Wild Love

By Meg Benjamin

After one bad relationship too many, Peaches Guidry came to the mountain resort town of Antero, Colorado to start over. Now, she’s manager of a great restaurant and on her way to bigger and better things without anyone complicating her life. The upcoming grand opening of the local brewery’s new pub is the perfect opportunity to introduce more customers to her menu. A partnership with Antero Brewing could bring her business to a whole new level.

But then Colin Brooks strolls into town. Rugged, yet charismatic. The bad boy with a heart of gold—the kind of man she can’t resist.

Her friends at the brewpub, though, are quick to tell her Colin isn’t exactly new in town. He’s the black sheep of Antero and disappeared years ago without a word. Now he’s back and hoping to prove he’s changed, but the welcome they give him is harsher than the winter winds.

She knows she shouldn’t be falling for someone that everyone says can’t be trusted. And getting tangled up in his wild past could ruin the future of everything she’s worked so hard to build… So why can’t they stay away from each other?

Each book in the Brewing Love series is STANDALONE:
* Love on Tap
* Saison for Love
* Wild Love

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Apr 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781682815465

Meg Benjamin

Meg Benjamin is an award-winning author of romance. Along with her Luscious Delights series for Wild Rose Press, she’s also the author of the Konigsburg, Salt Box and Brewing Love series. Along with these contemporary romances, Meg is also the author of the paranormal Ramos Family trilogy and the Folk series. Meg’s books have won numerous awards, including an EPIC Award, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Holt Medallion from Virginia Romance Writers, the Beanpot Award from the New England Romance Writers, and the Award of Excellence from Colorado Romance Writers. Meg’s Web site is http://www.MegBenjamin.com. You can follow her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/meg.benjamin1), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/megbenjamin/), Twitter (http://twitter.com/megbenj1) and Instagram (meg_benjamin). Meg loves to hear from readers—contact her at [e-mail].

Book preview

To my family—Ben, Beth, Josh, Molly, the Twinjas, and particularly my husband Bill. Thanks for all your support!

Chapter One

Let’s see how we did.

Peaches Guidry studied the pear galette on the counter in front of her. She’d spent at least thirty minutes assembling it. The thin pieces of fruit—cut on a mandolin slicer to make them precisely the same size—formed a perfect spiral around the center, glistening with the last coating of sugar syrup she’d applied before she’d baked it. The dough stretched around the edge of the dish was golden brown, flaking with butter. When she inhaled, she smelled cinnamon and vanilla, with the slightest touch of five-spice to bring out the pear flavor.

It was delectable. Luscious. It would be gone within fifteen minutes when she put it out for lunch at the Salty Goat. A triumph.

But.

She sighed.

But.

But it still wasn’t what she needed for the opening of Antero Brewpub, AKA Our Big Chance.

The dough was too rough. The pears were perfectly arranged, but they were also perfectly boring, all beige and gold. She probably should have used red Anjou instead of Bosc. She’d try a piece later, but she was already pretty sure the taste would be boring, too. Sweet, fruity, with crisp, flaky dough. But not something that would make the Salty Goat stand out in anyone’s memory.

In particular, the memory of the well-known foodies from the Front Range, many of whom Wyatt Montgomery had promised her were coming to the Antero Brewpub opening. Given that Wyatt once owned a popular gastropub in Denver and was well acquainted with the local food scene, Peaches figured he knew what he was talking about.

Good reviews and favorable mentions in a bunch of Front Range publications, along with two national food blogs, might accomplish Peaches’s ultimate goal: pushing the restaurant out of the local gem category and into the don’t miss it category. Which would strengthen her argument that they needed to expand into Roger Solomon’s building next door.

She had it on good authority that Roger would retire within a year. His souvenir shop would be up for grabs, and she wanted to be the one to grab it. All she needed was a buy-in from the Salty Goat’s owner, Ruth Colbert. Peaches had worked for over a year to get the Salty Goat to its current level of greatness. Now she had a chance to go for the gold, pushing the Goat to the top of Antero’s heap.

