A recipe for forever, p.1
A Recipe for Forever, page 1
Table of Contents
Excerpt
Praise for Darlene Fredette
A Recipe for Forever
Copyright
Dear Readers,
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
A word about the author...
Coming Soon
Thank you for purchasing
Also available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Silky hair caressed his cheek. Wildflowers teased his nostrils. Warmth invaded his body. He resisted the urge to pull her closer. What have I done? He straightened, forcing temptation aside. He clasped his hands on her tiny waist and stepped backward.
Pink staining her cheeks, she glanced downward and smoothed the front of her skirt with a shaky hand. “You won’t regret hiring me.”
He cleared his throat, swallowing the anxiety her words caused. “When can you—”
“Tomorrow!” Jess pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Sorry.”
“Okay.” Travis caught his mother’s grin. “Mom will give you the paperwork. She’s also in charge of training. You two work out the details.” He waved a hand toward the door. “Now, get out of my kitchen. I have a baby shower cake to make.”
He watched Jess follow Mom out of the room. The sway of Jess’ hips spiked his blood pressure. I’m doomed. Travis reached for a mixing bowl, hoping to lose himself in a world of desserts. He had to calm his racing heart and forget the sweetness he just hired.
Praise for Darlene Fredette
“Darlene Fredette keeps tension at a fever pitch, engaging the reader’s full attention.”
~Long and Short Reviews
“Darlene has a writing voice that will hold your attention and creates characters so real you’d like to have them in your own life.”
~Gini Rifkin, Author
“Darlene is a solid romance writer. She does a good job with the descriptions so I can easily visualize everything.”
~Wall-to-Wall Books
[Hershey’s Choice] “It’s a really sweet and romantic love story. Perfect for a lazy Sunday to to take with you on your holiday.”
~ Amazon Review, Anniek
[His Candy Christmas] The storyline was great, I couldn’t put it down and the ending was perfect. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
~ Amazon Review, Jennifer H Ong
[Kissed By Winter] A darling romance, reminiscent of a Hallmark movie.
~ Devon McKay, Author
A Recipe for Forever
by
Darlene Fredette
A Redford Falls Story
Book 4
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.
A Recipe for Forever
COPYRIGHT © 2016 by Darlene Fredette
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com
The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
PO Box 708
Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708
Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com
Publishing History
First Sweetheart Rose Edition, 2020
Trade Paperback ISBN 978-1-5092-3369-4
Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-3370-0
Redford Falls, Book 4
Published in the United States of America
Dear Readers,
I have a sweet tooth for baked goods, so I couldn’t resist writing a romantic story taking place in a bakery. Travis Cooper had brief appearances in previous books, but he’s one of those characters standing in the background that had a story of his own. In walks Jess Robinson with no experience in baking or love.
I hope you enjoy reading about Travis and Jess discovering their recipe for forever.
Enjoy reading! Darlene
Dedication
To my daughter, Christine, I am so proud of the young woman you have become. You excelled with passion and determination to graduate college with honours, and now working your dream job as a pastry chef. I love all the treats you bring home, and no one makes homemade bread better than you!
Acknowledgements
Thank you to my original editor, Sharon, and to my beta readers for their valued input and friendship: Linda, Lori, and Casi.
Chapter One
Jess Robinson held the folded classified section of the newspaper between her thumb and forefinger while resting it against the steering wheel. Baker Wanted. She tossed the paper on the passenger seat. “I can do that job.”
Instead of following the instructions in the advertisement, she skipped the emailing request, searched for the address on her phone, and drove to Cooper’s Cakes in Redford Falls.
She pulled into a parking spot and hauled out the single-sheet résumé from her purse. Jess scanned the wrinkled page. Baker didn’t appear on her list of qualifications, but director’s assistant, photographer, typist, receptionist, waitress, and grocery clerk hopefully showed she had potential. As a baker would it matter if she poured coffee on her last boss or that she couldn’t type fast enough, send calls to the right person, and balance four plated orders on one arm?
Jess did excel at one particular skill—making bad choices. If only she could include that talent on her resume, portraying it as a positive learning trait.
“How hard can baking be? Easy-peasy. Right?” She knew her words to be untrue. She’d watched shows on how to cook and bake. The chefs on television made creating dinners and desserts appear simple, yet Jess’ attempts always ended with opening a window and then throwing the burned concoctions in the garbage can.
But she desperately needed a job. “At this point I have nothing to lose other than my self-respect.”
She drew in a deep breath to calm her racing pulse. Anxiety rolled in the emptiness of her stomach. She’d just go into the bakery pray and they were as desperate as she was. The two hundred dollars in her bank account would cover her car payment. “As long as I don’t eat or need gas, I’m good.”
Having a sympathetic property-owner gave her thirty days. She’d received a one-month extension from her eccentric landlord on her studio apartment’s rent in Wolfridge—a ten minute drive from Redford Falls— but she wouldn’t push his generosity a second time.
