The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine Read Free

tail. “He’s very social, at times even intrusive. No door stands in his way. He greets everyone as a friend, and believes they all love him. He’ll be joining us for lunch.”
    Amelia located the cat’s food dish, added dry kibble, along with several diced pieces of lobster. She set the dish on the floor next to a large bowl of water. “He has a fondness for water,” she explained. “Archibald washes his food in it or just plain plays in it. He splashes, so watch for puddles. I don’t want you to slip.”
    The cat finished his food, then rubbed and wound about Amelia’s legs, head butting her calf, purring, charming her into giving him seconds. “He’s bottomless.” She passed the Maine coon a few more choice pieces of lobster. Archie’s meow was loud with gratitude.
    â€œHave a seat,” Amelia suggested.
    The table was small, and, no matter where Grace chose to sit, she’d be rubbing elbows with the moving man. She was suddenly aware of his lingering summer tan, his earthy, outdoor male scent, and the long look he gave her. Surprisingly formal, he pulled out a ladder-back chair and waited for her to be seated. The gesture was completely unexpected. For reasons unknown, he put her on edge.
    Her nerves got the better of her. Her mind was on him and not her chair when she lowered herself onto the cushioned seat. Distracted, she slipped off the side. Had it not been for Cade catching her by the arm, she would have landed on the floor. And in a puddle, made from Archie’s splashing.
    Cade’s grip was strong, but gentle. He gave a significant squeeze before he released her. His expression was polite, yet his gaze amused when he said, “Careful. No need for a wet butt.”
    Wet butt . She hadn’t brought a change of clothes, and it would have taken time for her wool slacks to dry. Normally she was cautious. Unduly so. Strangely, Cade’s closeness undid her. She didn’t have time to evaluate the situation or her feelings. She would eat lunch and return to the yard without further mishap. The grounds were far larger than the kitchen. She’d put space between them.
    â€œOh, Archibald,” Amelia sighed. She snagged several paper towel sheets from a roll and bent to wipe up the spill. “No swimming.” The Maine coon had both front paws in his water dish.
    Archie compromised. He removed one paw, only to flick water with the other. Amelia shook her head. “Silly boy.”
    The older woman tossed the damp paper towels into a trash can under the sink. She then set out fine china place settings. Sterling-silver flatware. Linen napkins. A plate of lobster rolls came next, followed by a romaine lettuce salad in a cut-glass bowl topped with fresh pear slices, walnuts, cranberries, and blue cheese crumbles. Glasses of sparkling water.
    â€œApple dumplings for dessert,” said Amelia, as she settled on the chair Cade held for her. She gave him a soft smile, patted his hand. “Help yourselves.”
    Cade made conversation, ate slowly, and drew out his meal. Grace swore he chewed each bite twenty times. Obviously, he was procrastinating. There’d been no sign of his cousins’ return. The job would go much faster with three people. Unfortunately, she might have to settle for Cade alone. He’d be responsible for climbing on the rooftop, stringing the outside lights, and anchoring the zombies, tombstones, and everything else that went bump in the night.
    Rearranging the indoor furniture would put him into overtime. Fortunately their contract had set a fixed rate. He’d be forced to work around the clock if necessary. But then, so would she.
    â€œHow many guests are in residence?” she asked Amelia.
    â€œAll twelve rooms will be filled on Halloween,” Amelia told her. “I even have a waiting list this year.”
    â€œEveryone in town is aware of your party,” said Cade. “You’ll