Love & Chocolate: Valentine's Day (Holidays In Hallbrook Book 4) Read online

  Their gazes locked, and for one second, Amanda recognized the flare of appreciation in his eyes, but then she looked away. “It’s a guy. So what?” The last thing she needed to do was encourage her friend. For all Amanda knew, it was one of the men Jennifer had sent here. More reason to stay away. Men didn’t just drop in at the Heart to Heart festival as the place wasn’t exactly the hot-spot mecca for singles.

  “You need to get over that jerk Greg. Stop letting him run your life.” Jennifer crossed her arms and squared off with Amanda.

  “He’s not running my life. I’ve chosen to focus on the bakery. I see nothing wrong with that. Not everyone has to date. I’m happy the way I am.” It wasn’t to say that her life was perfect, but it was better than the pain that came with trusting someone with your heart, only to then have them stomp on it.

  “If you say so. But I still remember little Amanda planning and preparing her wedding when she was seven years old. Don’t look now, but that guy and Tanner Wilson are headed this way. I wonder how they know each other?”

  “So, he’s not one of your setups?”

  “Um, no. I’ve never seen the guy before.”

  “Guess it’s time for me to make an exit.” Amanda turned to leave but found herself held firmly in place as Jennifer grabbed her arm.

  “Stop running away. If you’re determined not to date, then you shouldn’t be worried about meeting people. One does not have to be synonymous with the other. You don’t have to be unsociable.” It wasn’t often Jennifer went into preaching mode.

  “Yes, mother.” Amanda stopped resisting and accepted the inevitable. Besides, her friend was more than likely right.

  “Fancy meeting two of the prettiest ladies in Hallbrook, and on Valentine’s night of all nights.” Tanner chuckled. He leaned forward and hugged Jennifer, dropping a friendly peck on her cheek, and then doing the same with Amanda. They’d all grown up together since kindergarten, and Tanner was one of those happily married men who smiled at life.

  “Hey, Tanner. Where’s Missy tonight?” Amanda didn’t see them out and about often apart. True love. The two of them were a great example of when things worked out right. But Amanda’s parents were a far greater reminder of what happened when things fell apart, and then there was Greg. He never even made the commitment of marriage before he was off and running.

  “Her mother’s coming over later to watch the kids, and then I’m taking her out. This is Kevin Thompson, the newest addition to Turlington High’s staff. He works with me in the science department and is the new chemistry teacher. I thought it would be nice to bring him out to meet some other people from town, and this is where it’s happening tonight.”

  The man reached out to shake her hand, and their eyes met and held for the second time that evening. A piercing green, the color reminded her of emeralds. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”

  “Amanda Tillman. Calling me ma’am makes me sound old.” His handshake was firm and warm, his large hand engulfing her own.

  “Then Amanda it is, for you are certainly not old.” She admired the way he smiled and how the corners of his eyes crinkled. Dressed in jeans and a cable-knit sweater, he looked relaxed and comfortable. Far more comfortable than she was dressed in her volunteer special.

  “And I’m Jennifer. Her best friend who already has a date tonight. Are you single, Kevin?” She shook hands with the man.

  Amanda groaned. This was precisely why she’d wanted to run when she’d had the chance. Jennifer wasn’t shy about anything. “Don’t answer that. I’m sorry. She’s a bit forward.” Amanda shook her head and shrugged. The poor man’s look of comfort vanished in a split second.

  “Yes, Kevin is single. And so is Amanda. Imagine that. And it’s Valentine’s Day.” Tanner clapped a hand on Kevin’s back and beamed.

  “You mentioned you were bringing me here to meet people, Tanner, not women. Had you been clearer, we might’ve avoided this awkwardness.” The man might be uncomfortable, but he didn’t sidestep the issue. She appreciated a man who could speak his mind and hold his own in any situation.

  “Ignore them,” Amanda told him. “This one—” she pointed at Tanner, “—is happily married and has been ridiculous in his efforts to promote the matrimonial state for everyone else ever since. And this one—” she pointed to Jennifer, “—just got engaged. And you have no worries with me because I’m not interested in dating or relationships.”

