LITMIR.BIZ

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path lay clear.

      He gestured toward her refrigerator with the tray. “You have kids.”

      Lisa glanced at the refrigerator, covered with drawings, baton and soccer reminders, and handcrafted magnets from Abby and Bobby. She didn’t understand why her having children threw him off guard. She raised her eyebrows in question.

      He shrugged. “I just…Running a business from your home seems more difficult with kids underfoot.”

      “I based my business at home because I have children. It’s more convenient and saves money on babysitters. We have strict rules regarding their presence in my bakery.”

      “I’m sure you do.” His gaze flicked to her bare left hand.

      Lisa drew herself straighter. “Children, but no husband. Not anymore.”

      Joe’s tanned skin darkened. “I’m sorry.”

      It hardly seemed businesslike to think of a potential client as cute, but his blush endeared him to her. Lisa led him toward the living room, feeling his gaze on her. Every nerve along her spine prickled with awareness. Settling in a chair across from his, she poured their drinks. She handed one to him and said, “I assume you’re considering Goodies to Go for your company’s party.”

      Joe glanced at her, then studied his glass. “Yes, we are. I’m arranging the event myself because I want it to be special. We’ve had a profitable fiscal year so far, and we want to reward our staff.” He took a sip of tea. “A few of them uprooted their lives to follow us from California. Hopefully, the celebration will help our new employees feel more like part of the team.”

      “I’ve read about the success of your company. You’ve created quite a stir in our little town.” She raised an eyebrow. “Why did you locate in Howard?”

      “My partner, Dylan Ross, is from here. I grew up just east of Kansas City. We worked for the same company in California and became friends as the token Midwestern boys. Later we left and formed our company.”

      He shrugged. “After my dad retired, my parents remembered Dylan’s stories of its small-town charm and moved to Howard. We could relocate the business here because the universities nearby provide an educated workforce. It’s small enough for comfort, but not too far from Kansas City to entertain.”

      “You may have forgotten how precarious summer can be in Missouri, weatherwise. Have you decided on an indoor or an outdoor event?”

      He took a long drink. “I’m still looking into both options, although with the humidity, we’ll probably opt for indoors. I’ll make a decision after I analyze costs.” He set his glass on a coaster on the end table. “But I’m actually here today to discuss a different matter.”

      Lisa’s heartbeat quickened, and she eyed him with interest. Did he want her to cater a second party for his company? That would really help alleviate some of the debt Brad had left her. It came to over a million dollars, if she counted the double mortgage on the house, and since the bank counted it, Lisa had to, as well. She needed as much work as she could drum up.

      She took a calming breath. Easy, girl. Wouldn’t want to appear too eager. “Would this be for your company?”

      “Not exactly. Maybe I’d better start at the beginning.”

      “Okay.” She wouldn’t get her hopes up, she told herself, but, oh, how she needed the money.

      “You’re catering the Howard Garden Society’s annual show next weekend, correct?”

      She nodded, thinking of her frosting flowers in the freezer. The exhibit would showcase hothouse exotics. Lisa wanted her presentations to be as impressive to the eye as they were sweet to the taste. She hoped this commission would lead to others, not only from the Garden Society, whose Rose Exhibit was scheduled for June, but also private parties from the attendees. Word-of-mouth advertising was invaluable.

      “My mother is a member,” Joe said.

      “So that’s how you heard of me.”

      “Not exactly. I got your bid before I knew.” He grimaced. “I wish I had known you were catering their event.”

      He didn’t sound happy. What was he, some kind of flower hater? “And why is that, Mr. Riley?”

      His direct gaze snagged hers. “Because then I wouldn’t have told my mother you and I are practically engaged.”

      Lisa blinked, then forced a laugh. “You’re kidding, right?”

      He shook his head.

      “But why would you say an idio—” She cleared her throat. “I mean—”

      “No, you’re right. It was idiotic. I was desperate.”

      She frowned. “How did I get involved?”

      “My mother wants me to get married. She keeps surprising me with dinner partners or arranging dates, then calling at the last minute to inform me.”

      A man this handsome didn’t need help getting a date unless there was something wrong with him, like a felony record he’d neglected to mention. “This may seem presumptuous of me to ask, but since you’ve involved me in your personal life, I’m going to. Why don’t you have a girlfriend?”

      He narrowed his eyes, obviously catching her tone. “I’m setting up a business in a new town. I suggested we relocate, moving a thriving enterprise home to take care of my aging parents. I don’t have time for a relationship.”

      “Oh.” She shrugged. “Tell your mother to stop.”

      Joe laughed. Lisa eyed him warily. He thought this was funny? Not that his laughter held much humor.

      “You don’t know her.” He blew out a breath. “She’s fragile.”

      “She doesn’t sound fragile.”

      “My father and I worry about her, especially since her heart attack. The doctor confined her to bed for three weeks.” His indrawn breath shook. “She’s better now, but not one hundred percent. We have to be careful with her.”

      While she admired his dedication, Lisa’s sympathy went only so far. “What does this have to do with me?”

      “She’s badgering me to meet ‘a nice woman,’ and she would have arranged it herself. So I told her I was seriously involved with someone.” He gave her a smile and shrugged. “Your brochure was on my desk.”

      Lisa stared at him, unimpressed with both his predicament and his charming smile. “Tell her the truth.”

      “I’ve tried that. She doesn’t listen. You’re my only option.”

      A cold weight settled in her stomach. He didn’t want her catering talent. He wanted to use her to ward off his mother. Anger warred with disappointment. She’d been right about him, after all. He was as selfish and devious as Brad. Lisa stood, anxious for him to leave.

      “Sorry, I can’t help you.” Her tone came out flat as she realized how much she sacrificed by refusing.

      He stood, as well. “You don’t understand. She’s going to search you out at the Garden Society exhibit and introduce herself to you.”

      She dipped her head in acknowledgment. “I’m sure I’ll be pleased to meet her.”

      Joe’s shoulders drooped. “You’re a hard woman.”

      “Because I won’t lie to your mother?” She threw her hands in the air, having had her fill of deceptive men. “Did you think I’d lie to your family in return for this catering job?”

      “Hear me out. I’m not hurting my mother. I—”

      “Not hurting her?” She stepped closer to him, trying to keep her voice level but unsure she could contain her frustration. “Every lie hurts someone. I don’t want any part of it.”

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