How Sweet It Is by Melissa Brayden Read Free Book Online

just tell me if it is. Say it. Say it’s too much.” Damn it all. Why was she so nervous?
    Jordan set the sander on the ground, the odd expression morphing into a puzzled one. But she still hadn’t said anything because she was probably working on a really crafty arrangement of words that wouldn’t hurt her feelings. “It’s not too much.”
    Molly narrowed her gaze. “Don’t humor me. These are desperate times.”
    “You’re giving me too much credit. It’s a great dress. Trust me, Molly. I vote yes.”
    “What if she goes for casual? Then I’ll look ridiculous in comparison.”
    “Valid concern. Where are you having dinner?”
    “The Lodge in Andersville, one town over.”
    Jordan whistled low. “That’s a five-star restaurant. Jeans wouldn’t exactly cut it. Trust me, you’re good.”
    Molly exhaled, feeling somewhat better and for the first time since coming outside, took in the scene in her front yard. Supplies were scattered across the lawn, her now naked shutters were laid out in a smart little row, already undergoing surgery. In response to the temperature, Jordan had pulled her dark hair into a ponytail and stripped down to just a tank top, a hint of perspiration dotted her chest. Molly shook her head slowly, taking her in. “You look like you should be in a calendar right now. A sexy one. I’d hate to see this go to waste. Should I take a photo for your Facebook page and your adoring fans?”
    “If you do, I’d have to kill you. Besides, I was going for sweet and unassuming. Is there a calendar like that?”
    “Oh, unassuming is not a word I would use to describe you, Jordy.” Her eyes widened in realization. “But you do look thirsty, and damn it, I made you lemonade. Forgotten lemonade. I’m a bad person. Hold that thought.”
    “I was hoping you’d find a way to reward me,” Jordan called after her happily.
    Molly raced back into the house and poured a full glass of her homemade lemonade, added a handful of ice cubes and topped it off with a fresh strawberry from her garden in back. She raced back outside and presented the glass to Jordan, who was now waiting on the front porch and dabbing the back of her neck with a bandana. “Voila. All is now right with the world.”
    “You are an angel. Thank you.” Jordan took three generous swallows of the lemonade before staring longingly at the glass, mystified. “Are you kidding me? Did you make this too?”
    “Guilty. It’s not like I’m going to serve instant.”
    “You’re like Martha Stewart on crack; you realize this, don’t you?”
    Molly placed her hand over her heart. “I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
    “Continue to regale me with your confectionary genius and you might find yourself surprised at some of the things that’ll come out of my mouth.”
    “Such a tease.” Molly checked her watch. “I hate to cut our time short, but I have to leave you here and go on an honest to goodness date. Is that okay?”
    “It is. I’ll put in another twenty minutes or so before I lose the light entirely and then we can reconvene…maybe tomorrow?”
    “Sounds perfect. There’s a spare key under the mat if you’d like more forgotten lemonade. You’re also welcome to store those tools here so you don’t have to lug them back and forth.”
    Jordan looked at her like she was crazy.
    “What?”
    “You keep your key under the mat? Tricky.”
    “Look around, smart aleck. This isn’t exactly the hood. I think we’re safe.”
    “Famous last words.” Molly shot her a look that meant business and Jordan held up her hands in acquiescence. “But it’s your place.”
    “Thank you for getting that. Very perceptive of you. Any last minute advice?”
    Jordan thought for a moment. “Take it for what it is. A first date. If it goes well, fantastic. If not, you’ve lost nothing.”
    She tilted her head to the side, seeming to take in the words. “Got it. Nothing to lose. I’ll remember that. See ya,