Ain't She Sweet (Seven Brides for Seven Mothers #2) - Whitney Dineen Page 0,7
It’s the time of year I most look forward to because it makes me feel the most. It’s like a giant hug from an omnipotent and loving being who’s assuring me that all is well in the universe.
Staring at the kaleidoscope of colors, I think about that verse from Ecclesiastes, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven …” I’ve had a lot of seasons in my life, probably more than most do by the time they’re thirty-one. Right now, I’m experiencing my season of self. It’s my time to put my own needs first, and it’s long overdue.
I’m startled out of my reverie when I hear the surly words, “What are you doing here?”
James Cavanaugh is standing in front of me with a frown line etched so deeply between his eyes that I bet if I stuck a quarter in it, it would stay there. I study him like he’s an actor on a television screen and not a real man standing an arm’s length away. He’s taller than I am by several inches. His hair is a sun-kissed medium shade of brown and his eyes are green with flecks of gold that seem to dance around. When he’s not frowning, he’s a gorgeous man by anyone’s estimation. Too bad he’s so annoying.
When I finally open my mouth, I demand, “You’re the garden designer?”
“Who else do you think my mom would hire?”
I inhale and exhale quickly before rolling my eyes. “I guess it makes sense.” I rather ungraciously thrust the plate of pastries at him. “These are for you.”
His eyes light up and he immediately grabs a donut, shoving nearly the whole thing into his mouth. The look on his face is enough to cause my knees to tremble. When he releases a groan of pure pleasure, they almost buckle.
Apparently, James appreciates the flavors of fall as much as I do. I involuntarily step closer to him, wondering what the cinnamon sugar would taste like on his lips. But as soon as that thought pops into my head I leap back like grease on a hot griddle. “So, what questions do you have for me about the garden?” I force myself to think about dirt and not his annoyingly gorgeous mouth.
“I don’t have any questions for you. I didn’t know you’d be here.” In what I’m assuming is a response to my confused expression, he explains, “I already met with Geoffrey, I thought my mom and I were going to finalize everything ourselves.”
“Well, I have a few ideas,” I tell him.
“No doubt.” His tone is downright insulting.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means I have no doubt you have a multitude of opinions. You’re very proficient at sharing them.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
He raises his eyebrow in response but doesn’t comment further.
I am not happy to be standing here with James Cavanaugh. I look around to see if his mother is anywhere nearby before hissing, “I don’t care if you are Ruby’s son. Don’t expect me to bow down to you like you’re special.”
“God forbid, you try to be nice. Although, I’m guessing being ‘nice’”—he does the whole air quotes thing—“isn’t exactly in your wheelhouse.” I should punch him in the eye.
“Why should I be nice to you?” I demand with my chin tilted upwards and my hand on my hip. I feel like the caricature of a bossy school marm. If I were holding a ruler, I’d be more than tempted to hit him with it.
“Because, Miss Heinz, when attacked, I bite.”
I want to smack the remains of the donut out of his hands. I want to kick him in the shins. I don’t do either because I get sidetracked by the thought of him biting me. You know a little nibble here and there. The image positively sucks the air out of my lungs. I don’t consciously take a breath until I hear the words, “There you two are. I’m sorry I’m late.”
Chapter Four
Ruby
Ruby stops at the front desk to chat with the general manager of the lodge, Chris, to give James and Tara some alone time at the garden site. “There is only one lesson my boys have never fully learned,” she tells her friend. “Mother knows best.”
“Tell me about it. You’d think we grew up under rocks and didn’t have any real-life experience for all the respect we get. As soon as our kids find out something is our idea, they fight back,” Chris replies in