She blew out a long breath. She had a couple of months to work on the menu for the brewpub opening, but she’d really like to nail down her dessert centerpiece sooner rather than later. And pear galette wasn’t it.

Maybe tarte tatin, she murmured. But then again, probably not. Tarte tatin was too fancy shmancy for a brewpub. And pear galette was too simple.

You’re making yourself crazy.

Enough. She shoved a tray of scones into the preheated oven then flipped the coffeemaker on. She had breakfast customers to think about. At least she knew her scones, muffins, and coffee cake were up to her standards of excellence. And judging by how quickly they disappeared from the display cases, they were meeting other people’s standards as well.

She glanced outside at the snowy street. They’d had another couple of inches fall the night before, which meant the sidewalk in front probably needed clearing. Since the restaurant was currently without a janitor—the previous one had stuck it out for almost three months but then headed off to Telluride for the rest of the winter—it fell to Peaches and Ruth to make sure the walks were clear. The city of Antero left shoveling to the local merchants.

She checked her watch. If she started now, she could get the front walk cleared before she needed to take the scones out of the oven. One less thing to be concerned about before the morning rush began.

She tucked her jeans into her boots and pulled her puffer coat on, along with her heavy wool cap and insulated mittens. The temperature was currently in the teens, about normal for January in the Colorado high country. Fortunately, there wasn’t a lot of walk to clear, and she had a shovel that was the right length for her five-feet-and-a-smidgeon height. She glanced at the Help Wanted sign beside the door. With any luck, they’d be able to find a new janitor soon, and she wouldn’t have to start her day with a snow shovel. She unlocked the front door, grabbed her shovel, and headed out.

The cold made her catch her breath, but so did the sparkle of sunshine on the newly fallen snow. A cloud of snowflakes was kicked up by the breeze, sending thousands of glittering fragments dancing in front of her. How was it possible to be simultaneously freezing and enchanted?

She had the sidewalk mostly cleared when she heard a step behind her.

Hi there, a man’s voice called. Any chance of getting some coffee this early?

Peaches turned to see Prince Charming walking toward her. The man was gorgeous. There was no other word for it. Slightly shaggy dark hair and eyes a kind of navy blue, cheeks with a shading of dark beard, cheekbones so sculpted they could probably cut bread. His bright smile dimmed slightly. I’m sorry. I thought you were a guy.

Peaches supposed she did look sort of unfeminine from the back. She was willing to forgive a little gender confusion. Technically, we’re not open for another thirty minutes, but you can come in. It’s way too cold to stand around out here. Particularly since he wasn’t wearing a hat and his gloves looked a little worn. She could make an exception for him, given the frigid temperature.

As he stepped forward, she realized he wasn’t alone. A small dog huddled close to his boots, probably trying to minimize the area where its paws touched the sidewalk.

Hi there, sweetheart. She knelt down, rubbing the dog’s long, red-brown ears as it gazed up at her with soulful eyes, as if to say, Please rescue me, lady.

She couldn’t leave the dog out here, either. It was just a puppy, really. A puppy with a lot of hound in its bloodlines. Since there isn’t anyone else here, you can bring her in with you. Just keep her close.

Thanks, he said with a grin. We’ll take you up on the offer. He held the door for Peaches as she stepped back inside.

She tucked the shovel in an alcove near the doorway then turned back to His Highness again, extending her hand. I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Peaches Guidry, the restaurant manager here.

Colin Brooks. He gave her hand a quick shake and stepped back to pull off his jacket and his gloves. The dog shook itself then sat down on the floor, basking in the warmth.

Peaches hung her coat on a peg near the door. So, what brings you to Antero?

For a moment, he looked like he was considering what to say. I’ve got some…business here. Just got in yesterday.

