Page 25 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“Nurse Everleigh,” he called over the screaming smoke detectors, “I’m okay, but the french fries aren’t.” When she turned back toward him, he pointed to the blackened fries in the sink. His lips twitched and curled upward. Then, suddenly, he finally graced her with a real smile for the first time since she’d met him. For a moment she was mesmerized. He was even more handsome this way, and the smile was more magnificent than she’d ever imagined. In fact, she couldn’t take her eyes off him.

She realized she was staring, and she chuckled as heat invaded her cheeks.

He turned off the water and wiped his hands with a paper towel. Then he opened the kitchen windows while she flipped on the ceiling fan. After a couple of minutes, the smoke detectors finally stopped, and she propped herself against the counter and sighed. So much for surprising Cade with a nice meal.

He studied the baking sheet. “What are you attempting to make? Tilapia?”

She nodded.

“Marinated?”

She hesitated, sensing his disapproval. “Salt and pepper and a little bit of butter.” His expression told her he wasn’t that impressed. “Not good?”

“Hardly.” He chuckled and washed his hands again, then he went to work in the pantry. He retrieved olive oil, garlic, dried parsley and oregano, pepper, and tabasco sauce, then placed the items on the counter. “I don’t have a lemon, but there should be lemon juice in the fridge,” he mumbled to himself.

Everleigh leaned on the kitchen island and watched in awe while he used the ingredients to whip up a quick marinade. He looked so at ease as he doused the pieces of fish, and he appeared almost... well,happywas the only word that came to Everleigh’s mind. He seemed to belong in the kitchen somehow. She soaked in his positive energy while enjoying this side of Cade—a new one he was finally sharing with her.

“Technically, it should sit in the marinade for about ten minutes and then cook another ten or fifteen.”

Who was this guy? She tilted her head. “Are you a chef or something?”

“In another lifetime.” He pointed to the burned fries. “I’m guessing you’re not.”

“I make a mean bowl of cereal.” She lifted her chin, pretending to brag.

He laughed, and she enjoyed the deep, rich sound. It was something she wanted to hear more often—perhaps all the time. He was even more attractive, if that was even possible.So very hot!

“What are you serving with the fish?” he asked. When she pointed to the scorched fries, he laughed again before returning to the pantry. “How about rice?”

“Sure. And I picked up a bagged salad yesterday.”

He stopped and faced her, and his expression turned embarrassed. “Do you have guests coming?”

“Just you.” She pointed at him. “I was making this for us.”

A strange look fell over his face, and then he nodded. “I’ll start on the rice if you want to make the salad.”

They worked side by side, and soon the salad, fish, and rice were ready. They then seated themselves across from each other at the table.

Everleigh took a bite of fish and moaned. “This is delicious.”

He smiled and ate a forkful.

“Where did you learn to cook like this?” she asked.

He swallowed some salad. “The army.”

“Really?” she asked, and he nodded. “Have you ever considered working as a chef?”

He shrugged, but she noticed something in his eyes that told her there was more to the story he wasn’t willing to share. Disappointment nipped at her. This man was so fascinating—and every secret revealed made him seem even more so.

“Do you cook for the guests here?”

He nodded. “Alana let me make breakfast. Before we shut down, we talked about offering suppers too. We wanted to make the inn more than a B&B. I created a menu, but it wasn’t the right time.” His expression seemed to light up when he talked about cooking.

“What kind of breakfasts did you make?”

“Hmm.” He studied the ceiling as if the menus were projected there. “Eggs Benedict, pancakes, French toast, crepes... things like that.”

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