Redeemed Hearts Page 3

  For a split second, she thought he intended to kiss her hand.

  He frowned. “What happened here?”

  “Nothing. Cooks get burns all the time.”

  “I thought you said you weren’t clumsy in the kitchen.”

  “I’m not.” Only when someone shoves me into a hot stove. She jerked to her feet, tugging her sleeves down. “Could I have that candle now, please?”

  ****

  Aidan rose. If he weren’t so used to dealing with fibbing teens, he wouldn’t have known she was lying. But why would she lie about a burn? “What really happened, Chloe?”

  Her chin quivered. “Nothing I want to talk about.”

  Had someone hurt her? His protective instincts roared to life.

  “Talking about a problem usually helps. The incident loses its power once it’s out in the open.”

  “Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”

  “Let’s just say I didn’t leave my old job on the best of terms.”

  “Why? What happened?”

  He shoved his hands into his pant pockets. “Long story.”

  “Tell you what. When you’re ready to spill your secrets, I’ll spill mine.”

  She had him there. Why should she bare her soul to him when he wasn’t willing to do the same? “Message received. I’ll mind my own business.”

  With the candlelight dancing over her, she looked like a fairy tale princess—a lovely damsel in distress. That was exactly how his problems started in Arizona, trying to help a student in trouble.

  A flash of lightning illuminated the room.

  He needed to stay far, far away from women needing rescue. Especially beautiful ones who dulled his senses. He handed her a candle. “Here. Take this. I’ll get you a couple of spares in case this one burns down.” He strode into the kitchen, pulled out a box of utility candles and a pack of matches. “There you go. These should last for a few storms.”

  “Thanks for your help.”

  “You’re welcome.” He avoided looking into those mesmerizing eyes, picked up another candleholder, and motioned to the door. “Come on. I’ll walk you up.”

  4

  Despite the blisters on her feet and a stiff hip, Chloe walked up the main street of Rainbow Falls the next afternoon, enjoying an ice cream.

  Nick’s afternoon appointment at the church had ended sooner than anticipated, and he’d come home early with good news. He’d found a nanny for the girls.

  Chloe had to admit she’d be glad for more time to focus on her plans for the future.

  She inhaled the crisp, clean air. A sense of rightness, of homecoming, filled her with well-being. When she’d left for college, she’d been eager to leave Rainbow Falls behind, but her hometown held a great deal more appeal than she remembered.

  She’d given considerable thought to what she wanted to do now. She was tired of working for someone else and not being in charge of her own career. Maybe being fired from Oliver’s had been a blessing in disguise, a chance to start the business she’d always dreamed of.

  She let her mind wander to the idea she’d kept tucked away for years. While attending culinary school in New York, she’d devised a business plan for a bakery and coffee shop, but had never had the courage to act on it. Instead, she’d worked for Paul, gaining the experience—and the confidence—to one day branch out on her own. Would that type of establishment work in Rainbow Falls? Goose bumps erupted at the prospect.

  She crossed the street, seeing her town through new eyes. The police station, the library, Peg’s Cut N Curl, and of course, Ruby’s Diner. Her favorite local eatery might pose the main source of competition for the business she envisioned.

  A block down from Peg’s, Chloe spotted a For Lease sign in a storefront window. She frowned, trying to recall what had been there before. She cupped a hand and peered through the grimy window. Small round tables and wicker chairs sat pushed against the far right wall. On the left, a counter and cash register remained. The menu board indicated the place had been a sandwich shop. A tingle of excitement raced up her spine. This was exactly the type of setting she’d pictured.

  She jotted down the real estate number and looked at her watch. She needed to go home and change for dinner at Maxi’s. If she hurried, she might have enough time to call the agent. Back at the house, she checked the mailbox out of habit, and then opened the front door.

  A big, orange tabby sat on the mat inside, regarding her with a faintly bored expression.

  “You must be Leo. I should be mad at you, but since you share my fear of storms, I’ll let it go.”

  Leo stretched and curled around her ankles.

  Chloe laughed. ”I think we’ll get along just fine, Leo.” She stepped over him and climbed the stairs. With time to spare after changing, she pulled out the realtor’s phone number and placed the call.

