Seducing the Baker (At First Sight) Read Online Free PDF Page A

reservations weeks in advance.” Mischief sparkled in Bonnie’s eyes. “My idea is to let him know you’re considering the feature and spend time cultivating him. He’s one splendid specimen.”
    “And knows it.” Grace bit and chewed a piece of the pizza. What would Bonnie think if she learned her boss was having dinner with him tomorrow night? Not for the business or sparking a romance, just to catch up on their lives.
    When they finished and cleared the table Grace returned to the kitchen and began icing cupcakes for tomorrow. As she worked, she thought about Jules and that long ago kiss. That day had been the one she’d nearly broken her vow of no males in her life until she could support herself. She hadn’t had and never would have a desire to follow her mother’s use of sex to pay her bills. Thoughts of sex with any man left Grace cold.
    She finished the last of the cupcakes and slid the tray into the cold storage. Before washing the bowl she swiped a finger around the surface and gathered a bit of the icing.
    With cleanser she attacked the worktable and the cooling rack. She sprayed the oven to clean later. She carried the utensils she’d used to the huge dishwasher. After the shop closed she would do the stove, refrigerator and floor.
    “Grace, where are you?”
    Her hands tightened. The nasal twang of Charlene’s voice rasped like a creaking door. Grace entered the shop before the bleached blonde’s cheap perfume permeated the kitchen.
    “Hello, Charlene. Another visit today?”
    “Mama sent me for the leftovers.” She pointed to Bonnie. “She knows I collect them every day. She won’t give them to me.”
    “There’s an hour until closing time,” Bonnie said.
    “Do you see any customers? Streets are nearly deserted. It’s like a blizzard out there.” Charlene leaned against the case.
    Grace walked to the window and stared outside. Charlene had called it. There had to be at least three inches on the ground and more fell. She returned to the counter and looked at the remaining cupcakes. “Bonnie, choose some to take home.”
    “How many?” her clerk asked.
    “A dozen. Your family will enjoy them. Then pack three boxes of six for my neighbors. Charlene can have the rest.” She noticed a scowl on the bleached blonde’s face. “Sixteen should keep your mom and the girls happy.”
    “But I wanted them Hot Chocolate and Winter Snow ones. Mama and Daddy really like those.”
    Grace put her hand on the counter. “Just be happy with what you’re given. Your mom already had a dozen of the specials.”
    Charlene picked up the box. “Guess who I saw today. I think the man was Jules Grayson. From his clothes I would say he’s rich. He’s gonna need a bundle.” She strolled to the door. “How well I remember him. Poor Grace never got a taste of his expertise. I did.”
    When the door closed Grace turned to Bonnie. “Why don’t you head out?”
    “Are you sure?”
    “Go. I'll see you tomorrow. Drive carefully.”
    After Bonnie left Grace hung the closed sign and locked the door. She carried the trays and coffee and hot water containers to the dishwasher. She returned to the front and cleaned the cases and the coffee area, wiped down the tables, swept the floor and carried the garbage to the trash. After completing the cleaning she went to her office.
    Grace sat behind the desk and noted the money and credit card receipts. She put everything in the deposit bag. She returned to the bakery, started the dishwasher and finished the cleaning of the area. Finally she dressed to leave. She hoisted the deposit bag and opened the door to the parking lot.
    As she passed the alley between her shop and the next one a hand grasped her arm. She screamed.
    “Grace, it’s me. Didn’t mean to scare you.”
    She stiffened. “What are you doing here?”
    “You shouldn’t be carrying a bag of money when you’re alone. I bet by now a lot of people know your schedule. You could be mugged.”
    She glared.