Opposites Distract by Judi Lynn Page B

cook.”
    Brody grimaced. He obviously couldn’t argue that point. “True, but Harmony does.”
    Ian shook his head. He didn’t trust Brody’s offer. Neither did Harmony.
    Brody gave her shoulders a squeeze. “Harmony and I both love Tessa. Tell us what her favorites are, and we’ll make them.”
    What? He was getting a little overconfident now. “But I only know . . .”
    Brody interrupted her. “If you can make a dozen killer dishes, you can make lots more. We’ll look for recipes online.”
    Ian eyed his brother with suspicion. “Okay, I’ll call your bluff. This should be interesting.”
    Harmony gulped. What had just happened?
    â€œWe can talk about it over lunch.” Ian settled at the kitchen worktable where Paula had left a plate full of toasted, ham and cheese sandwiches. Feeling dazed, Harmony reached for one. After peanut butter sandwiches for supper last night, she was salivating. She raised an eyebrow at Brody when he took two, then she glanced at the gleaming, stainless steel appliances. Somehow, they seemed more intimidating than her battered white stove and refrigerator at home.
    â€œDo you do any cooking at all?” she asked him.
    â€œI reheat things really well.” His bite took a fourth of the sandwich.
    She frowned at him. The man looked smug. She got the feeling she was missing something, but couldn’t decide what it might be.
    â€œI’ll make a great sous chef,” he guaranteed her.
    She heaved a sigh. “This might push my limits. I can’t compete with Tessa, but we can come up with something.” She turned a worried look on Ian. “What about her baking?”
    â€œThat doesn’t bother her. She thinks it’s the smell of grease and meat that make her queasy.” He was studying his brother.
    Brody shrugged. “Harmony and I can handle meat.”
    â€œSince when? I’ve seen you grill, but this isn’t exactly grill season.” The brothers locked gazes, some kind of silent communication passing between them, and suddenly, Ian blinked, surprised. He grinned from ear to ear. “You guys are the best! Harmony will need lots of help. Tessa loves soups and casseroles. You don’t have to make anything fancy.”
    Harmony looked back and forth between them. What was with the sudden mood swing? Now they both looked too innocent. Oh, crikey! She was doomed.
    â€œOne-pot meals are a good idea.” Brody nodded. “That way, Tessa’ll have leftovers for lunch.”
    Why did Harmony feel like she was being steamrolled? She looked at the two men, sure she was missing something, but they gazed back at her with their polite expressions. That worried her even more. They must have given their poor mother fits when they were growing up. What were they up to? She pursed her lips, wary, but why not cook for Tessa?
    She decided to give in graciously. “I make a killer potato soup. One of my friends is allergic to milk and I make it with coconut milk, chicken broth, and a pinch of curry powder.”
    Ian looked worried. “I don’t think we have coconut milk in the pantry.”
    â€œNo problem.” Brody had an answer for everything. “Harmony and I will come up with menus, then drive into town and stock up enough for a couple of weeks.” When Harmony looked startled, he hurried to add, “The food will be on me as a baby present for both of you. It’ll be fun to go shopping together, right?”
    Fun? Was he nuts? Did he have any idea how long it would take?
    Ian’s brown eyes glittered with amusement. “You’re going to buy our food and cook it?”
    Brody looked like he might throttle his little brother. “Do you have a problem with that?”
    â€œNo. No! It’s great. Remember. Nothing too spicy.”
    Brody nodded and started for the door. “I’ll get my laptop.”
    Harmony blinked. “Right