Maybe We Will (Silver Harbor) Read online

  “Okay, this is what I have so far for the Bistro.” Cait rattled off the list of exterior and interior repairs and the cosmetic modifications, like painting and repointing the floors and patio, while Abby browned the chicken. “My boss’s cousins own Cape Stone. I’m sure they’d give us a great deal on fixing up the floors and patios. They do amazing work, as long as you have no issues being around bikers.”

  “Like the Hells Angels biker gang?” Abby asked cautiously.

  “No. They’re members of the Dark Knights motorcycle club. It’s different from a gang. They do good things for the community to keep it safe,” Cait explained. “They’re really great guys, and as I said last night, they’re like family to me. I thought I should ask because at first glance they’re probably not what you’re used to. They’re tough, tatted-up guys.”

  “You have tattoos, and I adore you,” Abby pointed out. “I have nothing against bikers. Leni’s twin brother, Levi, is a member of the Dark Knights in Harborside. As long as it’s a reputable company and we get a good price, that’s all that matters. Let’s see what kind of deal you can get.”

  “Great, and once we get started in the kitchen, I guess we’ll know about appliances,” Cait said.

  “What about the menu?” Aiden asked, looking deliciously handsome in dark slacks and a polo shirt.

  Abby noticed he’d worn leather sandals instead of loafers, too. He really did listen to everything she said.

  “I definitely have to update it,” Abby said. “It hasn’t changed since my dad was alive. Mom had the waitstaff tell customers what was no longer available.”

  “Does the Bistro have an up-to-date inventory system?” Cait asked.

  Abby turned the chicken over in the pan and said, “If you call a legal pad and a pencil a system, then sure.”

  Aiden winced.

  “I know, right? Mom never liked computers. My dad had a manual ledger system for inventory and payroll, but my mom—our mom—never got the hang of it,” Abby explained. “I showed her how to do it before I moved away, but she hated dealing with finances. Lord knows what state the books are in now. Shelley saw how it was stressing me out when I’d visit, and eventually she convinced me to step back and let her help. Honestly, it was a relief at that point. I’ll have to start reviewing the financial and inventory records and think about automated systems.”

  “I can help,” Cait offered. “Tank’s parents own the Salty Hog, a restaurant and bar on the Cape, and I’ve been helping out there on and off for several years. Ginger and Conroy, Tank’s parents, aren’t all that fond of using computers, and I’m kind of a math and computer nerd, so I updated their general accounting, payroll, inventory, and staff scheduling programs. I can get you all the specs on the systems we used, but I didn’t see a computer at the restaurant, and you’ll need one to run them.”

  “Add a computer to our list,” Abby said. “I had no idea you could do all that. That’s wonderful. Thank you.”

  “A fellow mathie. I love it.” Aiden held up his wineglass and clinked it with Cait’s. “Were you in the math club in high school?”

  Cait shook her head. “I wasn’t in any clubs.”

  “I was a super nerd,” Aiden said. “Math club, debate club, student council, homecoming king . . .”

  Abby nudged him and said, “Homecoming king is not super nerdy.”

  “I didn’t say I was only nerdy.”

  “That means you were a popular kid who also happened to be smart.” Cait sipped her wine and said, “Whoa, apparently you’re a super-nerdy popular guy who knows wine. This is delicious. What kind is it?”

  “Chateau de Meursault, Meursault Charmes Premier Cru,” he said casually, as if he weren’t talking about a couple-hundred-dollar bottle of wine.

  “Chateau what?” Cait asked.

  He chuckled. “It’s chardonnay from France. I figured it would go well with the meal.”

  “So you’re a coffee snob and a wine snob?” Abby teased as she moved the browned chicken to a plate and added leeks and shallots to the pot. She hadn’t cooked for people she cared about, instead of customers, in so long, she’d almost forgotten how good it felt.

  “Can’t fault a man for having good taste,” he said.

  “Okay, Chair Guy, but that’s a really expensive bottle of wine. Where did you find it?”

  He set down his wineglass and said, “I asked around.”

  “I bet you asked Margot or Fitz Silver, right? They’re always helping their guests.”

