Sweet Dreams (The Bakery Romance Series Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

Amen.”
    “Amen.”
    They ate in silence. Once they were done, he remembered dessert. Although there had been food left after the repast, the desserts were gone. He still had the red velvet cake that had landed on the floor. He’d taken Adrian’s suggestion, rescued the portion that had not touched the floor. He’d kept it for himself.
    He pulled the cake out of the refrigerator. “Did you want a piece? Before you say yes, I need to warn you about something.” He told her the cake landed on the floor the previous day, leaving out the details about how it happened. “I threw away the first layer, but the other two should be fine.”
    She shrugged, eyeing the dessert. “Sure, I’ll have some.”
    He loaded their plates with thick bright red slices of cake coated with smooth creamy frosting. He popped a bite into his mouth. The blend of the buttermilk and chocolate flavors was phenomenal.
    “Oh. My. Goodness.” She smacked her lips, finishing her cake in minutes. “That is the best cake.”
    He grinned. “Thanks. I’m a baker…and so was my dad. We used to work together and red velvet was his favorite cake. I like it, too.”
    Her pretty eyes widened. “You made this cake?”
    He chuckled, sat up straighter in his chair. Hearing praise about his baking lifted his sullen mood. “Yeah, I made it. I make stuff every day. That’s my job and I love it.” He sighed. Since his stomach was now full, and he’d had a busy evening, it was time to lie down. He glanced at his watch. “Adrian should be home.”
    She nodded, standing. “Yes, she should be.”
    He covered the disposable aluminum container with foil, before pressing it into Misty’s hands. “You and Adrian can have the rest of the casserole.”
    She accepted the container, smiling. “Thanks.” She placed the container on the table.
    He cut a couple of slabs of cake. “You can take this, too.”
    “Thanks. I appreciate it. Too bad Jennifer isn’t here. She really loves sweets.”
    He frowned, puzzled as he wrapped the cake slices in foil. “Jennifer? Who’s that?”
    “Oh, Jennifer’s my daughter.”
    “Your daughter?”
    She nodded. “Yeah. Didn’t Adrian tell you that I have a two-and-a half year-old?”
    He shook his head. “No, she didn’t mention that. Where is she?”
    “Who, Adrian?”
    He placed the slices of cake beside the casserole dish. “No, your daughter. Where is she? She’s not going to be living with you and Adrian?” He wondered if Misty refused to raise her daughter herself and had placed her into someone else’s care.
    She pursed her lips, staring at her red-painted nails. “She’s with my mother right now.”
    “So, your mom lives in Lehigh Acres, right?”
    “Yes, I’ve been living with my mom forever. This is the first time I’m moving out on my own.”
    He frowned, wanting to ask another question, but wondered if Misty would get offended. He might as well ask. “So you just left your daughter with your mom? Why in the world would you do that?”
    Misty’s head snapped up and her jaw tensed. “What kind of a question is that?” Her tone filled with anger. Maybe he shouldn’t have asked the question after all.
    “Well, there’s lots of grandparents in my church who’re raising their grandchildren and it’s really hard on them. Can you imagine running around after a two-year-old when you have a hard time getting around yourself?” He shook his head, pushing the food toward Misty. “Just makes me wonder about the responsibility of today’s young mothers.” He glanced at Misty. Her mouth was set in a hard line. “How old are you, anyway?” 
    She turned away, not answering his question. He took a deep breath. “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.” But he did wonder about her leaving her child behind.
    She stood, shoving her chair underneath his table, taking the food. “I think it’s time for me to leave.” She took the food and he opened the door for her. She practically ran