Christmas Choices (2 page)

“Hey lady, sorry. Don’t get yourself so worked up. I thought you were smelling me.” Shrugging his shoulders, he held his hands palm up in front of him. “I promise I won’t make it hard.”

Rhian hid a smirk at his remark then relaxed and bent back over the table. But she made sure to keep her distance this time.
I can’t believe I just did that.

She tried to concentrate on the plans, but looking at him made it very difficult.
Why did Father hire a man so damn hot to rebuild the café?
Had he even met with Kellen or just gone by Chief Harris’s word?

He looked over at her and asked, “So what do you think? Do you like the suggestions?”

“Yes, everything looks great. I think the changes make sense.” She looked up from the sketches, her breath catching when she looked at him once more. “I want to keep the integrity of the old home but like the idea of a more modern kitchen. I prefer a commercial gas range, if we can swing it. I think some of the older homes in this area have natural gas. Can you check on it?” Rhian forced herself to only look into his eyes.

“That’s a great idea. I’ll make some calls and find out if we need to put in a tank.” He glanced at his watch. “Hey, I’ve got somewhere I have to be. If everything looks good to you, I’ll get some prices together and get back with you tomorrow. Can I have a number to contact you directly? It would be easier than setting up meetings through your father.”

“Sure, I don’t think that’s a problem. Do you have a cell or do you want me to write it down for you?” As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she felt the heat of the blush on her face again.
Of course he has a cell phone.
“You might as well give me yours as well,” she quickly said, as she pulled her cell out of her bag.

“Sure, you ready?” He waited for her to nod. “My name is spelled K-e-l-l-e-n. After giving her his number he asked, “How do you spell your first name?” He stood with his phone ready to add her to his contact list.

“R-h-i-a-n.” She gave him her number and tossed the phone back into her bag, crossed her arms, and waited for him to say something.

***

K
ellen knew the effect he had on women. They got a certain look on their face and went all mushy. This one was no different. She was pretty to look at; he would give her that. Silky, flaxen hair cascaded over her shoulders and down her back, complementing the soft ivory of her skin. Even though she wore a flowing coat, he could see her curves silhouetted through the fabric. When she glanced up at him, lush, full lashes surrounded her green eyes. Her lips gave her mouth a pouty look.

He had backed up to allow her the space to collect herself. Kellen prided himself in reading women, though it was almost too easy these days. He liked her quiet Southern drawl and how she blushed when he spoke to her. He leaned back against the workbench, crossed his arms over his chest, and smiled when she glanced at him again, her blush growing deeper.

“Did you have a question?” he asked as she stood looking at him, her green eyes wide.

“No, I thought you might have one,” she replied quickly, the blush coloring her cheeks.

“Nope, I’m good.” He folded up his plans and glanced over his shoulder, eyebrows raised. “See you later?”

“Um, sure. Just give me a call when you have the figures ready, okay?’ She turned quickly and hurried down the pathway. She flicked her hair back over her shoulder and picked up her pace.

“Yep. Will do.” With a nod, he turned and busied himself at the table again.

When her footsteps faded away, he glanced over his shoulder. A woman who moved her hips like that could make some awesome moves in bed
.
He turned and gathered up the rest of his tools and headed for his truck. He climbed into his truck, glancing once more in Rhian’s direction.

R
hian found herself checking her cell phone every few minutes. She told herself she just wanted to start rebuilding her grandmother’s café; she wasn't really waiting for him to call. Sitting in the hospital room, while her grandfather slept, brought back memories of when her mother and grandmother were in the hospital.

The day of their accident, she had stayed with her grandfather while they had gone to the market for fresh produce. A truck had crossed the centerline, hitting them head on. They were taken by helicopter to the trauma center. By the time Rhian, her father and grandfather arrived, her mother had been placed in intensive care, and her grandmother was still in surgery. They had both passed away within twenty-four hours of each other without ever having a chance to say goodbye.

“Rhian?”

When she looked up, her grandfather was reaching for her, his wrinkled old hand trembling. “Grandfather.” She quickly moved to his bedside and grasped his hand. “You scared me. You scared all of us.”

