Nothing to Lose Read online

  ‘Smart thinking. In ten minutes the highway will be congested. Your early arrival gives us a chance to go over basic training before the breakfast rush.’ She passed Jessie a pink apron. ‘A pity to cover that beautiful dress, but better to keep it protected from coffee spills and crumbs.’

  Jessie tied the apron around her waist. Nerves agitated her stomach. She would prove she could do the job.

  ‘We open at eight Monday through Saturday to supply people heading to work with morning coffee and a quick breakfast.’ Heather scrunched her nose. ‘Are you an up-at-the-crack-of-dawn kind of girl?’

  She’d awake with the birds to secure employment here. ‘I’m available mornings, evenings, and weekends.’

  Chuckling, Heather shook her head. ‘I like your enthusiasm, but we already have one person who works sun-up to sun-down. You must be like Travis. All work and no play.’ She wiped the tables. ‘No Mr Robinson in the picture?’

  Jessie found a cloth behind the counter and wiped the remaining tables. ‘No husband, boyfriend, girlfriends, children, or pets.’

  Heather stood straight. ‘You must have family?’

  She paused, wondering how to respond. ‘We’re not close. A long story.’

  The older woman frowned, but she didn’t question further. ‘In the old location, we catered mainly to client orders. But upon moving here, I bought the glass cabinet to offer treats. We close at six, and I come in on Sundays during the spring and summer months for a few hours. We schedule special order appointments in the evenings or Sunday for customers who are unable to pop by during the week.’

  The hours were perfect, and if Jessie needed added convincing—which she didn’t—the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked goods were a definite selling factor. She glanced at the empty display. ‘You have a morning menu?’

  ‘We do. I added a breakfast menu about a year ago. The idea turned a huge profit. I’m an early riser, so I arrive at sunrise to bake.’

  Jessie inhaled a deep breath. ‘Mmm, fresh bread.’

  ‘You have a good nose.’

  ‘My parents hired a housekeeper who also prepared meals. She made the best bread.’ She let a small memory seep through the barricade. Marsha had made the mistake of leaving a fresh tray of buns to cool on the kitchen counter. Jessie devoured half of the bread so she wouldn’t get caught with a piece of crust in her mouth. Marsha had been amused, but not her parents. A long lecture followed.

  ‘You haven’t tasted mine.’ Heather checked the clock. ‘Let’s get out the breakfast items and start the coffee. Then, I’ll treat you to a slice before we open.’

  Carrying trays of cookies, cinnamon buns, and muffins, Jessie set them in the front display and closed the door quickly, resisting the urge to consume mouthfuls of the tempting treats. Heather showed her how to prepare the coffee, and gave her the security code to get the money float for the cash register out of the safe.

  With minutes to spare, Jessie cut a loaf of bread, sealed it in a bag, and placed it by the toaster oven. She chewed the slice Heather gave her then swiped a napkin over her lips to remove any remaining crumbs. Tasting the delicious bread transported her to childhood, sneaking a bun fresh from the cooling rack. Thankfully, she had no time to linger in the past. Customers piled into the bakery as soon as Heather turned the Closed sign to Open.

  The hours flew by. Jessie thought she’d be exhausted, but just the opposite. She felt revitalized even after stretches of time standing on her feet, serving coffee and treats, wiping tables, and loading the dishwasher.

  Around one, Heather forced her to take a lunch break.

  Jessie visited a few boutiques, making mental notes of items to purchase after banking her first paycheck. She then rested on a bench in the park. Stretching her legs, she tilted her head backward, letting the sun warm her cheeks. Today is my new beginning.

  ‘Great first day,’ Heather told Jessie hours later as she closed the front window blinds. ‘I’ll show you how to balance the till and prepare a new float.’ She locked the door and joined Jessie at the counter. ‘You definitely won’t need me shadowing you tomorrow. I knew you were the one.’

  She memorized the older woman’s instructions then followed her into the kitchen to put today’s profit and the new float in the safe. Travis, who she’d only spoken to once when he arrived at two, pushed a rubbery ball through what she assumed was a fondant machine.

  Heather informed her that Travis was a firefighter, which explained the beefy biceps jutting out from the hem of his t-shirt sleeves. He had dropped to part-time to help at the bakery until Abbey’s position was filled. While Heather loved having her son around, she said she’d rather he had more time to find someone special.

