Cooking Up Trouble (12 page)

T
essa finished dicing the last of the parsley, capers, and anchovies to place in small glass canning jars. She seasoned the mix with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon before topping them with extra virgin olive oil. Good. The Italian salsa verde was ready to go. She smiled at the jars lining the counters in the barn's kitchen. Red chili pepper sauce, tomato relish, and onion jam. She'd made enough to stock the barn's shelves for a month or so. A couple from the city had bought the last of them on Saturday and promised to return for more. There hadn't been any.

“We stopped here last fall and should have stocked up on these,” the husband said. “We both have a thing for pasta.”

Mondays were good days to work in the kitchen. The farm stand was open, but not the shop. This early in the spring, she had plenty of time to work between people stopping for salad fixings.

She was finishing up when Ian called. “I know you said I could bring Brody with me tonight, but we just finished all the work on the tennis courts. Want to come and try them out? You have a racket, so I'm thinking you must play.”

“Give me an hour. I made chicken salad. Want me to bring it for sandwiches?”

“Brody loves chicken salad.”

“You don't?”

“Not as much as Brody. Hope you made plenty.”

When didn't she? She locked the barn and put a basket between the spinach and lettuces at the stand. People could grab what they needed and drop the money in the basket. Then she hurried to the house and changed clothes.

She smiled on the drive to Ian's place. A satisfied smugness hummed inside her. She'd grown up playing tennis. Had lots of private lessons. Ian thought he was going to play a girl so was guaranteed a win, but he had another think coming. She was damned good at the game.

She was surprised at the progress on the lodge when she pulled to the front door. The trim gleamed with new white paint. Wreathes of flowers hung on the red, double doors. The front lawn was edged and trimmed. Blooms spilled from flower boxes at the front windows of the three-story limestone house, and each wing displayed black shutters at the windows.
Damn, it looked good!

Brody came to greet her when she parked her pickup by the front door. “Ian says you come bearing chicken salad.”

“I kept it simple,” she told him. “Added dill since it's for sandwiches.”

“Works for me. I've never met a chicken salad I didn't like.” He took the bag with the food from her and glanced inside. “A fruit salad, too? Another of my favorites.”

“What can I say? You got lucky today.” Brody's luck would end at the tennis courts. She followed him to the back patio. “The place looks great. Were you a part of that?”

He shrugged. Damn, the man had broad shoulders. “I work with a lot of landscapers in my business. I know what a difference presentation can make. We worked with your friend, Buck Krieger, at the nursery. He has nothing but good things to say about you.”

She smiled. “Buck and I go back a long ways. I've known him since I spent summers with Grams and Gramps. He can be had with blueberry pies.”

When they reached the back of the property, she noticed the new tennis courts and five, rental, log cabins beyond them. The cabins were bordered by the tennis courts on one side, the golf course—under construction across from them—and the lake. Not a bad setting.

“I talked Ian into buying ready-made cabins,” Brody said. “Someday, if he wants to replace them with something fancier, he can, but people who like privacy might like them now.”

She'd seen the log cabins for sale. Long and narrow, each had a small porch. They weren't spacious, but they were comfortable enough for sleeping quarters. Most people who came here would spend most of their time outdoors anyway.

They sat at the picnic table, overlooking the lake, while they ate. “What do you think of all the work we got done?” Ian asked.

“It's perfect. People should love it here.”

When the ducks saw them, they headed in their direction. Tessa had brought extra bread for them, and Ian went to the shore to feed them.

“A little farther down,” Brody called. “You want to keep them away from the pier and beach. Ducks can make a mess. No one wants to step in their droppings.”

Ian blinked at him, surprised. “I hadn't thought of that.”

“You don't fight Canada geese then. They're a nuisance on our lake back home.”

When Ian finished his sandwich, he tugged at Tessa's hand. “Come on. Let's hit some balls. It's been a while since I've gotten to play.”

Brody winced at his wording, but Tessa glanced at the four, immaculate courts on the far side of the yard. It was a perfect evening to play tennis. The air was cool. A slight breeze stirred the tree limbs. Her lips curved in a smile. “Did you finally buy a racket?”

“Better. I found the box that held my sports gear. I have my own.” He reached for it and gave it a twirl.

Uh-oh, men who cherished their tennis rackets were usually pretty good at the game. She narrowed her eyes at him. Trouncing him might not prove as easy as she'd planned.

Brody grabbed two more sandwiches and a beer, then followed them to the tennis court. He settled himself on a comfortable park bench to watch.