  He flashed a dirty smirk, holding her gaze as he said, “A gentleman never tells.”

  Abby could get lost deciphering all the naughty, unspoken promises in that smirk. The man was not only good at flirting—he was a master at it. She forced herself not to think about what else he was a master at and said, “Would you mind stirring this while I get the lighter?”

  “Sure.” He kissed her temple so innocently, it had the opposite effect.

  She dug around in the drawers, so caught up in the heat between them, she momentarily forgot what she was looking for until she saw the long-handled lighter. She snagged it and said, “Thanks, Aid,” as if he hadn’t set her insides on fire. She moved the pot off the burner, added the liquor, and picked up the lighter to flambé the brandy.

  “That’s it, baby, light my fire.” He flashed a wicked grin, and in the next breath, as the flame flickered, he put his hand on her back and said, “Careful, babe.”

  “I can handle a little flambé,” she said, as the brandy burned blue.

  Aiden glanced at Cait, who was intent on whatever she was writing. He brushed his hips along Abby’s back. The feel of his hard body and his tempting rugged scent sparked a flood of desire as he whispered, “I have a feeling nothing’s too hot for you.”

  She swallowed hard, trying to concentrate on cooking instead of the dirty images popping up in her head of the two of them tangled up in the sheets.

  He dragged his hand along her lower back, his fingers grazing her ass as he stepped beside her and casually sipped his wine, leaving her lonely lady parts begging for more, and said, “I like watching you cook.”

  She cleared her throat to try to pull her mind out of the gutter and jumped on the safer subject. “I was just thinking about how much I’m enjoying cooking for you and Cait. I can tell that you’re no stranger to the kitchen.”

  “Remi and I lived on mac and cheese for months after my parents were killed, until I got my arms around schooling and parenting and could breathe enough to think straight. I learned to cook from my friend YouTube.”

  “Smart thinking. It sounds like you’re one heck of a good brother,” Abby said.

  “We got by,” he said humbly, and glanced at Cait, still focused on whatever she was writing. “How about you, Cait? You said you suck at cooking. Is it not your thing?”

  Cait looked up and said, “My father wasn’t around much, and when he was, teaching domestic skills wasn’t a priority. I can make a half-decent burger and a few other things. But I’d love to learn how to cook one day.”

  “I’ll teach you how to cook. I can show you some of Mom’s favorite recipes,” Abby said. “In fact, why don’t you put down the list and help? I can show you a few things now.”

  They watched the flambé until the flames died down. Abby returned it to the stove and had Cait measure and pour the cider into the pot. “We’re going to bring this to a boil, then simmer it until it’s slightly reduced, so just a few minutes.”

  Aiden jotted down the things they needed to add to their list for the Bistro as she walked Cait through each step of the rest of the recipe, explaining why they turned the flame up or down and other things that would help her get a grasp on cooking. While dinner was in the oven, Abby changed the record to ABBA, and the three of them finished making the dessert she’d started earlier. When “Dancing Queen” came on, Aiden twirled Abby and pressed a kiss to her lips. He reached for Cait, but when he twirled her, she remained stiff and awkward. The second he let go of h
er hand, she turned away, blushing furiously.

  “I’m sorry, Cait,” Aiden said gently. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

  “We’re all friends. No need to be embarrassed,” Abby reassured her.

  Cait turned, looking embarrassed and amused at once, and said, “I don’t know how to dance.”

  “Well, we can help with that,” Aiden said. “My mother taught me to dance from the minute I could tell my left foot from my right. I’ll show you a few steps.”

  He reached for Cait’s hand, charming Abby even more with the kind gesture.

  Cait backed away, shaking her head. “No thank you.”

  “Want me to show you?” Abby asked.

  She smiled briefly and said, “Thanks, but not right now.”

  “Okay, but don’t be embarrassed. There are a million things I can’t do, like sing or draw or roller-skate.”

  Aiden pulled out his phone. “I’m adding roller-skating to our list.”

  “You know how to roller-skate?” Abby asked.

  “Babes, I raised a young girl. I had to keep up.”

  “Would you teach me how?” Abby asked.

  “Absolutely.” He glanced at Cait and said, “Want to get in on this game? Learn how to skate with Abs?”

