Chapter 14 #2
“Oh, sweetheart.” Kai gasped as he wrapped his arms around me. “I have no words. That’s despicable.” He was practically vibrating with rage on my behalf. “Do you have someone to talk to, like a therapist? I hate him so much for all he’s put you through.”
He nuzzled the top of my head so sweetly; I melted further into him. “I do. Indy insisted I see someone as soon as I came to stay with him. Although I’m still trying to pay him back, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to. But Levi has already helped me so much.”
“Radar! Where you at?” A booming voice had us flinching, and I quickly turned away to wipe my eyes and put myself back together.
“In here, Ev,” Kai called out before whispering to me. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Do I look okay?” I asked as I turned to face him. I had only met Everett briefly, so I didn’t want his first genuine impression of me to be in a tearful state.
“You’re beautiful, as always.” He kissed my cheek and turned to greet Everett and the kind older man who accompanied him. This must be the elusive Gramps.
“Hey, Ev. You remember Grace.” His arm came around my waist as he reintroduced me. “And Gramps, this is Grace.”
“This must be the mysterious woman everyone’s talking about. It’s lovely to meet you, dear. You can call me Gramps; everyone does.” He held out his weathered hand to me, and I took it. Ev nodded at me in greeting.
Everett was handsome in his jeans, knitted sweater and boots. He kept running his hand through his thick, dark hair, making it stand up at all angles. It made him look like he’d just rolled out of bed, giving him a disheveled appearance.
Gramps was nearly as tall as Everett and had a similar build, the same kind, gray-blue eyes and hair, only his was more silver than brown at this point.
He wore weathered jeans and a black and green flannel with the sleeves rolled up.
It was easy to see that they were related, even if they were generations apart.
“It’s great to meet you, sir. Hi again, Everett,” I said with a little wave.
“I hear you like to cook,” Ev mentioned.
“I do. It calms me, but I’ve had very few chances to do it lately, and Kai had nothing in his fridge.”
Everett let out a deep chuckle. “I’m not at all surprised. I think our Radar could burn water. He’s best kept out of the kitchen.”
The camaraderie these two shared was clear in their teasing and how they looked at each other. I was glad Kai had someone to look up to, a genuine friend he could respect and hopefully confide in.
“I’m not that bad,” Kai grumbled, and I kissed his cheek.
“It’s okay. I love to cook and would be happy to keep you from starving or burning your cute little cabin down. We can’t have that.”
Ev and Gramps shared a look and laughed.
“Looks like you’ve caught a winner here, young man.
She can cook and wants to keep you safe.
” Gramps turned to me. “What do you like to cook? We have just about everything. Everett and Maze try their best to provide lunch and at least one other meal for everyone, but it’s been hard.
A fire damaged our restaurant, and it needs to be renovated, so we’ve struggled to stay on top of things in the last few months. ”
“The ranch is so beautiful. I thought there might have been a restaurant or mess hall or something. I’m sorry to hear it was damaged.
” As I glanced between Gramps and Ev, I shared a conciliatory smile.
“I cook everything I can. I love creating. So, you don’t mind if I take over your kitchen for the evening?
Is there anything I should stay away from?
Any tips or quirks I need to know?” My body was buzzing with excitement at the idea of cooking freely in this stunning kitchen.
“No, nothing. Use and create whatever you like. If there’s anything you need that’s missing, write a list and I’ll add it to the next delivery,” Ev added.
“Okay,” I rubbed my hands together in anticipation before turning to talk quietly to Kai. “How would you feel about inviting all the guys over? I’d love to get to know your new family.”
Kai’s eyes widened at my words. “You want that?”
“Of course,” I said, beaming at him. “I’d love to cook for the group and share this with you.”
“If you’re sure.” Kai gently grabbed my cheeks and kissed my forehead, making my heart race. His easy acceptance of me into his new life was a comfort I didn’t even think he realized he was giving me.
Turning to Ev, I could see he’d been watching us with a soft smile on his face. “If you’re free, I’d love to cook for everyone. Think you have enough food?”
“You’ve seen the fridge. It was the industrial one from the restaurant, and it’s packed.
You might need to get a little creative, though.
Maisie and I are basic bitches in the kitchen, so the range of ingredients is small,” he said, as he winked at me.
“But I’d love a home-cooked meal that I didn’t have to attempt. ”
“Yay!” I squealed and clapped my hands together before dashing to the fridge with the sound of chuckles behind me.