Fudgeballs And Other Sweets Read Online Free

Jake swatted at her, but he didn’t want to use his full strength in case he hurt the silly poodle.
    Princess calmly strutted to her canopy and sat down as Jenny burst out the door.
    Jake waddled to his side of the tree, lying on his left ear to soothe it. Then he rolled onto his back and howled for mercy.
    Princess snuggled against Jenny’s leg, darting smirking looks at Jake. “Yip, yip, yip!” Shut up! I didn’t even draw blood this time, you big bébé.
    Jake trotted toward her, skidding to a stop when he saw Jenny grab the hose and turn on the outside faucet. Before he had a chance to say woof, a blast of cold water hit him in the face.
    Yikes! Howling, he bolted for safety. What’s with this human? Is she nuts? Hey, I’m the injured party here!
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    DAVE KASADA stood in the doorway of the kite shop, staring at the scene in front of him.
    â€œDon’t turn that on my dog.”
    â€œYour dog bit Princess!”
    â€œBit her? Was Jake—”
    â€œBeing amorous? Hardly.” Jenny tightened her lips, determined to hide her exasperation.
    â€œPut that hose away.” Dave walked to the tree, leaned down and patted Jake. “The women giving you a bad time, sport?”
    Jake snorted.
    â€œYour dog is not a sport.” Jenny pointed at Jake. “He keeps Princess in a constant state of turmoil.”
    â€œReally.” Dave crossed his arms. “Could it be that Princess is neurotic? Jake gets along with other dogs.”
    Jenny pitched the hose aside and turned off the faucet. “I don’t have time to argue. Just keep your dog away from mine.” She attempted to go into the fudge shop, but he blocked her entrance.
    â€œJenny—it is Jenny, isn’t it?”
    â€œLook, Mr. Kasada—” She pushed a lock of hair out of her eye. Even though he’d been in the shop on occasion, mostly to play with Dory, they had barely spoken. She was always too busy to visit, and he seemed more interested in the baby than her.
    He shoved his hands into the front pockets of his pants. “Call me Dave.”
    â€œDave.” A red flag went up. That would be stupid. Much better to keep the relationship impersonal. When he was loading his belongings into a truck, personal sentiments could get in the way.
    She studied his intimidating six-foot frame. He always wore perfectly pressed Dockers, usually with a Polo shirt, and gave the appearance he’d be more comfortable on a golf course than in a kite shop. He looked good from the top of his well-groomed blond head to his expensive Italian shoes. She laughed. What was a man like him doing with a bulldog and working in a kite shop?
    â€œListen. I’m behind in my work. I can’t be constantly running out here to break up the dogs. Just do me a favor and keep Jake out of the way—or better yet, in the store with you.”
    He kicked the end of the hose out of his way. “You keep your dog in your store.”
    She pretended his good looks didn’t affect her. Under different circumstances, she’d die to catch his eye. But liking Dave meant liking his dog, and the bulldog drove her nuts.
    â€œI can’t have an animal in the shop. I serve food. Why can’t you keep your dog in your shop?”
    Dave laughed. “Jake in a kite shop? That’s a good one. Jake’s docile, but he’s clumsy as hell.”
    No kidding, she thought.
    â€œHe could tear up a couple dozen kites without trying.”
    â€œWell, something has to be done. I’m shorthanded, and I can’t run out here every five minutes. I have a special order for twelve dozen fudgeballs wrapped in gold foil and tied with white silk ribbons to be delivered to the Grand Hotel by four o’clock this afternoon, in addition to waiting on my walk-in customers.”
    His look turned chilly. “Then you don’t have time to stand here discussing dogs.”
    â€œYou’re right. I