  Kevin nodded. “Then I guess we’re on the same page.” He smiled, his pearly white teeth beaming back at her with genuine relief, a sight that made her heart race a bit faster. The man was far too attractive for his own good.

  “All the more reason for the two of you to hang out together tonight” Tanner wasn’t backing down after the apparent rebuff.

  Kevin shook his head and sent Tanner a warning look. “I think I’ll have a look around. It was a pleasure to meet you, ladies. Have a nice evening.” Kevin turned and walked off, not waiting for an answer.

  “He’s a great guy, and although I’ve just met him, I think he’s going to fit in Hallbrook just fine. You might want to reconsider your stance on relationships and scoop him up before somebody else catches his eye. Just so you know, I brought him over to meet you because I noticed him checking you out.” He winked and then walked away, leaving Amanda speechless.

  “I knew it. You need to give that hunky man a chance.” Jennifer wanted her to have what she had, but her friend simply couldn’t accept Amanda wasn’t in the market for a soul mate.

  “Attractive and dreamy green eyes do not a partner for life make.” Amanda moved to the next snack table and started refilling the bowls.

  “Well, there’s a start. You’ve admitted the guy is attractive, and that he has dreamy eyes. Tanner and I will just have to find a way for you to get to know one another? Don’t you worry, between the two of us, we’ll figure something out.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

  Jennifer glanced down at her watch. “Oops, it’s time for me to go. My chariot awaits,” she teased, dropping a kiss on Amanda’s cheek before she scurried away.

  Amanda shook her head, unable to believe what had just transpired. And if her friends were going to push them together as a couple, imagine what the matchmakers in town would do if they got an inkling to meddle. She’d do well to steer clear of Kevin for the rest of the night. Jennifer and Tanner were enough to deal with already.

  Chapter Two

  Kevin wouldn’t have even agreed to come to this event if it hadn’t been for his daughters pleading with him to go in order for them to hang out with their new friends. Since they were all adapting to being new in town, he didn’t have the heart to tell them no. It was important for the twins to try and fit in. Heck, they were doing a far better job of it than he was.

  He’d met Tanner, one of the other science teachers, the first day he arrived at Turlington, and they’d hit it off. Kevin wasn’t big on talking about his personal life. Still, Tanner knew enough to know he had his hands full with the twins and getting adjusted to a new town as a single parent. Apparently, the phrase single parent meant something different to Tanner than it did to Kevin.

  But then, Tanner didn’t know Kevin’s ex-wife or her propensity to dictate people’s lives in order to control them. Relationships were out of the question if he intended to maintain full custody of the twins. A small price to pay the way he saw it.

  He looked around the room to find the twins. Several older couples were out on the dance floor waltzing, but most of the people were standing around in groups, chatting away as if they didn’t see each other all the time. Kevin spotted the twins at the basketball toss with their friends, laughing and having fun. He wished he could say the same for himself. Not that there’d been anything wrong with meeting Amanda. She seemed like a sweet woman. Her brown hair curled around her cheeks in loose waves and reached down to her shoulders. Her blue eyes had taken him by surprise, the cobalt shade uniq
ue. A man could get lost in those eyes if he wanted to—which he didn’t.

  He spent the past half hour managing to steer clear of her, unwilling to have them both put on the spot again. It was only so many times you could say no without sounding rude, and Amanda didn’t deserve that sort of treatment. Part of him wanted to leave but taking the girls away early would be met with opposition, not to mention it wouldn’t be fair.

  Kevin spotted an empty table and moved to the corner of the room to find a seat. The table was set up with fancy white porcelain dinner plates, crystal glasses, red and pink napkins, and several heart-shaped decorations. The sign next to the table announced there would be a silent chef dinner and auction. He’d never heard of one of those before. He scanned the paragraph and was suddenly interested. A six-course meal he didn’t have to cook sounded like a dream come true.

