Raspberry Kisses (The Bakery Romance Series Book 1) (16 page)

Wow, she’d not thought of it working like that.

He continued. “Restaurants have done this before. If they’re making a major change in their food or management, they have a grand opening, as if the place were new. Remember the friend I told you about who lives in Baltimore, the one whom I advised?”

She nodded.

“Well, that’s the tactic he used, and it worked.”

Hmm. Maybe she needed to give these ideas serious thought, just like the café idea.

“I’m thinking, once we decide the changes you want to make, we’ll have the grand opening in about a month.”

Could her small bakery really become a new place in a month? The idea wrapped in her mind. “Why don’t we start with the cookies?” he requested.

They may as well begin with something she was familiar with, cookies. Introducing a new cookie into her menu didn’t sound like a bad idea. If the cookies were as good as Martin claimed, then she might be able to bring in some more sales next week. “That’s fine.”

“I’ll show you the recipes that I’ve been working on. After we’ve made these new recipes, you can serve them tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Sunday was her day of rest, and she hadn’t planned on working tomorrow.

“I know you’re not open on Sundays, but I figured you might have some people in your church who’d try your cookies. Do you have a Bible study before services?”

Actually, she did attend Bible study every Sunday before church. Her cookies might make a great addition to the coffee social time after the study ended. “That sounds like a good idea.”

“If you want your business to thrive, you need to tell others about it, let them sample your treats. You don’t have to take my suggestions. It’s up to you as to what you want to do.”

“You might want to place an ad in the paper about your new bakery—maybe have a coupon printed, letting customers have a free cupcake or cookie on opening day. It’ll get traffic into your place—and then the people will see that your baked goods are better and more sophisticated than the grocery store food.”

“Okay.” She followed him back into the kitchen. He showed her the fresh strawberries he’d brought with him. “Let’s chop up these berries, first.”

Both of them took a knife from the block and worked side by side. Soon, the scent of fresh berries filled the air. Making a new recipe always filled her with glee, especially when it turned into a tasty concoction.

Whenever the bell tinkled, she left the kitchen to serve customers.

The sound of the knives slicing the fruit created a nice atmosphere. She glanced over at Martin. Having him help save her business almost seemed too good to be true. She really appreciated his giving her advice, but, it was just so hard to take his suggestions. But, she’d do as she’d promised and mull over his ideas. Their arms bumped while slicing, and sparks of warmth heated her skin. She stepped away from him, dumping the sliced berries into a bowl.

Candy rushed into the kitchen. “Rhea, is it okay if I take the afternoon off? I got some stuff I need to do.”

Rhea put her knife aside. “Okay.” She’d been depending on Candy to run the bakery all week. Like her extended break, she deserved an afternoon off. “Martin brought you a sub for lunch. It’s on the table.”

Candy’s eyes sparkled. This was the first time Rhea had seen Candy look happy in months. “Thanks, Martin.” She left the kitchen.

They gathered the rest of the ingredients for the cookies. Martin placed the block of butter on the counter. “It’s best to use cold butter for this recipe.”

“Okay.” The tangy fruit scent of the berries caused her mouth to water. Hopefully these cookies would be the catalyst that would push her bakery into a new, profitable business. Would people now flock to her bakery, just to taste this new recipe? If they did, then she’d have the money she needed to pay bills.

She also needed to pay Raven.

Her sister had not breathed a word about the loan, so, Rhea wondered if her mind had been so preoccupied with recuperating that she’d not given the loan much thought. She glanced over at Martin. Should she mention her sister? No, she didn’t want to talk about Raven right now. She didn’t want to spoil the comfortable atmosphere in her hot kitchen.

