Deep Freeze Christmas by Marian P. Merritt Read Free Book Online Page B

pretending that had gotten him into the situation with Marissa. It was time he started living his own life and not his father's. After all, he turned thirty next month. It was past time.
     
     
     
     

Neuf
     
    Leona tried to avoid Cameron as best she could in the following days. Although during those moments they met in the hallway, or Cameron came to the kitchen, she found it hard to avert her gaze from his vibrant blue eyes. And even harder to resist his warm personality.
    Working helped. On Christmas Eve, Leona opened the large oven door and slid that evening’s dinner, Chicken Cordon Bleu, into the waiting warmth. The day had gone quickly.
    Cameron had made a couple of attempts to spend time with her, but she'd been too busy to welcome him. She needed to distance herself from him and keeping busy in the kitchen was the best way to do that.
    She'd spent the day making Cajun Candied Pecans, Buttery Cajun Popcorn, and Caramel Popcorn. Containers were filled and placed around the lodge for guests to enjoy.
    They'd started tonight's dinner early because the guests were taking an evening snowmobile ride after dinner.
    For dessert, Leona packed graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars into an insulated bag so the group could make s'mores at the fire ring CG had waiting on the mountain.
    "You sure you don't want to go tonight?" Chef wrapped bacon around fresh asparagus spears and layered the small bundles on a cookie sheet.
    "No, I'll stay here and get the oysters when the chopper comes in."
    Chef shot her a confused look. "I'll be here for dat."
    "Not if you go with the group. Miss Coco needs someone to ride with her."
    He shook his head. "Not me. She can ride with CG."
    "Nope. He's going up early and hauling all the gear."
    "What about Bryan? She can ride wit' him."
    "I think she'd rather ride with you." She poked her elbow into his rib.
    Julian's cheeks heated to a pale rose. "Nah, what would she see in an old chef like me? I think you're drinking your bath water."
    Leona smiled while she pulled the smoked Gouda from the refrigerator. "We shall see. How much of this cheese do you need for your mac and cheese dish?" She wanted to spend time away from Cameron. Here alone she could update her journal and then go for a late evening walk to the gazebo.
    "I need one-third pound of the Gouda and half pound of cheddar and one quarter pound of the sharp cheddar. All grated." Chef emptied the macaroni into a large pot of boiling water.
    "Got it." Leona gathered the cheeses and the grater. She set up on the counter near the stove and began grating the cheese.
    Marissa hadn't mentioned their little talk on the balcony several nights ago. The actress had avoided her all the next day and for the last few days. Had she been put off by a female friend showing kindness?
    Leona prayed that the tiny seed she'd planted about God had made Marissa think a little differently. Twinges of guilt pricked throughout the day. Should she warn Cameron of Marissa's intentions?
    Chef worked on the sauce for the mac and cheese. Once Leona had grated the cheese, he added it to the sauce. The final dish was a creamy pan of macaroni and cheese perfection.
    Leona set the table, and Chef brought the dishes in serving bowls and placed them on the sideboard buffet style. Chef had accepted CG's invitation for him and Leona to dine with him and his guests. He'd tried to talk Chef into joining them on their snowmobile ride, and he still worked on him.
    "You should go. It's really fun. When was the last time you did something fun?" Leona asked as Chef cut the homemade bread into pieces.
    "I don't know." He layered a tea towel with a Christmas tree embroidered on the edges over the bread."I might do it. I'll think about it some more."
    During dinner, Cameron sat on the other end of the table from Leona, so she'd been able to continue avoiding him.
    Marissa had said little to her but had been polite.
    When Coco sat next to Chef and encouraged him to take her