Read Online Cup of Sugar by Karla Doyle - Free Book Online Page B

rule well. “Good idea, Meredith. Thanks.” He signaled for Zeus to follow him, pausing on the other side of the island to look back at Nia, still glued to her spot. Probably because she thought he was angry. Which he had been, though not at her.
    “I think I’ll stay in and help with the food,” she said, answering his unspoken question.
    “No, you absolutely will not.” Meredith smacked Nia’s hand when she reached for the bag of flour Meredith had placed on the island. She followed the reprimand with a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. Stubborn yet sweet, much like Nia. “When was the last time you hiked through the woods? Or skated on the bay?”
    “A while ago.” Nia’s voice had the grudging tone of somebody who knows they’re fighting a losing battle.
    “Ages ago, you mean. You spend so much time in that dark restaurant now. You’ve probably forgotten how much you used to love things like hiking and skating.” Meredith turned her head toward Conn. “I bet you enjoy the outdoors.”
    “I do.”
    Meredith issued what was clearly a victory nod. “Do you skate?”
    “Since I was old enough to walk.”
    “There you go. Your skates are still hanging in the garage, Nia. Conn can borrow your dad’s.” Meredith leaned over the island, her eyes at floor level. “What size do you wear?”
    “Twelve.”
    “I see. Big feet.”
    “Yeah.” He flashed his hands briefly before stuffing them into his pockets. “They match the hands.”
    “Well, then.” Meredith’s gaze shifted to Nia. And if Conn wasn’t mistaken, the woman winked at her daughter. “I guess you won’t be skating, but maybe you’ll find some other activity to do. Take the boathouse key, in case you need a place to warm up.”
    “Oh my god, Mom. Seriously?” A deep-pink blush flared on Nia’s cheeks.
    He held back his laughter, but the grin was already plastered on his face when Nia spun on her heel and stormed from the kitchen.
    “Dinner’s at five.” This time, Meredith Chambers’ wink was directed at him. “Have a fun afternoon.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Because how else should he reply to what sure as hell seemed like a blessing to get busy with the woman’s daughter?
    “Go on.” Meredith waved her flour-covered fingers at him. “You don’t want her to get away now, do you?”
    The answer to that one came instantly. “No, I definitely don’t.”
    * * * * *
    After that embarrassing scene with her mother, Nia had been tempted to run. Into the woods, or maybe in the opposite direction, all the way to town. She’d gotten as far as her dad’s smokehouse at the edge of the yard when Conn’s deep voice boomed, carrying on the crisp, cold air.
    “Incoming!”
    She turned, a reddish-brown blur snagging in her peripheral vision. Holy shit. “Conn…?” she called, shakier than she’d like. The scene was too familiar. She was ten years old all over again.
    “Don’t worry.”
    Easy for him to say. He didn’t have Zeus bounding across the snow at him, ridiculous jowls flapping with each thunderous step. Locked on Nia, the dog’s eyes bulged. The muscles in his massive body rippled beneath his short, shiny coat as he closed the distance between them at lightning speed.
    Don’t worry. Uh-huh. Right.
    She squeezed her eyes shut and braced for impact. Snow crunched around her. A woof rang in her ears. Then the beast took her down. Not intentionally, he’d merely flopped on the ground at her feet. The dizziness of the moment was more to blame than the dog.
    “Shit, sorry.” Conn pulled her to her feet, holding her close while he brushed snow from her coat. The brusque swipes he used on her back and arms softened when got to her collar. Then his gloves hit the snow.
    She focused on the small pile of dark blue at her feet. Anything to avoid looking at his face.
    Only Conn wouldn’t allow that. His warm hands—warm, big hands, as discussed in the kitchen—tipped her chin upward. He smiled and swept the hair from her cheek.