them a thumbs-up as he walked back to his truck and led the way.
The driveway split in two directions.
When Buck pulled off to the right, Anna swung her car around him and parked in front of an adorable white house. She hopped out of the car. “This is the guesthouse? I love how it looks like a real carriage house.”
“Used to be.” He waved them to follow. “Come on. I’ll give you the nickel tour.”
Vanessa noted the old light fixtures, and the trendy barn-style doors.
“Welcome. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so we’ll have to uncover a few things, but I think you’ll be comfortable here.” Buck pulled out his keys and unlocked the door. The rooms lit up and the gas fireplace came on as he walked around flipping switches.
“You two can make yourselves at home. Vanessa, there’s a second bedroom. You’re more than welcome to stay here instead of over at the warehouse.”
“We’re going to have so much fun. Buck, this is perfect. It’s so homey, and look at this kitchen.”
Shimmering granite countertops, a Viking range with bright red knobs and double ovens, and an old farmhouse sink—this kitchen was big enough for a group of cooks to cook in at the same time. If this was the guesthouse kitchen, she couldn’t imagine what the one in the house looked like.
Buck pulled sheets from the furniture revealing comfortably worn fine leather in rich deep reds, forest greens, and golds.
“There’s a storage area at the back of the garage with Christmas decorations in it,” Buck said. “Use whatever you’d like. Really, treat this place like your own while you’re in town.”
“We can’t stay here for free. We’ll pay you, and we’ll hire a cleaning service when we leave to be sure it’s back shipshape,” Vanessa said.
“Oh yes, I insist,” Anna said. “I’d planned to pay for that little place I’d rented anyway. You’re doing us a huge favor. You saved the day.”
His smile was humble, his cheeks reddening. “Well, I’m glad I could help out. I haven’t saved any damsels in distress in way too long.” He shuffled his feet, obviously a little uncomfortable. “This is on the house. Really. It’ll be nice to know that it’s being used.”
Vanessa and Anna looked at each other, not arguing but knowing they’d make it right.
“The panel box is in the garage, but I don’t expect you’ll have any problems,” he went on. “The fireplace switch is here next to the mantel. The heat is controlled there in the hall. I think that’s all you need to get you through the night. Oh, let me make sure…” He walked into the kitchen and pulled out a drawer. “Yep, a whole bunch of those coffee pods.”
“You’re the best,” Anna said. “Thank you so very much.”
“Nah, just in the right place at the right time. I’ve been eavesdropping on your cousin all week. I’m glad I could do something to help rather than only dish out unsolicited advice, which by the way I’m kind of known for.”
All three of them laughed at that.
“Can I help you with your luggage?” Buck asked.
Vanessa stepped between them. “No, I can help her. You’ve already been kind enough to get us all settled in. Thank you.”
“Okay.” He walked toward the door with Vanessa and Anna following him. “I guess I should mention there’s pretty much nothing but coffee and condiments in here. I gave up grocery shopping when it became only me. I can eat down at the Blue Bicycle for just as cheap anyway, plus no cleanup and none of the waste. You’ll have to stock the kitchen here, or maybe I’ll see you over at the diner.”
“No problem, we can do some shopping,” Vanessa said, “but that does explain why I kept bumping into you down there. It’s great food. I travel so much that I’ve learned to find a place with a nice varied menu and stick to it for the duration. So, I know how hard it is to cook for one.”
They walked outside. Anna clicked the button on her key fob, sending the trunk lid up in the air. Vanessa stepped in front of her to get the bag. When she turned around, Buck and Anna were exchanging phone numbers.
It was kind of adorable, and weird all at the same time. She’d always known Anna as the fun cousin, but never so flirty or even the tiniest bit interested in anyone. This was a whole new side of her.
Vanessa wheeled Anna’s bag into the house