  “Myra Goodwin, Royal Realty.”

  “Ms. Goodwin, my name is Chloe Martin. I’m calling about the shop for lease on McIntyre Street.”

  “An excellent choice. Good location. Reasonable rent. What did you have in mind for the place?”

  “A bakery and coffee shop.” Saying it out loud made her hand tremble.

  “Hmm. A bakery just might work in that space.”

  “I’d like to take a better look at the interior, if possible.”

  “Of course. How does Monday morning around nine o’clock sound?”

  “Perfect.” She made a mental note to let Nick know.

  “Great. I’ll meet you there.”

  Chloe ended the call and did a little happy dance. She’d taken the first step toward creating a new life, a life far removed from Richard Highmore and the drama at Oliver’s. For the first time in weeks, a flicker of hope shimmered within her reach.

  Still riding a wave of euphoria half an hour later, Chloe drove Lily’s car into Maxi and Jason’s driveway.

  At the sight of Maxi’s farmhouse, memories arose of sitting on her friend’s veranda in the summer, of them sipping lemonade surrounded by the scent of freshly cut hay, which Maxi hated, but Chloe secretly loved. A hot rush of nostalgia tightened Chloe’s throat.

  Maxi welcomed her with a fierce hug. “It’s great to see you, Chlo. I wish New York wasn’t so far away.”

  “I know. I miss you too.” Chloe swallowed and stepped back with the sudden, sharp awareness of the huge hole in her life. She’d missed Maxi and Lily more than she realized. Missed their girl chats and sharing ice cream sundaes at Ruby’s. No wonder she’d fallen so quickly for Richard’s charms.

  The spiky red hair of Maxi’s youth had been tamed into a smooth, chin-length bob. Her eyes glowed with happiness.

  “You look great. Motherhood definitely agrees with you.”

  “Except for these five extra pounds I can’t seem to lose. But Jason doesn’t mind. Says I was too skinny before.” Maxi grinned and patted her stomach.

  “So where’s this little man who has you wrapped around his finger?”

  Love beamed from Maxi’s hazel eyes. “He’s napping right now. Should be awake any minute. In the meantime, come keep me company while I cook.” She hooked her arm through Chloe’s and pulled her to the kitchen. “So, how is good old New York these days?”

  “Cutthroat as usual.”

  “Good to know, in case I ever get a yearning to go back.”

  “And leave Peg’s? You’d be crazy.” Chloe chuckled.

  Maxi had left the infamous Baronne’s Salon to marry Jason and work at his mother’s beauty shop, a decision she clearly didn’t regret. Maxi pulled an apron from the back of a chair and secured it around her waist.

  Chloe almost laughed at the picture of domesticity her friend exuded. A far cry from the fashionista who’d left Rainbow Falls for the lure of the big city.

  A heap of vegetables lay in disarray on the long kitchen counter.

  Chloe itched to grab a cleaver. “You need some help in here?”

  “I was hoping you’d offer. I’m making a salad to
go with the chili and biscuits.”

  “Consider it done.” Chloe chose the biggest knife from the drawer, found a wooden board, and began to chop.

  “I spoke to Lily yesterday.” Maxi stirred a big pot on the stove. “She’s very happy to have you home.”

  Her casual tone didn’t fool Chloe for a minute.

  “I’m glad I can help.”

  “She’s worried about you though.”

  “She is?” Chloe stiffened, anticipating an unpleasant twist to the conversation.

  “She told me you broke up with Richard.”

  Chloe’s hand stilled on the knife. “That’s right.”

  “Well, are you going to tell me what happened? Or do I have to torture the answer out of you?” Maxi banged the lid back on the pot.

  Chloe put the knife down and wiped her hands on a towel. Confession was supposed to be good for the soul, and if anyone’s soul needed help, hers did. “You have to promise not to tell Nick or Lily.”

  Maxi pushed a strand of auburn hair behind one ear and frowned. “I don’t know if I can do that.”

  “Fair enough.” Chloe continued chopping carrots into tiny bits.

  Maxi came up beside her at the counter. “Can you at least tell me what happened at work? Lily gets the impression you might be out of a job.”