  Not to mention, it would give him something to do while the girls were off having a good time.

  The rules were easy enough. Eat and enjoy. Bid on your favorite course. Highest bidder for each course won a home-cooked meal by the secret chef who prepared it. A home-cooked meal sounded amazing. It would give him another night off from his mom-and-dad duties, something he desperately needed.

  With Victoria in Paris on a modeling gig, there wasn’t much chance of him getting a night off anytime soon. He’d agreed to the no-dating-relationship terms she set forth for him to have full custody, and a year later, was still good with the arrangement. Even if he was worn out at times playing the dual-parent role. He couldn’t imagine not seeing the twin’s smiling faces every day; an affliction Victoria didn’t share.

  He’d met his ex-wife their first year in college, back when he was naïve and completely enthralled by the gorgeous woman in art class who made it clear she was interested in him from day one. At the time, he hadn’t realized she was the class model. With each line he’d sketched onto the canvas, he’d fallen deeper and deeper in love. A marriage, twins, nine years and a divorce later, he was finally happy. Tired, but happy.

  He glanced across the room. The twins were having fun, or so it would seem. There was no reason for him not to join in the silent auction fun.

  Kevin paid his entry fee, signed up, and let the parents of the twins’ friends know what he was doing. Their reassurances to keep an eye on the girls allowed him to relax. This was a surefire way to pass the evening and not worry about anyone trying to set him up with someone else. He’d be too busy eating, and food was something he almost always enjoyed if he wasn’t the one doing the cooking.

  It was a short wait until the dinner began, and Kevin made his way back to the table to join the others who had gathered for the feast. A man stood at the far end of the table, a mic in hand. The people in the group fell silent, waiting for him to speak.

  “I’m Jack Johnson, for those of you who don’t know me.” The man glanced in Kevin’s direction. “Thanks for joining us for the secret-chef dinner and auction. We appreciate your registration donations, and in return, I guarantee you will have a fabulous meal. And some of you will be lucky enough to get two meals out of the deal. Just to make sure everyone’s clear on the rules, you only get to bid on one course. So, pick your favorite course, bid on it, and the highest bidder wins a home-cooked meal from the secret chef that prepared that course. Any questions?”

  “What if the foods no good?” a heckler called out.

  “You know me better than that, Phil. I always get the best chefs.” Jack grinned as others around nodded in agreement.

  “Did you go to Lancaster then?” The man guffawed. There was always one in the crowd.

  “I think we have plenty right here in Hallbrook. Just remember it’s for a good cause, guys. Your stomachs.” Everyone laughed, and the moment was diffused.

  The meal started with a fancy flatbread with a warm spinach-artichoke dip that was amazing, the cheesy mixture bursting with flavor. Kevin would’ve enjoyed an extra helping, but unfortunately, they were limited to one serving. Next was the salad. It was another excellent dish, the vinaigrette, a perfect touch of tangy lemon and creamy spices.

  Some of the guys talked quite a bit, mostly about people, or farms, or things happening in the area that he knew nothing about. Their conversation more than made up for his silence. It was the perfect opportunity to learn what was going on in town, and no one seemed to notice his lack of response.

  Each course continued to impress Kevin, the meal far better than anything he’d eaten in a while, considering at home he prepared all the meals himself. There hadn’t been much time for eating out as they’d only settled in town a few weeks ago and were still trying to get their bearings. The girls struggled, having to adjust to a new school and make new friends. Not to mention their discontent with the situation in general. At ten—almost eleven—it was understandable they were still upset about the divorce, more so with their mother out of the country. Victoria didn’t call nearly as often as she’d promised, adding to the upheaval in the twins’ lives.

  “I heard you are the new chemistry teacher at Turlington,” the man next to him spoke up. “Welcome to town, young man. Name’s Parker.”

  Kevin looked up, surprised to find all eyes on him as conversation ceased. “Thanks. And, yes, my daughters and I just moved here. It’s a big change from the city, but a nice one.”