Well, welcome to town. The smell of baking scones penetrated the dining room, reminding her she had work to do. Excuse me a moment, I’ve got some scones in the oven. Take a look at the pastries in the case and decide what you want. I’ll bring you back a cup of coffee after I check on my scones. She reached down to stroke the dog’s velvety forehead. I’m sorry, sweetheart. I don’t have any dog treats.

That’s okay, Colin said quickly. She’s already had breakfast.

Okay. Back in a few. She ducked through the door to the kitchen. Gorgeous strangers and their dogs weren’t exactly her normal morning companions, but they both seemed harmless enough. And a nice change from the grumpy bed-and-breakfast owners who came to pick up their orders at this time of day.

Peaches transferred the scones to a cooling rack and slid a couple of muffin tins into the oven. She’d baked enough pastries yesterday afternoon to be ready for this morning, but she always doubled up on her best sellers. Better to make a few too many than to run empty and lose a sale. They needed every dollar they could get.

She grabbed a coffee mug and filled it at the urn, then took a moment to check her hair in the mirror next to the kitchen sink. A little tousled but generally okay. At least she didn’t look like a male janitor anymore. She assumed a smile and headed back through the kitchen door, extending the cup to Colin. Here we go. I forgot to ask how you take it, though, sorry. Do you need cream or sugar?

He shook his head, wrapping his hands around the cup to warm them. This is fine. Great. Could I get one of those scones on the left there?

Sure. Peaches took a piece of parchment paper from the box on the counter and a plate. Those are apple spice. Is that okay?

He nodded. Absolutely okay. If these scones taste half as good as your kitchen smells, I’ll be a very happy man.

She ignored the quick flush of warmth in her cheeks. Of course her scones were good. But it was always nice to hear someone say it, particularly Prince Charming. She handed him the plate and gestured toward the empty room around them. I’d say you’ve got your choice of seats here, all prime.

He flashed her a quick smile that did interesting things to her solar plexus then glanced around the room, taking it all in. It probably didn’t look like much to an outsider. A handful of tables were scattered between the side wall and the display cases for pastry, deli meat, and cheese. Seating for around thirty-five. Forty if they pushed it and the fire marshal looked the other way. In her opinion, they needed to at least double that capacity for the business to take off.

Colin set his cup and plate on the table nearest the kitchen, tugging his dog over to sit beside his chair. Can you join me for coffee?

Her cheeks warmed again. Taking time for coffee with Prince Charming had a lot of appeal, but she was working. Thanks, but I’ve got to keep an eye on the kitchen. I’ve got a lot of stuff due to come out of the oven.

He picked up his coffee cup. You can come and go, then.

And I need to do that right now. She headed back into the kitchen, taking a quick peek in the oven. The muffins were beginning to brown. She pulled a couple of coffee cakes out of the walk-in then considered whether she wanted to try a pan of cinnamon rolls. Not today, Peaches. Let’s spend a little more time with the prince while he’s still here.

She filled her own mug of coffee then headed back into the dining room again without checking the mirror this time. You look fine. I’ve got a minute before the next bunch of muffins is done. So have you ever been to Antero before?

He nodded. I was here a year or so ago. Things change quickly, though.

It’s a lively place. Lots of new things coming in, new people showing up. Peaches checked her watch. She had a couple more minutes before the next bunch of pastries were ready to come out of the oven. Did you see the new brewpub down the block? That’s a big deal for the restaurant scene around here. We’ll be catering the opening, and a lot of people are coming in from the Front Range.

He took a sip of his coffee. I’ll have to check it out. When are they opening?

Sometime this spring. I know they’d like to open in March, but they may not be ready until April. The guy who’s managing the pub is a friend, and he’s the owner’s significant other, so we hear a lot about it here. She got to her feet, heading back to the kitchen again. They’re midway through the renovations, and they’re waiting on their liquor license.

Colin took a quick bite of his scone and paused, his eyes widening. This is sensational, he murmured.

