Free Catering to Love by Carolyn Hughey Page A

and asks for the other cooks’ input for recipes. Wants them to create stuff.” He snorted. “Like I’m really buying that crap.”
    “Are you nuts?” Rocky said, after ordering his beer. “I’ve never had a boss ask for my input. My bosses are ‘It’s my way or the highway.’ At least she asks. So what’s wrong with that?”
    “I’m just not buying it. She’s just trying to make everyone like her.”
    “And do they?”
    “Oh yeah. They like her all right.”
    Rocky sipped his beer. “So what’s the problem then?”
    “I just don’t like her.”
    “Do you think it could be because she bought the place you wanted?”
    “That could be part of it, I guess.”
    “Is she ugly?”
    “No, actually, she’s pretty damn hot.”
    “And this is a problem, why?”
    “Never mind, I guess you wouldn’t understand the predicament I’m in. I guess you’d have to be there to understand it.”
    “Is she looking for any help?”
    “She could be. I don’t know. Why don’t you stop by and ask?” He shook his head, puzzled by Rocky’s interest. “That is, if you don’t mind working for a broad.”
    “I might just do that. But more importantly, Corey, I met you tonight because I was looking for a way to kick back, laugh a little, and have a good time. Quite honestly, you’re getting to be a pain in my butt. You’re no fun anymore. All you do is whine, and I’m tired of it.” He threw money on the bar, “I’ve had enough for one night.” He slugged back his drink. “We all have problems, we all have baggage, but you don’t hear me complaining. Call me when you have your head back on straight.” He turned on his heel and walked out the door.
    Was he whining too much? No one understood what he was going through. He had to admit Gabi was very nice, but he just wished he could trust her. Truth was, he was afraid. Was he being too critical? Was it fair for him to judge all women based on Victoria’s actions? Probably not. But something about working for Gabi didn’t seem like the right choice.

Gabi was grateful it was Sunday. That meant she had an entire day to finish unpacking and get settled into the suite at the inn. Almost galloping up the stairs, she unlocked the door, anxious to clean up before the movers arrived and filled it with boxes and furniture from the storage unit she’d rented. If there was one thing she hated, it was living out of a suitcase. She relished the idea that this was now her home and she didn’t have to ever move again. She was thankful Nell had moved out earlier than the scheduled date.
    Knowing tonight she’d be sleeping in her own bed was a big deal. It brought a smile to her face. She looked around the expansive room trying to decide where she wanted to place her furniture and released a sigh. Being able to just roll out of bed in the morning and walk downstairs to work was an added bonus. No icy windows to scrape, no warming up her car, and no getting all bundled up to walk outside. As she swept the floor, the broom slipped from her hands and hit the wall. She quickly grabbed it and reminded herself to tell the movers to be quiet since the rooms were rented out for the long Washington’s Birthday weekend.She didn’t want to disturb the guests. Stopping to glance around again, she couldn’t believe she was finally the owner of this glorious building. Things were definitely looking up, and could only get better.
    Now that she’d hired Estelle to handle the guest rooms, she felt a lot more comfortable knowing that part of the business would be taken care of, and she would be free to deal with other important issues. Being able to focus on the details is of the utmost importance to running a good operation.
    Excitement spiraled through her when she saw the movers pull up to the back door. She opened the door just as Jimmy Beck, the owner of the moving company, was about to knock.
    “Good morning,” he said, with a bright smile that showed a strong resemblance to