Audra froze at the thought. She was in love with Jackson Elijah Sansbury, the grumpy, reclusive, rental cabin property
owner. But she hadn’t even known him for a month. How could she have fallen in love with him so quickly? She was returning to Los Angeles in ten days. Audra tabled that train of thought. She couldn’t handle it right now. In self-defense, she tuned back into Kerry’s conversation.
“I need your help.” The other woman’s declaration was the distraction Audra needed.
“With what?”
“I need you to make sure that Jack doesn’t let his anger with me get in the way on Founders Day. It’s only a little more than a week away.” Kerry’s expression was so earnest you’d almost think she was being reasonable.
Audra added more cream to her coffee. “Why are you here if you thought Jack’s reaction to you would be politically awkward for your husband?”
A myriad of reactions crossed Kerry’s features. “You’re right. I’m concerned Jack might say something that would reflect badly on me and, therefore, on my husband. But I’m from Trinity Falls. If I hadn’t come, the media would have been suspicious.”
Audra arched an eyebrow. “One of those ‘damned-if-you-do’ and ‘damned-if-you-don’t’ situations.”
Kerry’s manner cooled. “You could say that.” Audra collected the plate with her untouched Trinity Falls Fudge Walnut Brownie and stood. “I’m not going to plead your case to Jack. Your past is between the two of you. But I will wish you well with your baby.”
“Thank you.” Kerry’s gratitude was automatic.
“He or she will be lucky if you’re even half the parent Jack was.” Audra turned to find Doreen on the other side of the counter.
The bakery manager handed her a Books & Bakery bag. “Here’s the brownie for Jack.”
“Thanks.” Audra followed her to the counter, paying cash for both pastries.
“Thank you for what you said about Jack being a good parent.” Doreen handed her the change. “I’m going to miss you. You’ve made a positive impression on this town, getting involved in the sesquicentennial and bringing our favorite son back into the fold.”
“Your town has made a positive impression on me.” Audra tried to smile, but the idea of leaving Trinity Falls—of leaving Jack—hurt more than she’d imagined it would three weeks ago.
Doreen cleared her throat. “Well, there’s no reason you couldn’t come back for a visit once in a while.”
“No, there isn’t.” Though it wouldn’t be the same. A vacation romance was no longer enough for her. But was it possible for Jack to give her anything more?
Jack watched Wendell saunter into the main cabin Thursday afternoon. He should have known the other man would be back. The music producer seemed like the type who had to have his way.
He lowered his laptop monitor and rose from his seat behind the registration desk. “Don’t have any cabins.”
“‘No room at the inn’?” Wendell came to a stop at the counter.
Jack ignored the biblical reference, returning the other man’s laughing gaze in silence. It was almost lunchtime. Audra would be back soon. He hoped Wendell wasn’t planning on staying long.
Wendell leaned against the counter. “Don’t worry. I booked a room in a hotel just outside of town. Thanks, anyway.”
“Sure.” Jack shoved his hands into the front pockets of his brown shorts.
“It seems that your sesquicentennial has overtaxed the town’s one hotel and one bed-and-breakfast. And, of course, your cabins.”
“Why are you here?”
“You know you’re in the service industry, right? You’re going to have to work on your customer interaction. Let’s raise the volume on the friendliness quotient.” Wendell’s chuckles shook the smaller man’s shoulders.
“Why are you here? Please.”
“You may need a twelve-step program.” Wendell straightened, scanning the room. “This is really pretty property.”
“Thanks.”
“I wanted to take another look at it—and at you.” Wendell turned his full attention to Jack. “There’s something going on between you and Audra, isn’t there?”