She grinned in pleasure. Thanks. It’s new. I just added apple a couple of weeks ago. Be right back. She dodged into the kitchen and pulled out the muffins, replacing them with the coffee cakes.

As she stepped into the dining room again, Colin’s puppy whimpered, putting a paw on his knee. He gave her a crumb. "So how long have you been here in Antero?"

Peaches shrugged. A few years. I used to work at the Black Mountain Tavern, but they’re closed now. That’s where the brewpub is going in. I’ve been working for Ruth around a year and a half, managing for the last eight months.

You do the baking and the cooking along with managing? Do you live here, too?

She laughed. No, I’ve got an assistant to help me. We do lunch, but it’s mainly sandwiches and soup with a couple of salads. Not a lot of cooking involved. I’m planning to introduce a main dish special in the next couple of weeks, though, like lasagna or something. I think people will go for it, especially in the winter.

They’d go for more than that, but Ruth was being cautious, as usual. And it was her place. Peaches was pinning a lot of her hopes on the brewpub opening, assuming she could get some statewide publicity for the Salty Goat from the food writers who’d be there to taste the beer.

I think anything you cook would probably be a real crowd pleaser. He took another sip of his coffee and nibbled at his scone. She had a feeling he was deliberately trying to make the scone last a little longer so he’d have a reason to stay. She couldn’t blame him. The cold was brutal. And she had no objection to starting her day with a good-looking guy and his dog. Do you do desserts, along with the breakfast pastries? he asked.

She nodded. We do a big business in the afternoon—people stopping on the way home or on the way back to their condos after skiing. Cheesecake and brownies. And sometimes something special like a tart or pie. That’s what I do in the afternoons after the lunch rush has died down. Of course, this particular afternoon, she’d be pushing pear galette.

Sounds busy.

It is. Also fun. This is the best job I’ve ever had. I’m so glad I stumbled onto it. Geez, Peaches, why don’t you give him your life story? She wasn’t usually this chatty with strangers.

He gave her another encouraging smile. Doesn’t leave you much time to do anything else, though. Looks like you’re open six days a week.

Peaches shrugged. I’m off work by dinnertime. And I have the weekends, since we’re closed half of Saturday and all of Sunday. I don’t know what I’d be doing if I weren’t working. This is what I love.

He leaned back in his chair, scratching the dog’s ears. Do you ever go out for dinner?

She frowned slightly, not entirely sure where this was going. Well, sometimes I grab something from one of the other restaurants and take it home with me. I like to see what other people in town are doing.

I’d like to take you out sometime, if you’re free. I’d let you pick the restaurant, since I don’t know the town yet. His smile seemed a little practiced, as if he’d done this lots of times.

Whoa. Back off. I just met you ten minutes ago. Probably that was normal for him as Prince Charming—women falling at his feet. And she’d been falling a little bit herself, giving him a lot more information than she usually did. Time to pull it back a little. Maybe sometime. I’m pretty busy right now. A moment of silence stretched between them.

He glanced at his watch. I’d better go. I need to find some people around town. He pulled his wallet out of his pocket.

Peaches shook her head. On the house. You can pay for the next one.

He looked a little doubtful—maybe he didn’t like taking a freebie. But then he managed a smile. Thanks. There will be a next time. I can guarantee that.

She unlocked the door for him, and he stepped out into the morning cold. His puppy gave the warmth of the Salty Goat one last, longing glance before he set her on the sidewalk and refastened her leash. The two of them headed up the street.

Peaches stepped back inside. Time to focus. She had coffee cake to get out of the oven and display cases to load with pastries. She didn’t have room in her head to wonder about Prince Charming.

But she had to admit: it had been an interesting start to her morning.

Chapter Two

Colin stopped at the far end of Main and gathered his dog, Wiseass, into his arms again. At least some of the other sidewalks had been shoveled; her paws might not get too cold as they walked. But she still hadn’t forgiven him for bringing her from California to this frozen hell. He might need to buy her some booties, assuming he could find some cheap ones.

