Free Edible Espionage by Shaunna Owens

looked at the ground. “About last night…”
    Her smile faded as she thought of a response.
    “I’m sorry for the whole thing, knocking you down, being overprotective…just… everything.” He rested his right hand on his hip.
    For spying on me, too? I’ll make sure you’re really sorry. “Apology accepted.” Ish. “Let’s move on.” She smiled curtly and moved over to the sink to wash her hands so she could start scooping out balls of dough.
    Later that afternoon, Sarah sat in the plush office chair, put her feet up on the wood desk, and dialed Fi. “Hey. How’s your day?”
    “Good. Ella’s finally on a schedule, and Jake and Ronald are all lined up to watch her while I staff the bakery. Jane even said she’d come in if I got slammed.”
    Realizing she’d been holding her breath, Sarah exhaled. “I’m glad your family can help out. Tell them thanks.”
    “You all ready to go? How are the recipes coming?”
    “I’m all packed up at home. I have the list made for the bakery equipment and the ingredients are already boxed up.” She fingered the papers on the desk.
    “I really like the ones you decided on. You’ll be great, Sar.”
    “I hope so. I’ve got a couple alternative recipes ready depending on how the judging starts out.” Putting down her feet, she adjusted in the chair.
    “Always prepared.” Fiona giggled.
    “Something like that. I know we need to win.”
    “Yes, we do. I came in late last night and caught up the books. We’re…well…we need the prize money.”
    “Yeah.” Sarah closed her eyes and gently rested her head on the back of the chair, her bump still tender. She breathed deep and felt the burden of winning weighing on her chest.
    “So…how’s Gavin these days?”
    “He’s still here.” She sighed, her temper burning below the surface from all of his lies.
    “And…we aren’t happy? I thought you two were hitting it off.”
    She opened her eyes. “We were and now I’m over it.” Telling Fi the whole truth and nothing but the truth would be mounds easier when she had a win under her belt, and Gavin was long gone. I can’t even picture her reaction if we don’t win and I am forced to explain. Yikes. Scary.
    “Sar, you know I love you…don’t get upset, but…you need to let in someone.”
    Sarah sucked in a breath and sat straight up. “Fi, I―”
    “No, I don’t want to hear the crazy thing you don’t like about him. If you think his neck hair is too long or if you don’t like his jeans or whatever the reason this time, you need to get over it. He’d be good for you. Time to give someone an actual chance, Sarah.”
    Sarah resigned the fight. You wouldn’t be saying this if you knew what Gavin was actually doing here. Fiona made good points…but this time Sarah’s reasons were far from frivolous.

Chapter Six: Stand There and Look Pretty
    “Here is your copy of the schedule.” Sarah shoved papers across the counter.
    They were both sitting on stools at the main island in The Lab. The last week proved to be awkward, and Gavin couldn’t put his finger on why. She couldn’t possibly know why I’m here. The coy playfulness in her beautiful gaze he’d come to expect had turned cold and distant. Does she have a problem with me?
    “For?” He matched her tone.
    “The Trio Trifecta. And this is the layout of our station.” She pointed to the top page. “The events are there, as well.”
    “All right.” He set down the packet on the counter. “Let’s get started.”
    “On what?”
    “A dry run for this bad boy.” Gavin rubbed his hands together.
    “ We aren’t doing a dry run.” Her gaze didn’t leave the information packet.
    “Why not? We need to be a well-oiled machine out there.” He flipped through the pages, landing on the competition rules. “We won’t have much time to make the cookies.”
    “I know.” Her mouth pressed into a firm line. “I’ve practiced.”
    “When?” He stood.
    “Why the twenty questions? I know