Brownies & Betrayal (Sweet Bites Mysteries, Book 1) by Heather Justesen Page B

commitments in Chicago. The Goulds are threatening to sue the hotel, me and you if you don’t take care of their wedding cake and pastries. They say the biggest reason they booked with us was because of your talent. And the Tanners are right behind them.”
    I should have called him back. Or answered one of his calls. If he’d known I planned to come back and handle the Goulds’ wedding, he might not have shown up here. Still, I didn’t say anything yet, just gave him a steady look. I was rewarded when sweat beaded on his upper lip. This was all too easy, and surprisingly entertaining. I’d forgotten I had such a mean streak. I usually manage to keep it in check.
    “Why don’t you get rid of him,” he gave Shawn a nasty look, “and we can work this out.”
    “Actually, Shawn is here to help me paint, and I need to get the kitchen done today. How about if he stays and I’ll meet you tonight to discuss specific clients.”
    Shawn said, “Are you sure you want to meet with him?” while Bronson’s response was, “You’re picking him? And who is he, anyway?”
    I counted to ten. Seriously, men drove me crazy sometimes. I turned back to Shawn. “I do need to work things out for the Goulds’ cake, at least. I realized that a couple of days ago. Even though I’m mad at him, I do still care about the clients. I have to go back to Chicago and clean out my condo, anyway. When I left Chicago I hadn’t intended to stay here permanently.”
    Bronson let out a relieved breath even as Shawn’s brows winged up. “I knew you’d come to your senses,” Bronson said. “But why didn’t you answer one of my calls so we could work this out over the phone?”
    I turned back to my ex. “I enjoyed letting you sweat for a change. And I’m not coming back to work for you—I’m coming back for a little while to do those two cakes and clear out my condo while details finalize here. So I really need to finish painting today.” I gave him a pointed look.
    “All right. We’ll discuss it over dinner. Is there somewhere decent to eat around here?”
    It only took me a moment to decide where I wanted to go. “Paul’s Burger Shack on Center Street and Gilla Lane. Six o’clock.”
    “When I said somewhere decent, I meant somewhere nice.” He looked down his nose at me, as if disgusted. Had I never noticed what a snob he was? Had I become that bad while we dated?
    “If you want to talk to me, you’ll buy me a burger. I’ve been too busy to eat there since I made it back home, and they have great food. Take it or leave it.”
    “This is not your home,” Bronson insisted. “Chicago is your home.” He tried claiming my hand again, but I picked up the paint roller from the counter and held it between us and he backed off.
    I slid my empty hand into my back pocket where he couldn’t reach it. “Since I’ve moved here permanently, I say this is home. Now if you’ll let me get back to work?”
    He scowled at me, at Shawn and turned on his heel. “Six sharp,” he called over his shoulder before heading out the door.
    I waited for the door to close and the ringing bell to go silent before turning back to Shawn, who grinned at me. “What?” I asked.
    “You’re feisty! I had no idea. I mean, I have a couple of vague memories from when we were little, but you seem so buttoned down and cool now.”
    “Well, you know some things never change. I’m just harder to rile than I used to be.” I leaned over and picked up the paintbrush he’d set down and handed it back to him. “You’re tall—do the high spots.”
    He went to work with enthusiasm. A moment passed before he started talking again. “He cheated on you?”
    “Yep.” No good, lousy jerk.
    He slid me a sideways glance that held more than a hint of appreciation. “Is he crazy? Why would any man cheat on a gorgeous, feisty woman like you?”
    I blushed and averted my eyes as I started laying down the paint. “You flatter me.”
    “Not at all. And I think I’d