“I didn’t mean to. Who found me? What happened?” His voice sounded hoarse.

“Denny saw smoke and found you in the kitchen. He carried you out then called 911 for the fire. We were so lucky he came by.” She caressed his hand and gave it a little squeeze as tears streamed down her face. “You had a heart attack, but the doctors said you will make a full recovery. Daddy has a contractor rebuilding the damaged part of the café. You just have to rest and get better,” she said and touched his cheek softly.

“I had a heart attack? I don’t remember much about that day. Someone carried me...” He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “ Who’s in charge of these renovations, dear?”

“I am. You’re going to be so happy when you see your new kitchen. I promise.”

“Who’s doing it? I don’t trust that McDonald guy. He isn’t honest, and I don’t like his work.”

“No, he hired a new fellow, Kellen Slade. The chief said his work is excellent and he’s honest.”

Her grandfather’s eyes flew open wide. “He hired that man? He has a reputation. What’s he thinking, throwing you into the ring with a guy like that?”

Rhian’s anger hit hard. “I’m a big girl and not attracted to someone like him. Do you think I’m stupid, Grandfather?” He always meant well when it came to her, but sometimes he could be just as overbearing as her father.

“I know you’re not stupid, I just know his kind. Good girls like you are always attracted to dangerous guys. Women always think they can change a man.”

“Don’t you worry, I have my sights set on something much bigger than Kellen Slade.” She smiled at him before her phone rang. Looking down, she saw Kellen’s name flash. “Excuse me, I have to take this. It’s a business call.” She dashed out of the room. “Hello?”

“Hey Rhian, it’s Kellen. I have some numbers for you. Can you meet me at Danny’s Pub at noon?”

Glancing at her watch, she sighed. “Sure. I’m at the hospital with my grandfather. I’m not sure where that is.”

“It’s not far from the hospital.”

“Can you text me the address?”

“Will do.”

Rhian glanced down at her screen. He had disconnected without saying goodbye. “What an ass. Didn’t anyone teach you manners?” She realized she had spoken out loud when a couple of nurses looked over at her.

She hurried back into the room, her shoes making slapping noises on the heavily waxed floor. “I have to go, Grandfather. I’ll try to come back tomorrow if I can and I’ll call you. I love you, get better quick!” She bent down and kissed his cheek, loving the roughness of the old man’s beard.

“All right, baby doll. Make sure everything goes smoothly with the café. I don’t want too many changes. Can you bring me the plans when Slade gets them drawn up? I don’t want any surprises.” He held her hand a little longer. “Promise me, Rhian.”

“I promise, Grandfather. I won’t let him or Daddy make any changes without running it by you first. I know how much the café means to you.” She leaned down and kissed his cheek again. “Gotta run,” she said, and rushed out of the room before he had time to question her about the call.

R
hian found herself excited to see him again. She knew his reputation, but God he was cute.
No, not cute—hot.
She shouldn’t be influenced by town gossip and try to give him a chance. He might even be easy to work with.

She turned into the parking lot of the pub just as Kellen roared in on a huge, black Harley Davidson. She watched how the muscles in his arms rippled as he guided the bike to a stop, slid the kickstand down, and leaned the bike over. He dismounted and ran his fingers through his hair with his back to her. She licked her lips then put her hands over her face and moaned.
Get yourself together, girl.
She opened her door and stepped out.

Kellen turned quickly at the sound of the car door. “Hey, Rhian, perfect timing. I hope you’re hungry.” Closing the distance between them, he placed his hand on her lower back as they walked toward the entrance and she tensed. His hand instantly dropped, and he cleared his throat. “They make a pretty mean burger here. Come on, my friend saved us a table.”

They made their way into the pub, and a hostess ushered them to a cozy table in the back. “Two Guinness drafts,” Kellen said to the waiter.

“No problem. Here are your menu’s and I’ll be back shortly with your drinks.”

Rhian shook her head, the corners of her mouth drawn down. “Do you always presume you know what your date wants to drink?”

He raised his eyebrows. “Date? When did this turn into a date? I thought it was a business lunch.” He leaned back in his chair.

“Okay, business lunch. Whatever. Would you presume to order for a male business partner?’ she asked, her shoulders thrown back.

