AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ve always loved that kind of hero. The whole beautiful bastard thing has run its course, and not just because I experienced it in real life.”
Gigi wiped her hands. “Well, when you’re done with your reset, you can give Linc the Stern Brunch Daddy a try.” She pushed a pile of almonds into place. “And if you need some vanilla icing, just let me know.”
Lucy tried not to think about a naked Linc drizzled in the sweet, melty sugar, knowing it would be all but impossible. SBD, indeed.
“Uugh, is there no end to the suffering I must endure?”
Lucy spun around and saw the town’s real estate star, Tavis McDaniel, stroll in. The good-looking man was besotted with her best friend, and she didn’t know why Gigi wasn’t giving him a chance. “Hey, Tavis.”
“Hello, Lucy. It’s nice to see you.”
“You, too.”
Gigi rolled her eyes. “Tavis, I told you that I didn’t have time to look at the lease today.”
Surprised by Gigi’s sharp tone, she looked between them and noticed they were sizing each other up much the same way animals do when deciding on a mate. Perhaps Gigiwasconsidering the former football star but hadn’t yet come to terms with the idea. “I’ll head out and let you two discuss the real estate empire Gigi is building.”
“That’s not….” Gigi sputtered.
Lucy shook her head. “I need to get back to the store.” She tilted her head toward Tavis. “I think you should offer the man one of your cinnamon rolls.” Blowing a kiss to her friend, she ignored the death glare, strolled out, and began formulating a fool-proof match-making plan. Before she got too far along, she crashed into a solid form. Her eyes flew up, and she swore the scent of cinnamon was in the air. “Oh, my, we seem to keep doing this.”
Linc moved closer and cupped her elbows. “I think the fates are trying to tell us something.”
Feeling flustered, she stepped back and told the dancing cinnamon rolls in her head to stop. “I’m not accepting calls from those troublemakers, so you’ll have to take the message.”
Linc let out a deep laugh. “I will be happy to be the point person when Atropos, Clotho, and Lachesis show up.”
“When did you have time to read Greek mythology and get acquainted with the three fates?”
“I’ve loved those tales of daring and courage since I was a kid.” He took her hand and walked out of the courtyard. “Any warrior worth his salt has some idea of the greats that came before him.”
Lucy walked in a daze and tried to make sense of the new facts. “I thought you were just another bad boy with a pretty face and an empty mind.”
“Any chance of me getting away with the never judge a book by its cover platitude?”
“Not really.”
“Thought as much.” He led her in the direction of her bookstore. “I didn’t pack a book for the trip; do you have recommendations?”
Yes, you can allow me to have my way with you and discover if a Stern Brunch Daddy is just a myth.
Shoving the naughtyandunwelcome thought away, she gave Linc a professional smile. “I’m sure I’ve got something that will interest you.”
“No doubt.”
Reaffirming her promises silently, she told herself that she absolutely wouldn’t give into temptation, even if the man was the most delicious, albeit unwelcome, wrench flying into her plans.
Linc stood inside Lucy’s store, gently clasped Margret Bennett’s bejeweled hand, and knew where Lucy inherited her style. The family's matriarch was a brighter, more interesting version of Elizabeth Taylor, minus the movie career and tragedies, of course. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Margret.”
“And it’s lovely to finally put a face to all the scrumptious gossip.” She slipped her hand away and sat on a glossy green stool. “Each Hawker arrival is more handsome than the last, and I must tell you, the Haven Ladies’ Society is thrilled and can’t wait to see who decides to stop in next.”
“And what exactly does this society do?” Linc asked with interest.
“Not let in women who are more than ready to contribute,” Lucy said loudly from the young adult section.
Margret leaned in. “Don’t mind her; she’s just miffed that our rules don’t allow anyone under fifty to join.”
“They are a bunch of ageists,” Lucy added. “And should be ashamed.”
