She smiles. “I don’t mind. Let me help. When do you plan to start filming?” I can hear the nervousness creep into her voice.
“I thought we’d do an interview of sorts.”
“Why?”
“Because people want to know about the person on screen.”
She scowls. “They already know too much, believe me. You know who my ex-in-laws are.”
“You can’t be from this town and not know the Lawsons,” I admit.
“Exactly. I wanted to get away from all that. I was doing well until I nearly sent my kitchen up in flames.”
Unease settles over me. Matilda’s ideal situation is the exact opposite of what I’m aiming for. She’ll probably hate me by the time this is through, and that is the last thing I want. That doesn’t sit right with me. Matilda Lawson is a temptation I don’t want to resist. It’s bad practice to mix business with pleasure, but she’ll only be my client for a limited time.
“Trust me to show you how wonderful cooking can be, and it’ll change everything.”
She bites her lip. “Do you really think you can help me?”
“Hey.” I tip her chin up to look at me, ignoring the tingles that dance along my fingertips. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
A shy smile creeps over her mouth, and I sense her guard lowering slightly. I want to see more of the woman beneath the tough girl exterior. “We have a little lady to impress, don’t we?”
“Cle
mentine. Clem.”
“Right. We can’t let Clem down.”
Her eyes grow sharp with determination. “No, we can’t. We should get started.”
I gesture for her to lead the way. It’d be impossible not to admire the curve of her ass and the sway of her hips as she walks. It’s going to be a long month.
Chapter Three
Graham Gems ~
1 cup whole wheat Graham flour (such as Bob’s Red Mill or Hodgson Mill brand)
½ cup white flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 eggs, separated
1 cup milk
2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
MATILDA
“Are you so desperate for attention you would put yourself out there like this?”
I look up from the book I’m reading and find Jackson in the doorway of my office.
“Hello to you, too, Jackson. Please, come in.”