All It Takes Is Family by Sharon De Vita

Author:Sharon De Vita [Sharon De Vita]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781459273733
Publisher: Harlequin

Chapter Six

In Silver Creek, like small towns everywhere, gossip spread faster than a bad case of the flu. The story of the handsome stranger who had come all the way from New York just to sample little Gracie’s breakfast goods had been told and retold many times during the course of the week. Every detail about him had been discussed and assessed, from the style of his shoes to the cut of his hair. Bets had even been placed as to how soon little Gracie would send him packing. It was no secret that she was not fond of fancy New York men.

As they entered the community center for the potluck dinner, Nick juggled several pans of stuffed peppers and smiled politely.

“Gracie,” he whispered, deliberately keeping his voice low as he followed her to the back of the community center, “who on earth are all these people and how do they know my name?”

The room was full to the rafters with people mingling, talking in small groups or admiring the dinner buffet. In the background, on a makeshift stage, the band began to warm up.

Following Gracie’s movement, Nick slid the pans of stuffed peppers down onto one of the long tables lining the back perimeter of the room, then stripped off his oven mitts.

“What?” Frowning, Gracie glanced up from adjusting the pans of peppers. “Oh.” She smiled when she saw Ms. Chandler and a few members of the Silver Creek Bridge and Garden Club eagerly watching them, anxious for a firsthand look at the man she knew Ms. Chandler had described as “that handsomeas-sin stranger.” She laughed, waving at the assembled group.

“Don’t encourage them,” he cautioned, snatching her hand, making her laugh more. He felt like he was being measured and readied for something; what, he wasn’t certain, but he knew it made him nervous.

“Now don’t get nervous, Nick. It’s just the Bridge and Garden Club committee,” she explained. “Or the unofficial welcoming committee, if you will. I guess they can be a bit intimidating if you don’t know them.”

“I’ve known corporate board presidents who didn’t look that intimidating,” Nick grumbled, making her laugh again. If she didn’t know better, she’d have sworn he looked a little pale, and just a bit nervous. It was hard to imagine that three or four silver-haired little ladies could intimidate this man, but from the looks of it, that was exactly what was happening.

Sympathetic, she laid a hand on his arm. It felt strong, solid. Her gaze met his, and her nerves began to sing in silent alarm. He’d dressed in another one of his “important New York businessman” suits. This one was a charcoal gray pinstripe that complemented his coloring and made him all the more distinguished-looking, more devastatingly handsome. The white-on-white shirt with the gray silk rep tie made him look as if he had just stepped off the cover of GQ. No wonder ever woman in the joint was staring at him.

“This is a small town, Nick. Everyone knows everyone else, and everyone else’s business,” she added with a laugh, stripping her own oven mitts off.

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