Jess stepped out of her rusty car and locked the door, smoothing a hand over the wrinkles of her pink skirt. The luxury of an iron would have to wait, and creases were the least of her problems. The tie-dyed-look of added blue smudges on her skirt was due to an oversight of washing everything in one load. Who knew a dark blue top and a pink skirt wouldn’t wash well together? Maybe she’d bring the sixties hippie look back in style.
She tucked a stray wisp of hair behind her ear, wishing she could smooth away the nervous fluttering of butterflies. “Time to go.” She shoved the résumé back into her purse.
Avoiding an approaching car, she scurried across Beaver Lane. The bakery’s prime location in Redford Falls sat adjacent to Main Street, but was equally as busy with a medical clinic, salon, sporting-goods store, grocery store, gas station, and a few other shops. The building’s red-brick facade, cobblestone pathways, and green-space dividing the parking lot gave the area a quaint old-town atmosphere.
Jess reached the bakery then paused to pull together her fading confidence. “Follow a recipe, mix some ingredients, and pop the dish in the oven. I’ve got this.” She inhaled and hauled open the door.
A bell jingled overhead, distracting her focus. The overwhelming scent of baked goods tantalized her nostrils. Inside a glass counter sat the teasing culprits. Cookies and an assortment of cupcakes and muffins tempted her growling stomach. The aroma of fresh brewed coffee complemented the charming setting. She followed the irresistible smell to the counter where three pots steamed.
“Good morning.”
She jumped at the sound of the greeting. Wide-eyed, she stared at the older woman who stepped through saloon-style swinging doors. Other than visible black bangs and a ponytail with a white streak, a red kerchief covered the woman’s hair. Three hooped earrings dangled from each ear and a crystal orb hung from a silver chain around her neck. She wiped her hands on a red apron resting over a black blouse and a multi-coloured ankle-length skirt. Jess caught a quick view of a tiny, grey rose tattoo on the inside of the woman’s wrist.
“How can I help you?”
The name tag pinned on her apron read Heather. She sounded friendly, yet her physical appearance embraced a slice of darkness.
Jess gripped the strap of her purse. “I’m looking for the manager regarding the ad in the paper.” At the woman’s daunting silence, Jess fumbled to fill in the gap. “I should have called first, but I was in the area and thought I’d pop in.”
“Bad timing.” Heather tapped French-tipped fingernails on the counter. “Travis has the morning off.”
“Oh.” Disappointment settled the nervous quiver in her stomach. Or maybe it was relief. Jess forced
“Hold on a moment, pretty lady.” Heather held up a hand. “The morning rush is over, and I have time. We can chat a bit. Travis is due within the hour. We’ll start the interview and provide him with details later.”
Tension stretched across Jess’ shoulders.
“Have a seat.” She pointed to the tables. “Would you like a coffee or tea?”
“Yes, please!” Way too eager. Jess took a breath. “Coffee, please.”
Heather pointed to the pots. “We have regular and decaf.” She raised an eyebrow. “But I sense you’re an adventurous gal. I recommend our secret house-blended flavour.”
“A dare I can’t resist.” She sat at one of the five cherry-wood tables, admiring the bakery’s modest yet stylish decor. To one side of the front windows, an assortment of shelves held a display of simulated cakes designed to appear real enough to eat. A raised tabletop stretched across the other window area where customers could sit on a bar stool and enjoy a quick snack. A smaller version of the wooden-lettered signage that hung outside spelled Cooper’s Cakes rested on one of the beige walls. Black-and-white photographs of the bakery highlighted the opposite wall.
The older woman placed two coffee cups on the table and a plate of cookies. She held out a hand. “I’m Heather Cooper, the owner.”
Jess’ pulse spiked. She’d hope she’d only have to impress a front store clerk. The owner would surely laugh her out of the bakery. She accepted the handshake.
“And you are?”
“Jessica Robinson, but I go by Jess.” Lifting her cup, she sipped the warm liquid. Heaven delighted her tastebuds. “Mmm, dark roast.”
Heather raised an eyebrow. “You know your Java.”
“I worked as an assistant for a director. He insisted his coffee be poured from a fresh pot and piping hot. Warm and sitting-for-ten-minutes were not acceptable. I learned the hard way on presenting food and drink not to his liking.” She rolled her eyes, recalling the verbal assault. “I sampled the coffee each time to determine the heat and fresh flavour.” Jess caught Heather’s inquisitive stare and tensed. “But I’d never do anything like that here,” she added quickly.
The older woman tapped Jess’ hand. “The thought didn’t cross my mind.” She pushed the plate of cookies forward. “I’m sure you did what you had to in a difficult situation.”
Jess stared into the woman’s dark eyes. Heather seemed to look deep into her soul. Did she read fortunes in her spare time? Would she guess Jess’ lack of experience? The thought of leaving urged her feet to propel toward the door, but the dwindling cash in her bank account kept her seated.
“So, Ms. Jessica… Jess, do you have a résumé?”
