Page 40 of Unexpected Entanglement

“There are a couple of houses on North Haven Road,” Rowan argued. “You heard him. His uncle is building a house next to our property. Maybe he was there.”

“I’d like to hear more about that land sale later,” Chris said but returned to the current subject. “But come on. You either give the guy a chance or cut him loose. Don’t string him along.”

“Excuse me, I don’t think I asked for your advice on this matter.” Rowan swung around to make her point. Chris stopped short about a foot away on the step below her. She was actually eye-to-eye with him for once.

“Oh, I think I’m entitled to have a say after that little stunt you pulled.”

He sported a grin that she wanted to rip off his face. Since she couldn’t, she pointed her forefinger and sharply said, “First of all, I have let him know I’m not interested in different ways. It’s not my fault that your gender can’t seem to understand a subtle no for an answer.”

Then, her middle finger followed as she said, “And second, I’m not stringing him along. I never did, never have shown him I have any romantic interest in him.”

Rowan stared him down, but that didn’t seem to unnerve him at all.

“You forgot the third thing.” He pulled her thumb out. “Thank you, Chris, for playing along.”

His grin broadened as Rowan's glower deepened.

“You know, you smile too much.” She pulled her hand from his. “It’s kinda annoying.”

“My best friend told me that.” But his smile didn’t dim. In fact, it got brighter.

“This is the best friend who’s married to my sister?”

“That’s the one.”

Rowan planted her fists on her waist and tried to look intimidating, but she must’ve looked more like a pouty kid because he started chuckling.

“Now you’re just pissing me off,” she said.

“I should’ve known,” he said.

“You should’ve known what?”

“I could never tell what color your hair was while you wore your hat. But I should’ve known you’re a redhead.”

His hazel eyes studied her hair, making Rowan suddenly self-conscious.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she questioned.

“Nothing. It’s just hair color, after all. People say it’s a myth that redheads are short-tempered.” Chris’ eyes met hers. “I think fiery is a more apt description.”

Rowan gave him a look. “Well, you know what they say about blonds.”

Chris burst into laughter. “Well played, Miss Kelly.”

Involuntarily, Rowan’s mouth curved upward.

Abruptly, the front door opened, and Alex peered out, seeming suspicious. “What are you guys laughing at out here?”

Chris glanced at Alex and whispered to Rowan, “Have you heard anything about blue-haired people?”

She had to clamp her lips together to stop herself from laughing before turning to her friend. “Nothing. What are you up to?”

With a cocked eyebrow, Alex studied Chris before returning her gaze to Rowan. He was aware the chef still had many questions about his presence at Bright Head.

But she only said, “O and I want to check out the farm and see what else you have.”

“Great idea.” Rowan nodded. “Note anything you need that we don’t have. If we need to order something, we must do it soon.”

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