Free Sweet for You: A BBW Billionaire Romance by Harper Ashe

wasn’t wearing it.
    Maybe the tie idea was a miss, but she was determined to make sure the launch party was a home run. So much would be riding on that night: the future of Blake Foods, her career at the gourmet foods company, and her relationship with Stephen.
    After several months of exquisite torture working so close to him, she was tired of waiting for him to make a move. Tomorrow night, when the party was over, she would let him know how she felt once and for all and cross her fingers that he felt the same way. If he didn’t, at least she would know that for once in her life, she wasn’t afraid to take a chance on love.
    After the drunken kiss fiasco in her apartment and the whole “sexual harassment” conversation in his office, she had been convinced that Stephen wasn’t interested in her. Over time though, small clues started to tell a different story. He wasn’t the type to wear his heart on his sleeve. Rather, he was subtle in the way he showed his interest. Or at least, that was what she hoped.
    Giving her carte blanche access to the penthouse floor. Going out of his way to ask for her advice when he clearly didn’t need it. Agreeing to drop formality in lieu of first names. To Abby, these things spoke of Stephen’s affection for her, even if his words didn’t.
    Then there was the final tasting in the test kitchen.
    Oh my! She had never been so hot and bothered in her life. And a few discreet glances at Stephen’s lap told her that the feeling was definitely mutual. To Abby, all of these things pointed to something more than a simple working relationship.
    Her employment contract at Blake Foods would be up in a few months and she had money in the bank to tide her over if things didn’t turn out like she hoped. So other than her pride and dignity, what did she have to lose by telling Stephen that she was in love with him?

Chapter 11
    A bby slipped out of her yoga pants and t-shirt and into her party dress, which was hand-picked by Lois Carlyle to highlight Abby’s physical attributes and downplay her curvy imperfections. In other words, the knee-length, dark burgundy dress with cap sleeves and a high waist showcased her cleavage and shapely calves and camouflaged her belly, butt, and thighs.
    Nervous energy hummed through her body. She had spent the entire day overseeing the event planners, and even though she was confident that they knew what to do and when, she was still worried that something would go wrong. Eventually, Martha and Chef Laurent had shooed her out of the Blake Foods building lobby so she could freshen up and change while the event photographers got set up They were hired to capture the essence of the decorated lobby before the guests and media arrived.
    It was her idea to hold the party in the Blake Foods building rather than some random hotel that nobody would remember once the night was over. While the main function would take place in the spacious lobby, which had been transformed into a magical dessert oasis, the chef would be hosting tours of his test kitchen to offer an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the heart and soul of the Sweet for You desserts line. 
    After dressing with care and admiring how she looked in her dress, Abby put the finishing touches on her hair and makeup, took a deep breath, and strode toward the elevator.
    It was show time!
    ~~~
    L ess than half an hour after the party started, the lobby was packed wall-to-wall with people. Although the catering staff was mingling with trays of champagne and bite-sized Sweet for You treats, everyone was talking about the colossal, cupcake-shaped dessert display. The impressive centerpiece screamed, “This tiny dessert line is going to be HUGE!”
    Abby was surprised by the early arrival of so many of the guests as well as local and national media representatives. She did her best to work the crowd, greeting each guest personally, thanking them for coming and reminding them about the test kitchen tours.
    When Stephen