Page 11 of Mail-Order Avis (A Mail-Order Mystery #3)

Eleven

T he next few days flew by, and Avis was grateful for a tiny reprieve between the lunch and dinner rush. She’d hardly seen Reed in that time, and Hattie had stepped in to help where he normally would.

Avis tried to ignore the way her heart leapt the moment he waltzed into the kitchen and joined her at the table. “Well,” he said with a grin, “business is good, I hear.”

“How would you know? You haven’t been here,” she said, rubbing her lower back.

“Are you all right?” Reed asked, his voice laced with concern.

“Fine. Just tired.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t been around,” he said.

“I’ve been going over a lot of things for the town with Samuel.

We’ve scheduled several town meetings to discuss building a meeting hall, among other things.

” He pulled a folded newspaper from the pocket of his jacket and placed it on the table. “Any coffee?”

“Sure.” Avis pushed herself to her feet. She was more tired than she’d realized. She poured him a cup and brought it over, then poured one for herself.

When she sat again, she added a splash of cream to her cup while Reed unfolded the paper. “What do you have there?” she asked.

He drew in a breath, then turned the paper toward her. Someone had circled an advertisement in pencil.

Avis read it quickly and gasped. “It’s your ad!” She snatched the paper from him. “The Chicago Tribune ! That’s the very paper I saw it in.”

“Yes, and I need to know, did you send your letter directly to the paper?”

“I did.” She stared at the newspaper in her hands. “How did you get this?”

Reed chuckled. “Mrs. Ruggles. You’ve yet to meet her, but once you do, you’ll understand.”

“Understand what?”

“Why she gets so many newspapers. The Tribune is just one of them. I’m going to see if I can find out who placed the advertisement.”

Avis’ jaw dropped. “Oh, Reed… that might be next to impossible.”

“Not really,” he said, stirring cream into his coffee. “They’ll have records. It might take some time, but I’ll find out.”

Avis sighed and sat back in her chair. “I’m glad it happened.” She took a sip and peeked at him over the rim of her cup.

Reed stopped stirring. “Glad?”

She lowered her cup into its saucer. “I…I have this café.”

Reed smiled. “Yes, you do.” His gaze lingered, and her cheeks flushed.

When he looked away, Avis straightened her chair. “So…where do you know Lola DeWitt from?”

Reed’s smile widened as he set his cup down. “Lola, sister of Lyle.”

Avis’ eyes widened. “Good heavens, there’s two of them?”

Reed laughed. “I’m afraid so. They live in Baker City but, like a lot of folks, they’ve come to Fiddler’s Gap for the park and the concerts.

In fact…” He tapped the folded town meeting notes he’d brought with him.

“Part of my mayoral homework from Samuel involves Lyle and Lola having expressed interest in the café.”

A flicker of jealousy sparked to life, followed swiftly by a rush of indignation. Lola DeWitt , running her café? That rankled. “Oh?” Avis managed, surprised at how calm she sounded.

“Yes, but obviously, they waited too long.” He winked and took another sip of coffee.

Her cheeks heated again, as did her belly. They were only having coffee! “They’ll just have to find another business venture,” she said, perhaps a bit too brightly. She took a sip and set the cup in its saucer with a louder clank than intended.

Avis immediately checked the china to make sure she hadn’t cracked it.

“Careful there,” Reed said lightly. “We wouldn’t want you breaking dishes just because I mentioned Lola.”

Avis sucked in a breath before she could stop herself. Fine. She was jealous.

She chanced a look at him. He was smiling. Merciful heavens… did he know ? Avis quickly looked away.

Reed chuckled and took another sip.

“Hattie gave me her mother’s recipe for apple fritters,” Avis blurted, desperate to change the subject. “I’ve made fruit fritters before, but I’ve never seen a recipe quite like this. You’ll have to try them.”

“I’d love to. When do you plan on making them?” He took a slow sip, his eyes never leaving hers.

Avis had to fight the urge to fidget in her chair.Did he have to look at her like that? And did he have to be so devastatingly handsome while doing it?

“Avis?”

“Oh! Yes, um…tomorrow. I’ll make them tomorrow.” She fussed with the skirt of her dress, brushing it for no reason, then lifted a hand and fanned herself.

“Are you too warm?” Reed asked, immediately concerned. He rose, came around the table, and gently pressed the back of his hand to her forehead. “You’re not feverish, thank goodness for that.” He stepped back, still studying her. “But you are flushed.”

Yes, and is it any wonder?What with the way his eyes brushed her face, and then the rest of her, when he thought she wasn’t looking. Was he as attracted to her as she was to him? Good grief, what was she thinking?

“How about I cook you dinner?”

Avis nearly choked on her coffee. “What?”

He resumed his seat, a satisfied smile on his face. “I’d like to cook you dinner, Avis. You’ve been working so hard, I think it’s time someone cooked for you .”

“Why, that’s silly,” she said in a rush. “Alicia cooks at the Murray House and so does Tamsin.”

“Yes, but you haven’t had a meal there since the café opened. You’ve been eating here.” His tone softened. “Let me cook for you tonight.”

She gaped at him.

Reed leaned forward. “Now’s when you say, ‘Why yes, Reed, I’d love to have you cook me dinner.’”

Avis blinked. “You… want to cook forme?”

He bent closer, his voice low. “Yes, Avis. I do. Is that so strange?”