After they’d made the base for the cookies, they mixed the fruit in some of the batter and then working together, they scooped the cookies onto the pans and Martin placed the pans into the hot oven. Afterwards, they chopped apples for apple cookies and Martin shared his recipe for apple tarts. Around four o’clock, Rhea went into the front of the bakery and placed the “closed” sign on the door. After the cookies and tarts were done, Martin showed her how to make the sourdough bread. It was simple and he told her that she’d be making the dough the night before, leaving it to rise overnight, and then baking it the next morning. Winded, Rhea wiped sweat from her brow, glancing at the clock. “It’s almost midnight.”

Martin nodded, removing the last tray of treats from the oven. His biceps bulged while he placed the cookies onto the cooling rack. “I have to go soon. I’m doing a sermon at the early service tomorrow.”

Rhea frowned, selecting another cookie to sample. The sugary cinnamon and apples filled her mouth with an explosion of flavor.

Martin touched her face, flour clinging to his fingers. “Why’re you frowning?”

Her face heated, and she took a few steps back, bumping into the counter, still clutching her cookie. Suddenly the kitchen felt too warm. Should she go outside and escape Martin’s probing gaze? No, she wanted to be near him, even though she had second thoughts about being attracted to a preacher. He stood so close, and the scent of his cologne wafted toward her, mingling with the aromas of baked goods. He smelled delicious, and she imagined him holding her in his arms, kissing her with his full lips.

“When I mentioned preaching tomorrow, you looked upset.”

She turned away from his probing gaze, brushing crumbs from the kitchen counter. Could she tell him about Stan and her experiences of being a first lady at the church? Did he really want to hear her opinion about pastors? Maybe in time she’d feel comfortable enough to tell Martin about Stan. She doubted he’d want to hear her negative feelings about being a first lady.

She beckoned Martin toward the back of the bakery. “My office is back here. I’d wanted to talk to you before you left.” She was more drawn to Martin as the days passed, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. She knew he didn’t have romantic feelings toward Raven, but, how would Raven react if she ever discovered that Rhea had a crush on Martin?

What about his profession? If Martin was attracted to her, too, and if they were to ever spend time together, romantically, would she ever be able to accept his profession? Such a deep struggle, it was kind of like playing a game of tug-of-war within herself.

How could she be falling for a preacher, again? Hadn’t she learned her lesson the first time?
Lord, I really don’t know what I’m going to say to Martin, but, please help me to find the right words. I like Martin, and I want to be with him, but, I feel so conflicted about it.

Martin followed her into the office, his heavy footsteps plopping against the wooden floor. She dropped into a chair while Martin lifted Stan’s picture from the desk. He stared at the photo, his dark eyes intense.

Did he want to know whom was in the photo? When she’d invited Martin into her office, she’d forgotten about him seeing Stan’s picture. The photo was of her late husband, standing in front of the church giving a sermon. She needed to appease his curiosity. “That’s my deceased husband, Stan.”

“Your husband was white, and he was a pastor?”

Did they really need to talk about this now?

Chapter Fifteen

That terrible frown had returned. Why did Rhea frown so much? Sometimes, it seemed like she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. He leaned toward her, still holding the photo. What would happen if he took her into his arms and kissed her frown away?

When he was with Rhea, he sometimes felt that she was attracted to him, too, but, he almost felt that there was an invisible wall between them. He wasn’t sure if she felt guilty because of Raven, or, if she were still grieving over her late husband. It had to be the feelings she still had for Stan that was causing her to hesitate. Rhea seemed so serious and determined, and she acted much older than twenty-five. He still found it hard to believe Rhea and Raven were sisters—their personalities were about as different as night and day.

“Yes, my husband was white and he was a pastor,” she snapped, scratching the back of her neck. She grabbed her hair net, removing it from her head, throwing it onto the desk.

What was the matter with her? She must still be in love with Stan for her to react so strongly.

She blew air through her lips, and his gut clenched as arousal slammed through him. The thought of kissing her flooded in his mind. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea for them to stay in this back office. He gestured toward the front of the bakery. “Let’s go out front.”

“Why?” She got comfortable in her chair, removing her shoes. He could understand why she’d want to stay back here, the front of the bakery didn’t have any blinds and anybody walking by could look into the bakery and see them, giving them little privacy.