“You're not going to play?” Tessa asked.

“No, this time, I'm going to enjoy watching.”

“You can have first serve,” Ian said.

She decided to start nice and solid, nothing too crazy. She'd gauge how well he played. She placed the ball in the center of his serve box, and he easily returned it—a nice, safe hit. She backhanded it to the other side of his court. He returned it to the base line of hers. They went back and forth, back and forth, each hit getting a little harder to return, with a little more power behind it. Finally, Ian hit a strong forehand shot, she rushed the net, and dropped the ball just over it on his side.

His mouth dropped open in surprise.

Her next serve hit the far corner of his box, and he had to work to return it . . . to her back line. She returned it to the center of his side, just inside his line, and he raced to get it. She smashed his return. He glared.

She aced her third serve, and Brody called, “Forty-love, bro! Get the lead out.”

Ian's lips pressed into a tight line.

Tessa's first serve was out. Her second was safer, and Ian killed it.

Brody's voice took on a taunting tone. “Forty-fifteen. Kill him while you can, Tessa.”

Things became brutal after that. Obviously, Ian didn't like to lose any more than she did. By the time they finished their set, sweat drenched each of them, and Ian had won after more deuces than Tessa could bear. It had been that close.

Brody watched them slump on the bench across from him and laughed. “Were you guys having fun out there?”

“It was great.” Ian mopped his brow.

“I could wring you out like a dishrag.” Brody tipped his beer bottle for another swig. “Maybe you two shouldn't play against each other.”

Tessa took a deep breath, determined to be a good sport. “It's been months since I've been on a court. I enjoyed it.”

“Sure you did.” Brody sounded way too pleased with himself.

Ian reached to steal Brody's beer and made a face. “Uggh, I stink. I'm going to jump in the lake to cool off.”

“Are you nuts?” Tessa stared. “It's the middle of May. The water's still cold.”

He grimaced and looked at Brody. “Let's build an outdoor shower on the back of the house. It might come in handy. What do you think?”

“Not a bad idea. We'll check where the plumbing connects to the house.”

Ian grinned. “When it's hot, I have the perfect solution. Come on, Tessa. I'll show you what I had done.” He went to a tall tree whose branches reached out over the water. A new tire swing dangled from one of them. Ian grabbed the swing and motioned for Tessa to get in. “It's great. I'll give you a push. We had one of these when we were kids.”

“So did I. Gramps strung it for me.” She slid inside the oversized tire.

Ian pulled it back, then gave it a heave. The tire swung out over the water, the rope creaked, and then the knot came undone. Tessa flew farther, then plunged below the lake's surface. She sprang up, gasping, and swam for shore. When she hit solid footing, she ran toward Ian and Brody.

“Don't even think about it.” Brody held up long arms to hold her away. “Ian's the stupid one who tried to freeze you to death.”

Tessa changed direction and wrapped herself around Ian, pressing close for body warmth. Her teeth chattered, and her entire body shook.

“I'm sorry.” Ian wrapped as much of himself around her as he could until his teeth chattered, too. “I'm
so
sorry.” Even freezing, even dripping wet, Ian felt good.

“For God's sake!” Brody grabbed them both by their shirt collars and hauled them toward the house. Tessa's lightweight shirt clung to her, and she hugged herself to stay warm as she struggled to keep up with the McGregor brothers' long strides. Once inside the mudroom, Brody dumped them and went to fetch towels. Ian and Tessa shivered as water dripped off them onto the tile floor. He returned shortly with a big, bath towel for each of them.

They patted and dried, then wrapped themselves tight.

Ian looked at Tessa and grinned. “Damn, you're pretty when you're soaking wet.”

Soaking wet was right. He'd nearly drowned her. She smacked his arm. “You're an idiot.”

“That's what Brody tells me.”

“And now you know why.” Brody brought two, dry towels to replace their wet ones.

Bundled up, they went on the back patio to watch the sun set. Brody brought out a bottle of wine and three glasses, and they sipped in companionable silence.

Finally, Brody sighed. “Too bad I have to leave tomorrow. You two have kept me more entertained than I ever expected.”

Tessa gave him a dirty look, and he laughed. “I'll miss you, Ginger.”

She started to huff, and then smiled. “I'll miss you, too. The next time you come to visit Ian, make sure you stop in to see me.”

He frowned. “That'll be an automatic. You feed him every day.”

The sun sank low to the water, staining it rosy pink. Was there anything more glorious than a sunset? Tessa shrugged. “Feeding Ian's only temporary. When Lily moves here, everything will change.”

