Free Dinner at Eight-epub by Jess Dee

Would he ever see her and not feel pole-axed? “You’ve sent me pictures of One Smart Cookie. Now it’s time to visit in real life. Up to giving me the grand tour?”
    Her mouth drew into a smile of delight. “Always.” She waved him around the counter. “You’re just in time. I’m about to take a fresh batch of white choc and macadamia cookies out of the oven. Nessy?” She looked at the other woman standing behind the display.
    “I’ve got it, boss. Go ahead.”
    The small shop was filled with customers, all of whom would now miss out on being served by his gorgeous friend. Jared hid his smug smile.
    Ava took his hand and tugged him into the back room. Delicious smells hit him as soon as he crossed the threshold, making his stomach contract with hunger.
    The small kitchen was equipped on one wall with ovens and a huge fridge, and the other with countertops. Two large electric mixers stood against the far side of the room, and cupboards took up every available inch of space. Tray upon tray of cookies sat on silver, mobile cooling racks.
    “So? What do you think?” Ava pulled on industrial-strength gloves and opened an oven.
    A waft of heaven-scented heat hit him in the face.
    “I’m impressed. The place looks great.” Ava had done an amazing job. The shop was decked out in eye-catching reds and white. Had Jared been walking past, none the wiser as to who owned the store, he’d have walked inside just to look around.
    The glass case in the shop front was simple, geared toward displaying the cookies to the max. Each one of them looked mouthwatering.
    An elaborate coffee machine sat beside the display case, and four small tables with three stools each had been set out, so shoppers looking for a quick break to enjoy a cookie and a coffee could rest their weary feet.
    Ava removed a large tray from the oven, sliding it into one of the racks. “Jimmy designed the shop and Liv decorated it. I couldn’t have done it without either of them. And Liv got me great discounts on all the equipment and furniture.”
    She removed a second tray, and Jared feared he might pass out from hunger pains. The interview he’d just had, for a temporary consultant position at an established veterinary practice in Randwick, had run way overtime, and he’d skipped lunch.
    “Give these cookies a couple of minutes to cool down and then you can try one. You’ll burn your tongue if you take it now. Your fingers too.”
    Jared looked around, taking in every tray. “You did all of this, Av? You baked them all?”
    She laughed as she removed a final tray. “It’s my job. Nessy helps. Or Delia, depending on who’s working. They’ve both been with me from the beginning. It’s usually me and one of them in the shop, but for a few hours every weekend I’ve started leaving the place to them and some part-timers, so then they do all the baking.”
    “And these cookies?” He gestured to the cooling racks. “How did you come up with recipes for all of them?”
    She shrugged. “Trial and error. I played with the original recipe, adding, or switching one thing or another until I found winning combinations. It’s fun discovering new flavors. Hard work, but fun.”
    Jared walked over to a rack, inhaling deeply. “What are these?”
    “Anzac cookies. The only biscuits I sell that aren’t really mine. Zoey’s grandmother gave me her recipe—on condition I send her a box once a week. More than a fair trade, I thought. Try one.” She picked up a cookie with a pair of tongs and handed it to Jared.
    He consumed it slowly, humming his appreciation. “That’s delicious.”
    “I know, right?” She grinned. “These ones on the lower racks are my Healthy Bites. I replace sugar and refined flour with honey, ground nuts, whole-wheat flour and chia. Oi, stop grimacing.” She poked him in the ribs. “They’re delicious.”
    “As bird food maybe.” He shook his head when she picked one up with her tongs. “I want the sugar and refined