Edible Espionage

by Shaunna Owens

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Praise for “EDIBLE ESPIONAGE”

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two: Sweet and Deep

  Chapter Three: The Trio Trifecta

  Chapter Four: Fool Me Once

  Chapter Five: Zagic

  Chapter Six: Stand There and Look Pretty

  Chapter Seven: There Should Be Two

  Chapter Eight: Your Cookies Suck

  Chapter Nine: A Kick at the End

  Chapter Ten: Just Stop It

  Chapter Eleven: I’m Not the Only One

  Chapter Twelve: The Winning Team

  Chapter Thirteen: Edible Espionage

  Thank you for purchasing this publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  Edible Espionage

  by

  Dana Volney

  and Shaunna Owens

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Edible Espionage

  COPYRIGHT © 2014 by Dana Volney and Shaunna Owens

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com

  Cover Art by Rae Monet, Inc. Design

  The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  PO Box 708

  Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

  Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

  Publishing History

  First Sweetheart Rose Edition, 2014

  Digital ISBN 978-1-62830-588-3

  Published in the United States of America

  Praise for “EDIBLE ESPIONAGE”

  “EDIBLE ESPIONAGE is exactly that—delicious and sneaky!”

  ~Nichole

  ~*~

  “Volney and Owens have crafted a devious laugh out loud love story. Filled with Gavin’s moral dilemmas, Sarah’s delicious treats and delightful tension between the two, the story of Sarah and Gavin’s journey to happily ever after will capture your heart.”

  ~Megan

  ~*~

  “EDIBLE ESPIONAGE is a sweet read with quirky situations that will endear Gavin and Sarah to me forever.”

  ~Anne

  Dedication

  To each other.

  For countless emails, phone conversations,

  “working” weekends, and dreaming big.

  YOLO!

  Acknowledgements

  Thank you to The Wild Rose Press and Leanne Morgena for publishing and editing Edible Espionage. We are thankful for the opportunity to work with you.

  ~

  Mary Billiter, thank you for recognizing determination and skill. There is nothing like, and will never be again, editing on a tight schedule while on Christmas break. We treasure the memories!

  ~

  Thank you to all of our family and friends for your encouragement and support. You mean the world to us!

  Chapter One: Anything But Chocolate

  Pumpkin cookies, check. Fudge, check. White chocolate, regular, and marshmallow brownies, check, check, check.

  Sarah Zion ticked off the list in her head to make sure she didn’t forget anything for the bakery dessert showcase. “Fi, I’m ready,” she called out over her shoulder. “They’re all here. We can start putting them out.”

  “Smells delish, Sar! I think you outdid yourself. Off of the smells alone, we should get a lot of pre-orders for the holidays.” Fiona Blue entered the kitchen through the adjoining office door holding her baby girl, Ella. “We should do this every year.”

  “Don’t get too excited.” Sarah glanced at Fiona and met her green eyes. Fiona had her blonde hair curled and pinned back. “We don’t have any orders yet.”

  “We will. I just know it. How late were you here last night?”

  With the back of her hand, Sarah wiped the sweat off her forehead. “I finally nailed the pumpkin tart at one a.m. It’s perfected now though. Why I decided to add that one to the list at the last minute I’ll never know.”

  The co-owners filled the front cases and baskets with baked goods ranging from cranberry-walnut bread to peanut butter cookies. Sarah flipped the sign to “Open” and looked out into the faint daylight. Crazy for Cake remained the only bake shop nestled in a row of downtown stores in Haven, Washington, which was located two hours north of Seattle.

  The bakery quickly filled with customers and the hours flew by.

  “What’s the price of the chocolate peanut butter bundles today?” Sarah called to Fiona.

  “One for three bucks or two for five,” Fiona answered as she handed a loaf of banana bread to a customer.

  “I’ll take two of them, Sarah.” Sweet old Mrs. Cline barely stood as tall as the counter.

  “Great. Can I get anything else for you today?”

