Free Love for Dessert (Contemporary Romance) by Kate Goldman Page A

to put on a bit of eyeliner and mascara before she was stopped by the loud ringing of the doorbell. “Crap, he’s here.” She headed to the door quickly as she grabbed her wallet and phone along the way. She pulled it open, and there he was. “Hi.”
     
    He grinned as he saw her. “Sorry if I’m staring, you look beautiful.” She was so happy that he thought her still beautiful even when she wasn’t dressed up.
     
    Darren had made reservations for them at a nice restaurant, and they had a wonderful time discussing the bakery, and Anastasia’s plans for the future, among other things. Anastasia was captivated by his kind eyes, his caring personality and his attractive body. She could feel her heart beating faster every time she saw him and she felt like she could tell him anything.
     
    Near the end of the night, after they had just finished dessert and were drinking the last of their wine, Darren reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “Anastasia… I don’t know if this is moving too fast, or if it seems desperate, but during these past couple days, I’ve really grown to feel like we are incredibly compatible. You’re so beautiful, funny and smart. I haven’t met anyone like you before. Would you…” He paused, genuinely shy. “Would you be my girlfriend?”
     
    She was so delighted that she giggled. “Yes, Darren, I will.”
     

**
     
    Though it was still early in the morning, Anastasia awoke with a newfound joy in her heart. It was a nice feeling, to be wanted. She was excited to be working in her new bakery, and judging by yesterday’s turnout, there would be a lot of people coming. There was a morning text from Darren waiting for her on her phone, which made her smile. Good morning, girlfriend, hope you had a good sleep. I miss seeing you already. It was somewhat juvenile and reminded her of high school, but in a good way.
     
    At eight, Anastasia opened her doors, looking forward to another day. It was nice being her own boss. The first couple hours crept by slowly with an average amount of customers. Many of them were friendly and willing to make small talk with her, which she enjoyed. But as soon as the clock hit three, an abundance of students poured in, for school had just ended.
     
    They praised her baked goods loudly and happily, swearing that they would tell all their friends about this delightful little bakery. Anastasia couldn’t help but smile as she watched them enjoy what she had created. She was also looking forward to seeing Darren again, so she texted him. Are you free tonight?
     
    He texted back quickly. Can’t. Have to help sort out mess at work. The old man who runs the shop… had a heart attack. He’s in the hospital. Might not make it. I’ll have to work all the way until closing.
     
    Anastasia gasped in surprise. He had seemed like such a nice man the time she had briefly met him and she hoped that he would pull through. The bell above the door rung as it swung open, letting in another big group of what looked to be tourists. There was no time to be thinking about the old man now. “Welcome to Ana’s Sweets!”
     

**
     
    After work, Anastasia dropped by the bakery to see if Darren was there. He had told her he would be staying until closing, but the only people who were in the bakery were four men, three of whom looked like patrons. Well, they didn’t really look like typical bakery-goers. They wore completely black jackets which looked suspiciously identical. Their dark baggy jeans hung low and they had sunglasses on, even though it was nighttime. The fourth man was wearing a bakery uniform, and she assumed he worked there.
     
    As she entered, all of them turned to look at her. It seemed as if she had interrupted an important meeting. The man with the uniform looked at her impatiently. He looked young, and scraggly.
     
    “Hi, I’m looking for Darren?” she asked quietly, feeling very out of place and somewhat scared.
     
    “He’s not