The Perfect Blend Read Online Free PDF Page B

away.
    “Please tell me you didn’t forget to save room for a cannoli.”
    “No. I’m just full. Would you like mine?”
    He held up a hand as if warding off evil. “Sorry, one’s my limit. I have to watch this girlish figure.” He grinned, and although Carrie knew he was teasing, and knew he couldn’t possibly know how insecure she was about her weight, she grabbed her purse and rose to her feet.
    Matt tossed his napkin down and also stood. A frown marred his handsome face. “Did I say something wrong? Because if I did, I’m sorry. Seems that’s all do when I’m around you, put my foot in my mouth and apologize.”
    “No, I just…I need to get home. Thanks for the late lunch. So, will I be seeing you again tomorrow morning?” It killed her to admit it, even in the privacy of her own mind, but she certainly hoped so.
    He shot her a wink. “Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, just the way you like me.”
    A smile tugged at her lips. “Need a ride back to the library?”
    “Nah, I’m going to enjoy my cannoli. Yours too, unless you want to bring it home?”
    “Thanks, but it’s all yours. Enjoy.”
    “That I will. See you in the morning, boss. Oh, and I meant to ask, could I get a key for the coffee shop?”
    Carrie stared at him, not sure what to say. He was her partner. He’d need a key eventually. She just wasn’t quite ready to let go of the last thing that made Coffee To Chai For hers and hers alone. “I...yeah, sure. Just remind me later.”
    * * *
    By Friday afternoon, Carrie realized she was dangerously close to falling in love with Matt Jacobs. The admission came not so much as a shock as an epiphany. He was funny, smart, charming, wickedly handsome, and sexy as hell. Carrie wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anyone or anything in her life. He had her so twisted in knots, she hadn’t gotten a good night’s sleep since the day they’d signed the papers.
    He showed up every morning to help her open, learning in record time how to run the machines, bake the breads, pastries and cookies she’d become famous for. He’d managed to fix the air-conditioner, so that was one less thing they’d need to invest in. At least until next summer. He’d gotten an affordable bid on the construction for the dining area to accommodate the extra tables and booths they’d need for the new lunch/dinner menu in the works, and also on adding a drive-thru window, though Carrie wasn’t completely sold on the latter idea. Something they’d have to hold off on until she felt more comfortable with the thought of so many changes. Especially since her business, in just these few days, had started to thrive.
    Okay, so many of her newest customers were adoring females. But since Matt seemed to only have eyes for her, even her insecurities had abated. He’d yet to try and kiss her, but Carrie figured he was just waiting for her cue.
    Tonight she planned to give it to him. Yeah, she was a long way off from trusting her heart to another man. Love and trust didn’t necessarily go hand in hand; she’d learned that the hard way. Didn’t mean she couldn’t see where things led with Matt.
    She’d just hung the Now Hiring sign in the shop’s front window when the screech of tires caught her attention. She looked up just in time to see an expensive-looking red sports car fishtail down Salvation Avenue and squeal to a stop in front of the Laundromat next door. Immediately, she saw the reason the car had spun out of control. Standing on the other side of the street was Drew Porter, owner of D.P. Tire & Auto, holding the collar of his humongous Great Dane, Bo, wrestling to keep him in check.
    Since the shop was empty at the moment, Carrie grabbed her cell phone and raced outside to make sure the driver was all right. The car door swung open just as Carrie reached it, and out came one high-heeled black pump, followed by another. Carrie rolled her eyes as an incredibly beautiful supermodel type stepped out of the car and