Raspberry Kisses (The Bakery Romance Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

resort is pretty. It looks like a wonderful place to spend time reflecting about God.” At least that was the truth—her faith had practically disappeared after Stan’s violent death.
    Zora slicked lipstick over her lips, placing the cap back onto the lipstick holder. “At these singles retreats, most people have an agenda. They’re not just here to strengthen their relationship with God. That’s a bunch of bull.”
    Rhea narrowed her eyes, assessing Zora. The woman could easily pass for a high-fashion model. Zora removed a bottle of perfume from her dresser, opening it. She spritzed perfume over her arms and neck, and Rhea coughed, wrinkling her nose. “Why are you here, Zora?”
    “I’m here to find a husband.”
    Rhea resisted the urge to scoff, still trying not to gag on the odorous perfume. Zora and Raven could probably have been good friends—they shared the same agenda. “I think there’s plenty of time to socialize at the meet-and-greet sessions.”
    Zora folded her thin arms, giving Rhea a shrewd look. “Meet-and-greet sessions? I don’t need any meet–and-greet sessions. I already know who I’m after and nothing’s going to get in my way.”
    Desiree walked over to Zora, patting her shoulder. “Zora, calm down.” She glanced at Rhea. “You’ll have to forgive the way she acts. I’ve never seen a twenty-one-year-old woman so anxious to find a husband.”
    Zora flung Desiree’s arm from her shoulder, stomping her foot. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here.”
    Desiree ignored the outburst, again patting Zora’s shoulder. “Have you taken your medicine today?”
    Rhea cringed, closing her suitcase. Did she have to room with this highly emotional woman during the entire retreat? Her stomach growled, and she checked her watch. When she’d checked in, the front desk staff had told her that dinner would be served soon, and she needed to try and find Martin in the cafeteria.
    Zora groaned. “Desiree, stop treating me like a child. I can take care of myself.”
    Rhea shook her head. “I’m going down to dinner.” Zora and Desiree obviously needed some time alone.
    She exited the cabin, and Zora’s loud voice carried through the closed door. “I can’t believe you asked about my medicine in front of a stranger.”
    Intrigued, Rhea remained there, listening.
    “Well, I had to say something before you made a fool of yourself. The only reason I agreed to come with you on this retreat is because you need someone to remind you how to act. You need to learn to calm down and not say the first thing that pops into your head.”
    Zora groaned. “I don’t need anybody telling me how to act.”
    “Well, this whole agenda that you have is just weird. You have no idea how he’ll react when he meets you.”
    “Desiree, you’re just jealous of me because you’re short and fat. Men are always attracted to me. I figure Martin Lane is no different than most. As soon as he meets me, I think he’ll want to get to know me better.”

 
    Chapter Four
    So, Zora was here to meet Martin, too? She trudged down the path toward the cafeteria. Now what was she going to do? Zora seemed determined to meet Martin, plus, she appeared high-strung and emotional. With Zora’s frosty attitude, there’s no telling what she’d do if she spotted Rhea speaking with Martin.
    Her life would be a lot less complicated if Raven had not had her accident. But, if Raven had not been in a car crash, Rhea would still be in dire straits. Raven would not have willingly made a loan offer with these strange conditions. Rhea would still be struggling, praying for a way to save her business. Either way she looked at it, her life seemed doomed. She pushed the negative thoughts from her mind. She needed to stay positive. She was working on rebuilding her faith. She needed to keep praying about her situation, hoping the Lord answered her prayers.
    She eyed the others strolling toward the cafeteria. No doubt dinner would start soon.