Love for Dessert (Contemporary Romance) by Kate Goldman Read Free Book Online Page A

at her plate, where a dinner had already been arranged artfully. A steak, cooked to perfection, mashed potatoes, creamy with bits of corn, a delicious gravy dribbled over all the food… A glass of wine stood beside the plate, and she took it in her hands. She watched as he did the same.
     
    “Here’s to a wonderful evening.” He raised his glass and clinked it against hers.
     
    And a wonderful evening it was.
     
    After she finished her plate, Daniel stood up. “Want to dance?” He took her in his arms and they swayed to the music. He was a perfect gentleman and Anastasia could see herself having a future with him. But unfortunately, as Daniel leaned in to kiss her, she didn’t feel it. There was no spark, no passion. He was perfect, but just not for her.
     
    As his lips touched hers, she felt like there was nothing. Even though he didn’t use too much tongue, nor did he slobber over her, something was still missing. She pulled away in a couple moments, and he gave her a look of concern.
     
    “Is something wrong?” His voice was soft, and he was genuinely worried about the evening going wrong. Oh, he was so caring and it was breaking her heart.
     
    “Daniel…” She pulled out of his arms. “Everything is perfect, but that’s the problem. I don’t feel anything between us. There’s no rush, no passion… You’re a wonderful man, Daniel. It’s not your fault. It’s mine.” She hated being so cliché, but there was nothing else that would describe how she felt. She truly liked him, but she would never grow to be in love with him.
     
    But he looked crushed. The look in his eyes made her want to take back everything she had just said but there was no chance of that happening. “I…” he mumbled in a quiet voice. “I understand.” She could see how hard he was trying to stay strong and she respected him for it. He was a genuine man, and she knew how much rejection hurt.
     
    She picked up her purse, which had been lying on the sofa in front of them. “I’m sorry, Daniel,” she murmured as she headed out the door, not looking back once.
     
    When Anastasia finally reached her apartment, it was late. She collapsed onto her sofa and curled up into a ball as she felt her phone vibrate again. “Who could that be?” Ariana and Peter were probably still at the movies, and Erica was busy with George. It was from Daniel. I’m sorry for overreacting, Anastasia. You’re a wonderful woman, and I hope that we can be friends.
     
    Anastasia pressed her lips together as she chose not to answer for now. She poured herself a glass of wine, and eventually fell asleep on the couch, dreaming of her bakery.
     

**
     
    The weeks sped by and pretty soon, it was the day before the baking contest. Anastasia felt completely prepared, and everyone that tried her cake had told her it was delicious. She was confident that she would at least win a secondary prize, if not first. She was excited to meet her competition and was sure that she would learn from them.
     
    The opening day of the bakery drew near. It was set for a couple days after the contest had been completely wrapped up. It was mostly ready, and everything had gone smoothly, save for a little disagreement between Ariana and one of the painters about color. Anastasia was putting the finishing touches on the menu, adding little personal touches here and there.
     
    She had finally texted Daniel back a couple days later, letting him know that she was open to the idea of remaining on friendly terms. He wasn’t a bad guy, it was just the fact that there was no chemistry between them. Anastasia smiled as he texted her back something clever. She was having dinner with her mother that night, to meet George, Erica’s fiancé. Anastasia picked out a simple blue dress that brought out her eyes, and applied gentle makeup.
     
    Her phone rang. It was Erica. “Hi, Mom.”
     
    “Honey, are you heading to the restaurant now? George and I are already here.” Erica