Party of Three by Joan Kilby

Author:Joan Kilby
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2006-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

“HIS ACCOUNTANT is a gorgeous redhead,” Lindy said when she called Ally the next afternoon. They arrived while I was delivering the basket of goodies to the cottage.”

Ally sat abruptly on the stool behind the bar at Mangos. Ben was late and Gord was on the rampage, so she’d called Lindy to find out which cottage he’d rented. Who went on a romantic getaway with their accountant? Was this an excuse to “getaway” from her, to put distance between them?

She knew he was focused on Danny. She also knew she shouldn’t encourage a relationship when she was no closer to sorting out her heart’s desire than she was the night she’d met Ben. But she couldn’t help feeling jealous. Not just a touch envious, either, but green-eyed-monster jealous.

“Gorgeous, huh?” Ally repeated. If he was the type to kiss one woman one night and bed another the next she was better off without him, regardless of all the other reasons they shouldn’t be together. But it hurt.

“As in, drop-dead,” Lindy confirmed.

“Limerick Cottage has two bedrooms,” Ally mused. “On the other hand, there’s that romantic two-person spa bath.”

“Do I detect an interest that’s more than merely professional?” Lindy inquired delicately.

“No, of course not,” Ally said. “I just want to ensure they’ve got everything they need. I happen to know Ben’s embarking on a new business venture, a risky one at that.” Then before she could stop herself, she added, “Maybe I should take over a white board and markers.”

“Too obvious,” Lindy said, not fooled for a moment. “Don’t worry. I’ll find an excuse to go back tomorrow morning and check on them.”

Ally underwent a brief struggle with her better nature. “They might need more fresh milk or something.”

“In other words, you want to know everything,” Lindy said. “While I’m spilling the beans, our new manager isn’t working out. Olivia is having to come in two or three days a week, just to sort out problems. I think she regrets firing you.”

“That’s terrible,” Ally said, smiling. “I wonder how long before she admits she made a mistake and begs me to come back.” A faint beeping on the line told her she had another caller. “Sorry, Lindy. I’ve got to go.”

Ally took a reservation and as she hung up the phone, Ben strolled out of the kitchen, tying on his apron. Ally got out the bag of clean linen napkins from below the bar and started folding. “How’s the meeting with your accountant going?”

Ben reached into the fridge and got himself a bottle of mineral water. “Ellen’s a whiz,” he replied, twisting off the cap. “Just amazing.”

“It’s unusual to be on such close terms with your accountant that you can spend a whole weekend together.” Ally gave him a sidelong glance.

“Oh, she’s more than just my accountant,” Ben said. “I’ve known Ellen for years. We shared a house back in our student days.”

“Like us,” Ally said brightly.

Ben smiled. “Not quite.”

What did that mean? “I’m surprised you could tear yourself away to come to work tonight,” Ally went on.

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