Page 14 of Long Hard Fall

Then he’d wondered if Abbi liked grilled food at all.

He was a one-trick pony. He manned a mean grill and defaulted to the oven if the weather was atrocious, as it easily could be in Minnesota.

A knock yanked him out of his food troubles.

“Come in,” he called, then winced. He should answer the door. That’s what people did when they had someone over for lunch.

But this wasn’t a date, so it didn’t matter.

Her footsteps echoed through the house. “Cash?”

“In the kitchen.” The old farmhouse’s kitchen was separate from the rest of the house, but Abbi seemed to find it easily enough.

He froze when she walked in. Knowing she was coming over the last twelve hours should’ve prepared him, but here she was, in his house. His guilt reared up that he was just stringing her along, his longing to touch her soft skin almost overrode his manners, and the conflicting feelings of wanting her to leave town and fearing she’d do just that…it all robbed him of words.

Or it might’ve been her appearance. She was tempting in her athletic clothes with her hair pulled back. He’d nibbled that neck before.

Did she remember?

From the flush staining her cheeks, she just might.

He lamely waved his tongs over the plates of food. “I didn’t know what you’d like. I just grilled burgers.”

Her mouth parted while she looked over the food. She held up a bag he hadn’t noticed. “That’s perfect. I brought some chips. Hope you like Cool Ranch…” She wandered over to the tray of fruit. “Is that grilled pineapple?”

“Yeah, they were on sale.” Pineapples were a safe topic. Could they stick to that all afternoon?

“I love pineapple, but I’ve never tried it grilled.” She handed him the bag and snagged a ring.

He relaxed as she chewed. They were just hanging out. If she wasn’t making a big deal out of this, then he wouldn’t, either.

Her eyes drifted closed. “Mmm, this is really good. It brings out the sweetness, but the smokiness gives it a whole new flair.”

Her lips glistened with pineapple. If he kissed her, would he taste the same thing she did?

Her eyes flew open. “Oh, I’m sorry. How rude, huh?” She searched the counter.

He lifted a plate from behind him and handed it to her. “Don’t worry, we’re pretty informal around here. We eat standing or sitting, or bring it on the go. Go ahead and fill your plate. It’s a little breezy out, so we should eat inside at least.”

She shot him a grateful smile and did as he said while he opened the chips and retrieved mineral waters for them. No alcohol today. He wanted her reaction to him to be organic.

They settled at the table. He arranged his silverware around his plate. Then switched it around, then just set it on his plate in frustration. This was just lunch between two people who had to talk. Not two people who spent an amazing night together playing with each other’s bodies.

From the way she dug into her burger, she didn’t have the same reservations. Of course, she didn’t remember like he did. Drunk. She’d been so open and full of laughter, he’d had no idea alcohol had been fueling her night.

With a bitter taste in his mouth, he dug into his food and froze again when Abbi groaned.

“I was so hungry,” she said around her mouthful. She swallowed and continued. “I went for a run this morning and haven’t eaten since. Probably not the best idea.”

“We never have to worry about refueling with protein here. We always have fresh eggs and freezers full of meat.”

“Sounds delicious.” Another groan escaped. “I miss red meat.”

He choked on a chip, and a blush stained her cheeks.

“I mean, if I never see another chicken breast, it will be too soon.”

“But has your chicken been brined and grilled, because that, honey, you can never have too much of.”

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