Page 5 of Harvest Season in Kentbury
I clear my throat, feeling exposed under her warm but probing gaze.“I’m fine,” I say, forcing a small smile.“Just a little worn out.No need to make a big fuss.”
Grandma Genie doesn’t budge, her eyes staying on me a moment longer, as if she’s trying to read between the lines, deciding whether or not I’m telling the truth.“Well, we’ll take good care of you,” she says with a soft pat on my cheek.“You’re with family now, and we’ll help you follow the doctor’s orders.I even have a nice, relaxing activity for you.”
Family.Relaxing activity ...Please don’t let it be knitting.I can’t even remember if knitting is the one with the needles or the hook.Either way, neither’s something I plan on doing now—or ever.
“No need to worry about me,” I insist, unease settling in my chest at the thought of whatever “relaxing” task she has in mind.My brother, Paul, went from being a wise businessman, working for our father, to moving to Kentbury and becoming a baker.Apparently, he’s good at decorating cakes now.
I’m a lawyer, and I plan to stay one—no radical life changes on the horizon for me.
“Of course, we’re concerned,” Grandma says, her brows knitting together in concern.“You’re in excellent hands with us, in a few weeks you’ll be as good as new.”
I glance over at Paul, who’s sporting a smirk that reads loud and clear: Take that, asshole.She’s going to smother you with love.Good luck fighting against her will.
Fuck what did I get myself into?I want to escape, to run, but I’m not exactly in the condition to make a break for it.
Just as we’re starting to settle in, the door chimes, and a gorgeous woman walks in, immediately capturing my attention.She has an effortless, fiery elegance, her striking red hair a perfect blend of deep auburn and copper that catches the light.It contrasts beautifully with her warm, sun-kissed skin, the kind that looks naturally golden.
My eyes linger longer than I intend, taking in her high cheekbones and the rich amber hue of her eyes, which seem to sparkle with intelligence and a touch of mischief.She moves with a confidence that’s hard to ignore, and for a moment, I’m caught off guard, my thoughts scrambling to make sense of the sudden attraction surging through me.
She’s ...stunning.And I’m gawking.I force myself to snap out of it, hoping no one notices.But judging by the amused glint in Paul’s eyes, I wasn’t exactly subtle.
ChapterFour
Meadow
My grandmother lovesGenie’s chocolate chip cookies, and I know she’ll love it if I get a few for her.Me wearing the sweater, and bringing her favorite treats should get me back on her list of favorites, right?I can only hope.
I walk in as the bell tinkles over the door.Genie looks up and smiles at me.So does the stranger standing beside her.I’ve never seen him in town before and his smile is captivating.
“Hello, Meadow,” Genie’s voice greets me with the same warmth she uses with everyone, like I’m part of the family.It’s comforting, much like the smell of baked goods that fills every corner of the bakery and maybe the town.“How are you doing this lovely morning?”
“I’m doing well, Genie.How are you?”I ask, my gaze drifting toward the display case, eyeing the cookies that are far too tempting.
“Oh, I couldn’t be better,” Genie says, her eyes twinkling as she glances toward the two men standing next to her.“One of my other grandchildren has come to visit.Meadow, this is Raffa, and of course, you already know Paul.”
I hadn’t even noticed Paul standing beside the tall, brooding stranger until now.My eyes shift from Paul’s familiar grin to Raffa, who stands a little apart, his dark eyes watching me with something I can’t quite place.
“Hey, Meadow,” Paul says, stepping forward to give me a friendly, casual side hug.“You’re in for a treat today.Grandma’s got her famous cookies fresh out of the oven.”
I smile at Paul before my gaze flickers back to Raffa.“Hi, nice to meet you,” I say, offering a polite smile as I extend my hand, though my heart skips just slightly.There’s a tiny flutter of nerves in my stomach that I can’t quite shake.
Raffa hesitates, just for a beat.His hand finally meets mine, his grip firm but laced with caution, like he’s testing the waters.As our hands connect, there’s a subtle zing, a spark that catches me off guard, sending a shiver up my spine.It’s fleeting, but undeniable—something in the way his skin brushes mine, warm and steady.
“Likewise,” he murmurs, his deep voice quiet, almost as if it’s meant just for me.
I pull my hand back, feeling the subtle shift in the air between us.There’s a quiet intensity in the way he holds himself, like he’s keeping something tightly locked away.I shouldn’t be intrigued, but I am drawn to the mystery of whatever he’s hiding beneath that guarded exterior.
“Stop gawking, Raffa,” Paul teases, his tone light but mocking.
Raffa shoots him a sharp glare, but when his eyes return to me, the guarded edge remains.I offer another smile, though now there’s a layer of curiosity underneath it that I can’t quite shake.There’s something about him that pulls me in, and even though I know I shouldn’t be fascinated, I can’t help it.
Before I can dwell on it any longer, Genie’s voice cuts through the moment, pulling me back to reality.“What brings you here, Meadow?”
“Cookies for my grandma.”
Genie’s eyes flicker to the sweater I’m wearing.“Ah, I see you’re wearing the sweater we helped her finish last week,” she says, her tone bright.“Isn’t it lovely?”
I glance down at the colorful mess of yarn that should never have been allowed near each other.It’s a riot of reds, yellow, and oranges.I can almost feel Raffa’s eyes on me, but I keep my focus on Genie.“Thank you for helping her finish it,” I manage, offering a polite smile, even though all I want to do is disappear into the nearest corner.