  Jessie stared at the strong arms, but she didn’t remove her stare soon enough.

  Travis’ gaze found hers.

  Heat caressed her face. A cute smirk lifted the corners of his mouth. Ogling the boss would lead to immediate dismissal. Jessie fixed her vision on the wall behind Travis.

  ‘How’d you do?’

  ‘She’s a superstar.’ Heather winked at Jessie. ‘Easiest training ever.’

  Smiling, Travis placed the flat sheet of fondant on a table. ‘Good to hear.’

  ‘Having the best teacher helped.’ Jessie passed him the container of flour.

  He quirked a brow. ‘Thank you.’ His fingers brushed hers.

  A tremor of goosebumps assaulted her arm. She quickly moved her hand. ‘See you tomorrow.’ Jessie grabbed her purse and squeezed the handle tight.

  ‘Have a good evening.’ Travis sprinkled a handful of flour on the table.

  She pushed open the saloon doors and walked around the counter. ‘Thank you, Heather, for everything.’ Jessie stopped at the front door and turned. ‘Can I ask you a question?’

  ‘Anything.’ Heather leaned her elbows on the counter.

  ‘Why did you have my back yesterday? You knew I wasn’t qualified, yet you didn’t tell Travis.’

  ‘I told you. I knew you were the one.’

  ‘But how?’

  ‘The moment you walked in. Your lost stare told the truth.’ Heather met Jessie at the door. ‘Sadness. Loneliness. I know that look.’ She gave Jessie’s hand a gentle squeeze. ‘You needed someone. I’ve been there. I was lost once, but a job working in a bakery saved me. Yesterday, I paid my gratitude forward.’

  Jessie wondered what happened in Heather’s past to now have tears gathering in her eyes. Maybe one day the older woman would share her story, and Jessie would do the same.

  Blinking away tears, Heather continued. ‘And … anyone who wears a washing-machine-catastrophe skirt and rocks it like she’s on a runway is topnotch in my book.’

  The older woman had a keen eye. ‘You knew?’

  ‘Seriously?’ Heather held her arms wide and pointed to her attire. ‘I’m not much of a fashionista, but I know a disaster when I see one.’

  Laughing, she hugged the older woman. ‘Thank you, Heather.’

  ‘You get home and enjoy your evening.’ Heather unlocked the door. ‘I’ll see you in the morning.’

  For the first time in a long while, Jessie believed she’d found her path. She’d finally taken a step in the right direction.

  Chapter Four

  Five days after Jessie walked in the bakery door, Travis fought the anxiety rattling his nerves. Gripping the edge of the front counter, he inhaled a deep breath. He’d been looking forward to working with Jessie today, yet lost a night’s sleep thinking about his mother’s missing presence. Her absence might have him acting on impulse. She’d have his head if he hit on their attractive new employee. Or would she? She’d forced his hand into offering Jessie a job. Surprisingly, he was grateful to his mother for her underhanded moves.

  Jessie was the answer to their staffing dilemma. After one day, she took over front counter duties.

  He had initial doubts, but she excelled beyond his expectations. The customers loved her and the bakery gained clientele in the four
days of her employment. Several men working in the sporting-goods store now came to the bakery for their morning and afternoon coffee. Travis knew the men weren’t here to sample the daily Java flavour. He wasn’t the only man to notice her friendly personality and attractiveness. Jealousy knotted Travis’ gut. Hiding in the kitchen and ignoring the sweet sound of her laughter didn’t work. He’d peeked from the kitchen to see exactly who made her laugh. The inattentiveness to his work resulted in a tray of burnt sugar cookies.

  Through the glass door, he spotted Jessie walking across the parking lot. The woman owned an exceptional wardrobe. She screamed style. Today, an umbrella in hand and wearing blue jeans with knee-high boots, she turned Saturday’s darkening grey sky a little brighter. She stole his breath. Stop gawking. Travis rushed to unlock the door. ‘Good morning.’

  ‘Good morning.’ She shook the rain droplets from the umbrella then stepped inside. ‘I think a thunder storm is on its way.’ Smiling, she went into the kitchen, placing her umbrella on a mat in the corner and her jacket and purse in the closet.

