Page 28 of Bryce

“Your young manleft, and I just had some lovely kippers just in. Is there any wayyou could ask him to swing by and collect them?”

“I….”

“It would be ashame to let them go to waste. That mean old codger Samuel from theseafood place will be coming in any minute now. I swear that oldbastard - excuse my French. I swear he has his ear to the ground andknow exactly what I have in my humble little shop.”

“I’ll seeif Bryce is still in town.”

“Good. I’llhave them packaged and waiting for him.”

Hanging up, shestared at the phone for a minute before dialing his number.

“Hi.”

“Hi. I am justabout to leave. I know it seems like I spent all day…”

“No. It’sfine. I need a favor and am actually happy you’ve not leftyet,” she told him about the kippers.

“I’lljust swing by and collect them.”

“Are you sureyou don’t mind?” She worried her bottom lip as she stoodthere coating the dough.

“Of course not.I am having fun. See you in a bit.”

She hung up and stoodthere frowning at the rising dough.

“Problems?”

She jumped at thesound of Jessica’s voice behind her.

“No.” Sheshook her head and forced a smile. “It’s chilly out soeveryone will have to eat indoors.”

“The couple –the McGibbon’s are eating out tonight and would like an earlysupper.”

“You couldserve them the roast beef sandwiches and some broth. I just made afresh pot of hot cocoa as well.”

“That should doit.” Jessica glanced at her curiously. “That young manhas come in handy.”

“He has.”A smile touched her lips. “Claims he’s having fun.”

Jessica bustled aboutthe kitchen preparing the refreshment. “I went home just lastnight and found a movie of his and for the life of me wondered how onearth I never recognized him. He’s quite good.”

“He is.”The phone rang again, and Zahra snatched it up, grateful for theinterruption.

*****

“You brought meice cream?” She stared at the covered bowl as if afraid to openit. He had dumped the packages on the counter and handed her thebowl.

“Mint chocolatechip.” His grin was so charming and infectious that she foundherself smiling back at him. “As I recall, it used to be yourfavorite. Aren’t you going to open it?” He leaned againstthe counter and crossed his powerful arms over his chest, blue eyeswatching her.

“Of course. Andyes, it’s still my favorite.” It disconcerted her that heremembered. “Uhm, thanks for running the errands for me andbuying me this.” She opened the plastic bowl and almost sighedin delight. “It’s been ages since I indulged.”

“Why not?”

The question threwher for a minute and had her pausing as she started to dip the spooninto the already melting ice cream.

“Good question.I have no idea.” She scooped up some and dipped the spoon intoher mouth, closing her eyes as it hit her tongue. Bryce felt thefamiliar intense heat flowing through his body as he watched herenjoy it.

Straightening, heshoved away from the counter and started forward, then stopped andswore beneath his breath. Turning away, he went to look out thewindow, his expression grim.

---