Chapter Six
They fell into a comfortable routine over the next several days. As promised, Rachel came over at nine-thirty each morning and they ate breakfast together by the pool, before deciding how to spend the day.
The day before, they’d driven up to Whitefish and had taken a short cruise on Whitefish Lake, before spending the afternoon browsing through the shops in the quaint downtown. At Rachel’s recommendation, they’d enjoyed dinner and a couple of beers at a breezy, open-air brew pub. Jamie couldn’t recall what they’d talked about, only that they had done a lot of laughing. She’d completely captivated him. She’d been all he’d remembered from their youth, and more. Several times during the evening, he’d caught her watching him when she thought he didn’t notice.
It had been after ten p.m. when they’d arrived back in Glacier Creek, and they’d stood in her dark driveway for about fifteen minutes, just talking. He’d had a nearly overwhelming urge to kiss her good-night, but sensed it was still too soon. The last thing he wanted was to scare her off.
Today, however, Jamie had wanted to surprise Rachel by cooking breakfast for her. He’d set his alarm extra early that morning, wanting to be ready for when she arrived. Now he moved around the kitchen, gathering ingredients and pans. Rachel had provided breakfast for the past two mornings, and while the meals had been tasty, Jamie found he was in the mood for something a bit more substantial than yogurt and fruit, or the homemade muffins she brought from the Gingersnap Bakery. He pulled fixings out of the fridge and cupboards and went to work, determined to surprise her.
Fifteen minutes later, he heard the front door open, and she came into the kitchen with her nose in the air, sniffing appreciatively.
“Is that bacon I smell?”
Jamie grinned as she pulled out a stool and sat down on the opposite side of the kitchen island. “Yes, ma’am.”
She set a tote bag onto the floor beside her and surveyed the ingredients on the counter beside him. “Wow, this looks fabulous, Jamie, but you didn’t have to go to all this trouble. I’m happy to cook breakfast.”
“Absolutely not. I’ve been sitting around doing nothing for long enough. You, Rachel McCafferty, are in for a treat.”
He had sweet potatoes and onions grilling, and now he added spicy chorizo to the mix. He was comfortable in the kitchen, and liked having Rachel there, watching him. He scooped the bacon out of the pan and set it on some paper towels to drain, and then expertly cracked four eggs into the sizzling fat.
“I’m impressed,” Rachel said. “You’ve obviously done this before.”
“Many times.” Jamie indicated the toaster on the counter behind him. “Maybe you can get the toast going for me. There’s a small cup of melted butter in the microwave, and a basting brush in that drawer.”
Rachel did as he asked, and he was aware of her watching covertly as he scooped the potato and chorizo mixture into two shallow bowls, and then laid fresh slices of avocado on top. She buttered the bread as he laid two perfectly cooked eggs over each dish, and topped them with several slices of crisp bacon.
“That really looks fabulous, and it smells amazing,” she said, putting the toast onto a separate plate. “Can I make some coffee?”
“Already done,” he said cheerfully. “If you don’t mind carrying everything out to the pool for me…”
Rachel looked through the connecting doors to where he’d already set the patio table, complete with a pot of coffee, and a pitcher of orange juice.
“Jamie!” she exclaimed in surprise. “That must have taken you forever! How did you get everything out there?”
“I improvised,” he replied, winking at her.
Lifting the plates, Rachel went outside and set the dishes on the table. Jamie followed her, more slowly. He’d probably overdone it a bit, but he wasn’t going to say anything. If Rachel thought he might be tired, she’d insist he rest and then she’d leave. No way was that happening.
“Here, let me get your chair for you,” she said, studying his face. “Sure you’re okay?”
“Never better.”
Once they were seated, Jamie poured the coffee and juice, and began digging into his breakfast. Rachel took a forkful of the chorizo, avocado and egg, and then stared at Jamie in pleasured surprise.
“Oh, this is incredible,” she declared. “I can’t recall the last time I had something so delicious.”
“It’s the spices,” Jamie offered, taking a swallow of coffee. “But don’t ask, because it’s a secret family recipe.”