How Sweet It Is by Melissa Brayden Read Free Book Online Page A

Jordan.” She exhaled slowly as she descended the steps, her stomach already a series of butterfly races at the prospect of the evening ahead of her. “Wish me luck.”
    Jordan stared at her, that unreadable, odd expression back on her face. “You don’t need it.”
     
    *
     
    Once Molly’s car disappeared from sight, Jordan set back to work sanding the last shutter and trying hard not to think about the reaction she’d just had to Molly as she emerged from the house. It was an adolescent aftershock of a schoolgirl crush that never should have been. Plus, it had nothing to do with the fact that it was Molly, and everything to do with the fact that a beautiful woman, any beautiful woman, had just walked out of that house.
    Of course she’d noticed her. She wasn’t dead.
    She worked until the darkness enveloped her, stored her supplies in Molly’s garage, and headed home…after one last glass of killer lemonade.
     
    *
     
    The lodge was beyond bustling when Molly walked in. Nicely dressed folks chatted animatedly with one another as they waited for a table in the entryway to the restaurant. There wasn’t a ton of space to walk, and Molly now had regrets about the way they’d arranged to meet. How exactly was she supposed to find her date, Heather McLucken, the tax attorney? She studied the faces of those around her for any sign of dexterity with numbers. Unfortunately, no one was exactly walking the restaurant with an adding machine and a W4. Typical. It was then that someone tapped her lightly on the shoulder.
    “Excuse me. You wouldn’t happen to be Molly, would you?”
    Saved. “I am, yes. Hi.”
    “Hi, I’m Heather McLucken.”
    Molly accepted the woman’s extended hand and smiled widely. Heather was striking. A tall blonde with twinkly green eyes and a warm smile. Tonight might not be so bad after all. She felt herself perk up almost instantly. “Nice to meet you. I’m Molly O’Brien.”
    Heather squeezed her hand, her eyes lingering on Molly’s for just the right amount of time for Molly to momentarily lose herself in their impressive shade. Suddenly she was so looking forward to dinner.
    “Shall we? I think they have our table waiting. I pulled some strings and got us seated in a quieter part of the restaurant so we can get to know each other. I hope that’s okay.”
    “It sounds fantastic. Thank you.”
    As Molly moved toward the main dining area of the restaurant, Heather opened the door for her, earning a thousand points for good manners. She began brainstorming ways to thank Eden for this. A hug. A day off. An entire tray of truffles. Her firstborn.
    As dinner got underway, things only seemed to get better. The conversation flowed easily, and Molly noticed that the faux confidence she had initially put forth was starting to feel authentic. It was actually kind of fun, this dating thing. Why had she held off for so long?
    Heather took a delicate and rather sexy sip of her wine. “How’s your food? The chef here is one of the best in the state.”
    “I’d have to say that’s evidenced here. The chicken’s cooked to perfection and the marinade accentuates the flavors nicely without overpowering. I’m kind of in heaven over here.”
    Heather leaned her chin onto her palm. “I like the way you talk about food. I’m told you own a bakery.”
    “That’s right. It’s just a small little place in Applewood, but people seem to like it.”
    Heather nodded and covered Molly’s hand with her own. “I hope I’ll get to check it out sometime.”
    Molly’s heart rate noticeably sped up. Me too, Heather-the-tax-attorney. Me too. “Well, you’re welcome anytime. What about you?You must be thrilled now that tax season’s over.”
    “Well, with the exception of all of the extensions we’ve filed, sure. I’m thinking that by next week—I’m sorry.” She held up one finger. “Can we pause this for a minute? I’m getting a call that might be important. So rude, but I need to take