  “No, dear. Just the bread.. Such a beautiful day for your party.”

  “I love all the colors of the leaves in the fall.” She glanced out the front window at the colorful oak tree and sighed. “The trees are gorgeous.”

  “Hope the crisp air doesn’t get to my joints and ruin my day.”

  “Me too.” Sarah handed Mrs. Cline her change and stepped back from the register to survey the front room. Every table is full. They’re eating, they’re smiling, they’re here. Perfect.

  “Hey, doll.”

  Fiona’s voice jarred Sarah out of her happy trance as she walked up beside her.

  “Can you believe this? Look at all these people.” Sarah glanced again at all the contented customers. Satisfaction filled her bones and she clasped her hands in front of her smile.

  “I know…I don’t even have words. I overheard Mr. Jenkins say he could smell the cinnamon rolls two blocks down. The breeze off the water is the best marketing…ever.”

  “How many orders have you taken?” Please say fifty.

  “Ten.”

  “With mine, we have only eighteen.” Sarah grimaced at Fiona and closed her eyes for a moment.

  “We still have the afternoon. I bet more people will stop by after work.”

  “Well, the good news is…I do have the application filled out for the Trio Trifecta. I really need a second name. Fi, I wish you could go.”

  “Me too.” Fiona drew in a big breath and let it out as she looked to the display case and then back to Sarah. “Let’s talk about a plan later. We’re already out of half the bars and turnovers.”

  “Okay.” Sarah looked straight at Fiona. “But, we really need to go…you know, to win.” She recognized her partner’s tight-lipped expression and knew the severity of their financial straits pulled at her thoughts. “I’ll grab the last tray of cherry rhubarb bars.” She used the side of her body to open the swinging door separating the front from the kitchen.

  When Sarah returned with the platter, she caught a glimpse of Fiona talking with her parents by the front door. A cold chill sprang from her spine and hugged her close. I miss that. A swoosh of air from the swinging door grazed Sarah’s cheek as she stared. I wish Mom and Grams were here…even Dad.

  No, I don’t. The tight smile placed on her lips turned into somber resignation. Don’t wish for someone to love you who never did. Sarah shook her head, but the memory of her father walking out on her and her mom still bit her throat. Didn’t see the whole new family thing coming, Dad…nice one. So you didn’t want to skip being a husband and father, you just didn’t want to be one for us. Your l
oss…I’ll be a success…no thanks to you.

  The buzz of voices and laughter brought her back to the bakery where she held the tray of freshly baked bars. Sarah started organizing them in the display case with the most appealing ones facing the customers. We taste with our eyes first.

  Sensing someone at the counter, Sarah spoke as she stood. “Hi. What can I get for…” Sarah found herself staring into a stellar pair of eyes—sharp shades of green with flecks of brown sprinkled in. She caught her breath. “You?” She cleared her throat. “What would you like?”

  “What do you recommend?”

  His voice was warm, deep, and dripping with sex…not normal sex, but steamy, toe-curling sex. This man is trouble…but, oh, I bet he makes the pain worth it. A wicked smile crossed her lips. Sarah recognized his one-of-a-kind eyes. The grocery store.

  She knew full well she caught his attention in the dry goods section yesterday. Their gazes locked with one another, and, true to her nature, she gave her sexiest coy smirk before she walked away. Damn, I love a good game. Maybe he’s here to play.

  “Depends what you’re in the mood for.” His dark brown locks peeked out from under his navy blue ball cap. Man, oh man. I wish he was on my menu. His T-shirt fell perfectly over his well-defined arms, chest, and mid-section. Yum, yum, yum.

  As he bent down to look through the glass, he perched his left hand against the counter. “Hmm. Let’s see. I’ll take…” His fingers and thumb drummed against the wood counter.

  No ring. This day is getting better and better.

  He stood and smiled. “Anything but chocolate.”

  “Oh.” Did I just audibly sigh? Get it together. “No chocolate, huh?” What kind of a person doesn’t like chocolate? “Not a fan?”