  “Glad you feel that way. Folks around here are tight. You need anything, you just need to ask.” Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

  Kevin breathed a sigh of relief. No intrusive questions, just a good old-fashioned welcome. For the first time this evening, he found himself relaxing and glad he’d come to the festival. It was a big step in the right direction to meet people in the community. “Thanks, I’ll remember that. Might come in handy when I need to escape from the madness of my twins.” He grinned, knowing there wasn’t a man at the table that would willingly volunteer for the duty.

  “If that’s what you need help with, I reckon you ought to call the missus. Menfolk around here aren’t exactly nanny material,” the man joked. It was no more than Kevin had been thinking.

  The others all took turns introducing themselves as the final course was cleared and the dessert was brought out. Just looking at the cheesecake made his mouth water. Topped with raspberry sauce, drizzled with melted white chocolate, and then dusted with dark chocolate shavings and finished with a mint leaf to decorate each piece, the dessert was a work of art.

  “This looks delicious.” Kevin picked up his fork, eager to take a bite.

  “I agree. And I bet I can guess who the chef is on this one.” Parker grinned as the others joined in with hearty laughter.

  “Probably not a difficult guess. All things considered, of course,” another man chimed in.

  “Wouldn’t go wrong bidding on this course,” one of the other guys spoke up, adding his two cents.

  “Why, who is it?” Kevin asked, interested in bidding. The dessert was one of the best he’d tasted in a long time.

  “That would be breaking the rules. Not allowed to eat and tell. But I can tell you this much, if you want to win this secret chef, you better be bidding high.” Parker spoke up, quick to remind everyone of the rules. Kevin also recognized the challenge, knowing he wouldn’t be the only one bidding on the dessert. They didn’t realize it, but Kevin liked a challenge. And this one was for charity, which made it even better.

  They would try to outbid him, but he was just as determined to win the bid as they were. With a home-cooked meal at stake, he had far more to gain than the others. It was all a matter of outsmarting them, and it all boiled down to how high would they go.

  A couple of guys approached and handed out the ballots to the dinner patrons. Kevin kept his board covered as he filled out the spaces. As everyone turned in their bids, he pretended to keep thinking, twiddling his pencil over the paper as if trying to make a final decision. What if his bet was too low? The donations were for a worthy cause, and the prize was a good cause for him.

  Kev
in started to hand in his ballot but pulled back at the last second, adding a one in front of his original bid. That ought to do it. He nodded with satisfaction as he handed the ballot back to the official. He shot a grin at the others. “Sometimes, it pays to be last.”

  “Sometimes, it pays to be in the know,” Parker quipped.

  Kevin didn’t have a clue what the man meant.

  Jack appeared at the head of the table again. “Thank you, everyone, for joining in the fun tonight. We will be announcing the secret-chef auction winners in about fifteen minutes. Stick around so you can meet your secret chef if you had the winning bid and set up your dinner date.”

  Kevin wouldn’t exactly call it a dinner date, not with his twins there. He just wanted a home-cooked meal. But at this point, you could call it anything you wanted, as long as he scored the fabulous dessert chef. Anyone who could cook a dessert as tasty as the cheesecake he just devoured, had to be amazing when it came to cooking an entire meal. “I’m going to go check on my twins. I’ll be right back.”

  “Sure thing. Just make sure you get back for the announcement. You don’t want to miss this part.” Parker chuckled.

  The man was talking in circles, but Kevin wasn’t about to miss the finale. By increasing his bid, he felt confident in the win. Not many people would pay such a high amount for a six-course meal in their home, but then most people weren’t raising twin trouble single-handedly.

  The girls were busy getting their faces painted and not likely to need him anytime soon. He returned to the table area and joined the large group of people congregating together to hear the results. Course after course was announced, the chef coming forward to stand by the winner. Loud cheers erupted after each one, everyone getting into the fun of the auction.

  “And now for the final course, dessert. We had some surprising results, but the most remarkable one was a bid of one hundred and seventy-five dollars. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.