When Sparks Fly (59 page)
Authors: Kristine Raymond,Andrea Michelle,Grace Augustine,Maryann Jordan,B. Maddox,J. M. Nash,Anne L. Parks
Tags: #Anthologies (Multiple Authors), #Holidays, #General, #Romance, #Box Set, #Anthology, #Fiction
Tony had to prove to Sherrie that she was more than a mission to him to win the beautiful woman’s trust. Determined to not lose another love he calls upon his brothers, Alvarez Security, to save her when her investigations threaten her safety.
Jobe (August 2015)
by
B. Maddox
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the writer’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. The material contained within is copyrighted and any reproduction or sharing without the expressed written consent of the author, in whole or part, is illegal and punishable by law.
Something in the Mix
Copyright © 2015 by B. Maddox
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
No part of the contents of this work may be used, reproduced, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Cover Design by Cover It Up Designs
Photos purchased from
dreamstime.com
and
123rf.com
Published by B. Maddox 1034 CR 21 Stringer MS 39481
Ivy Smith is your average all American girl, trying to get her life back on track after a failed marriage. She decides to follow her dreams and opens her own bakery. Everything in her life seems to be falling in place, especially now after a blast from her past reappears. However, someone else has other plans for Ivy and has been watching her every move.
When Drew Evans waltzes into her life again, sparks start flying and her stalker starts making his presence known. Can Drew keep Ivy safe while trying to figure out who is stalking her and is there something in the mix for the two of them?
‡Chapter One
June 26, 2014
Opening day…
“Ivy Anne, where did you put the cinnamon?” I hear Sam yell from the backroom.
“It’s in the cabinet above the sink.” I answer yelling back to him while preparing to unlock the front doors for the day.
Reality still hasn’t sunk in that I finally own my own bakery. Baking has always been my way to deal with stress, anger, heartbreak, and well every other emotional dilemma I have ever had. I also just bake for the fun of it.
My name is Ivy Anne Smith. My dream, since I was ten and helping my mom in the kitchen has been to own a bakery. My dream is now becoming a reality. In the Mix, is opening today for the first time. It’s just in time to celebrate the Fourth of July. We have one week to get ready for our country’s Independence Day celebration. Around here in New Orleans, LA, any holiday is a big deal. Mardi Gras is always the biggest holiday in this area though.
Unlocking the door, I move to turn on the electronic open sign that is hanging in the right window. I can’t help but take in a deep breath to calm my nerves and try to suppress my excitement. This has been a long time coming and it would not be possible without my best friend, Sam.
Sam Anderson and I met in college several years back, and two years ago I heard he opened his own gym—Exertion. He isn’t just the owner he is also a cover model and personal trainer, and also more into fashion than I am. When I decided to get my life back and start being me again, I called Sam and asked him to whip me back into shape. Yeah, he helped alright. I couldn’t move for two days after my first workout. He is a good half a foot taller than my five foot seven stature, and is built like a stone wall. His well muscled body definitely compliments his ocean blue eyes and dirty blonde hair. He is an overall gorgeous specimen for the male population. Oh, and unfortunately for the female population that think he is gorgeous—his boyfriend, Derrick, thinks so too. After college, we stayed in touch, and after my divorce I called Sam to help me get back into shape. We have been best friends ever since. I have no clue what I would do without him.
“What are you staring at, sugar?” asks Sam as he is placing his arm across my shoulders causing me to jump while pulling me into his side for a hug.
“Holy cannoli, Sam, say something next time. You are going to cause my heart to give out one of these days with your sneak attacks.” I said while wrapping my arms around him. “Honestly, though I’m just trying to take this all in. I can’t believe this is really happening. It all seems so surreal because I have wanted this for as long as I can remember.” I finish telling him.
“Well snap out of it chick. It’s about time you accept it. You are now a proud bakery owner.” He said while placing a kiss on the top of my head. “By the way, have I told you how extremely proud I am of you for following your dreams?”
“Thanks. You have no idea how much that means to me. Okay, show time.” I say as I notice my mother and her group of friends from her Sunday school class making their way towards the store.
“Here you go. Drink this before the harpies descend on us.” He said, handing me a steaming cup of coffee I hadn’t notice he’d been holding the entire time.