“Oh, yeah, I forgot. Maybe I'll stay at your place and stop in to visit the lodge.”

“Not fair,” Ian protested. “Eventually, you and Lily will learn to like each other.”

“Hmm.” Brody glanced at Tessa. “You have an extra room, don't you?”

She laughed. “I do, but we'll see what happens. You like your brother.”

A smile lifted Brody's wide lips. “Problem solved, I'll come from Monday through Friday. Lily will be on a trip somewhere.”

Ian scowled, but Tessa wondered if that might not work better. She doubted Brody changed his mind easily once he formed an opinion.

Brody surprised her by reaching for her hand. His grip was warm and firm. A woman would feel secure if Brody held her. “It's been a pleasure getting to know you, Tessa Lawrence. I hope you stay a part of my life.”

Tears threatened. A lump caught in her throat. She stood and reached to hug him. Long, strong arms pulled her close, and she smiled. When she straightened to call it a night and leave, she caught Ian's expression—troubled.

What now? He should be happy her brother got along so well with her. She ignored his mood and said, “Have a safe trip home, Brody.” When he started to rise, she waved him back into his seat. “Don't get up. No need to. You two enjoy your time together before you have to go.”

She circled the house and started her pickup. If she flirted with Brody, would he be interested? She didn't think so. But they could be lifelong friends, just like Keavin and her.

T
uesday blistered with unseasonable heat. Tessa woke feeling sticky and warm. After her shower, she pulled her long hair into a high ponytail to get it off her neck. It dried kinky from too much humidity. According to the weatherman, the heat would build during the day, then a thunderstorm would blow it away in the early evening. Indiana weather. Always changeable.

She carried her morning coffee outside and wrinkled her nose. Too hot and muggy to work in the gardens. Maybe a good thing. Before the weather was truly miserable, she picked greens and herbs for the farm stand and left them with the donations basket. If anyone needed something else, she left a sign to stop by the house. Her house—she frowned at the thin layer of dust on every surface. It needed a good clean. She'd been putting it off. She cranked on the air conditioner, grabbed the dust mop, and got busy. By late afternoon, she felt drained from all the sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing, but the old place gleamed.

Sweat trickled down her back and soaked her bra. It pooled in her cleavage. Disgusting. She turned to head to the shower when a car pulled into her drive. Hmm, maybe the greens had sold out. She could always pick more. She swiped her arm across her shiny forehead and went to greet her visitor. Then froze.

The car parked in her drive belonged to her parents. According to Grams, they weren't visiting until next month, or maybe later. Her mother rushed across the lawn to hug her, stopped and sniffed, then shook her head. “You're a mess.”

Tessa smiled. “I love you, too. I just finished cleaning the house from top to bottom. I took a shower this morning, but it's too humid.”

Her dad didn't mind. He crushed her to him. “Hey Copperhead, good to see you!”

Her brother came up behind him, grinning. “I see you haven't changed.”

“Give me a break. I didn't know you were coming.”

“That's my fault,” her mom said. “I decided it would be better to travel in spring, when it wasn't so hot. Maybe we'll hit the cherry blossoms and spring gardens on the east coast.”

“It's too late for that,” Craig said. Her brother had probably looked it up on the Internet. He was always organized. Unlike her mother. Mom might sit on every board for every club she belonged to, but no one was silly enough to make her the head of anything. They relied on her energy and enthusiasm instead. And connections. Mom had lots of connections.

Her dad wrapped an arm around Tessa's shoulders and started into the house. “The place is as pretty as ever.”

“I'd better call Mom,” her mother said. “If your grandmother misses anything, she'll have my head.”

As usual, they settled in the kitchen. Tessa put pitchers of lemonade and iced tea on the table, along with glasses, and everyone helped themselves. “How long can you stay?”

“Only two days and nights.” Craig's voice was dry. “Mom's on a mission. We're going to see more sites than anyone should bother with in one week.”

“Where's Nora?” Tessa liked Craig's lawyer-wife. She was perfect for Craig—strong enough to speak her mind and fun enough to enjoy every minute with him.

“Couldn't come. Working on a big case right now. We're going to Michigan in late July, renting a boat. You should come up to visit us.”

She shook her head. “That's my busy time. Maybe I can meet you somewhere in January or February.”

“That would be fun. Maybe some place hot, like Key West.”