“No…no, I just thought you had other things to do. Why waste your time?”

He straightened, his brow lifting. “So cooking for you is a waste of time?”

“No, that’s not what I meant, I…oh dear.” She pressed her fingers to her temple and rubbed gently. “Sorry. I’m a little muddled. It’s been a long day.”

“Right.” He looked around the kitchen. “What’s the special?”

“Roast beef.”

“And when were you planning on starting it?”

“The roasts are already in the oven. Tamsin has more at the Murray House in case we run out. If not, she’ll make a meal of it for the boarders.”

He nodded, clearly impressed. “Smart thinking.”

“Thank you.” Avis folded her hands in her lap and stared into her cup. She was calmer now. The jealousy she’d felt earlier had passed, but her reaction to even themention of Miss DeWitt still surprised her.

She glanced up and realized Reed was still standing over her.

“Do you need something?” she asked.

He stuck his hands in his pockets and shook his head. “No, I’m… just admiring the view.”

Avis flushed bright red. What was she supposed to say to that?By heaven , was he flirting with her?

Where were Hattie and Cora Belle when she needed them?

Oh yes, Hattie had gone to the general store, and Cora Belle was off at the library for a book. But surely they should be back from their lunch break by now…shouldn’t they?

Avis glanced toward the door that led into the dining room, silently praying one of them would walk through it.

No such luck.

“Expecting company?” Reed asked, amused.

She looked up at him. “No.” Avis swallowed hard and fixed her gaze on the table. If she looked at him again, she might not look away, and that would be improper, wouldn’t it?

Not that he seemed to have any qualms about gazing at her.

Slowly, Avis lifted her eyes to him again.

He smiled. “Yes?”

She stood. “I’m getting more coffee. Would you like some?”

“Yes, I could do with another cup.” He followed her to the stove.

Avis grabbed a rag, then reached for the pot. “Where’s your cup and saucer?”

Reed glanced back at the table. “Whoops.”

Avis laughed. “Do you want me to pour this into your hands? Go fetch them.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He gave her a quick salute and went back to the table.

She gaped at him, unsure what to make of his behavior. He seemed so…lighthearted today. She couldn’t decide if he was flirting or just in a good mood, but she had to admit, she liked it.

He rejoined her, and she filled his cup, then refilled her own. They moved back to the table but didn’t sit. They stood just a few feet apart, sipping their coffee, both looking around the kitchen in awkward silence.

Avis didn’t know what to do. Talk to him? Offer him something to eat? Maybe she should start on the potatoes. Better yet, maybe he should.

“Avis,” he said, his voice soft.

She looked up. “What?”

He gently took her cup and saucer from her and set them beside his. “How are you doing? Are you holding up? I’m sorry I haven’t been around the last few days to help.”

She patted the back of her hair. “Oh, it’s been no problem, though it’s not quite the same when you’re not here.” She wrung her hands, then stopped.Why was she suddenly so nervous?

He studied her a moment, a slow smile curving his mouth. “It’s nice to know you’ve missed me.”

“Yes, well…some days we need all the help we can get. You know that. Especially with all your experience.”

“And yours. You know what you’re doing too.” He took a step closer. “Does this mean you need my help?”

Avis resisted the urge to back away, though she couldn’t imagine why she’d want to. It wasn’t like she was afraid of him.

So why was her heart beating so loud? Good grief. She was surprised he couldn’t hear it.

Reed stood there, watching her, that same silly smile on his face. Why wasn’t he saying anything?

She fidgeted. “I have potatoes to peel.”

“I’ll help you,” he offered, taking another step. He glanced around. “Where are Hattie and Cora Belle? Shouldn’t they be back from their break by now?”

“I’m sure they’ll be back any moment,” she said quickly, and turned to cross the kitchen to get a bowl for the peels.

He stepped into her path.

She looked up. My, but he was tall. Broad too. Was hebroaderthan the last time she saw him? No…that was silly.

“Avis,” he said gently…almost reverently.

She swallowed hard. “Yes?”

“I’ve been thinking a lot lately…about our situation.”

“What situation? It’s all been resolved. I have this lovely café to run, and you’re, well, practicing to be mayor.”

He chuckled. “That I am. And yes, this has all worked out wonderfully for you. I’m glad. I truly am.” His gaze deepened. “But is this all there is for you?”

“What do you mean?” He was so close she could feel the heat radiating off him. It was oddly comforting. And now she noticed his scent too. A warm, masculine scent that made her head swim.

She blinked a few times, trying to clear her thoughts. “Did you say something?”

Reed shook his head; his eyes still locked on hers. “No, honey. I’m still waiting for you to answer my last question.”

Her mouth went dry. “Oh?”

“Yeah.” He closed the final bit of distance between them and began to lower his face toward hers. “Do you remember what I asked?”

“Um, n-no, not really.”Land Sakes! Was he going to kiss her?!

He rested his hands gently on her upper arms, his eyes still on hers.

Her knees went weak. “Oh Nellie…”

Reed smiled, his lips hovering near hers. “Oh Nellie, indeed.”

“What the Sam Hill is going on in here?!” Hattie barked from the doorway.

Reed and Avis jumped apart. Reed took one look at Hattie and burst out laughing. “Your timing, dear woman, is impeccable.”

He winked at Avis, who could barely stay upright, then strolled to the hutch and fetched a paring knife.

“Let’s peel some potatoes, honey.”