  “Willy Wonka ruined it for me.” He shook his head.

  “Willy Wonka?” She held back her laugh.

  “Yeah, chocolate waterfall nightmares as a kid. Kinda stayed with me.”

  “I see. Good thing we have delicious treats devoid of chocolate. We have great lemon bars or pumpkin tarts or orange dream bars.” She slid open the glass case door. “Would you like me to keep going?”

  “Nah, I’ll take one of each.”

  “Daring.” Her heart beat faster and she fumbled as she unfolded a pink box. “I like your spirit.”

  “What can I say? I like to live on the wild side.”

  He shot her a typical cool guy grin. “Well, in that case, I’ll throw in some other surprises I think you’ll like.” Sarah grabbed a banana cream tart and strawberry-lime cookie and added them to the pink box with the Crazy for Cake logo printed on the side.

  “Won’t you get in trouble?” He leaned close.

  She finished ringing up the order and met his gaze, her voice barely above a whisper, “Why? Are you going to tell on me?”

  “Never.” He slanted his body even more to match hers, their faces inches apart.

  “I know the owner.” She raised her eyebrows, smiled, and tried to ignore the heat in her cheeks then straightened her body. No good could come from staying so close to a man who smelled earthy and tempting.

  “Must be my lucky day.” He held out cash.

  Sarah traded him for the pink box full of treats, feeling his fingertips graze over hers. Bursts of adrenaline pulsed through her body. “I’m sorry…I didn’t get your name? I’m Sarah Zion, co-owner and head baker at Crazy for Cake.”

  He offered his hand.

  She didn’t hesitate. His large, rough hand enveloped hers. My, oh my. Her hand was alive with sparks.

  “Nice to meet you, Sarah. I’m Gavin Arnold.” He flashed his pearly whites.

  “See the woman in the other pink apron over by the bread?” Sarah nodded in Fi’s direction. “That’s Fiona, my business partner. Make sure she doesn’t inspect your box on the way out.” With a reluctant move, she slid her hand from his.

  “It can be our little secret.” He winked.

  Her stomach fluttered. Sexy and witty. I like this guy. “So…what brings you to Haven?”

  “How do you know I don’t live here?” He shifted his weight to his left foot.

  “Haven is a small town.” She gave Gavin a half-smile and tilted her head. “New people tend to stick out a little bit.” And I would’ve flirted with you already.

  “I see. And how long have you lived here?”

  “Born and raised.” And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  “So, I guess no hope of telling you I was then?”

  “Nope.” She shook her head.

  “I’m from Seattle. Taking a sabbatical of sorts, I need to evaluate some things. I’ve been to Haven a few times and I like its feel so I decided to stay awhile.”

  “Well, you’re welcome here anytime, Gavin. I’ve heard coffee and non-chocolate pastries often help the evaluation process.”

  He chuckled. “Thanks for the offer, Sarah. I’ll make sure to keep Crazy for Cake in mind.” He gripped the box down by his hip. “I’m looking forward to seeing you again…soon. Have a nice day.”

  I will now. Falling on old habit, Sarah twirled a lock of her hair as she glued her gaze to Gavin weaving his way through the crowd and out the front door. He headed west toward the waterfront. I wonder where he’s staying for this sabbatical. Who takes a sabbatical? For a moment, she ruminated on the question. Gavin Arnold…where have you been all my life? You can come back and try my goodies anytime.

  ****

  This job could turn out to be more rewarding than I imagined.

  Gavin had attempted to casually meet Sarah for the last week with no success. The double take at a coffee shop hadn’t worked and the small smile on the sidewalk had left her oblivious. Yesterday at the market, when he literally tried to bump into Sarah, he found himself face to face with a frail little old lady. Sarah’s evasiveness wore on him. He’d worked with much harder and deadlier people in the past. Why had she proved to be such a pain? Gavin had set his resolve and rounded the corner of aisle three. There he found her pawning over the endless choices at the fresh cheese bar. He strolled over, picked up the tongs, and made his selection. Deciding to be forward, Gavin used his patented charmer smile. “Hi.”