Mom slid her cell back in her pocket and reached for the lemonade. “You two, always plotting together. I want to catch up on all the gossip. Time to spill your guts, kid.”

Tessa shook her head. “You have such high hopes. You know how boring I am.”

“That's not what I've heard.” Her mother's grin looked naughty. “Grams says you've met a hot guy.”

“Yup, my neighbor, the one who's engaged. You'll meet him tonight. He's coming for supper.”

“About that, you're not cooking.” Mom's tone was final. “We surprised you, so we're taking you out to eat. Your friend's invited, too.”

A good thing. Tessa had two ribeyes to grill. Not enough to go around. “I'll call Ian and warn him that family's here. It's his choice if he braves that.”

“I'd like to meet him.” Her brother's expression turned serious. “Grams said you get along really well.”

“He's a neighbor. I even got along with Sam Dramer. I softened him up with jams and jellies. It's easier. No border disputes.”

Her dad grinned. “Nice try, but it's more than that. Grams said you two just clicked. I'd like to meet him, too. A guy finally made you think all men weren't the enemy. You'll see us in a new light.”

She felt her shoulders relax. Good, they understood. “He's genuinely nice, and he's totally in love with Lily. I like that about him.”

“And it makes you feel safe.” Craig studied her. “You can be yourself with him, because he's taken.”

“That, too.” Tessa stood. “Want some help carrying your stuff upstairs so you can get settled?”

Her mom pursed her lips. “Are there clean sheets on the beds?”

“Yup, no one's used them that I know of. I'm glad I cleaned today. You guys could have died of dust allergies.”

They trounced to the car and carried suitcases up the steps. Craig took the room that faced the front, and her parents the bigger one that looked out over the lake. A bathroom separated them.

Her mom looked around and smiled. “It looks better without my old posters covering the walls. I had a happy childhood here.”

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Grams' voice called, “Hey, where's my long-lost daughter?”

Mom ran down the stairs to greet her. The rest of them followed. They moved to the screened porch at the back of the house and spent the next two hours catching up. Finally, Mom frowned at Tessa and said, “If we're going out tonight, you need to get ready. I'll help you pick out something nice to wear.”

“I've been dressing myself for a while now, Mom.”

Her mother—trim and fit at sixty, with light-brown hair and green eyes—grimaced. “I can tell. You don't use the sunblock and beauty products I send you, do you? Look at your freckles! Look at that hair. Do you use products for the frizz?”

Grams laughed. “Uh-oh, you've been busted, Kid. Better move it and try to look decent.”

Her mother turned to Grams. “She's not the only one busted. What about you? I've heard rumors about you lately.”

“About me?” Grams tried to look innocent. “I thought we were trying to keep things pleasant. Who ratted?”

“Hazel Newsome, we still Facebook each other.”

“Damn that Hazel. I let her have sleepovers with you whenever she wanted to.”

Tessa smiled and started toward her room.

“Sure, leave an old lady alone to defend herself,” Grams called. “You know your mom can turn into the inquisitor from Hell.”

Tessa laughed and headed to the shower. “Nothing I say is going to save you.”

Twenty minutes later, her mom knocked on the door, saw Tessa bundled in her bathrobe, and slid inside her bedroom. She shook her head when Tessa held up the same flowered skirt she'd worn when Ian took her out to eat.

“Nope, we're eating in town, probably at the diner, but I still want you to look nice.” She started flipping through the clothes in Tessa's closet. “Here.” She tossed a pair of hip-hugging khaki pants on the bed. A snug-fitting black V-neck shirt followed them. She turned her head while Tessa tugged them on, then nodded approval. “You can actually see your figure now. You usually hide it under baggy tees.”

Next, she looked through Tessa's makeup drawer. She pulled out the many under-used products she'd sent her. “This.” Brown eyeliner. “And this.” Bronze eyeshadow. She chose a foundation and blush, lip gloss, and perfume. Then she pulled Tessa's hair up in a high, messy bun with strands falling to frame her face.

When Tessa looked in the mirror, she had to admit her mom had a knack. The reflection that gazed back at her didn't look half bad.

By the time they rejoined the others on the porch, Ian sat with them. At Tessa's frown, Craig said, “I saw him drive up. Cute, little car. Going to be interesting to see how it survives on these roads in the winter. Anyway, I invited him in.”

Tessa turned to introduce her mom to him, but Ian's gaze stayed riveted on her. He looked bemused. She sighed. “Snap out of it. Ian, this is my mother, Connie. Mom, this is Ian, my next door neighbor.”

