The Scrooge Of Loon Lake

She cupped her hand around his cheek. He should pull away because it wasn’t just her mothering he admired. How could she be offering comfort after his callous remark? What kind of woman did that? He leaned into her touch. What would it be like to pull her into his arms, let her warmth sink into those cold places inside him?

She started to pull her hand away, but he reached up and captured it in his. “I apologize for my comment. I may be an insensitive jerk but normally I practice my antisocial tendencies when I’m alone and especially not when I’m in the company of a beautiful woman.”

“Apology accepted.” She blushed. “After his session, Sam and I always go to the café in town. I hope you’ll join us. I want to thank you for getting my car started.”

“You should go straight to the garage and have Ogle check the battery. Your old one may not even have kept the charge.”

“You’re right,” she said and frowned. “I know I should’ve gone straight to Ogle’s but…” She turned her head to watch Sam, a tender expression on her pretty face.

He studied her profile as Sam and his horse continued to be led around the ring. Sam grinned and waved to them each time he passed. Des waved, but his attention was on the woman beside him.

“I see how much he enjoys riding,” he said.

“He’s calmer since he’s started spending time with the horses.” Her voice sounded resigned. “We’ve had our ups and downs. He gets frustrated and can be quick to anger but being around the horses soothes him.”

He reached for her hand again. “And what soothes you?”

“Me?” She stared at him, surprised. “I don’t think anyone has ever asked me that.”

“Maybe they should.” He touched her cheek with his other hand. “So tell me what you find soothing.”

She looked off in the distance as if trying to decide how to answer.

“I bet I know.” His hand moved from her cheek to her hair, unable to resist touching the corn-silk strands.

“Oh? What do you think it is?” she asked, sounding a little breathless.

He contemplated, stalling for time. Then something occurred to him. “Baking. I’ll bet baking soothes you.”

She seemed to be thinking it over, her gaze meeting his. “I believe you’re right, but how did you know?”

He cleared his throat and broke eye contact, glancing at Sam on the horse. “I can taste it.”

Before she could say anything, he pointed to Sam, whose horse was being led back into the building. “Looks like he’s finished.”

To his relief, her focus shifted back to her son. He was not about to admit his feelings about her baking.

After his session, Sam came out from the building and carefully made his way toward them. His gait was slightly stiff, but a huge grin split his face.

“You looked like a jockey up there on that horse, bud,” Des told him and held out his hand, palm up. The kid slapped it and although it seemed impossible, Sam’s smile got even bigger. What was it about this boy and his mother that called to Des?

“You did great, Sam, but I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. We won’t be able to go to the café like I promised. I need to take the car to Ogle’s garage for a new battery. We can get some snacks at Tavie’s store while we wait if you’re hungry.”

Even though the Loon Lake General Store was next door to Ogle’s garage, Des didn’t think a few packaged snacks were as much fun as going to Aunt Polly’s Café. And he was right; the boy’s face fell. “You like Polly’s pancakes, don’t you?”

Sam grinned up at him and nodded his head vigorously.

Natalie’s eyes widened. “How did you know that’s what he always orders?”

“Because having pancakes when it’s not breakfast is fun, right, Sam?”

Again, the boy grinned and nodded. Des answered with a wink.

Natalie put her hand on Sam’s shoulder. “I’m not sure how long it will take for the battery to be replaced, if that’s even what’s wrong. The café is only open for breakfast and lunch, but we’ll try.”

Des cleared his throat. “I have an idea. I’ll follow you to the garage and we’ll go to Aunt Polly’s while Ogle is checking out your car.” What was he doing? Did he suggest they go to eat? As in together? As in a public place? Not only would he be seen in public, but also with a woman and