He needed to tell her. “I’m attracted to you and I want to kiss that frown off your face. I don’t think you want me to do that so maybe we should go out front.”

Her eyes widened and her brown skin flushed while she stood. He followed her to the front of the bakery.

She joined him at one of the tables, making herself comfortable. “I’m surprised you said that.”

“You shouldn’t be. I feel like we’ve been skirting around the issue of our attraction.”

She didn’t respond. She dropped her chin into her hand, giving him a pensive look. What was she thinking? “Why were you mad when I looked at your husband’s picture?”

“Talking about my husband is…complicated.”

“Why?”

“She took a deep breath, sighing. “I loved my husband, but it was a difficult marriage. His family never accepted me. Remember I told you a little bit about the animosity between me and Stan’s sister, Mary?”

Martin nodded.

“Well, since Stan was ten years older than me, they thought I was too young for him, plus they didn’t like his marrying a black woman.”

That sounded awful. “I’m sorry, Rhea.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I know, but if it means anything to you, I know how it feels not to be accepted.” He was having acceptance issues within his own congregation. “What happened to your husband?”

She ran her index finger over the tabletop, as if gathering her thoughts.. She finally focused on him again and a sheen of tears gleamed in her pretty eyes before she blinked the moisture away. “Almost two years ago, he was shot. He was out delivering food baskets to the needy, and he got caught in the crossfire between two drug dealers.”

“I’m sorry.” He scooted his chair a few inches toward her, before stopping. Rhea was obviously upset and vulnerable right now. He needed to keep his distance and listen to what she had to say. Maybe there was something that he could say to make her feel better. “That’s awful, Rhea.”

She stared at the wall. Her mind seemed a million miles away. “Stan did too much.”

“What do you mean?”

“He was gone, volunteering…a lot. Plus, the congregation was always having some problem or other. He counseled people. You’d be surprised the number of times I had to reschedule outings with my husband because he was ministering to his church. Plus, the congregation got on my nerves.”

That was no surprise. As the assistant pastor of his church, he’d been called during a number of crises. Doing the Lord’s will, helping others, reaching out as a shepherd was a big part of his life. However, he’d never been married, and he had no living children. He’d been heeding his call, alone. What would his life be like if he’d been married, with a family, while leading a church? Would that have affected his marriage?

Good thing Rhea was telling him about her experience with the church, her husband, and her husband’s family. Getting a peek into her innermost thoughts and feelings helped him to understand why she’d been skittish about their attraction. Frankly, he couldn’t blame her. He’d been skittish, too, and far as he knew, he’d continue advising her about her bakery for at least a month. What would happen during that time? Would his attraction to her deepen? He pressed his hands together, focusing on what she had to say.

He cleared his throat. “How did they get on your nerves?”

“I was so young when I married Stan. I was just out of college, I was black, and a lot of the white congregation members were smitten with Stan. Some had even dated him for a while. Then I step into the picture, and I’m not easily accepted by all of the members.” She looked directly at him. “It was hard.”

“I can imagine.” And he really could. Being the leader of a flock proved difficult, and it could really take its toll on a pastor’s wife. He closed his eyes, trying to imagine Rhea fresh out of college, marrying a pastor who was ten years older than she. “Was the congregation mostly white?”

Rhea shook her head. “No, it was a mixed congregation, but some of the women still seemed shocked at Stan’s choice of a wife.”

Rhea, treated like she didn’t belong by her husband’s church? What a rough life. Did Stan defend her? Did he realize how some of his congregation treated his wife? If Rhea were to marry him, and he caught wind of her being treated like that, he’d be sure to make those people aware that they couldn’t treat his wife like that.

It was wrong and ungodly.

Wife! Had he really thought of Rhea as being his wife? Sad, broken, vulnerable, that’s how Rhea appeared. He recalled what she’d told him about her mom being in a cult, getting out, and now she’d revealed information about her marriage. She’d been through a lot, and now she was trying to get her bakery on track, but, was she still in love with Stan?

