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

paused, then said in a quieter tone, “George, not now, I’m on the phone with Ana!” She giggled.
     
    Anastasia winced. “Mom, I don’t need to hear this stuff, okay? I’ll be there soon.”
     
    “Uh-huh, okay, sweetie. See you!” Erica laughed before hanging up.
     
    Anastasia rolled her eyes. Erica was so crazy and always acted half her age. She headed out the door and headed towards the restaurant, not wanting to give her mother another excuse to call her again.
     
    Anastasia’s first impression of George was exactly what she had expected. He was an older gentleman, yes, but he was still rather handsome. His jaw was chiseled, his eyes sharp. He wore an expensive Rolex on his left wrist. Oh, he was just her mother’s usual type. “Hello, I’m Anastasia.” She smiled warmly as she shook George’s hand.
     
    “Good evening, Anastasia. I’m George.” He returned her smile with an equally bright one. Erica watched this happily.
     
    “Sit down, Ana. We already ordered some appetizers. Hope you like calamari.”
     
    Erica’s eyes never left George the entire night. Anastasia could tell how much she really loved him and judging by the size of the rock on her ring finger, he felt the same way towards her. She found herself actually enjoying George’s company. He had traveled far and wide, and had many stories to tell about the whole experience.
     
    She learned that he had been married many times, too. And when Erica left the table to go “powder her nose,” George had confided in Anastasia that he really felt like her mother was the one. Anastasia had happily given him her blessing.
     
    All of a sudden it seemed like everyone around her was getting married, and Anastasia was the only one being left in the dust. To be completely honest, she was a little scared that she would never find another man that she would feel as much love for as she had for Aaron. But she kept her hopes up.
     
    “Well, Mother, it’s getting rather late and I do have that contest to attend tomorrow. I should be heading out.” Anastasia swung her bag over her shoulder. “It was really nice to meet you, George.” She gave her mother a hug and George a handshake.
     
    “Alright, honey, knock them dead tomorrow! I’m so proud of you.” Erica smiled as she linked arms with George again.
     
    “Thanks, Mom.” Anastasia grinned. “Goodnight!” She headed out of the restaurant and towards her apartment, determined to get a good night’s rest before the big contest. She needed to win, for the sake of her bakery, and herself.
     

**
     
    Anastasia awoke the next morning full of energy. She was eager and looking forward to the competition. She was confident. Anastasia picked out a simple black top, and stylish tribal-patterned joggers. It was all about the comfort today. It was eleven o’clock, and the contest started at twelve thirty. So she hurried to the biggest park in the city, where the contest was to be held, her hands tingling with excitement.
     
    The park was already abuzz with activity, as camera operators and reporters hurried around the park, interviewing citizens. The contest organizers had already set up the ovens and such. Anastasia moved towards the person she assumed was the head coordinator. “Hi, are you a competitor?” He shook her hand warmly. “I’m Eddie.”
     
    “Hi, Eddie, yes, I’m Anastasia! From Ana’s Sweets.”
     
    “Oh, yes, the start-up bakery right? Please, come right over here, we’ve prepared aprons for you already. Did you bring the extra ingredients you need?” Eddie asked as they walked to one counter/oven setup. There were three other ones that Anastasia assumed were for the other contestants.
     
    Two of the other bakers arrived shortly after, and they looked very experienced. Anastasia set down her items as she surveyed the rest of her competition. One of them, a woman, had short red hair, and a rather stumpy looking appearance. She looked like an older woman, and