She handed him a large glass of water and sat down to pick at the meat still on the table. Points in his favor then. Hate people who are cruel to animals. “That’s nice to hear. Happy animals makes for nicer meat anyway and I hate to think of any animal being mistreated.”
Kyle smiled and took another bite, and leaned back in his chair. “He has this little dog, looks like a hairy rat thing. Spencer, what a name.” He laughed and Lena’s heart melted just a little. It was good to hear that sound after the tragic turn of events and the disappointment her son had suffered. “He acts like he’s too good for the farm, what a classic. Prances around lifting his feet as if he’s scared to get his toes dirty. So not what I’d expect Adam to have running around after him.”
“Really? Adam seems the type of guy to have a big dog, not something fluffy and cute.” Can’t wait to see that. She picked up the meat tray and put it back in the fridge and imagined a large hairy beast like a wolf hound trotting by the man’s side. Why does this interest me? I don’t care what he does, do I?
“Yeah, that’s what I said. Someone left it to him in their will so he had to take it.”
“Well, I guess that’s nice of him then. What are your plans for this afternoon?”
Kyle shrugged his shoulders. “Can I help you?”
“Sure. You can make the pasta if you want to and I have to ice the mud cakes. I’ve made one for Gail for her café and one for dinner tonight. Or you could make the filling for the ravioli. You choose.” So long as you’re in the kitchen with me you can do what you want.
“Pasta.” He grinned at her and jammed the remainder of his sandwich in his mouth and followed it with a large drink of his water.
Chapter 6
“I really appreciate being invited over for dinner. I know you’ve probably got a lot going on right now so it’s doubly appreciated.” Adam handed over a bottle of red wine and one of white, noticing the glimmer of happiness in her eyes. Well, things are looking better tonight.
Lena took them and turned away, but not before he saw the blush racing up her cheeks. He knew from Kyle the last thing she wanted was for anyone to feel sorry for her and he didn’t. He was intrigued by her more than anything. She walked down the hallway from the front door into the kitchen, and opened the fridge putting the white in to chill before speaking to him. “That’s okay. I like to keep busy anyway and cooking seems to keep the demons at bay.”
Wonderful. “I’m already a huge fan of your cooking too so having you here is a massive bonus for this one pot dinner kind of cook.” Not that I can’t do better if I try, but nothing like your cooking that’s for sure. He followed her in and leaned his arms on the back of one of the wooden ladder back chairs surrounding the kitchen table.
Lena shut the fridge door and glanced at him, a lock of pale blonde hair falling over one eye. “Really?” She put the bottle of red wine on the table.
Make small talk. “Uh, yeah. I’ve been to your restaurant quite a few times.” He looked at his hands uncomfortably. “I, uh mean your old restaurant. What I mean to say is I know you don’t own it anymore but I wish you did. Your food is to die for. I can understand having to wait weeks to get a table.” Talk about putting your foot in it. Way to go sport. Adam ran his hand over his hair and looked away. How the heck had he managed to put his foot in it so smoothly? He wasn’t one to lose his composure with the ladies and what just happened threw him off kilter. Not a good start.
“I suppose everyone has to find out sooner or later. Not that there’s any point trying to hide it.” She took a couple of glasses from the cupboard over the kitchen counter and placed them on the table beside the wine. “I’ll have a glass if you’re offering.”
Wine, right, almost forgot. Too busy um watching you. “Sure. Uh, where are the parents and Kyle?” He picked up the bottle and broke the seal. Stop acting like a stupid teenager and get your shit together. Act normal, like an adult and stop putting your damned foot in it.
“They should be back in a minute. Dad wanted a quick walk before dinner.” She pulled out a chair and sat down, taking the glass of wine he passed her. “Thanks.” Lena sipped the deep velvety red wine and leaned back in her chair, a sigh escaping her lips.
“Good?” He watched as she opened her eyes and glanced at him. He could see hurt deep in the pale blue of her irises, but there was something else there too. Determination and stubbornness. Both tendencies he could relate to. The girl had spunk.
“Just perfect.” She reached for the bottle and read the label. “Local, nice.” Lena raised the glass and sniffed delicately before she swirled the wine in the glass and sniffed again. “I should have done this first but the urge to taste it was too much. You know how to pick a good wine.”
A wave of pleasure rushed over him, reducing him to a grinning teenager accepting any scrap of praise from her. “I learned early on you can’t go wrong with Stan’s wines. Best in the valley as far as I’m concerned.” Nothing wrong with name dropping especially when it’s a local.
“I have to agree, but
