Free A Sweet and Spicy Kind Of Love by Minx Charmer Page A

way.”
     
    “Thank you Julian. That is most kind of you to say and I am honored by the reference to your mother. And you?  What you are off to this morning if I may be so bold.”
     
    “Actually I have to meet with the head of the Chili competition as I have a few questions and some small details to iron out. I’ll keep you posted on that. I am thinking that we will include a floral exhibition in the competition as well to show off your magnificent skills. What do you think about that?”
     
    Belinda was suddenly at a loss for words. Even though the offer was made in a matter of fact way, just the thought of someone, other than her daughter, appreciating her efforts warmed her heart. Feeling her eyes moistened she nodded slowly.
     
    Julian was amazed at the reaction. He could not believe that such a simple offer could produce such an emotional response, but he was glad that he had made it. With a small wave he left Belinda staring at him with hope in her eyes.
     
    ~~~
     
    Yolanda and Molly met at the Inn for some hot chocolate and strawberry pancakes.
     
    “I only have a moment Yolanda, but at least we can enjoy our pancakes before the morning rush begins. I am so glad that you are back. Did things go well with you in the city?”
     
    Her friend shook her head with a wry expression “Nah! It was horrible, but I know I am a small town girl and I was glad to come back. Looks like you feel the same way. But that fancy cooking class you went to really helped right? I mean now you have a great job and all these people know how you can steam things. Fascinating I say.”
     
    Molly made a face “Cook things silly, not steam things.”
     
    Yolanda waved her hand in a dismissing gesture “Ridiculous difference. Steaming and cooking are near enough that I can use any one of the two to make my point, which is when you put something on the stove, it comes out good. How’s that for an explanation?”
     
    Molly agreed to disagree. It was either that or get Yolanda riled up for the rest of the day with her dramatics. “Well then, tell me about yourself. Anything new I need to know?”
     
    “No way girl! We are not talking about me. We are talking about you and specifically how things are going with you know who?”
     
    Molly’s bright mood suddenly dimmed and she sighed deeply. Yolanda saw her expression and grimaced “That bad eh?”
     
    “Well sometimes I feel like a yo-yo, you know? Up and down and all around? I didn’t even get to send the pie the other day as I had planned to.” With a sigh Molly put her hands under her chin “Sometimes I think Julian does notice me and other times it is though I don’t exist. I am tired of waiting for him. I just can’t take the seesawing emotions anymore. Does that make sense to you or am I giving up too soon?”
     
    Yolanda was horrified if her gaping mouth was any indication “What! Your problem is you have waited way too long to end this, but now that I am here you are going to get that man once and for all, do you hear me? No excuses!”
     
    Molly’s slight giggle made Yolanda smile in return “There, there now. See, you are happy again. Don’t make this get you down my girl. It is time for some action. Now fill me in on that Ethan fellow you were seen with a couple nights now. Who is he and what is the deal going out with him?”
     
    Molly shrugged “Well I thought that I could enjoy myself with someone else instead. I can’t wait on Julian forever, but I must confess that these couple evenings have been a bit of a bore. Ethan is nice, yes, but I feel….well actually I could not stop comparing both men and it spoiled any opportunity I could have had for a nice time. Ethan obviously did not feel the same way as he is calling on me to go out tonight again.”
     
    Yolanda was intrigued “Well now, things are finally looking up. I do think you need to go with him, but I think you should time the outing more accurately.”
     
    Molly was puzzled “What do