Free The Trouble with Christmas by Kaira Rouda Page A

broke off not really knowing how he could explain his deep attraction to her when he couldn’t even explain it to himself. “I promise, no more messing around, not until you’re ready. If you ever are.”
    Lily turned around to face him. His stomach tensed as he watched her swallow. He remembered the taste of her mouth, the softness of her lips, the smell of her hair. She looked at him and he knew she felt the electricity, but it was too soon, she had been too hurt to trust again. He needed to be patient.
    “I would love your help, though.”
    She burst into her signature smile.
    “I’d love to help at the restaurant. Let’s go, so I can discuss menu ideas with Sally Ann.”
    The awkwardness evaporated and they walked out the door.
    *
    LILY
    Cole parked the golf cart in the back of what Lily could only describe as a charming white cottage with turquoise trim tucked inside a canopy of moss-strewn oaks. The view of the saltwater marsh beyond was breathtaking, the wood-planked dock was empty of boats, the entire scene was eerily still like a painting. Although she had been here before, the second time really was the charm.
    Cole led Lily in through the back door and they arrived in Sally Ann’s kitchen. Cole made a quick excuse that he had to set up the dining room, which left the two women to size each other up again.
    Once Cole exited, Sally Ann smiled and she welcomed Lily with open arms. Literally. Once Lily explained her ideas for an authentic down home Christmas meal, Sally Ann wrapped her in a bear hug, she oohed and ahhed over Lily’s Christmas menu suggestions. She seemed excited Lily incorporated some of Sally Ann’s signature dishes. Sally Ann instantly understood they could prepare every dish ahead of time.
    “You’re my savior, you are, honey,” she said still grinning. “He’s about to kill me with these holiday notions. I have five kids, a husband, and a mother-in-law who all expect me to be cookin’ for them on Christmas, not messing around here with what all the fancy people need.”
    “I’m so glad to be helping. But don’t thank me yet, we still have to get all of this prepped, ingredients sourced. If we start today confirming all the orders, we should be able to get started tomorrow,” Lily said.
    It was eleven in the morning, and Sally Ann quickly hurried to the corner of the kitchen and pulled a white board from behind the sink.
    “Here’s what we’re serving today,” she said and pulled out a black marker, much like Lily had done at Cole’s house. Lily stood beside her watching Sally Ann fill the board with today’s offerings: Fresh Local Shrimp, Warm Artichoke Dip, Lowcountry Gumbo, Shrimp and Andouille Creole, Indigo Island Devil Crab Dinner, and Carolina Seafood Boil; Salad and Bread, family style.
    Even though Lily and Cole just finished breakfast, her stomach growled. The air was filled with the scent of pine, the sweet, salty air of the marsh, and the spices being used in Sally Ann’s cooking. The windows were screenless and open to the chilly air outside. Three large iron pots simmered on the stove and voices could be heard from the restaurant’s seating area just through the swinging door. Lily felt an essence of comfort and ease here in this kitchen, a feeling so different than any restaurant she’d ever stepped inside.
    While Sally Ann finished putting prices next to the menu list, Lily peeked through the door and watched Cole. He was on host duty, seating customers with a warm smile and a personal greeting to those he’d come to know. She loved the way he filled a room, the presence he commanded. But he wasn’t threatening or stuck up, the way Bob acted all the time. Cole was kind, and his blue eyes sparkled with genuine interest as he chatted with each guest, whether the person was a wealthy vacationer or a simple island worker. He looked up, caught her watching him, and smiled. She ducked back inside the kitchen.
    “You’re sweet on him,” Sally Ann said,