Page 24 of Kaden & Keegan
Chapter Three
Thursday morning rolled around and Kaden foundhimself picking up breakfast at the bakery rather than sitting down to a hot meal at the diner. Keegan’s fault, of course. His brother had stayed up too late playing GTA on his Xbox and had refused to get out of bed in time, something that usually happened once, maybe twice a week.
So Kaden had left his brother at the house and ventured into town, figuring he could spring for some donuts before making his way to the Walker Demo office to check on Autumn. He’d learned yesterday that she was having trouble with one of the general contractors. From what he could tell, she had it handled, but he figured he could be the nice guy, check in with the new boss, see if she needed him to have a chat with the guy. Of course, he had to broach the subject without sounding condescending because that certainly wasn’t how he intended it, so the donuts were more of a way to pave the way.
When he stepped into the small bakery, he was assaulted with the scents of sweet pastries, the aroma of strong coffee, and the dull din of conversations taking place. The few scattered tables were full, the regulars out early to grab a quick breakfast before heading off to do their thing.
Like most up that early, Kaden went through the motions, moving by muscle memory behind the other customers, patiently waiting his turn.
“Good mornin’, Mr. Walker.”
The sassy tone, one he recognized belonging to Coyote Ridge’s mayor, had his head turning, curious as to which of his uncles were there because, when he thought of Mr. Walker, they were the first to come to mind.
His gaze slid right over Bianca Stewart and landed on the woman sitting next to her at one of the few small tables scattered about. Bristol was seemingly very interested in the blueberry muffin sitting in front of her.
“Mornin’,” he returned Bianca’s greeting, smiling and letting his gaze linger on Bristol a little longer as he moved closer so he didn’t have to shout.
“I didn’t figure you for the donut type,” Bianca said conversationally. “Don’t you usually frequent the diner in the morning?”
Kaden found it amusing that she had yet to use his first name. Now that he thought about it, Bianca rarely did. He had to wonder if she knew who he was or if she considered them interchangeable.
He smiled, peering down at Bristol while answering Bianca. “Tryin’ to mix it up a bit.” When Bristol finally looked up, he tacked on, “Mornin’.”
Her smile was forced. “Good mornin’.”
She looked good. Then again, she looked good every time he saw her, didn’t matter the time of day or what she was wearing. Today’s attire consisted of her usual: skinny jeans, a long-sleeve T-shirt that was a size too big—pumpkin orange with some sort of sequined design on the front—and low-top Converse in black. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, minimal makeup on her beautiful face.
Kaden continued to stare at her, knowing this was the perfect opportunity for him to say something. Ask her out, invite himself to sit down. Anything that would move this conversation in the direction it should’ve been going for the past year.
“Oh, dear. Look at the time,” Bianca blurted. “I’m so sorry. I totally forgot. I’ve got to … a thing. Yes. I’ve got a thing at a place, and I…” Bianca shot to her feet. “If you’ll excuse me… I’ll catch you later,” she said to Bristol before sauntering out in her usual streamlined manner.
“Wow.” Bristol laughed. “Ifthatwasn’t obvious.”
“Obvious?” he asked, turning his attention back to Bristol.
She glanced over at the chair Bianca had just vacated, then up to him. “Would you … care to sit?”
It was his turn to assess the chair before nodding and sitting.
“Where’s Keegan?”
“Still in bed. Stayed up too late.”
Bristol smiled, peered down at her muffin. “A woman keepin’ him busy?”
“Video game.”
Her blue eyes were apologetic. “Oh. Sorry. I just…”
Rather than let her flounder for a reason, he said, “He’s cranky without breakfast. Figured I’d entice him with chocolate donuts. He’s got a thing for the cake ones.”
“Mmm.” Bristol’s eyes lifted. “My favorite, too.”
Kaden nodded at her muffin. “Yet you’re havin’ blueberry this mornin’.”
“I don’t indulge very often.” Her hand went to her midsection, her chin jerking toward the muffin. “And this one’s low calorie.” A small smile turned the corners of her lips up. “Watchin’ my weight and all. I’d do good to lose five pounds or so.”
He openly eyed her, recognizing her too-large shirt did as it was intended, hiding the curvy figure beneath. When he met her gaze again, he shook his head. “That’s the last thing you need to do.”