Kellen sighed. “Okay, I get your point. Sorry. Most of the women I go out with like me to order their drinks for them. Didn’t mean to offend you.” He scrutinized her for a second and then exclaimed, “Damn lady, are you always this much of a ballbuster?”

“Do you take pleasure in being such an asshole all the time?” she spat back at him. The tension hung between them so thick she wanted to get up and leave.
Stop it, Rhian, just get the numbers and see what he has to say.
This was not normal behavior for her. She scanned the room, hoping not to see anyone who knew her father. He wouldn’t approve of her behavior.

“I’m sorry I acted that way; it wasn’t very becoming. If we could just forget it happened, I would appreciate it.” She felt the damn heat flush her face. “You said they make a really good burger here. Do you know if they have provolone cheese?”

“Yeah, that’s how I like mine. I have them toast the roll on the grill and make sure the provolone is just melted into the burger. Then I add tomato, onion, and lettuce. Plus, they make an awesome sauce for the burger. Tastes great with a cold beer.” He shrugged his shoulders. “That is, if you like beer.”

“I do. I guess I’ll try it since you recommend it so highly.” She sat back and gave him a sweet smile. “I’m really not a ballbuster.”

“And I should have thought to ask and not just presume what you wanted. I’m sorry for calling you that.” He stuck his hand out toward her and said, “Friends again?”

She gave a throaty laugh and shook his hand. “Okay, friends it is. Now, where is the waiter? I’m suddenly famished.”

***

K
ellen sat watching the range of emotions flash over her face and knew a battle raged inside her. He picked up the menu and pretended to read it, figuring it would give her time to compose herself. He wondered if she even realized what an open book her face was as she studied the menu.

He heard her sigh and lowered his menu with raised brows. “What?”

Kellen tilted his head and looked at her. Just as she was about to say something, the waiter walked up.

“Are you ready to order or do you need more time? Would you like to hear our specials for today?”

Kellen looked at Rhian. “Are you ready to order?”

“Yes, are you?” With a shy smile, she looked up at him from underneath her full lashes.

He ran his fingers through his hair, cleared his throat, and looked over at the waiter. “We’re ready. Would you like to order first, Rhian?”

“No, I think I would like what you’re having. I don’t want to mess mine up.” She winked at him.

“All right. We’ll have two of Danny’s house burgers, rolls grilled, both with provolone, lightly melted. Dress those all the way except pickles.” He turned to Rhian “Would you like another beer when they bring the burgers? Oh, and do you want fries?”

“No thanks, just the sandwich is fine.” She lifted her glass of beer and took a drink, surprised at the tang and the slightly burnt flavor. “Oh, this is good! I’ve never tasted anything like it before.”

“Yeah, it’s my favorite,” he replied, lifting his glass with a smile. “To a new business relationship and a good rebuild on the café.” They clicked glasses. “How is your grandfather?”

“Much better. The heart attack was mild and the doctors said he should be able to go home soon. Hopefully, he’ll be ready to go back to work part-time once the café is ready. I can’t believe all of this happened so close to Christmas.”

“Christmas? Oh, I guess I didn’t think about it.” He glanced down and adjusted his napkin. “Well, I’m glad to hear he’s doing better.”

She glanced at him, her brows drawn. “You forgot it was almost Christmas? How does someone forget about the holidays? They have lights strung over the bar and a tree in the corner over there.”

“I never pay much attention to all that. I don’t celebrate it, never have. Let’s get the business part out of the way while we wait for those burgers.” Kellen hoped she wouldn’t ask any more questions. Visions of a toppled tree, and his mother passed out under it, flashed in his brain.
Stop it!
He took some papers out of the pocket of his jacket. “Here are the numbers. This includes all commercial grade appliances, and the updates you asked about. Here’s a preliminary sketch of how I see the kitchen laid out, with the new addition on the back of the café. Look everything over, and let me know if you have any questions.” He pushed the estimates toward her and sat back while she studied the papers.

He watched her face to see her reaction to the cost and the sketch. He had been careful to itemize everything, lay it all out for her in black and white. She would be paramount in the decision-making, and he needed this job.