  Chloe blinked. How had Lily picked up on that? “She’s right. I got fired.”

  Maxi gasped. “What? Why would they fire their best chef?”

  Chloe shrugged. “Fallout from the break up. Richard is co-owner of Oliver’s and Paul Decourcy is his best friend.”

  “What does that have to do with anything?”

  “Richard put pressure on Paul to get rid of me. Paul didn’t want to, but what could he do with Richard threatening to pull his capital out of the restaurant?”

  Maxi banged a wooden spoon on the chopping block. “What a jerk.” She turned to fix Chloe with a thoughtful look. “If Richard was that angry, I take it you broke up with him.”

  Chloe’s back stiffened at the barrage of horrible memories. The ugly words hurled in anger. “I did.”

  “What happened?”

  Chloe kept her eyes on the tomato as she sliced it neatly in half. “The relationship wasn’t working out.”

  “Did he cheat on you?”

  The word cheat reverberated in her chest.

  Maxi’s relentless gaze bored into her.

  How could Chloe possibly answer that question without losing her best friend’s respect?

  “Hope I’m not late.” Aidan’s booming voice accompanied the creak of the screen door.

  Chloe exhaled. Saved, for the moment.

  ****

  Aidan’s brain took a moment to register the fact that Chloe Martin was standing in his sister’s kitchen, dicing vegetables. He gave an inward groan. His plan for a nice, relaxing dinner with Maxi and Jason evaporated faster than the steam rising from the pots on the stove. Now he’d have to guard his reaction to the tempting woman.

  “Hey, Aidan.” Maxi bounced over to kiss his cheek. “You know Chloe, right? Your new neighbor.”

  He threw a pointed look at his sister. “I didn’t realize this was a dinner party.”

  “What party? I haven’t seen Chloe yet, and I wanted her to meet Ben.”

  As if on cue, wails emerged from the baby monitor on the table. “Speaking of which, excuse me while I go change his diaper. Be right back.” With a wicked gleam in her eye, Maxi patted Aidan’s arm on the way out.

  Chloe had returned to her chopping. Her long mane of hair shrouded her face as she worked. Every few seconds, she pushed the hair back with her forearm. Why did he find that tiny gesture so irresistible? He opened the fridge and took out a pitcher of lemonade. “You want a drink?” He hoped his voice sounded normal, not churning with the emotions he was trying to tamp down.

  “Sure.”

  He poured two glasses and handed her one.

  “Thanks.” She stopped working to take it, darting a quick smile in his direction.

  “No problem. How’s the shoulder today?”

  “A little stiff, but no lasting damage.” She took a long drink. “Oh, I met Leo this afternoon. He was standing guard in the hallway.”

  “I hope he behaved himself. He doesn’t take well to strangers.”

  “He was friendly with me. Purred around my ankles, in fact.”

  “Huh. He’s never done that before.”

  “Must be our shared dread of thunderstorms.” She grinned.

  “Here we are, all cleaned up.” Maxi strode into the room with little Ben in her arms.

  The toddler, still not totally awake, pressed his face into his mother’s neck.

  “Chloe, this is Benjamin Charles Hanley. Ben, this is Mommy’s good friend, Chloe.”

  “Hi, Ben.” Chloe gave the child such a blinding smile that Aidan forgot to breathe. Then she reached over and ran a finger down the boy’s cheek. “He’s adorable, Maxi.” The awe in her voice caused goose bumps to ripple across Aidan’s neck.

  “I know. I thank God every day for such a wonderful gift.” Maxi pushed the curls off Ben’s forehead. “How about a snack, buddy?”

  Ben nodded.

  “Here, Uncle Aidan. Put him in his chair, please.” Maxi’s request tore Aidan’s attention from Chloe.

  Aidan took the toddler and tossed him in the air. High-pitched giggles erupted. He swung the boy into the high chair and clipped the belt around him before Ben knew what had happened.

  The front door banged open again.

  A cheerful whistle announced the arrival of his brother-in-law, Jason.

  “How’s my favorite family?” The broad-shouldered man strode into the kitchen and stopped with a look of surprise. “Wow. Full house tonight. Hi, Aidan.” He clapped him on the back. “And Chloe. You look great.”

