Man of the Month (Willowdale Romance Novel) Read Online Free PDF

actually losing nine thousand dollars instead of ending the year in the black. You drop one zero by mistake in the cost column, and your world is upside down. Ten new clients wasn’t just an ambitious idea for a resolution. It was a must-do to keep their business alive.
    Jeanne tilted her head and looked at him, like she was questioning what was on his mind. She knew him too well.
    He forced a grin. “Why are you here so early, anyway?”
    JEANNE CHOSE her words carefully. Because I was up all night wishing I’d been out with you? Because the worst date in the history of Carson County only made me want you more?
    “Wanted to get an early start on the day. I thought I’d drop off free pies to some of the diners outside Willowdale for their Sunday crowd tomorrow, let them sample the wares. It would bring in a nice chunk of change to have some standing orders, and maybe that would drum up some business, too. There are at least a dozen diners along Antique Alley, and I’m sure Rita down at The Jelly Jar wouldn’t mind giving her ovens a break. Kate said Delores Owens at the Kissin’ Cousins diner a few towns over might be interested, too.”
    “Smart and beautiful. Sam doesn’t have any idea what he’s missing out on.”
    Her eyes widened, and she looked down. “So, I’ll be making pies all day.”
    “Your cherry is to die for.”
    Her face must have been turning just as red.
    “The pie. Your cherry pie. Pecan’s real good too.” He hopped off the stool. “It’s a great idea. I think instead of calling these potential clients, we just show up with samples.”
    She finished her cake and licked the fork, thinking. She caught him watching as her tongue slid up the metal tines. She lost her breath for a moment and set down the fork.
    He cleared his throat and turned to the sink and rewashed some dishes that were sitting out to dry.
    “What about an open house?” she asked.
    He wiped his hands on his jeans and turned around. “If you’re going to be this productive after a bad date, I might not try so hard to find a decent guy next time.”
    She snapped him with her towel. “I’m going to hit the store and buy some supplies. Anything you want me to pick up?” She had to scoot out of there as soon as possible to forget the way he’d been watching her. To forget the way it made her feel.
    “I’ll come with you.” He gave her half a grin. “I’ve got some ideas for a few great appetizers I’d like to whip up for these potential new clients.”
    How could her heart still ping-pong in her chest after all this time? Just from that smile? Just from the way his eyes swept over her? She followed him out to his truck, and he held open the door for her and she hopped in. Now, showing up on a blind date and finding someone like Brad? Nice. Would she ever find someone like him? She sighed and dropped her head against the seat.
    He looked at her. “You’re not still fretting over that date are you?”
    “Something like that.”
    He squeezed her knee. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you down. I’ll find someone for you.”
    SHE GRABBED a cart at the Save More grocery store, and they strolled to the produce aisle.
    “So what’s on your list?” he asked.
    “Cherries, of course. Pecans, brown sugar.”
    He laughed, and the sound curled up inside her like a cozy cat. “No. I meant your ideal man list.”
    She stopped to examine the sweet potatoes so she wouldn’t have to face him, because she really just wanted to say, Your clone. “I’m certainly going to add good credit to the list.” She plopped a few sweet potatoes in a plastic bag and set them in the cart.
    He scratched his head. “Not sure I can do a credit check on potential dates.”
    She grabbed a handful of cherries. “Okay. Employed. Don’t care what he does, but he should be passionate about it, you know? The way you—we—love food and catering. Not everyone would give up a secure management position like you did to follow a dream. Someone