He gazed around the storefronts, trying to get his bearings. He needed to get a handle on what was happening in town, what had changed during the months he’d been gone.

Selig’s Restaurant and Bar was still across the street, its windows sparkling in the mountain sunshine. Colin let the dog down on the sidewalk again. As he recalled, Selig’s had a mean souvlaki. He might drop by there later, except they likely wouldn’t let Wiseass inside. He’d been lucky to get into the Salty Goat with her, but that was probably due to Peaches’s generosity. He had a feeling the Salty Goat didn’t usually cater to dogs.

So far, Peaches Guidry had been the highlight of his return to Antero. She was the most beautiful woman he’d seen in Antero, with her golden curls and big blue eyes. And her miraculous smile that had managed to take some of the chill from his soul.

Asking her out to dinner had been the wrong move, though. She’d looked a little offended. He’d have to make it right. Just one more thing you’ll need to fix.

He strode up another block, noting the bars and restaurants he recognized, along with a few newcomers—a taco place, a new pizzeria, a bar or two. He paused for a moment, staring up Main Street. The Victorian red-brick buildings still leaned over the narrow sidewalks, Main heading up to a dead-end where the mountain slopes began. Beauty was all around them, yet few people seemed to notice. Of course, most of them were trying to get inside as quickly as possible.

Wiseass whimpered. Obviously, she could see their point. He shivered, hunching his shoulders against the cold breeze blowing up the street.

He was getting ready to cut down a side street, pulling his hat down a little farther over his ears, when a sign up the block caught his eye. Antero Brewpub, Opening This Spring.

That must be the place Peaches had been talking about. Antero Brewpub didn’t necessarily mean Antero Brewing was involved. Still, he needed to check it out. If the brewery was opening a brewpub, it must not be doing too badly.

Which would let you off the hook, right? At least as far as the brewery goes…

He’d really like to believe that, but he doubted it. Sooner or later, he’d have to face the music. And if the brewpub really was connected to Antero Brewing, it might be a lot sooner.

Wiseass pulled against the leash, reminding him he was standing in the middle of the sidewalk on a snowy mountain day. The dog was probably cold, and by now, so was he. Time to get moving.

He headed toward the building with the newly painted sign. The front door was locked, but he saw someone moving around inside. He lifted his fist and pounded.

Through the frosted glass on the door, he saw a figure turn and approach the front. A moment later, that figure was unlocking the door. Sorry, we’re not open yet… the man began.

Wiseass yanked her leash loose from Colin’s hand and zipped into the warm, lighted room.

Wiseass! Come back here, damn it, Colin yelled, heading in after her. It was only when he’d stepped into the light he realized he knew the tall, brown-haired man in front of him. Knew him very well, in fact. Had once shared an apartment with him, along with a lot of good beer.

Liam? he asked hesitantly.

Liam’s expression transformed into a fierce glower. Colin Brooks, you son of a bitch! he yelled. And he punched him in the mouth.

Colin fell to the floor, almost more surprised than hurt. The punch had overbalanced him more than injuring him. Facing the music, remember? He put his hand to his jaw, wiggling it briefly to make sure it still worked okay. Of course it did. If he’d known Liam was in the building, he wouldn’t have knocked. He’d planned on waiting until he’d had a little more time before talking to Liam and Bec.

Wiseass cowered somewhere beside him, barking at Liam. As an attack dog, she was pretty much a loss, but at least she seemed upset about her owner getting knocked down.

What the hell are you doing here? Liam stood over him, flexing his hands.

Colin hoped he wouldn’t hit him again, but he wasn’t entirely sure.

Just wanted to see if this place was connected to the brewery. I gather it is. He managed to keep his tone mild. Liam was pissed enough for both of them.

The pub will serve our beer. It belongs to Bec’s fiancé and his partners. Liam watched him closely, probably to see what his reaction was to the news Bec had a fiancé.

Congratulations, Colin said stiffly, pushing himself to his feet. "Shut up,