  A tinge of pink colored her cheeks. “Hi, Jason. It’s been a while.”

  Jason stepped over and enveloped her in a huge hug.

  Aidan stuffed his hands deep into his pockets, fighting the envy that surged through him.

  “Jason, go wash up. Dinner will be ready any minute.” Maxi tied a bib around Ben’s neck.

  Jason crossed the room to wrap an arm around his wife’s waist. “Why don’t you come and give me a hand?” His suggestive tone made Maxi swat him.

  “Behave yourself. We have company.”

  He laughed and planted a noisy kiss on her lips. “Be right back.”

  Aidan was glad his sister had found happiness with the man she’d loved since high school, yet part of him wished he could find the same contentment, the same intimate connection.

  “Salad’s ready.” Chloe turned with a huge wooden bowl in her hands.

  “Here, let me.” He took it from her and set it in the middle of the large kitchen table.

  While Maxi ladled chili into hefty bowls, Aidan carried over the utensils and a basket of biscuits. Soon everyone was seated around the table.

  While Jason said the blessing, Aidan glanced over at Chloe. Her eyes were closed, her head bowed. She looked every bit a devout Christian. Was Chloe a strong believer like Jason and Maxi? Or did she struggle with her faith like him?

  Ever since the fiasco in Arizona, Aidan found himself questioning his beliefs. All his life he’d trusted that if he lived honestly and did the right thing, nothing bad would happen to him. That theory self-destructed pretty fast when a good deed went horribly awry.

  His gaze fell on the long sweep of Chloe’s lashes against her cheek. The flow of her hair cast a shadow on her face—a face so beautiful it made his heart hurt. The prayer ended, and she opened her eyes, staring right at him. He looked away, mortified to be caught gawking at her like a besotted teenager.

  “So, Aidan. How are things at school?”

  Aidan focused back on Jason. “The usual. Unruly kids, frazzled teachers. Fairly normal—until the incident this afternoon.” He shook his head, recalling the commotion.

  “What happened?” Maxi
passed him the basket of biscuits.

  “Mrs. Merriweather, our home economics teacher, burned herself pretty badly during class. Principal Jenkins had to take her to the hospital in Kingsville.”

  “That’s awful. Will she be all right?”

  “I think so. But she won’t be able to cook for a while, until her hand heals. We may have to postpone the cooking segment of the curriculum.” He stabbed a piece of cucumber in his salad, trying not to think about shuffling the students’ schedules around, and then raised a brow at the stillness around the table. “What?”

  “I think I know someone who could help.” Maxi had that predatory gleam, which meant one thing. Trouble.

  Chloe’s eyes widened, fork suspended in mid-air. Her brows descended into a sharp V. “Absolutely not.”

  Aidan’s gaze toggled back and forth between the two women. “I don’t follow.”

  “Chloe’s in between jobs at the moment. Until she finds something else, she’d be perfect to fill in. Who better than a real chef?”

  Chloe was out of work? Warning flares flashed in his brain. Being around Chloe more than absolutely necessary would not be a good idea. Not if he wanted to keep this burgeoning attraction at bay. “Aren’t you busy helping Nick and Lily with the kids?” he asked.

  “Nick hired a nanny today. She’s starting on Monday.”

  Aidan searched for an appropriate response to his sister’s sharp gaze, which gouged him like the pointed end of his knife.

  Jason, ever the voice of reason, came to the rescue. “No need to decide anything this minute. Maybe Mrs. Merriweather’s burn won’t be as serious as you think. Or maybe she’ll have a solution of her own.”

  Aidan heaved a sigh of relief. “You’re right. No use speculating until we know the facts.”

  He ducked his head and dug into his chili, pausing to pray that Mrs. Merriweather’s injury wasn’t as bad as he feared.

  5

  Chloe followed Myra Goodwin out of the shop on McIntyre Street, her thoughts a chaotic jumble of excitement. The site was perfect for what she had in mind. It already contained the basics she would need for a bakery. A good coat of paint and a few upgrades would at least get her started. However, she would eventually need more specialized ovens and at least one industrial-sized refrigerator. The rent was a little more than she’d hoped, but not outrageous.