The Undercover Chef

Chapter 15

The next morning as Darryl and Derek came in for breakfast, Anna only nodded at them.

"Anna, what's wrong?" Darryl asked, seeing that her face was worried.

"It's nothing," she lied.

"Hey Anna," Matt smiled, walking in the door to collect breakfast. "Man, I swear you are going to make all of us fat," he teased her.

"Well, considering how hard all of you work, I don't believe you will even gain an ounce. Need some help?" she asked him.

"I'll help him," Derek replied, grabbing a huge platter loaded with pancakes. "I don't want you lifting anything heavy yet, Anna."

"I'll be okay," she protested.

"You could barely carry anything yesterday, what makes you think you can carry things today?" he countered, heading out the door behind Matt.

She just shook her head. "I've been hurt worse," she muttered.

Darryl smiled at her. "We just want to make sure you heal well, Anna, we don't want your shoulder to get worse, and have you leave because you end up needing surgery or something."

Anna sighed. "Very well, but I hate being babied."

"Enjoy it while you can," Lilac grinned at her. "These men usually don't cater to any women around here."

"Thanks then, I think," Anna replied, sitting down at the table with her plate of food.

"You don't want to join us this morning?" Darryl asked her, looking hurt.

"I didn't know if you needed to discuss ranch business or not."

"We do, but it's not anything secret. Come on Anna."

"Okay," she gave in and headed after him.

Derek walked in a moment later with his plate and a frown on his face.

"What's going on Derek?"

"Just the usual crap out there. Matt found two more cows this morning."

"Are you going to go and check them?" Anna asked him.

"I was, why?"

"Just wondering if I could come along. I haven't been out of the house for a few days."

He nodded. "Sure, why not. Darryl, you coming too?"

"I need to still work on that fence, I'll let you two handle it," Darryl replied, winking at Anna, who blushed. Derek noticed and hid a smirk. Was Darryl trying to set up them up? Interesting. He figured Darryl would want Anna to himself, but then he had his barbie doll.

Speaking of the devil, she walked in, wearing a dress that was short, almost showing off butt cheeks, and a shirt that dipped so low, it looked like she was about to fall out of it.

She smiled at Darryl and walking to him, leaned down and kissed him. "I was hoping to catch you early enough to take me to breakfast."

"Tricia, you know I always eat here."

"Yes, but it would be nice if you went out once in a while, you know?"

"I actually prefer Anna's food to the restaurant's any day," Darry admitted, looking at Anna.

"Thank you, Darryl," Anna smiled at him. "Patricia, you can join us if you would like."

"Oh, no that is okay, I usually don't go for pancakes. I like more sophisticated things, like quiche, and omelets."