Abby scooted the hangers around in her closet, assessing her limited outfit options. She’d abandoned her lookout over the finicky risotto to dress. The flank steak roasting in the oven and the asparagus steaming didn’t need her attention yet. “Choose something. He’s seen everything you own, so what does it matter?”
A subdued Orchid appeared and stretched her front paws upward, touching the flowered sundress. “Me-wow.”
“Did you just say me-wow, as in wow?” Abby squatted next to the kitten, trying in vain to wipe more of the lipstick from her face. “So, you think I should wear the dress?”
Orchid blinked.
“Okay, but don’t you dare think this gets you back in my good graces. You ruined my only sassy red lipstick. And the perfect red is near impossible to find.” Abby held up the garment. “Are you sure this one? It’s a tad short.”
“Me-wow,” answered Orchid before running off.
“If my Crestview friends knew I was taking fashion advice from a Himalayan, they’d book me a room at Happy Valley.” Wearing the dress, Abby glanced in the mirror. “Orchid’s right. Looking fancy complements my fine feast.”
While applying a light dusting of bronzer and her boring peachy lip gloss, Abby heard the bell. Nash was early. She opened the door to his too handsome but troubled face. “Hey there. I hope you brought your appetite.” Abby pulled him inside.
“I’m always hungry for a nice cut of beef.” Nash’s expression kept a frown.
Abby paused. “What’s with that sour puss of yours?”
Orchid gave a chirp.
Abby shook her head. “Sorry to offend your sensitive nature, Miss Orchid. Nash, what gives?”
“Nothing that can’t wait until later.” He did a double-take at Orchid and reached for her. “What’s turned you into a kewpie doll?” Nash looked questioningly at Abby.
“She wanted to look her best tonight and chose my favorite red lipstick.”
“I say that both of you ladies look pretty.” Nash placed the kitten on a nearby chair.
Abby smiled sweetly. “Before I feed you my fabulous dinner, would you mind installing these two communicators?”
“Sure. It takes all of thirty seconds. Come watch so you’ll know how to use them.” Nash went to an unusual looking outlet and made the connection. “There you go. The living room communicator is good to go. Touch here and say who you want to call, and that’s all there is to it.”
“Looks easy enough. I’d like the other on my bedroom nightstand.” Abby led the way.
Nash repeated the exercise. “You’re all set and connected to the world of Charm. Um, Abby, is that smoke smell coming from the kitchen?”
“What? No, no!” Abby ran toward the kitchen and peeked into the oven, and slammed the door shut. She heard Nash opening windows. The risotto? What about her risotto? Abby attempted to stir the mixture. Her lovely dinner was an utter disaster.
Nash entered the kitchen. “I’ve got fresh air on the way. How is our grub? About done?” He took a read of Abby’s face. “Let me take a look.”
Abby watched Nash grab an oven mitt and pull the carbonized flank steak from the oven. He set the pan on the cooling rack. “That must have been my steak. And was that asparagus at one time?” He forked the ashes.
She buried her face in her hands. “I’ve ruined our dinner. I’m a lousy cook.” Abby felt Nash’s arms around her.
“It’s okay, babe. We can eat what’s in that stockpot.” Nash glanced at the cooktop.
Abby’s red-faced looked up. “No, we can’t.”
Nash went to the pot and tried to move the utensil. “The spoon won’t budge.” He could no longer hide his amusement. “What was this supposed to be?”
“Butternut squash risotto that’s turned into wallpaper paste.” Abby gazed at the glue mixture and caught Nash’s contagious humor. “I know. Maybe I can offer it to Edna and Myrtle? Their hideous cabbage rose wallpaper has to go. It attacks you as soon as you step into the foyer. This can glue the replacement paper. Save ‘em a few bucks.” Abby’s voice went up a few octaves before hysterical laughter claimed her.
“Let’s focus on what we’re going to eat.” Nash moved to the refrigerator. “Anything in here safe to consume?”
Abby’s face brightened. “Why, yes. We’ve got dessert. Don’t worry. I didn’t make it.” She pointed to the strawberry mousse. “See?”
“I do. Let’s do better.” Nash grabbed the meager salad fixings and passed them to Abby. “How about making us a salad while I scavenge for something to go with—a box of penne pasta and a jar of sauce. It’s Italian night.”
“I can make that for us.” Abby pulled out a saucepan and pasta pot.
“Nope.” Nash escorted her to the sink. “You’ve got salad duty, and I’ll deal with your cooker. Dinner in fifteen minutes.”
~*~
“Kitchen’s all tidy. The inside of the oven, I’ll tackle another time.” Abby made a face at the appliance. “Dreadful thing.”
“You still owe me a steak.” Nash settled on the sofa with a glass of tea.
Abby plopped down next to him. “You’re right. My debt hasn’t been paid. How about a do-over this coming weekend? I’ll attempt steak tacos.”
A knitted brow replaced Nash’s grin.
“Don’t fret. I swear the tacos will be edible. I can do this.”
Orchid sauntered over and offered her opinion. “Meow-no.”
Abby and Nash did a fast doubletake.
“Did she say ‘meow no’ to your tacos? If so, I’m taking her advice.”
“Orchid didn’t mean it. Besides, you’d listen to a cat wearing red lipstick before your…?” Abby hesitated. Who was she to Nash? Judging by his steamy look, he was about to show her.
He pulled Abby into him. “You’re the woman who stole my heart.” His thumb trailed along her neck. “Remember?”
Her breath caught. “I might need a reminder. Anything will do. Kissing or—” Charm’s tell-all air must have gotten inside her cottage.
Nash’s expression cooled. He pulled away. “I’m sorry, Abby. We need to talk.”
They jumped hearing the bell.
“I guess I’d better see who that is.” Abby rose, smoothed her dress, and thought, what lousy timing for a visitor. Something was worrying Nash, and now her. She stole a glance at him before opening the door.
He nodded. The smile had vanished.
“Evening, Edna. What’s—?”
“Sorry to intrude.” She poked her head in. “There you are, Mayor Nash. You’re needed pronto at Elbert’s Dairy Bar. Twin six-year-old boys have just arrived without parents.”
Nash walked toward Edna. “No parents or adults with them?”
Edna shook her head. “Most unusual. Elbert’s all flummoxed and doesn’t know what to do with them other than keep feeding them ice cream. Though I don’t believe that’s a good thing at all.” Edna paused to grab a breath. “I’m so sorry to interrupt your date.”
Abby patted Edna’s shoulder. “No, it’s fine. What matters are those two little fellows’ wellbeing.”
“That’s what I thought too. I told Myrtle that we simply could not delay telling the mayor.” Edna faced Nash. “Well, I’ll leave this matter in your capable hands. Good night.”
Abby turned back to Nash. “I know you need to go. Maybe you’ll tell me what’s worrying you tomorrow?”
“I suppose it has to wait. Can I stop by after dinner tomorrow?” Nash stepped onto the porch as Orchid scooted past.
“Sure. Tomorrow’s fine.” Abby sensed he wasn’t going to kiss her. Disappointment washed over her.
“Listen, I need to go.” Without waiting for Abby’s reply, he jogged to his truck.
Abby joined the kitten on the porch swing. “Surely you have something to say about what happened. We’ve been left in a state of confusion by a guy we’re quite smitten with.”
Orchid shook her head and began washing the remaining lipstick from her face.
“You’re right. Date night is kaput, and we didn’t even score a kiss. Not even a peck.”