He couldn’t ask her that. He glanced at her hand resting on the table. He wanted to take her hand, kiss each of her long fingers, and tell her everything would be okay.

But, he couldn’t do that. Not right now while she spoke of her late husband.

“That’s why our attraction bothers me. I’m not getting involved with another pastor.” She looked away, folding her arms in front of her chest. “I was hurt too badly the first time. I’m not doing that again.”

“Your husband has only been dead for two years. You might need more time to grieve.” Again, thoughts of the baby he’d lost haunted his mind. That happened about fifteen years ago and he could truly say he still was not over it. But, he’d acted insensitively, and part of his problem was guilt.

Would Rhea continue to grieve for her spouse for years and years? He had a few people in his congregation who’d revealed they’d never remarry because nobody could measure up to their deceased husband or wife. Did Rhea feel the same way?

“Even when I am ready to move on, I’m not getting involved with another pastor.” She bit her bottom lip, her eyes pensive. “Besides, I’d have to deal with my sister. You know she’s attracted to you, too.”

“Don’t let Raven come between us.” He paused for a few seconds. “Have you heard from Raven lately?”

Rhea raised her eyebrows. “No, why?”

“Remember what happened the last time I tried to talk to her?”

“Yes, I remember. It’s shameful the way she acts.” Rhea glanced down at the table. “I love Raven, and have been praying for her for years. She’s not happy, Martin, and that bothers me.”

He’d been bothered by Raven’s unhappiness, too. He supposed she acted shameful. Perhaps her behavior was somehow linked to the cancer she had as a child. Maybe she’d been afraid of being alone. Perhaps her caustic attitude was a barrier she’d created to keep herself from getting hurt. It was hard to tell why she acted as she did, but, he sensed he needed to meet with her in person and clear the air. Maybe then she’d get the message and stop fantasizing about their non-existent romance. “Raven called me and told me she has a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.”

Rhea’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re taking her to the doctor?”

“No. She gave me the address to the doctor’s office. There’s a coffee shop in that building and I’m meeting her there after her appointment.”

“You’re driving her home after you meet?”

“No, a friend is coming to get her.”

“What will you say to her?”

What would he say? Man, that was a tough question. What did you say to a woman who lied about the nature of your ‘relationship’? “I don’t know. I’ll figure something out.”

Pushing thoughts of Raven aside, Martin got out of his chair and walked to the door. He stared into the dark night. The street lights illuminated the deserted street. A stray cat ran by, mewling.

So, Rhea didn’t think their attraction was a good thing? Martin wasn’t sure if their attraction was good, either. Rhea was still clinging to the ghosts from her past, but wasn’t he doing the same thing? If he told Rhea about his past, she probably wouldn’t want to have anything to do with him.

Before he left, he reached toward Rhea, dropping his arms, not touching her. Taking a few steps toward the door, he focused on her. There must be something that he could do...he needed to be sure that Raven understood that he did not have feelings for her. Mentally groaning, he waved, rushing to his vehicle. His attraction to Rhea was too strong to resist. If he’d stayed one minute longer, he would’ve pulled her into his arms and kissed her until she was breathless.

She was probably puzzled by his hasty exit, but, he couldn’t help himself. He was finding it harder and harder to resist holding and touching Rhea. He got into his car, and spotted Rhea hurrying to her car several minutes later, carrying several boxes. He assumed the boxes contained the cookies and tarts they’d baked that evening. After Rhea was safely inside her vehicle, he started the ignition, pulled away from the curb.

Goodness, he cared about Rhea, cared about her so much. The first thing he needed to do was talk to Raven. There was no way that he wanted Raven causing any trouble for Rhea if they were ever to form any kind of romantic relationship. As difficult as Raven appeared to be, he really needed to be patient and talk to her, make her see reason.
Lord, I need your help when I meet with Raven.