Crazy in Love (Blue Lake #3)(43)

“Umm, ketchup.” She replayed what he’d said in her head. “Thanks.”

Both parents had abandoned him. No wonder he didn’t let anyone in. She’d thought he kept his private life private because the media would exploit every little detail, and maybe that was true. But there was more to it than that. He kept his private life private because he didn’t want to rehash it. It was probably too painful.

He made his own plate and sat across from her. For the first time since she took ownership of the inn, she ate breakfast and didn’t think about washing the dishes or serving a full dining room. They talked about her parents, grandparents, and the inn remodel. She didn’t ask any more about his childhood, and he didn’t offer. He didn’t need to. It didn’t take mind-reading skills to figure out that his childhood had been difficult, and not what he’d wanted it to be.

There were definitely more layers to Cole Turner than she’d assumed at first glance.

As they finished eating, Cole took their plates and dumped them in the sink. He disappeared upstairs, and when he came back down, he’d added a black coat and gray scarf to his dark-washed jeans.

“Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been grocery shopping?” he asked, as she locked up and they emerged onto Main Street. “Years.”

“Must be nice to have personal shoppers and a chef.”

They walked down the street like a normal couple out for a stroll. The air was cool and crisp—perfect for a walk—and the wood-planked sidewalks were full of tourists from the bay area.

“You could have a chef, too,” he said, weaving between a group of ladies on a wine-tasting tour. A few whispered, and then started to squeal. He didn’t notice. Or at least he pretended that he didn’t. Either way he scored major points. “Once you get the inn addition fixed up, you might make enough money to have a chef.”

She tried to imagine how that would work.

“I don’t know if I’d like that. I enjoy serving the guests, hearing about their travels, where they’re from and where they’re headed. I think it adds a personal touch.”

“Personally, I think your touch is what makes the place so memorable.” He brushed his hand against hers, but didn’t hold. “I didn’t know you get frisky with every visitor,” he joked. “I thought I was special.”

He was special. At least that’s what the pinch in her heart told her.

She gazed up at him and laughed when he winked. “Not every guest, but most. How’s that?” She stopped in front of Sawmill Market. “Here we are.”

He removed a shopping basket from the lineup outside and followed her around the aisles as she picked up necessities. He playfully rammed into her backside with the cart a few times. Put a bunch of broccoli back when she wasn’t looking—said he hated the stuff—and added a box of Power Bars.

It could be this way, she thought, as she stood in line at the register next to him. They could live in the inn, shop in the morning and cook together in the evening. He could write music and drive down the mountain to record when the time was right while she took care of the guests.

They could have a normal life…

As she turned from the conveyor belt, Cole plucked Gossip EZ Magazine from the shelves and stared at the front cover.

“Damn it,” he said, flicking the front page.

“What is it?” She peered around his shoulder.

COLE TURNER BREAKS UP WITH BEAUTY, BECOMES BEAST ON STAGE! DETAILS ON TORI’S HEARTBREAK INSIDE.

“It’s already made front page news,” he said.