Publication Date: July 17, 2017
Genres: Adult, Entangled: Bliss, Contemporary, Romance

Maddie Frye, the Checkerberry Inn’s snarky, introverted chef, just wants to be left alone. But with the inn’s upcoming gala, Maddie’s boss has matchmaking on the brain. So when the gorgeous new guy in town helps her out for a night, she comes up with the perfect solution to her problem…

Cole Granville is looking for a fresh start. When a part-time job opens in the Checkerberry’s kitchen, he takes it without a second thought. The only catch? He’s got to help his sexy new coworker snag a date for an upcoming dance. But as he coaches Maddie on attracting her crush, Cole realizes he’s the one falling for the curvy brunette.

Excerpt

Cole popped a fork full of roast into his mouth and savored the way it melted on his tongue. He hadn’t planned on working at the Checkerberry beyond this season, but if coming back in the spring would guarantee him a daily supply of Maddie’s cooking, it might well be worth it. If he didn’t tick her off one too many times between now and then, of course. “So, what really brought you by? Did he text you?”

“Oh. Yeah, actually he did.”

The smirk faded into something much more…hesitant. Why did she do that, wield confidence in the kitchen like a sword but be timid as a mouse outside of it?

“And?”

She rubbed one arm up and down along the other. “Well, he kind of invited me out to coffee Tuesday. Between my lunch and dinner shifts.”

Success! So why didn’t he feel like giving her a high five? This is what she wanted, right? Because it’s not what you want, whispered that pesky little voice again. He gave it a mental shove aside and did his best to look and sound happy for her.

“That’s great! See? I told you if we got you two conversing things would take off in no time.”

“Easy for you to say, you don’t have to sit there in some cramped coffee shop trying to think of non stupid-sounding things to say.”

Cole chewed and swallowed his latest bite, shaking his head. “What? Since when do you struggle thinking of things to say?”

“Since always.” She looked down.

“You never have that problem with me.”

“Because you’re…different.”

Take that, Tyson. Maddie doesn’t have to work to enjoy herself with me.

He shook his head, trying to get his head back in the game. This is not about me, this is not about me…

“Not like bad, different,” she continued with a grimace. “Just, well, we work together. Have a common bond.”

“And you and Tyson use the same fabric softener” He shrugged. She threw him a dark look. “Seriously, Madds, the guy is human, just like me, just like you. And he likes to cook or whatever. There’s something you can definitely talk about.”

“I guess so.”

Her gaze shifted to her lap. Cole finished the rest of his meal and pushed the plate away, his protective instincts scratching at his subconscious. There was more to her worries, something from her past that’d scared her off. He felt a sudden desire to hunt down the bastard who’d hurt her, who’d stolen her smile. Now that would be something worth doing time for.

“What was his name, Maddie?” he asked softly.

She looked up. “Sorry?”

“His name. The guy that hurt you in the past.”

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About the Author

Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love, humor and mystery in the Midwest and beyond. When this Hoosier native isn’t pounding out scenes for her next book, she’s likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves to read, tries to golf, and is an avid college football fan.

Be sure to stop by her website www.KyraJacobs.wordpress.com to learn more about her novels and ways to connect with her on social media.

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