  In return, she’d flashed him a grin and sparkling blue-eyed gaze. Before he could say another word, she turned toward the produce section. She’d left him standing with a tong of cheese and a great view—lean curves and flowing sandy brown hair moving gracefully away.

  Before a month ago, Haven, Washington never blipped on his radar. Millionaire Howard Lexington, however, had other plans when he’d called Gavin into his office.

  “Arnold, you come highly recommended.” Mr. Lexington slid a cream-colored file across the mahogany conference table. “I have a rather unique assignment.”

  Gavin picked up the folder and thumbed through the paperwork and his assignment. The files looked thin for what Mr. Lexington expected—infiltrate Crazy for Cake and steal their competitive edge so Mr. Lexington’s wife could win a baking competition. The assignment was child’s play for an operator like him. He didn’t often engage in corporate espionage, but the change of scenery would be nice from a foreign desert. “Not much here, sir. Let me fill in my team, and we can meet again later this week.”

  “Do what you need to do, but rest assured, Arnold, this assignment is nonnegotiable. I won’t sit back and be beat for the second year in a row.” Mr. Lexington returned his attention to his paperwork.

  “Yes, sir. I understand.” Gavin spoke to the CEO’s inattentive head. Back in his office, Gavin thoroughly read the file and made notes of missing information. He certainly wasn’t fired up to turn on the charm for someone who probably looked like Mrs. Claus…or worse. Still, he’d approach her sweetly and let her see him as her long-lost son. Then he’d have no problem completing the task at hand.

  Through his research, Gavin pleasantly learned about Fiona Blue and Sarah Zion…no Mrs. Claus in the bunch. Change of plans…time to turn on the charm and be lovable. The two wome
n had been friends since childhood and last year remodeled a downtown family store into a bakery. Fiona, newly married to some local big-shot contractor, wasn’t his angle.

  But, there appeared to be no love interest for Sarah. Jackpot. She’s my way in. The corners of his mouth turned up. I need to get a look at the set-up, recipes, and methods. He pulled out his notebook and jotted down the key information he’d need to know before he approached the delicious-looking Sarah at Crazy for Cake.

  He’d been to Haven a handful of times, scouting the area and owners. He found a reasonable weekly rate at Jabb’s Bed and Breakfast on the pier and kept a low profile. Haven was a small town and, while he hadn’t grown up in one, Gavin knew how they operated. The attractive place offered vibrant store fronts and lively streets…not to mention the endless ocean on one side and a forest of evergreens on the other.

  As he walked into his rented room, Gavin looked at the Crazy for Cake box and tossed the key and his wallet on the painted wooden stand by the door. The room, decorated in soft flowers with a bold navy blue strip running horizontal around the room, served as his base for the assignment. Definitely not his preferred taste, but the clean bed and warm shower made up for decor. Gavin sat on the bed and opened the pink box. The sweet aroma of frosting filled his senses.

  First, he sampled the cookie. Who makes a strawberry-lime cookie? He hadn’t dared ask his question at the bakery. He could tell Sarah was proud of this particular confection. The slight tart bite of the lime surprised his taste buds. When he bit into the cookie it gave way with a chewy break. The texture was airy and light. Perplexing. He sat, chewed, and wrote notes in the same book as he’d done since receiving the assignment. Delicious. The different flavors packed into the small, round lime-colored cookie had the perfect balance. After the last bite, he took a swig of water to clear his palate and geared up for the banana cream tart.

  Good consistency, crust is pleasant…not too floury or flakey or overwhelming. He jotted more notes. The orange dream bar was ready to be photographed for a Martha Stewart magazine. Orange mixed with vanilla, always a nice combination. Memories of the summers he spent at his aunt’s bakery flashed through his mind. Who would’ve thought all my taste testing back then would come in handy now?