Cedar Hollow Read Free Page B

years now.” Mrs. Owens answered vaguely as she moved from the table and busied herself with wiping down the counters. Apparently she wasn’t going to be the source of information that Cassidy had been hoping for.
    Ju st then, as if on cue, Ben Riley sauntered into the kitchen through the back door.
    “Speak of the devil.” Cassidy muttered under her breath.
    “We try not to do that around here.” Ben retorted dryly. Mrs. Owens giggled and the childlike sound was strange coming from someone her age. It made Cassidy a little uncomfortable as if she wasn’t getting some sort of inside joke.
    Despite his comment Ben had not looked over at Cassidy which gave her the freedom to ogle unobserved. He wore a faded pair of blue jeans, work boots, and a plain blue t-shirt that was pulled tight across his broad shoulders. His unruly brown hair was haphazardly brushed away from his eyes, and a light stubble covered his chin shadowing the planes and angles of his face. He looked rugged and untamed, dangerous. Cassidy couldn’t take her eyes off him.
    He casually leaned against the counter next to Mrs. Owens as she studiously cleaned the already spotless countertops.
    “Good morning, Lucy.” He said kindly.
    “You’re tracking dirt on my floor.” She admon ished with disapproval.
    “It’s the off-season , Lucy, without me to clean up after you’d be bored senseless.” He teased with a mischievous smile playing across his lips. Then he finally glanced over to the table and saw Cassidy watching him. Immediately the smile vanished.
    “You don’t have to cook for her you know.” He said to Mrs. Owens, while glaring at Cassidy. “She’s not a paying customer.”
    Cassidy felt awkward and off balance. She’d had no idea someone could be so attractive and repulsive all at the same time.
    “You’re right, she’s not a paying customer. She’s the owner .” Mrs. Owens emphasized, sounding every bit the scolding grandmother.
    “Not yet, she isn’t.” Ben gr umbled still glaring at Cassidy resentfully as he leaned against the counter.
    “Look I’m not trying to take over.” Cassidy assured them both. “I didn’t ask for any of this. I just got a call that I’d inherited this property and for some reason I had to be here in person to sign the paperwork. That’s all I’m trying to do. I’ll sign whatever papers are needed and then you can buy the land from me. I don’t want it.”
    “Oh how generous of you.” Ben sneered. “You’ll allow us to buy our home from you? And what if we can’t afford it? Will you kick us out to sell the place to the highest bidder?” The vehemence in his words was staggering. This man truly hated her.
    “Ben.” Mrs. Owens whispered, placing her hand on his arm to calm him.
    Cassidy wasn’t sure what to say. What did he expect her to do? It dawned on her that this pro perty had no mortgage. He had been living here rent free, apparently with his own personal cook and housekeeper. He’d been living the easy life up here on the hill, only having to dust off the furniture and fill the hot water tanks during the “on-season” whenever that was. Cassidy had had no idea the middle of summer could be considered an “off-season”.
    Well maybe it was time for Mr. Riley to grow up and realize not everything in life is quite this easy. Cassidy was not going to be made to feel guilty just because he was going to have to step up and either buy this place or move on. She wasn’t kicking him out, she was giving him a choice.
    “What you decide to do is of little consequence to me , Mr. Riley.” Cassidy said, putting her game face on. “The fact of the matter is I’m here to handle my business and that’s exactly what I intend to do, with or without your approval of how I go about it. I have a meeting in town with Mr. Woodard. I better be on my way.” Cassidy stood and sashayed out of the kitchen. She could feel Ben’s burning green eyes follow her out of the room.

Chapter Three
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