Taming Megan Read Online Free Page B

felt a little intimidated in these kinds of situations but tried not to let on. Jake didn’t need to worry about her with all he had going on already.
    Megan had insisted on cooking the meal for their guests and had been busy with it since the past weekend. This was one thing she could do well. She had done this sort of thing before but this weekend, the stakes were high and she didn’t want to mess anything up. She mentally checked off her to-do list.
    “I think we’re ok. I ordered the case of wine you wanted and that should be in by Friday. I’ve got some more cooking to do but Anna will come over to help with that later today.”
    “Ok. I’m sorry I’m not around to help more this week. You’re sure you don’t want me to hire someone to help you?”
    “No. I know Anna, I trust her and it will be easier for me to just have her here helping.”
    “Well, don’t stress, Meg, everything you’ve made so far has been great.”
    “Thanks,” she said, walking Jake out to his car and hurrying back inside to work.
    The phone rang as soon as Megan was inside. “Hey Meg, how are preparations coming along?”
    It was Anna. Megan poured a cup of coffee and sat down. “Ok, I think. Most everything only has to be reheated. I’m working on finger foods today. The main course is ready and at this point, there’s not much I can do before Saturday. How about you, is it busy at the shop?”
    “Had our early morning rush but now it’s quieting down. I’ll be baking for a while and then I’ll head over your way to help you out.”
    Anna was a godsend. Megan had met her when she had first started at the bakery. Anna had been there for six years before her. She was older, in her mid-forties and had a teenage daughter. She was a single mom; her husband had passed away in a car accident long before Megan had met her. She was like a big sister to Megan, had been from the start. When the bakery got into some financial trouble and almost closed, Jake helped Megan take out a loan and Megan bought it from the original owners. It was more out of love for the place than for profit; they just barely made ends meet these days. Jake had always offered to help but Megan was determined to do this on her own.
    “I really appreciate you helping, Anna. I’m kind of nervous.”
    “You’ll be fine. No, you’ll be great. You’re a great cook, what do you have to be nervous about?”
    “It’s not the cooking,” she said, sipping her coffee. “I’m nervous about the company. I don’t want to screw this up for Jake.”
    “How would you screw it up?”
    “You know I’m not that good in groups. Besides, these people are at Jake’s level, not mine.”
    “Stop right there,” Anna said. “There is no Jake’s level or your level and you know the first person who’d correct you on that—Jake. When are you going to get that through your thick head?”
    Megan smiled. “You’re a good friend, Anna.”
    “Now get your ass up and get cooking. I’ll see you in a few hours. Call me if I need to pick anything up on my way.”
    “I will. Thanks Anna.”
    They hung up the phone and Megan got to work.
     
    * * *
     
    Jake felt like he went from one meeting to another. The last few weeks had been stressful but the deal he was working on was big. He wanted to do the design for a new shopping mall going up in a part of town that was being rebuilt. It was down to him and one other firm, a much bigger, better known firm. The planners would make their decision by the end of the month. He had a shot though and he enjoyed the competition. This weekend’s party would be the icing on the cake. Megan would charm the last few board members who were undecided. He knew she was nervous about the party and her wanting to cater it herself was as much out of her passion for cooking and baking as it was a crutch, the kitchen being someplace she could go to in order to hide.
    His cell phone rang and seeing it was Megan, he picked it up. “Hey honey,