  Cait looked at Abby.

  “Please, Cait? I’ll do it if you do it,” Abby added encouragingly. “We can skate in the parking lot of the Bistro. Deirdra is a great skater. I bet we have some of her old skates around here somewhere.”

  “Okay,” Cait relented.

  “Excellent. I need to get skates, which might take a few days. Cait, I know you’re leaving Sunday. When will you be back?” Aiden asked.

  “I talked to Tank earlier about my schedule. I think I can come back Friday for a few days.”

  “We can skate and spend Mother’s Day together. This is going to be awesome!” Abby said, then quickly realized she was assuming Aiden wanted to spend that day together. “Aiden, I’m sorry. I should have asked you about Mother’s Day before getting too excited. Do you usually spend it with your sister?”

  “She has her own family to spend Mother’s Day with. I’d like to be here for you, if that’s okay? Unless you and Cait would rather spend it alone? I’m okay with that, too, of course.”

  Her heart swelled. “Cait?”

  “All three of us have lost our mothers. I’m totally fine with spending it together if you are.”

  “I am, thank you.” Abby was elated. “I wish Dee were here. She’d have so much fun with us.”

  “You could invite her,” Aiden suggested.

  “She’s in the middle of a huge case at work. She won’t come, but I’ll text her anyway.”

  The kitchen smelled heavenly, and when they finally sat down to eat, Abby’s nerves tingled as Aiden’s dark eyes moved over the beet salad, perfectly browned chicken surrounded by creamy sauce, mushrooms, and chunks of potatoes and garnished with sprigs of thyme and bay leaves.

  “Talk about presentation,” Aiden said. “I feel like I’m in a five-star restaurant.”

  “It looks like the cover of a cookbook,” Cait added.

  “Thank you.” Abby waited anxiously as they took their first bites, and the blown-away look on their faces made her giddy.

  “Mm. Abs,” Aiden said as he finished his bite. “This is incredible. Delectable. The sauce is rich and sweet, and the chicken is savory with a hint of spice. It’s absolutely perfect, and I’m not just blowing smoke because my talented date cooked the meal.”

  “I’ve never eaten anything like this. It’s . . . I don’t even have the words to describe how good it is, but I can show you,” Cait said, eating another big bite.

  Abby was elated and relieved. “I’m so glad you like it. Thank you!”

  Aiden took another bite and said, “Babes, this is really spectacular. If you can whip up something this gorgeous and delicious on a whim, I can only imagine what you can do with a planned menu and all of the accoutrements at your fingertips.”

  “Does that mean you think my sisters and I can really make a go of this?” she asked nervously.

  “Not just make a go of it, Abs. You’ll outshine every other restaurant around.”

  She let out a squeal. “I’m so excited!”

  Aiden raised his glass and said, “To new partnerships, new relationships”—he put his hand on Abby’s leg, giving it a squeeze—“and new beginnings.”

  They all clinked glasses.

  Their easy conversations and good-natured ribbing were everything Abby had always dreamed her life would include. They lingered over dinner, and as they savored dessert, Aiden and Cait spoiled her with more praise. She wished Deirdra were there, eating the food they’d made together, talking about their parents’ restaurant, and filling the kitchen with positivity and laughter, just as it had been when both of their parents were alive. Abby felt her father’s magic all around them as the happy moments of the last few days took root beside some of her favorite childhood memories, and she knew without a doubt she was finally on the right path.

  When they finished eating, Aiden said, “Abigail de Messiéres, if we keep this up, I’m going to have to hit the gym and start running daily.”

  “You and me both,” Cait said, standing up to clear her plate.

  “I’ll get the dishes.” Aiden pushed to his feet and began stacking plates.

  “You don’t have—”

  “Abs, you’re worse at relaxing than I am. I’ve got the dishes. I’m good at this.”

  “Then how about if Cait and I clear and you wash?” Abby suggested.

  “Sounds like a plan. But first we need to take a picture of the three of us to prove to my sister that I had dinner with new friends.”

