My Sweet Valentine by Jill Sanders

walked in with three other men and a young woman. “It sure smells good in here. I hope you don't mind, I brought a few recruits along. We were heading back from beach training and thought we'd stop by.”
     
    She smiled. “No, not at all. The more taste testers, the better.” She motioned to the display cases, where she'd put the cupcakes. “Choose your poison.” It was wonderful having a dry run of serving customers. The espresso machine hummed as she made their orders.
     
    She handed out freshly printed menus to everyone as they all sat on the folding chairs she'd placed around the room.
     
    “The tables and chairs are being delivered tomorrow.” She smiled, apologizing for the lack of space. A few people walked by the window and poked their heads in, asking for a sample. She handed out her last cupcake right as Zach walked in the door.
     
    “Oh, looks like I was too late.” He frowned.
     
    She smiled. “Not at all.” She rushed to the back and took the box from the countertop. Coming back into the front room, she set it down. “I put these aside for you.” She opened the box and showed him the mixture of cupcakes she'd saved for him.
     
    “Wow, thanks.” He smiled at her. She felt eyes burning into her side and looked over to see Allen frowning at the kid. She felt like laughing, but decided she'd explain everything once they were alone.
     
    Finally, when the room was empty except for Allen and his recruits, he pulled her into the back room and kissed her, pushing her up against the wall behind the door. When he pulled back, he looked down into her face.
     
    “What was that all about?”
     
    “Hmm? What?” She tried to pull him down for another kiss, but he pulled back a little.
     
    “Paying off your delivery man?” He smiled.
     
    “More like bribing.” She smiled back at him. “A girl does what she must for fresh eggs and blueberries.” He chuckled.
     
    “If I didn't know any better, I'd say the kid was hot on you.” He pulled her closer.
     
    “Yeah, he tried to ask me to the Christmas party.” She bit her lower lip.
     
    “He'll get over it.” But there was still a frown on his face.
     
    “What?” She put her arms around his neck and looked at him. “What has you frowning?”
     
    “Nothing.” He tried to wipe the frown from his face. “Just something Robert said, that's all. Well, Sara's Nook looks like it will be a success opening week.” He changed the subject quickly.
     
    “Hmm, yes. I can't wait. Now all I need is furniture and employees. Not to mention the signs.” She started thinking of her list and knew there was still so much that needed to be done.
     
    “Don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to get the rest done.” He kissed her again quickly. “I've got to get back. My schedule is pretty packed the next two days. If I don't see you in between, I'll pick you up at your place at seven for the party.”
     
    She nodded and reached up to kiss him again. When everyone left, the place felt empty. She pulled out her laptop and started doing some ordering she'd been putting off. Her phone rang and when she looked at the number, her heart skipped a beat.
     
    “Hi, Josie.” She was greeted with a high-pitched screech.
     
    “Oh my God, Sara. I'm so excited! I can't believe you're doing it. Yes. Yes. Yes. Count me in. I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you. I lost my cell phone and I dropped my Mac. I've been unwired for two whole weeks until I finally got my replacement phone.” Josie wasn't usually this unconnected. Sara had taken her friend’s silence as an answer of no.
     
    “Really?” She took a large gulp of air and felt her head spin. “You'll really pick up and move to Pride?”
     
    “Yes!” Josie screamed in the phone. “I'm packing as we speak.” She heard her friend laugh. “I've waited for the right moment to tell Stephan and Bethany off. Things have gotten a lot worse since you left. I'll tell you all about it when I get