“Ian's invited us over to see what he's done to Sam's old place,” Tessa's dad said. “He's turning it into a lodge.”

Her mom's face lit up. “How wonderful! I'd love to see it.”

“It's not as nice as this.” Ian motioned to Tessa's house. “But Tessa helped me pick out things, and it turned out looking comfortable and homey.”

Grams rode over with Tessa's family, leaving Tessa to ride with Ian.

“You look nice.” Ian looked her up and down with appreciation.

“So do you.” Ian always looked good. Dressed in expensive jeans, like Craig's, and a polo shirt, he fit the part of dressy casual. Of course, Ian looked good no matter what he had on . . . or off.

“Your family seems nice.”

“They're great.” Tessa smiled. “They love to give me grief, but I've always felt loved. I'm more like Dad, pretty laid-back. Craig takes after Mom. They both love to be on the go, in the middle of everything.”

They parked near the front door and waited for her dad to pull up behind them. Then Ian motioned them inside. “Welcome to Lakeview Stables.”

Mom's gaze swept the property, and she let out a long breath. “I'm impressed. When you're finished, you can offer guests a little bit of everything.”

Ian grinned. “No mountains for skiing, but I'll have tennis, golf, horseback riding, and the lake. The golf course won't be finished till next spring, though.”

“And gourmet food.” Craig nodded when Ian turned to him, surprised. “This area has hit some of the travel magazines because of its specialty items.”

“I have topnotch suppliers lined up,” Ian told him. “And I've hired a chef to keep the guests satisfied.”

That was the first Tessa had heard about the chef. She hadn't thought about who'd cook the meals here.

“A name we'd know?” Craig asked.

“I doubt it, but she's worked in a few trendy restaurants. Paula's all into the farm-to-table movement.” Ian glanced at his watch. “I'd better show you around before Tessa starts gnawing on us. She hates late suppers.”

When Tessa scowled, Grams laughed. “Give the girl a little pity. It's a long time between lunch and supper when you work summer hours at the stand.”

Ian gave them the grand tour. It was the first time Tessa saw the finished guest rooms, and Ian's gaze locked with hers. When she smiled her approval, he looked relieved.

As they finished up, back at the big, double doors, Tessa's dad shook his head. “I'd have never thought anyone could do so much with this old place. Good luck to you, son.”

Ian's color heightened at the term, and Craig's eyes narrowed. He glanced at Tessa. She shrugged. It was odd the things that pleased Ian.

They divided up again for the drive into town, and when they settled in the diner, other people moseyed by their table to yak.

“Long time no see,” old acquaintances told Mom and Dad.

The meal took longer than it should have, with bygone friends stopping often to talk. Tessa only half-listened. With six people crowded around a rectangular table, it was close quarters. Her thigh jostled against Ian's. Did he realize their legs were touching? He didn't show it. Should she reposition herself, or would that draw his attention? Would Ian wonder why she hadn't moved before? The heat of his skin sizzled through the fabric of his jeans and her khakis. What would it feel like to have her bare legs twined with his? She took a long drink of iced water. What was wrong with her? Hormone overload.

By the time they left the restaurant, it was getting late, and her libido was in overdrive.

“I'll drop Tessa off at her place, then head back to the lodge,” Ian told them. “I have a big day tomorrow. Have to drive to the city to set up some advertising. I'm ready to open my doors.”

“You won't be at supper tomorrow night?” Craig asked.

Ian shook his head. “It was nice meeting all of you, though. No wonder Tessa's turned out so great. She came from good stock.”

Tessa practically hugged the passenger door on the drive home. One more accidental touch, and her reputation might go down the tubes. Her fingers itched to clamp his thigh, work their way higher. How embarrassing would that be—to be banned from Ian's house so that she couldn't ravish him?

When they pulled in front of her bungalow, she sighed her relief. Her parents pulled in behind them. She turned to Ian to thank him for the ride home and looked away quickly. A smile pulled at her lips. She hadn't been the only one struggling with inappropriate feelings. A bulge poked at his jeans. She tossed him a smile and hurried to open her own door. If he reached across her to help, they'd be having sex on the front seat.

Craig came and wrapped an arm around Tessa's shoulder to wave Ian off. Once he was out of sight, he gave her a quick squeeze. “That guy thinks you walk on water. It's a good thing we didn't tell him all the horror stories of your youth.”

She took a deep breath. She needed to center herself. Hopefully, no one noticed the chemistry sizzling between them. “What horror stories? You were hardly ever around.”