Fudgeballs And Other Sweets Read Online Free Page A

don’t.” They stared at each other.
    He glanced through her open door. “Where’s your help?”
    â€œRob’s here. Teensy didn’t come in today.”
    Why was she standing here telling him her life’s history when she should be starting another batch of fudge? The reason for her delay wasn’t hard to define. It was nice to have a conversation with someone whose every other word wasn’t “man” or “awesome.” Rob’s and Teensy’s conversations went, “That’s awesome, man.” Or on occasion, “Man, ain’t that awesome?”
    For some reason he wasn’t rushing off, either. “I’ve missed seeing their baby around lately. She’s cute, isn’t she?”
    â€œDory’s a doll—I really have to go. Teensy hasn’t been in a lot, and Rob seems preoccupied recently—look, Mr. Kasada—”
    â€œDave.”
    â€œDave.” She smiled, aware that his hazel eyes had softened. Cripes. It wouldn’t hurt to be civil. “I really have to get back to work.”
    They stared at each other until Jenny looked at the dogs. Jake waddled to his side of the tree and hiked his leg, eyeing Princess. She stuck her nose in the air and returned to her cushion, curling herself into a fetal position.
    Dave strolled to the sidewalk with her. “I don’t mean to sound presumptuous, but your business seems to be going great guns lately.”
    Pride assailed her, thrilled that he would notice how well Fudgeballs was doing.
    â€œIt is, thank you.” He opened the door and she went inside. He followed. “More than I had anticipated. I’m afraid I should have hired additional help when it was available.”
    â€œYes...there’s not too many part-timers looking for work right now.” Dave cleared his throat. “I’m lucky to have Peter Nelson working for me four hours a day.” He studied the small quarters. “Your space is really limited. If you hired more help, wouldn’t they be walking over each other?”
    She caught her breath. He could see she desperately needed more space. Did he know what he was implying? No, he couldn’t. He was just making small talk without the slightest inkling she intended to get more space—his space. Guilt flooded her, but she shoved it aside. It wasn’t exactly her fault the kite shop couldn’t stay. It was up to Rockfield Corporation. She was such a long-time tenant, they would agree to her expansion.
    He ambled to a table piled with taffy. “Looks to me like you need a couple thousand more feet.”
    She avoided his eyes. “Boy, do I.”
    When he laughed, she realized it was a wonderful sound. Not loud, not soft, very masculine. Dang it. Stop it. Next we’ll be inviting each other over for coffee.
    He stood back, his gaze casually spanning the room. “Ever thought about getting a bigger place?”
    She kept her head down, wrapping pieces of fudge. “I’ve sort of had it in the back of my mind lately.” Sort of? That’s all she’d thought about. She couldn’t believe he was making it easy for her.
    â€œI’ve been thinking about expanding the kite shop.” He left the table of taffy to peruse the trays of fudge in the display counter.
    â€œReally?” Her pulse jumped. Then he would be comfortable with his forced relocation. Mr. Linstrom hadn’t conveyed Kasada’s feelings on the matter, and it really was none of her business how he felt. She had to do what was best for Fudgeballs.
    â€œThat’s great. I guess the kites are going so well you’ll need a bigger place?” She recalled the various sizes and designs she’d seen in the window. Paper kites, plastic, shiny foil—in all shapes and forms.
    He nodded. “You can’t imagine how much space I need.”
    She smiled broadly. “Oh, but I can. You have so many sizes.” She