Page 21 of Unexpected Entanglement

“But it didn’t suck. It was good. Didn’t you see me eat a huge second helping?” Alex insisted.

“So you wouldn’t hurt my feelings.”

The woman can’t take a compliment, Chris noted.

“You tell her, Chris.” An exasperated Alex turned to him.

Three pairs of eyes trained on him. Alex, obviously, expected Chris to do the polite thing. Oliver just waited with his unreadable expression. And Rowan’s face silently said,Go ahead. Lie to me again.

Chris weighed his options. He was already on shaky ground with the woman, but if he had to work with her and wanted her to take his suggestions seriously, he shouldn’t start by giving her half-truths. In a different situation, he would never criticize a cook who just fed him. But Rowan wouldn’t believe the usual lip-service. In fact, she prepared herself for criticisms by lowering her expectation.

Taking care with his words, Chris said, “I enjoyed the meal. Thank you for setting an extra seat for me.”

“See!” Alex exclaimed.

“But?” Rowan knowingly pushed.

Chris studied Rowan. “I could tell cooking isn’t your favorite thing to do, but you did it anyway. For your friends. You know these two chefs could’ve whipped up a fast, delicious meal with what your pantry has to offer. But you also know that they might be tired from their trip from Portland, and you wanted to welcome them with a hearty, fulfilling meal they didn’t have to prepare themselves.”

When Alex started to protest, Chris lifted a hand to hold her off. “It’s thoughtful and hospitable, two excellent traits in an inn’s proprietor. You most likely chose lasagna because you could prepare it last night and throw it into the oven this evening. After all, you were busy during the day. It’s a fairly simple dish, but it still takes effort to make, and it is always a crowd-pleaser. And it was. So I say it was an excellent choice.”

“Wow, that’s a lot of words just to say that was an excellent dinner,” Alex retorted.

Chris grinned at her. “Rowan wouldn’t take it if I just said it was excellent.”

Alex studied him through narrowed eyes. “Very perceptive of you.”

“But you didn’t say it was an excellent lasagna. You said it was an excellent choice,” Rowan countered.

“Oh, for god’s sake, just say thank you and move on,” Alex shut Rowan’s protest down.

Chris was glad he wasn’t the one who had to say it, but Alex was right.

Rowan’s lips flattened in annoyance, but she also had the grace to accept the reprimand. “Thank you. I’m glad you liked the meal,” she finally said.

Oliver got up and started collecting dishes. “We got the dishes since you cooked.”

“Thank you, O,” Rowan said. “I’ll get Mr. Sullens settled in.”

“It’s Chris, and please don’t treat me like a guest.” Chris got up. “I can help with the dishes.”

“You can do the dishes tomorrow, then.” Alex winked.

“Kieran told me you worked the farm all afternoon. I’m sure you’d like to clean up and rest,” Rowan said, surprisingly sounding genuine.

Chris wasn’t going to refuse the deal. He was feeling dusty after the trip and the physical work. “Thank you. I’d appreciate it.”

Rowan gestured for him to follow her.

“We’re gonna head out when we’re done. See you in the morning,” Alex said.

“Good night.” Chris flashed Alex and Oliver an appreciative smile.

He then followed Rowan back to the lobby. “Where are they going?”

“I put them up at the manager’s house, or what will be the manager’s house if we hire a GM someday,” Rowan answered.

“And where do you live?” he asked.

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