks they should move to a bigger location. If they do, she’ll give me first crack at renting it.”

      “How big is the place?”

      “Big,” she said as she got busy whipping in the chocolate. “I wouldn’t have to rent the whole thing. They could break it down. I’d still have plenty of room for tables and chairs, and I could build up the coffee bar business, too.”

      He was quiet for such a long time that she glanced up at him. Oddly, he was staring at the mixing bowl and frowning.

      “What’s wrong?”

      “Hmm?” He met her eyes. “Nothing. When do you see something like that happening?”

      “Maybe never. I just don’t know at this point. Anyway, it wouldn’t be cheap since I’d have to knock down part of the wall. I’d have to save up.”

      “So, you’re getting a quote just on the counter?”

      She nodded. “And a matching condiment cabinet.”

      “Sounds like a good place to start.”

      “Except for the older customers.” She started icing the cupcakes for the special order that would be picked up soon. Hyperaware of Landon watching her, Kylie fumbled the spatula and gouged a hole in the third cupcake. Calmly, she set down the spatula before she did something stupid, like throw it against the wall.

      “Did you do that on purpose?”

      She looked up and saw that he wasn’t joking. “Why on earth would I do that?”

      “I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Maybe to put something extra in it?”

      “Like what?”

      Ignoring her snippy tone, he asked, “What is it they put in those cakes during Mardi Gras in New Orleans?”

      Kylie managed to shake her head without rolling her eyes. He was just trying to help. No reason to snap at him.

      “Okay, look,” he said. “Why don’t you give me something to do? No sense me just sitting here.”

      “I agree. Why don’t you go have some lunch at the diner? Or go relax in your room?”

      “Trying to get rid of me, Kylie?” He spoke evenly, without a trace of accusation or annoyance or anything at all. Idling in neutral was typical for Landon.

      “After all that driving I figured your leg must be stiff and you might want to stretch it.” She went to the sink and washed her hands. Mostly to avoid his probing eyes. “By the way, how was the motel?”

      “Not bad. The bed was comfortable. Kevin’s business card got me a good discount,” Landon said. “How was your date?”

      Thank God she had her back to him. Even knowing the question was inevitable hadn’t helped her prepare. And just because she wasn’t facing him didn’t mean he’d stopped staring. So hard she could almost feel her skin burn. “It was nice.”

      His prolonged silence finally got to her.

      Hoping and praying the bell over the door would ring, she grabbed a dish towel. Not a single customer for almost thirty minutes. Now, they all stayed away? As she turned to face him, she concentrated on drying her hands. “Tell me about your leg.”

      A smile curved his mouth and struck a raw nerve. “Are you going out with him again?”

      Kylie felt her blood pressure climb. “How is that any of your business?”

      He shrugged. “I’d just hate to see you get mixed up with a guy who isn’t right for you just to show me.”

      “Show you what? I hadn’t given you a second thought until yesterday.”

      After studying her for a few seconds, he said, “I thought about you a lot.”

      She could barely catch her breath. “I don’t blame you for Gary’s behavior. You can stop feeling—”

      “It had nothing to do with Gary.” One side of his mouth hiked up. Not in a smile exactly. More like a challenge as his gaze held hers steady. “At least not in the way you’re thinking.”

      Kylie swallowed. The look he was giving her scrambled her brain. She’d seen it before, over the years when she’d caught him watching her. She never understood how she could panic and melt at the same time. As it was, she’d almost done something unforgivable.

      “Who’s been taking care of you?” she asked, darting a look at his leg.

      “First, I take care of myself just fine. Second, I didn’t come all this way for you to be my nurse. Or to discuss Gary. Or to rehash the past.”

      “Okay.” She cleared her throat. “Then I’ll ask you again, why are you here?”

      “That answer hasn’t changed since yesterday. But I’ve got a question for you,” he said, and there it was again. Although it seemed to be more an entreaty than a challenge this time.

      The bell over the door rang.

      Thank God.

      “Excuse me. I have a customer,” she murmured and hurried up front.

      Mallory was holding the door open and looking back at the street. She turned when she saw Kylie. “Hey, how did it go last night?”

      “Good. Great, really.” Kylie tilted her head to see who Mallory was holding the door for.

      “Rachel was right behind me.” Mallory let go of the door. “I should’ve known she’d get sidetracked.”

      “Nope. I’m here.” Rachel caught the door before it closed and rushed inside, her eyes bright and eager. “So, tell us everything.”

      Mallory gave Kylie a sympathetic smile. “Where did you guys go?”

      “Dinner in Kalispell.”

      “Your hair looks terrific, by the way,” Mallory said. “I love those highlights.”

      “I like it, too,” Kylie murmured, moving to the end of the counter where there was less chance of Landon overhearing.

      Rachel frowned. “Where are you going?”

      Kylie had to think fast. If it was only Mallory she could’ve given her a nonverbal sign. But not Rachel. “I’m thinking of making this area more like a coffee bar. What do you think?”

      “You already told us that,” Rachel said. “I’m more interested in your date with Kevin.”

      “I told you, we went to dinner.”

      “Oh, honey, I don’t care about that.” Rachel sighed. “I

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