Part of me wants to shutter at the sight of them, but the more grown up part of me just shakes her head. Taking the coffee, I walk behind the counter with Sam following behind me. Once behind the counter I took a small sip and sighed from ingesting the heavenly bliss. My insides were nice and toasty now. They should have been nice and toasty anyway since it was a scorching ninety-six degrees outside. Sam gave me a brief hug before heading back to the kitchen. Since my divorce, the harpies—as Sam calls them, are constantly trying to set me up with some new man they deem worthy. He has been my rock and champion helping me fend off all the match making attempts.
“Ahhh……. You are a lifesaver.” I told him and no sooner had I said it than the bell above the door sounded off.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” My mother, Marilyn said making her way to the glass counter to decide on what she wants to get this morning.
“Morning, mom… Morning, ladies…” I said to the group of women with her. “What can I get y’all?”
“Oh… Ivy dear, everything looks entirely too yummy. However will I choose?” asked my mother’s friend, Diane Windham.
“Oh, hush. Diane you have tasted Ivy’s baked goods before, and you already knew before we got here that you wanted a blueberry muffin and a half dozen lemon squares for later.” I heard my mother scoff at her friend.
Laughing I bag up the items mentioned and add a half dozen brownies. I hand Diane the bag and love the “kid in the candy store” expression on her face.
“Oh… Thank you, Ivy. You are such a sweet girl. Have you seen the NOLA Police department’s newest detective?” She asks with a huge smile on her face.
Diane’s husband is and has been the chief of the New Orleans police department for the last five years. She always knows when there is a new decent looking officer or detective hired. Chief Windham’s secretary, Mrs. Macy Crawford, is the widow of the chief’s best friend. Mrs. Macy is also part of my mother’s group, and likes to keep the gossip going about the new hires she thinks are nice looking.
“You’re welcome… You and Mrs. Macy have been gossiping again haven’t you? But no, sadly I haven’t seen him Mrs. Diane,” I tell her with a fake pout on my face before giving her a wink. “Now ladies if you will excuse me, Amy will get whatever else you need.” I told them while shooting a glance to Amy letting her know to take over the front.
Amy is a college student on summer break. The girl maybe only nineteen but is seriously organized and prepares for anything and everything way ahead of when things are needed. She happened to be job searching the same time the contract for the building finalized. It was fate. She is completely amazing. Her bubbly personality matches her five foot five, blonde hair, blue eyed Barbie doll frame.
Amy gives me a smile and takes over getting the rest of the “harpies” as Sam called them checked out. Although the name “Gossiping Interlopers” fits these women a lot better. They mean well, but no matter how hard they try to stay out of everyone else’s business, they absolutely CAN NOT do it.
Seeing that Amy has everything under control, I move around the counter give my mother a hug and tell her to have a good day. I think I am finally in the clear to go do some baking when the door chimes. Looking back to the door, I smile at the nice looking man entering the store.
“Josh, what a nice surprise.” I say before he gets to the counter.
The huge smile on his face contradicts his intimidating suit and tie. Josh Cotton is a wealthy lawyer and his office just so happens to be located directly across the street from In the Mix. He is a nice enough looking man in his mid thirties. His blonde hair is in a typical crew cut that accents his brown eyes and toned body. He isn’t a body builder, but you can definitely tell he takes care of himself. We met on the first day I came to look at the building. He and his firm handle all transactions and contracts for the landlord.
“Good morning, Ivy. How are you doing this fine day?” He asked with a genuine concern on his face.
“I’m great. I was actually going to call your office to see if you guys wanted coffee and muffins.” I told him.
“Well then I guess it’s a good thing I came on over. I wanted to be here for your grand opening.” He told me never letting his smile fade.
“Awe, that is so sweet of you. Since you’re here let me get you a treat box together for you and your co-workers. It won’t take but just a second then you can be on your way. I’m sure you are extremely busy.” I told him while gathering a few blueberry muffins, chocolate oatmeal cookies, and a dozen thumbprint cookies.
His gaze followed my every move. Even with my back to him I could feel his eyes glued to me. If I had not known who he is, it would have been a little unnerving. I finish boxing the goodies and tape the sides so nothing falls out.
Turning back to face Josh, I hand over the box to him. “I hope this is enough for you guys. I really appreciate you coming over and being here for the opening.” I tell him.
“Oh, this will be plenty. Thank you for these sweets.” He told me tilting his head towards the box. “These will definitely make me popular with the rest of the office.” He finished saying while pulling out his wallet.
“No, your money is no good here this morning. Those treats are on the house.” I tell him giving him a smile.
I hear the bell of the door jingle and I’m about to look that way when Josh places his hand not holding the goody box on my arm. “You are truly an angel.” He tells me with a wink.