  Travis followed, hoping to add a witty response. ‘We need rain for the grass. We’ve had a dry spring.’ Smooth.

  ‘True.’ Jessie retrieved the float and placed it in the register.

  A wave of citrus floated by his nose. He inhaled the soft scent, resisting the urge to lean closer.

  ‘Smells great in here.’

  ‘Sure does.’ The words left his mouth without his brain processing their relevance. Her abrupt turn had him take a quick step backward.

  Lifting an eyebrow, she pointed to the coffee machines.

  ‘Sorry. I’m in your way.’ He moved to let her do her job. Drumming his fingers on the counter, he watched her prepare the pots and cut the loaf of bread Mom baked prior to leaving yesterday.

  ‘You don’t have to worry.’ She placed a hand over his.

  ‘Worry?’

  ‘I won’t mess up. Heather trained me well.’ Jessie tapped his hand then returned to her morning duties.

  ‘I have full confidence.’ He crossed his arms over his chest. ‘Mom likes you. She has a super-outgoing personality, but she doesn’t easily let anyone get too close. You’re the first to break down her walls.’

  Jessie smiled while she wiped the tables. ‘I’ll take that as a huge compliment. Heather is amazing. I’ve never met anyone like her. She has a way of scaring the crap out of me one moment, yet making me feel comfortable and welcomed the next. I truly believe she can read my innermost private thoughts.’

  ‘You too.’ Chuckling, Travis leaned an elbow on the counter. ‘I’m happy to hear I’m not the only one. Mom gives my answer before I have time to process her question. She knows my actions before I move.’

  Facing him, she grinned. ‘Is she a psychic or a gypsy? I bet she’s leaning over a crystal ball watching us right now.’

  He joined her laughter. With one step, he’d be close enough to touch her bound-in-a-ponytail brown hair and crimson cheeks. Travis’ gaze flicked from her green eyes to her tongue-moistened lips.

  Her stare dropped to his mouth.

  A sudden knock on the door stopped his advance.

  Jessie reacted first. She opened the blinds, turned the Closed sign to Open, and unlocked the door. ‘Good morning.’

  Travis greeted the customers then returned to the kitchen. What was I thinking? With another passing second, he would have kissed her. He wasn’t looking for a relationship, and according to Mom, Jessie enjoyed her single status.

  A cake order salvaged his focus. He stacked the three chilled, buttercream-frosted tiers, and then piped pearl beading at the joining seams of the chocolate cake. Filling a plastic bag with red peppermint candy, he sealed the top and reached for a rolling pin. He took great pleasure in crushing the tiny hearts into shards. The gesture proved how easy love could be obliterated.

  Jessie popped into the kitchen several times throughout the day to bring a tray of dishes or to request another batch of cupcakes. He wondered if her eye-contact-avoidance was due to his too-close advancement on her lips.

  ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ She pointed to the chocolate cake. ‘What’s the red stuff?’

  Travis tossed her a red peppermint heart. ‘This one survived.’ The crushed candy plastered to the buttercream like an explosion. Mint leaves were tucked between the white roses cascading down the side. ‘Mr Stark will be here at five for pick-up. He’s having a surprise anniversary party tonight for his wife of fifty years.’

  ‘A man who brings home a cake like this is a keeper.’ She popped the candy in her mouth. ‘A party wouldn’t be necessary. Perhaps an intimate evening for two? One fork and a large glass of milk.’

  She stared at the cake as if lost in her own thoughts. He dismissed the wild images darting through his mind of swiping a fingertip of the cream over Jessie’s lips. ‘Mr Stark wanted chocolate and peppermint in a romantic theme. Do you think I achieved his request?’

  ‘Above and beyond.’ She nodded, eyes wide in approval.

  He checked the clock on the wall. Fifteen minutes to spare. ‘I’m hoping to complete these before he arrives.’ He squeezed the bag of chocolate icing over a red velvet cupcake. ‘A bonus anniversary gift from the bakery.’

  ‘Need help? The front is quiet, and I’ll hear the bell if someone arrives.’ She raised an eyebrow.

  Travis would ask Mom for help if she’d been working. Why not accept Jessie’s offer? ‘Sure. Crush another bag of candy and sprinkle a dusting over these.’ He waved the icing bag to the tray of iced cupcakes.