  Abby waggled her finger at him. “Oh, no you don’t. We talked about business, and she specifically said no talking business. I haven’t met your sister yet, but if I ever do, I don’t want her thinking that I let you skirt the rules.”

  Aiden glanced at Cait, nodding in Abby’s direction, and said, “Who’s the super nerd now? Did you know she was so straitlaced?”

  “I’m not straitlaced,” Abby insisted.

  “Your mouth is twitchy. I think you’re fibbing, which means you suck at lying, and that makes you a rule follower,” Cait said.

  Abby rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I don’t want his sister to hate me.”

  “I’m pretty sure it would be impossible for anyone to hate you, Abs. But we won’t send her a picture. I don’t want to be a bad influence. At least not about something so innocent.” He winked and said, “Besides, you won’t hear me complain about spending more time with you two.” He set the plates on the counter and drew Abby into his arms for a quick kiss. “I’m the luckiest guy on this island.”

  Aiden washed the dishes as Abby and Cait cleared the table. As Abby dried the last pot, Cait’s phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket and excused herself to take the call. Heat sparked in Aiden’s eyes. He swept Abby into his arms, and his mouth descended on hers in a kiss as urgent and greedy as she felt, unleashing the heat that had been simmering all evening. “I’ve been waiting all night to kiss you,” he practically growled, and reclaimed her lips, backing her up against the counter as he took the kiss deeper, sending her body into a frenzy of desire. Their hands moved feverishly over each other’s bodies as they feasted on kisses like they’d never get enough. His hips pressed forward, sending need pulsing through her core. She grasped at his shoulders as he tangled his hands in her hair, taking the kiss intoxicatingly deeper, rougher. Her thoughts fragmented, and as if he felt the change, a gruff, hungry sound escaped his lungs, searing into hers. He grabbed her shoulders and tore his mouth away, leaving her breathless and confused. But then Cait walked into the kitchen, her head down as she thumbed out something on her phone, and she realized Aiden must have heard her coming.

  Thank God.

  Abby had been lost in a sea of scintillating sensations, which were still vibrating through her body and wreak
ing havoc with her brain. She tried to school her expression, to find her voice, but her lips burned, desperate for another kiss as Aiden stepped beside her.

  He slid an arm around her waist, whispering huskily into her ear, “I think I’d better take off before I get us both into trouble.”

  She didn’t want him to leave. For the first time in her life, she wanted to run toward trouble, but her lust-fogged brain refused to string words together.

  “Well, ladies, thank you for a wonderful night,” he said, drawing Cait’s attention and finally kicking Abby’s brain into gear.

  “It was fun,” Cait said, and looked down at her phone again.

  Aiden brushed his lips over Abby’s cheek and lowered his voice. “See you in the morning for breakfast before we get to work?”

  “You’re sure you want to spend another day in the trenches?”

  “Abs, stop asking. I don’t do things I don’t want to do.” He brushed his thumb over her cheek and said, “I very much want to help you and spend more time with you.”

  “Okay, but if you’re going to keep helping me, then we’re playing hooky Sunday after Cait leaves and tackling your Let Loose list.”

  He embraced her and whispered, “That list is not the only thing I want to tackle.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  SATURDAY PASSED IN a flurry of cleaning and stolen kisses. Aiden had finished removing the remnants of the wallpaper at the Bistro, while Abby and Cait had scoured the kitchen. They’d found a few loose cabinet doors, which Aiden had tightened, and a broken shelf, which he’d replaced. More problematic was the discovery that the largest of the range-oven units was on its last legs. Aiden’s first instinct had been to make a few phone calls and buy Abby the best unit on the market, but he’d once again held back. At least as best he could. While he couldn’t step in and take over, he had suggested making an inventory of appliances and equipment and researching repair and replacement costs in order to put together a maintenance budget. It was a move in the right direction and a way he could help Abby avoid mistakes without stepping on her toes. She and Cait had jumped on the suggestion, working on it for the rest of the afternoon. Since Cait was leaving in the morning, he hadn’t wanted to monopolize Abby’s evening, so after Cait had gone back to the house, he and Abby said goodbye in the parking lot. What had started as a kiss had turned into a full-on make-out session, complete with groping, grinding, and lascivious noise making.