Laurie's Time (The Fairfield Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

and even lack of resources. Laurie seemed so self-confident, something that Carol knew she struggled with constantly. Looping her arm through Laurie’s, she steered her down the sidewalk. “Well, I have just the place for us to visit. Bernie’s Bakery. They have the best coffee and pastries in the town. Let’s indulge – my treat!”
    *
    Bernie’s Bakery was in the center of the renovated downtown area. The pink awning over the doorway invited customers in, and once in, the smells of the homemade pastries and coffee enticed them to stay. Bernadette MacDonald was the owner of Bernie’s Bakery. A dynamo to watch, she would call out coffee orders to the barista, while plating the pastries that were ordered. Known as Bernie to all of her friends, she knew most of the customers in town, evident by the personal greetings that she gave to everyone who came into her shop.
    Her son, Rob, was visiting with his mom this morning as he was picking up an order to take back to the firehouse. His dad was the Fire Chief of Fairfield, and Rob worked alongside him. Rob had left Fairfield to play football in college, and upon graduation he came back home as he had always planned to do, to work for the Fairfield Fire Department. He loved his job, loved his family, loved his friends, but was beginning to want more. More than just a night at a bar looking for a hookup. More than just a fuck buddy. More than just a one-night stand. Thoughts of the long haired beauty came to mind. Why can’t I get her out of my mind? She is haunting me, and damn, that has never happened before now. Maybe I just need to get laid again. And soon.
    “Hey Rob!” His mother’s voice broke through his thoughts. Jerking his head up, he looked into her sparkling eyes. Smiling back, he headed over to the edge of the counter where she was waiting.
    “Are you all right, son?” she asked. “You looked lost in thought.”
    “I’m fine, Mom,” he assured her. “Just letting my thoughts run away with me today.” Rob had a good relationship with his parents, finding that he could usually tell them anything. But he wasn’t ready to talk about his personal life right at the moment, knowing that as soon as he did, his mom would start trying to set him up with all the single women she was constantly scoping out.
    Watching him carefully, she pulled him in for another hug. Considering that he towered over her by at least eight inches and about sixty pounds, he still found her hugs comforting.
    “Well, make sure when you get back to the station you only let your father have one pastry. His cholesterol was a little high last month,” Bernie instructed.
    “Sure Mom,” Rob agreed, knowing his dad would have at least two pastries, if not three. He walked out of the bakery, his arms full of a large coffee container and bags of his mom’s goodies. Leaving the shop, he turned to the left to head to his truck.
    *
    Coming immediately from the right, Carol and Laurie walked up to Bernie’s Bakery. Glancing over, Laurie noticed the huge dark haired man walking away from them, his arms loaded with Bernie’s bags. She wondered if Fairfield was full of well-built men. Her eyes traveled down his back, landing on the jeans stretching over his ass and thighs. Eyes widening in surprise, Laurie thought that he might be the same man from the grocery store. Good god, I am recognizing someone from their ass! What the hell is wrong with me?
    Just as the man was getting ready to turn around to get into his truck, Laurie was pulled into the pastry shop and away from the gorgeous mystery man.
    Bernie looked up and saw Carol entering her bakery with another woman that she didn’t recognize. The stranger was petite, with the most beautiful hair that Bernie had ever seen. It hung long, thick, and wavy down the woman’s back. As Carol and her friend approached the counter, Bernie could see that the new girl’s face was enchanting. Grey eyes, shining in laughter, smooth ivory complexion,