Page 51 of Unraveling Rain
Xander and I have been texting all week. He’s been busy with therapy during the day, and I’ve been working at the diner. Tourist season means all hands on deck. At night, Granny recruited me to help prep for the St. John’s Day feast that we’re hosting this Saturday.
It’s a time to gather as a family, enjoying good food and music. We usually also have a fire that symbolizes the end of one season and the beginningof another.
Today, I’m leaving the diner early to teach my cooking class at Serene Lookout.
“Blair, you good?” I ask, shrugging into my chef coat in the office.
“Yes, Chef. We’re getting a couple of new waiters for the summer, so that should help lighten the load,” she replies confidently.
“I trust you.” I smile and head for the door. “You know where to find me in case you need me.” Flashing a peace sign, I slip out the back door.
When I park Minx in the Serene Lookout lot, the first thing I see is Xander’s sleek black SUV. Funny how I used to notice Ruin’s Beamer first. A smile curves my lips as I think back to the weekend, how good it felt to spend the night learning every valley and every muscle on his honed body. Just the memory of his rough hands roaming my body gives me goosebumps and sends a tingling jolt to my core.
I shake my head and take two long gulps of water. I can’t go in there all flustered by very dirty thoughts about a patient.
“Oh—hi, Nessa. Good to see you,” I say as I enter. The receptionist recently told Ruin she’s hoping to get a teaching job at the local grade school. Ruin is already trying to find a replacement. So far, Granny is the only candidate, which would be total mayhem. I can already picture her sweet-talking every patient in sight.
Nessa waves. “Oh hey, Rain. The kitchen’s all set for you,” she says as she grabs her bag and heads out.
I’m debating whether I have time to say hi to my sister before class when I hear footsteps coming down the stairs. Xander appears and, without warning, lifts me into a bear hug.
“Hey, Cherry,” he whispers against my lips, and I part for him. His kiss is slow and deliberate, and that familiar tingling sensation surges through me.
“Put me down, Hotshot. You’re a patient here,” I say, though I don’t sound too convincing.
“I’m a patient, not an inmate.” He leans in for another kiss, but I turn my head just in time, and he lands one on my cheek.
He exhales and gently sets me down. “You’re no fun, Cherry. I’ve missed you,” he says, giving me full puppy eyes. It takes everything in me not to give in and kiss him senseless.
“We’ll have time later. Come on, we have pies to bake.” I grab his hand and lead him into the kitchen.
“Where’s everybody?” I ask. The kitchen is empty. Nathan is gone, but there should still be one more patient.
Xander simply shrugs and ties on an apron. It’s one of Granny’s: light blue with a stitched Serene Lookout logo at the waist. Adorable.
“Don’t you look cute?” I tease, slipping on my own apron.
“‘Cute’ wouldn’t be my first choice of words, but it’s a start,” he replies, flashing that mischievous smirk.
“Hey, Raindrop. Xander,” Ruin greets us as she rushes in from the patio, wet hair dripping and cheeks flushed.
“What happened to you?” I ask, taking in her state.
“Oh, nothing. I went for a swim, thinking I had enough time, and now I’m late to pick up Indigo and Sage from Mama’s house.”
Her phone buzzes. She glances at it, and her whole face lights up.
“Let me guess—Gio?” I ask with a smirk.
“Phew, everything is good,” she says, tucking her phone away. “I was supposed to take the twins to the community college for Gio’s family day event, but he texted saying he already picked them up. Said I could take more time for myself.”
My sister’s cheeks flush deeper as she glances at Xander, who’s quietly taking this all in.
“Gio is a saint. Maybe you should reward him tonight,” I say, wagging my eyebrows.
She gasps, playfully slapping my hand. “Rain Melody, please!” she scolds, eyes wide as she glances from me to Xander.
“What? I’m sure he knows what a ‘marital reward’ entails.”
