Page 42 of The Heartbreaker (Chandler Brothers 3)
Izzy leaned closer. “For two?” she asked, and winked. “I’ve known Chase since he was a boy and the man’s got a solid appetite.”
Sloane sighed. Apparently, Chase wasn’t kidding about word traveling fast in this town, at least about some things. “Well, I’d love a large coffee with milk and sugar and one of those delicious-looking blueberry muffins.” She pointed to the mouthwatering display of cakes and pastries. And since Izzy already knew whom Sloane was staying with, she might as well go for broke. “And I’ll also take whatever is Chase’s favorite.”
Izzy patted her face and treated her to another wink, and an immediate burn rose to Sloane’s cheeks. “I’ll take care of breakfast for you,” Izzy promised.
Sloane wondered how long before the rest of the town knew she’d spent the night with Chase Chandler. She shifted back and forth on her feet, waiting for her order to be filled. Luckily, no one else approached her, and within minutes, she had paid, received a bag full of food, and was ready to leave.
“You take care and I’ll be seeing you later.” Izzy added a few extra napkins into the bag.
“Thanks, Izzy.”
The older woman grinned. “My pleasure.”
The lines around her eyes and on her friendly face were a testament to the years she’d lived and many smiles she’d given. If Izzy was an indication of the people in this town, Sloane figured her mother had probably stored some good memories here. At least Sloane hoped she had.
And for the time she was here, Sloane decided she’d like to get to know this place too. She’d start by visiting shops and meeting people and hopefully finding out more information about Samson at the same time. “What time does Charlotte’s Attic open?” Sloane asked Izzy.
“Beth Hansen, the manager, usually gets the place open around ten. Unless she’s had a late night with her boyfriend. Then it’s closer to ten-fifteen.” Izzy nodded knowingly.
Sloane immediately recognized the older woman’s intention to impart more gossip, but she wouldn’t have privacy if she didn’t respect others’. “I’ll try to stop by later.”
“Make sure you do. They’ve got sexy stuff. Items that’d make a normal man drool, if you get my drift. Not that my Norman cares anymore.” She wagged a finger back toward her husband, who was busy cooking in the kitchen.
That was more information than Sloane needed to know, but Izzy was oblivious and continued without missing a beat. “Now, a virile young man like Chase”—she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively—“I’m sure I don’t have to say more.”
Definitely not, Sloane thought. But Izzy was friendly and meant well, so Sloane smiled. “I’ll be sure to let Beth and Charlotte know you’re a talking advertisement.” She decided to get out before Izzy could share any more.
Turning, she started for the door and bumped into a blonde about the same age as herself. She grabbed her bag tighter so as not to drop breakfast. “I’m sorry.”
“No problem.” The other woman stepped back to make room for Sloane to pass. “You’re new in town.”
Not a question, Sloane mused. Apparently, a new face was something immediately recognized around here. Nothing like D.C., where she saw different people every day.
Sloane nodded. “I’m just passing through.” She didn’t want to be rude, but she could feel the minutes ticking by since she’d left the house. She didn’t want Chase to think she’d slipped out on him to avoid talking.
The pretty blonde smiled. “I was just passing through too, when I came to Yorkshire Falls. Then I decided to make my stay permanent. Oh, I’m Kendall Sutton. I mean, I’m Kendall Chandler.” She shook her head and laughed. “I guess I’m still not used to the new name. I’m a newlywed,” she explained.
Recognition dawned. “You’re Rick’s wife.”
Kendall nodded, smiling.
“I’m Sloane—”
“Carlisle,” Kendall whispered. “I know. Rick told me about you. But unlike the rest of this town, you can trust my discretion.”
Something about Kendall’s warmth told Sloane she could believe her. That and the fact that she was married to Chase’s brother. The Chandlers struck her as smart men, wise in their dealing with people. “I appreciate that,” Sloane said.
Kendall held open the door for her. “I don’t know how long you plan on staying, but if you ever need a friend or want company or whatever, ask Chase for my number and call.”
“I will.” Sloane liked Rick’s wife. As she walked to Chase’s car, she realized she liked an awful lot about this quaint upstate town, including the warm people who said hello to her as she passed, and the more leisurely pace compared to D.C.
And as she pulled into Chase’s driveway and parked around back, she discovered she liked coming home to him most of all.
Chapter Nine
The car door slammed and the front door creaked on opening before shutting closed. Chase relaxed in bed, listening to the sound of Sloane’s return. Opening his eyes, he saw two delicious sights, Sloane and a tray of his favorite breakfast, French toast and bacon.
