Sweet Destiny. Rochelle Alers

are you certain you’re not coming down with something?”

      His head popped up and he stared at his mother. “Of course I’m certain. Why would you ask?”

      “You’re very quiet today.”

      All eyes were on him when he glanced around the table. He forced a smile he didn’t feel. “I’m good.” And, he was. Physically he was in the best shape he’d been in his life. But emotionally he wasn’t as self-assured as he had been before coming face-to-face with Mia Eaton. He didn’t know what it was about her that had him thinking and looking for her when he didn’t want to.

      “I can check and see if you have a low-grade temperature,” Mia said in a quiet voice.

      Kenyon smiled again, this time his eyes shimmering in amusement. “The last time I played doctor and patient I was sixteen, and the girl and I ended up butt naked.”

      Mia’s hands tightened into fists under the tablecloth. “I didn’t go to medical school to play doctor,” she retorted between clenched teeth.

      Kenyon reached for a bowl of hoppin’ John—black-eyed peas and rice—ladling a generous portion onto his plate before he held the bowl for Mia. “I’ll hold it while you take what you want.” He leaned to his left, his mouth only inches from her ear. “I know you’re a real doctor. It’s just that I don’t want or need you to examine me.”

      “Let’s hope you never need me.”

      Mia shifted her attention away from Kenyon, ignoring him while she ate and interacted with the rest of the Yateses since he was someone who had already decided she was a snob.

      She sampled every dish, finding each one more delicious than the previous one. The smothered cabbage, turnip and mustard greens, tender, melt-in-the-mouth roast pork, fluffy buttery biscuits, potato salad, sparkling raspberry punch and spiced apple cider had her wishing she’d worn a pair of slacks with an elastic waistband.

      Geneva stood up from the table. “Is everyone ready for coffee and dessert?” A chorus of groans and nods followed her question.

      Mia knew she had to get up and move around or fall asleep. “I’ll help you.”

      Lily waved her napkin. “Sit down, girl. You’re a guest here.”

      “I thought I was family?” The question was out before Mia could stop herself.

      Lily rolled her eyes. “You are family, but since this is your first time in our home, you’re a guest.”

      Mia debated whether to sit or follow Geneva out of the dining room and into the kitchen. Kenyon helped her to decide. He stood, taking her hand. “I’ll help you.” Waiting until they were out of earshot, he dropped Mia’s hand. “Don’t let my grandmother intimidate you, or she’ll run roughshod over you every time she sees you.”