Embarrassment heated her cheeks. Jess pulled the folded sheet of paper from her purse and passed it to Heather. While she watched the other woman study the page, she bit into a cookie. The chocolate chips in the cookie melted on her tongue. If they expected her to produce this type of goodness, they’d be very disappointed.
Heather’s eyebrows furrowed as she reviewed the page. Her fingertips drummed a slow beat on the wooden table.
With each tapping hit, Jess’ pulse increased. She held a breath.
“Your résumé is a bit vague.” Heather glanced back at the paper then to Jess. “Exceptional grades in Fine Arts and Marketing. You worked in photography and held a position as an assistant for a film director and a few other odd jobs. I don’t see any reference to baking experience.”
Jess scrambled for a response. Did I really believe I could pull off this interview? She held her hands together on her lap, squeezing until she felt the push of a pulse. Inhaling, she met the woman’s stare. “I’m not professionally trained as a baker.” Not even close. “But I can follow directions well and I have artistic skills which may be useful.” The hole she dug grew each time she spoke.
The bell above the door jingled.
Jess was grateful for the distraction.
Heather stood and met a man at the door, reaching for two of the many bags he carried.
He strode past the table to set the remaining bags on the counter. The tall man wore jeans and a black shirt that fit tight across the muscles of his back. Biceps protruded in the short sleeves.
Wow. She’d work for free if all the bakery’s customers looked like him.
“What is all this?” Heather peeked into a bag.
“I met with a supplier this morning. He has a new line of trays.” The man pulled plates and poles from a bag then assembled them to make a three-tiered stand. “I thought this would work for the baby shower order. She chose the white tier to display the cupcakes, but because she doesn’t know the gender of the baby, this marbled blue and pink is perfect.” He placed the stand on the counter. “I bought four and a display for the cake—”
Heather nudged her elbow to his rib, tipping her head toward Jess.
He turned.
Jess’ breath escaped in a rush, leaving her gaping. Handsome and smoking hot were the first descriptive words that came to mind. Standing at least four inches taller than her five-six frame, he had broad shoulders and thick arms. His short, tousled dark brown hair offset his chiselled jaw, which held a day’s shadow, and his blue eyes were the colour of sapphires. Reeling in a breath, she closed her open mouth.
“Sorry, I didn’t know we had a customer.” He approached the table.
Heather followed. “This is Jess Robinson. She’s here about the baking position.”
He held out a hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Travis Cooper.”
Jess pushed back her chair to stand and accept the strong handshake. “You’re the manager?” Run feet! Run for the door!
He nodded then pointed to Heather. “This is my mother.”
Time stood still as his gaze captured hers. She couldn’t lie to this man. Those blue eyes were irresistible. He’d see right through her and the pathetic single-page résumé. Jess reached for the paper, but Heather grabbed it first and shoved it in her apron pocket.
“We were advancing to the next step.” The older woman beamed a smile. “Jess is going to bake us a sample of her skills.”
“What?” Travis’ brows rose.
“What?” Her eyes staring wide, Jess duplicated his response. Heather clearly knew Jess wasn’t qualified. Maybe Heather wanted Jess to suffer humility for trying to pull one over on her.
Travis turned to his mother and lowered his voice. “Didn’t we decide to hold second interviews next week?”
Heather’s response was less than a whisper. “We did, however Jess is here now and who knows when she’ll return.”
If she listened to her inner voice and ran now, she might save a small piece of her dignity.
As if reading her mind again, Heather placed a hand on Jess’ shoulder, preventing a rapid departure.
Not only was Heather owner of a bakery, she was a dark sorceress gypsy.
“The lunch crowd isn’t due for an hour. I’m sure Jess can whip up a quick recipe.” Winking, Heather gently squeezed her shoulder.
“I imposed enough by dropping in unannounced.” A steady thump pounded at Jess’ temple. “I should go.”
Heather wrapped her fingers around Jess’ arm, guided her toward the kitchen, and nudged her through the saloon doors. “You can do this. Have faith.”
Fear and adrenalin willed Jess’ feet to move. She stopped at the large counter. Sunlight peeked through the slats of the blind hanging over the window. Shelves of baking supplies hung beside a wall of cupboards. A large stainless-steel refrigerator sat beside a sink and dishwasher. Jess ambled toward the convection ovens. Heat warmed her chilled arms.
At one end of the counter a chocolate cake cooled and jelly donuts had been snow-dusted with icing sugar. The room dispensed smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple pie. She longed to bottle the scent of pure delight to the stomach.
On impulse, Jess grabbed one of the aprons from a hook and tied the dark fabric around her waist. “Follow a recipe, mix some ingredients, and pop the dish in the oven. I’ve got this,” she muttered. Digging in her purse for her phone, she found the easy-bake blueberry muffin recipe she attempted last week.
Jess stole a quick glance at Heather who had joined her in the kitchen and leaned on the wall by the doors.
