Den and Breakfast: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Honeycomb Falls Book 1) by Cassie Wright Read Free Book Online

She's wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses that give her a sexy librarian look, though I can tell from the way she holds herself it's not intentional.
    "Yes?" Am I on her bench?
    "Hi. I saw you put up the sign in the General Store? About a cook?"
    "You did? No kidding." I laugh, and see confusion cross her face. "No, I'm not laughing at you, I'm sorry. It's just that a friend told me - never mind. Are you interested in the position?"
    "Yes, I am." She takes a deep breath, as if she's preparing to dive into a pool. "My name's Anita. I'm not trained in a culinary school, but I love to cook." She sounds very earnest. "I know you're probably looking for someone with a degree, but I promise you won't be disappointed. I specialize in baking, but I can make anything, well, almost anything, and I'm willing to work really hard, you'll see."
    I hold up my hand, cutting off her flow of words. "I believe you." She's so sincere and nervous that I want nothing more than to give her a hug. "I'm Rachel Wilder. I'd love to try your cooking. How about you bring something over to Honeycomb Hall tomorrow morning? I'd let you use my kitchen, but it needs a serious cleaning."
    "Yes, absolutely." She nods, her expression determined. "What would you like me to bring?"
    I shrug. "How about your best dish? Knock my socks off. Whatever you want."
    "My best?" I almost expect her to say, Are you sure? As if her best is dangerous, perhaps too dangerous for public consumption. "OK. I'll bring it around tomorrow morning."
    "And - you don't mind working at Honeycomb Hall?" Blake's warning about its reputation rings in my ears.
    "No, ma'am." Anita says. "I really need the work."
    There's something going on here. She's beyond determined, almost desperate. Still, it isn't any of my business. "Great. Well, swing by when you're ready. I'm looking forward to it."
    Anita's eyes light up with excitement, and she rises to her tiptoes for a moment with a squeal of sheer glee before composing herself, smoothing down her skirt and forcing herself to adopt a professional, serious look. "Yes, ma'am. Thank you. For this opportunity. You won't regret it."
    "Well, I haven't hired you yet," I say, not wanting to give the wrong impression.
    "Oh, I know. But you asked me to bring you my best. I don't think you'll be disappointed." Of that she seems strangely confident. What on earth is she going to cook? "I'll see you tomorrow, Ms. Wilder."
    And with that she turns on her heel and marches off the bridge. I watch her go, bemused and hopeful. I'm going to need somebody with that kind of energy and determination, and I have a good feeling about Anita. A very good feeling indeed. Plus, I have to admit that the idea of having a baker on the premises is dangerously attractive.
    Grinning, I bite down into my grilled cheese and look out over the Conway River as I dial Maria's number. Things are shaping up!
     

 
    Chapter Five
     
     
     
     
    I get home late, the headlights of my rented Mustang sweeping the woods before I pull up before Honeycomb Hall's iron gates. They're standing open, just as I left them, so I pull into the driveway, purring up to the circle before the front door, and kill the engine. It's past dusk, and I'm a little tipsy. I spent several hours exploring the town, and found a gallery that was celebrating a new exhibit, complete with complimentary wine and a hunky artist who was more than willing to explain the sources of his inspiration.
    Even as I laughed and talked to him, I was thinking of Blake. Thinking of his golden eyes, flecked with blue that seems to darken when he's aroused. His broad, callused hands. The play of his muscles beneath his tee. His scruffy jawline, the dangerous air that surrounds him that's only dispelled when he tries to be smooth.
    But when he's himself, oh god. Oh my panties-melting-primitive-god-of-the-woods. So I just sit there, staring at the corner of the house which leads to his shed. He's probably there right now. Doing what?