  Jessie did an excellent job decorating. She smashed the hearts into bits, scattered the tiny pieces over the icing, and added a smidgen of edible glitter on top.

  ‘Awesome.’ Travis stepped back to view their work. ‘Your suggestion of silver glitter was spot-on.’ He held a hand in the air.

  Jessie returned his high-five. ‘We’re a good team.’

  ‘I agree.’ He met her gaze and couldn’t look away. Their silence became increasingly awkward. The bell jingled above the front door. Travis blew out a breath. ‘Probably Mr Stark.’ He passed Jessie the box of cupcakes. ‘Let him know I’ll be out in a few minutes. I want to add some of your glitter to the cake.’

  Smiling, Jessie’s cheeks flushed deep red. She turned and pushed the saloon doors to lock in their open position.

  He dusted the candy then balanced the cake tray in his hands. Nearing the front counter, he recognized a voice then froze. Definitely not Mr Stark. Travis slowly stepped backward into the kitchen.

  Jessie glanced over her shoulder.

  Placing the cake on the kitchen counter, he shook his head and placed a finger over his lips.

  ‘Please have a seat. Someone will be with you in a moment.’ She returned, closing the doors behind her. ‘What’s up?’

  ‘For every store owner, there’s one customer who has you running in the opposite direction. For me, Mrs Dolinski is that person. She’s the party coordinator of a senior’s group. She comes here for all her events. We appreciate the business. She’s a lovely lady—’

  ‘But?’

  ‘But, she’s beyond indecisive. I’ve listed every item on our menu and every specialty order. I’ve shown her our sample catalogues. Spent hours proposing ideas. Nothing I suggest pleases this woman.’ He ran a hand through his hair. ‘Heather has better success.’

  ‘So …’ Jessie folded her fingers together. ‘Why don’t you let me take a shot?’ She held up a hand. ‘Don’t say no until you hear me out.’

  He nodded, giving her the floor.

  ‘I’ve watched Heather take orders. I know the questions to ask. I’ll check the calendar to prevent overlapping the schedule.’ She shifted from foot to foot. ‘And if I run into a problem, I’ll come get you.’

  Travis normally wouldn’t let anyone other than his mother handle a special baking request, but Jessie had proved more than capable. He shrugged. ‘Okay, let’s see what you’ve got. I’ll take the reins when the meeting
goes into overtime.’

  Jessie embraced him in a fleeting hug then rushed through the doors.

  He brushed off the feverish heat running along his arms. Leaning against the wall, he tilted his head toward the door. Only muffled voices. Eavesdropping wouldn’t work. Jessie had taken Mrs Dolinski into the small meeting room located to the left of the front counter. He paced the kitchen, considering supervising the meeting. No, lurking would be too obvious. Jessie might think he had no faith in her ability. He ran a hand over his chin. Indecision tore his thoughts.

  The bell jingled above the door.

  ‘Perfect timing.’ Greeting Mr Stark at the counter, Travis snuck a quick glance toward the room where Jessie had open design books on the table.

  She turned, catching his gaze and winked.

  He assumed the thrill of a challenging client caused the twinkle in her eyes. Such beautiful eyes. Travis blocked the image. He mustn’t entertain the fantasy.

  ‘I apologize for my tardiness. My wife is becoming suspicious of my tight-lips. Sneaking out for the cake wasn’t an easy task.’

  ‘No problem at all.’ He returned to the kitchen to get the cake for the couple. ‘I hope this is what you envisioned.’

  ‘Oh, my!’ Mr Stark’s stare went wide. ‘I never imagined the cake to look this amazing. My wife will be delighted. Thank you, Travis.’

  ‘The bakery’s gift to you and your wife.’ He placed the cupcakes beside the cake.

  The older man shook Travis’ hand. ‘I can’t thank you enough. Your gracious offering is much appreciated.’

  He chatted with Mr Stark for a bit then rang in the sale. ‘I’ll get these into boxes and help you to your car.’

  Mr Stark rushed out into the rain to park his car in front of the bakery. He carried the box of cupcakes, leaving the cake in Travis’ charge. ‘I fear I’ll arrive home to a toppled mess.’

  Travis leaned under the car’s hatchback to prevent soiled boxes. He secured them in a corner, tucking them behind bags of groceries. ‘No quick turns.’