Free A Sweet Possibility (Archer Cove Series Book 2) by Natalie Charles Page B

back in her seat, appearing to mull over the statement." And then Quinn told me that he needed someone different by his side. Someone who had a more sophisticated business sense and not — how did he put it? Bakery social skills."
    Nate blinked. "Wait. Is that what he said? Those words came out of his mouth?"
    "Close." She said it calmly, almost as if she were resigned. "I've spent so much of my life being the outsider. In high school, I was the kid whose parents had moved to Europe and left her to live with her uncle and cousin in a cramped apartment. Now I look around and see that everyone else is advancing in interesting careers, getting married, and having babies. I kind of want to be like everyone else for a change." She looked at him. "Do you think that's wrong?"
    The way she was watching him right then, like she was looking for something, anything, to hold onto, well. It tore him up inside. "Hell no, it's not wrong," he said quietly. "There's nothing wrong with what you've said. It's just that..." He paused, not knowing what should follow. "I think you're great the way you are, and if Quinn can't see that, it's his problem. That's all."
    She smiled sadly and tipped her glass to tap against his. "Cheers. Thanks for that."
    He eyed her over the rim of his glass. "What else? There's something you're not telling me."
    She pulled her chair closer to his — so close that their legs touched, and a thrill shot up his side. Jessie didn't seem to notice as she pulled a slip of paper out of her handbag. "I've made a list of my faults. I'm going to fix them. All of them."
    He blinked twice at her. "Wait. You did — you wrote —"
    "I made a list of my faults," she said, more slowly. "And I'm going to fix them. Quinn will make partner in August, and then he'll be ready for a relationship again. By that time, I will be a whole new person." She smiled. "The woman of his dreams. And I want you to help me."
    Oh for the love of...Nate shifted back in his seat and reached for his beer. "Jess. Come on." He paused, curiosity getting the best of him. "Let me see the list."
    She brought the folded piece of paper closer to her chest. "I'm not ready to share it."
    "You want me to mold you into the perfect woman, is that it? But you won't even show me what's on that piece of paper?"
    Her lips thinned as she considered the question, and moment by moment, she relaxed her shoulders and brought the paper away from her chest." I guess when you put it that way...but you can't laugh. You have to promise me."
    "You're coming to me, looking for my professional advice. I will be the paragon of professionalism."
    He sort of meant it, but she didn't look convinced. Reluctantly, she handed over the paper. Jackpot.
    Nate could barely contain his interest as he unfolded the paper. Was this —? Yes, it was. Pink stationery. With purple flowers at the top. She was so darn cute that Nate started to smile despite himself. Then he saw what she'd written, and the smile dropped away.

    1 . Problem : bakery social skills.
    Solution: Must think before speaking. Or acting.**
    2. Problem: headed nowhere professionally.
    Solution: Must be more ambitious. Must be fearless. Open chocolate shop to demonstrate both.
    3. Problem: headed nowhere personally —> perhaps due to bakery social skills (BSS)?
    Solution: Must comply with #1 and #2. Small talk is critical.
    4. Problem: don't fit dress.
    Solution: Lose three pounds a week times five weeks.

    ** N .B . No more mimosas. They are marketed as classy, but are actually the devil. Also, because of empty calories and sugars.

    I t was like a dark cloud blackening his mood. Was this what Jessie thought of herself? "Bakery social skills?" he murmured. What the hell did that mean?
    She took that as an invitation to remove the paper from his hands in one quick gesture and refold it into a small square. "I don't think it's my fault, per se. I haven't been exposed to more cultured matters, that's all. I also haven't challenged