The Accidental Bride. Christina Skye

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ

      Maybe she was getting the hang of this relaxation thing, after all.

      A GUST OF COLD AIR SHOOK Jilly awake two hours later.

      The sun had set, and the night sky was a soft purple lit by stars. Yawning, she stood up and stretched, then made her way inside to the living area. Bright rugs covered the walls, across from a fieldstone fireplace with distressed wood mantel.

      Whoever designed the place had a real eye for color. With a yawn Jilly glanced at her watch and was stunned to see how late it was. No point in leaving her cabin tonight. She had her travel food and the little room refrigerator held plenty of drinks.

      She drummed her fingers on the table and then dug out her cell phone.

      Grace answered on the second ring, sounding breathless.

      “Hey, is something wrong?” Jilly asked.

      “I’m repainting the upstairs hallway. The electrician finished the rewiring and the new floors are done.”

      “That’s great. What about that kitchen wall?”

      “One more week. But forget about the renovation. How do you feel? What do you think of Lost Creek?”

      “The town is pretty small. And the resort is definitely rustic.” Jilly studied the darkening purple sky. Was that a shooting star she had just seen? “But rustic in a good way. And the air up here is amazing. I feel great. I sat out on my porch and actually fell asleep. In fact I’m going to bed early. No point trying to check on my classes tonight.”

      “That’s right. No need to rush,” Grace said quickly. “You can get all the, uh, details in the morning.”

      “Is something wrong? You sound odd, Grace.”

      “I’m just a little antsy because I want to finish up and then take a nice, long bath. I’ve got paint in my hair and under my fingernails. But Noah finally managed to get away. We’re meeting tomorrow in San Francisco.”

      Jilly smiled at the excitement in her friend’s voice. “About time. The hunk will have eyes for only one thing and that’s your smiling face.” Jilly stretched her arms and yawned again. “As for me, I am totally dead on my feet. But I have to know how Duffy is doing. Is he eating okay? Did he get his exercise? Did he go to see Dr. Peter for his checkup?”

      “Let’s take them in order. Duffy is doing great. He is eating like a horse. Or he would, if Caro let him. You should see Bogart and Bacall race around with Duffy up in the woods. Olivia is going to take him to her office, too. But you know our Livie. She’s a little afraid of dogs she doesn’t know well.”

      “Wait,” Jilly cut in. “Olivia’s afraid of dogs? I didn’t know that. What happened?”

      “Don’t know. She closes up like a clam when I ask. But Duffy is such a big teddy bear that she seems okay around him. Is that a full enough report?”

      Jilly blew out a little breath. “Thanks, Grace. It’s just that I miss him. And I worry.”

      “No need to explain. Duffy’s a great dog, and he’ll be here healthy and happy when you get back. But first we want you healthy and happy. So just relax and enjoy yourself.”

      “I’m working on it. I can’t wait for my cooking classes tomorrow.”

      Grace cleared her throat. “Great.”

      “Well, I just wanted to call and say thanks. You’re all the best.”

      “I’ll tell Caro and Livie you called. You have the list of instructions from your doctor, right? No alcohol. No caffeine. No heavy physical exertion.”

      “I’m up to speed, Grace. Don’t worry. Forget about painting the hall. Focus on having a great time with Noah. And tell him I said hi, okay? Remember that I want his mother’s meatloaf recipe. She has some secret ingredients I can’t figure out. Maybe roasted paprika?”

      Grace laughed. “I’ll tell him you asked.”

      Jilly stifled another yawn. “Did I tell you I saw a shooting star tonight? There was a tail of light that burned over the ridge. I’m taking it as a sign that good things are coming.” Jilly hesitated. “I … met a man at the airport today. He had a wonderful dog. There was something about him.” She turned, watching stars twinkle over the dark line of mountains. “Something intriguing. He was so controlled and contained. I couldn’t read him at all.”

      “No way. You can read anyone.”

      “Not him.” Jilly smoothed the wool blanket, wondering why she couldn’t get the man out of her mind. “Well, I’d better go. Make sure Caro doesn’t work too hard. The contractors will drive her nuts.”

      “Olivia’s taking over now that she’s back.”

      “Good. Caro’s too nice.”

      Grace chuckled. “I’ll tell her you said that. You take it easy up there. Have a great time.”

      “That’s the plan.”

      After she hung up, Jilly leaned against the cool glass doors. Her whole body felt relaxed and somehow lighter. Tonight she might actually be able to sleep. Though she had never told her friends, she had been plagued by crippling insomnia for months. Nothing seemed to help.

      But tonight Jilly thought she could sleep for a week.

      Yes, she was going to take that shooting star as a very good sign.

      Things were finally looking up.

      AT 6:45 A.M. SHE WAS UP.

      She had slept better than she had for months. Totally energized, she was ready to plan for her classes. She paced back and forth, admiring the huge stone fireplace, waiting for someone to appear at the reception desk.

      Her sunny mood began to fade when no one appeared. She tried the offices, but all were empty. Frowning, she followed the noise of rattling dishes back to a serving area. The drifting aroma of coffee and bacon told her the kitchen wasn’t far away.

      Jilly waved to a harried woman in a resort uniform. “Can someone help me?”

      “Dining room is down that hall, ma’am. I’m afraid breakfast doesn’t start for another ten minutes though.”

      “I’m really looking for someone at the reception desk. I want to find out about the cooking retreat.”

      The woman blinked at Jilly. “Come again?”

      “Cooking. The classes?” Jilly said the words very clearly. “I’m signed up but I haven’t found any details posted. Who should I talk to about that?”

      “Well … I guess …” The woman put down her tray of clean silverware and gestured to a closed door off the kitchen. “Head chef is back there. Maybe he can help you.”

      “Thanks. Sorry to bother you.” Jilly crossed the hall, noting the outdated cooking ranges and cramped food prep areas. The resort could definitely do with some renovations. СКАЧАТЬ