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“Don’t ever work for free, Lys You’re too talented and too valuable to do that People who ask you to work for nothing aren’t worth working for”

Lyssa thought about that

“Well, it’s not for nothing, because you let me use the kitchen here for my projects” She laid her hands on the counter and pushed herself upright “Tell you what—nor in my own supplies when I bake here Instead of a paycheck, why don’t you payI don’t have to take into class, you can sell, if it meets your approval”

Jacqui knew that was still a better deal for her than it was for the younger wo

“Done And if we sell your creations, you get a cut” Lyssa started to protest, but Jacqui shook her head “That’s my final offer”

Lyssa hugged Jacqui back “Fine We’ll do it your way, boss lady”

“Okay, now go to class andthem with your mad skills”

Lyssa stepped back and tossed her a jaunty salute “Yes, ma’am”

Jacqui rolled her eyes and tossed one of the white cotton towels she kept behind the counter at her e, and headed into the back of the shop She returned a less than a ht jacket She waved as she walked out the front door of the store

Jacqui waved back and then settled against the counter again Now, it really was too quiet

She decided to take care of a few chores, but even placing the next week’s order for supplies and wiping down the cases only took a short ti her fingers on the counter again

She turned to go back into the kitchen and then heard the bell above the shop door ring out Jacqui turned back around, a sreet the new customer

Holy cow, she thought, the guy’s gorgeous Like seriously, eous

Perfect jet-black hair cut short, but not too short Just a hint of beard stubble, sexy but still well-grooth under a tailored jacket that Jacqui was pretty sure cost more than the store’s rent

Jacqui had to look up at hied to say, “Welcoet for you today?”

The grin he gave her in response made her knees weak