Read Batter Up (Bachelors of Buttermilk Falls Book 1) for Free Online Page A

Abby reached into her apron pocket, pulled out a tube of lip gloss, and rolled it over her lips.
    “Who?”
    “This incredibly, drop-dead gorgeous man.” She grabbed a spoon, checked her reflection, and ran a finger over the gloss. “Like amazingly hot.”
    Emma laughed. “Oh, my. A sexy guy in our bakery? Whatever should we do? Call the police?”
    “I know what I’d like to do and it definitely could involve handcuffs.” Abby leaned back on the sink, fanning her face.
    “Seriously, Abs, you’re acting like you’ve never seen a cute guy before.” Emma turned her back to her cousin and began inspecting her weekly inventory.
    “Not one like this. He’s definitely not from around here.” She pushed off the sink. “Wait till you get a load of him. His blue eyes . . . wow!”
    Blue eyes . Emma froze and turned to face her cousin. “How blue?”
    Abby smirked. “As blue as Buttermilk Lake.”
    Emma crossed the kitchen and pushed the door open just a crack. The pit in her stomach grew larger by the second. Sure enough. The rude stranger from the Star Lite was sitting at her counter. This time he had on a black polo that showed off his muscular, tanned arms. “Just great,” she said flatly.
    “What, you know him?” Abby crossed her arms. “I still call dibs.”
    Emma scoffed. “You can have him. He’s an ass.” She moved back inside the kitchen and reached for her pink gingham apron hanging on a hook. Tying the pink belt behind her back, her heart beat loudly against the fabric. “How long has he been here?”
    “About twenty minutes.”
    “Has he ordered?”
    “Only a chocolate chip muffin and coffee. Said he’s saving room for a cupcake.”
    “He is, is he?” Emma’s eyes narrowed. Time to find out what the annoying stranger wanted. If her suspicions were right, it wasn’t good. She squared her shoulders and exited the kitchen, walking over to Mr. Jerk. He was bent down, typing away on his laptop. Did he take that stupid thing everywhere he went?
    “What can I get you, sir?”
    He looked up, and she could tell he instantly recognized her from the Star Lite. “We meet again.” He tossed her a crooked grin.
    She caught it and heaved it back with a fake smile of her own. “So we do.”
    “It’s okay if I sit here?” He pointed down at his barstool. “It’s not reserved, is it?”
    Agitation crept up the back of her neck. “Only for paying customers who aren’t incessantly rude.” She looked around the bakery. “But since you’re the only one in here, what can I get you?”
    “Are you Emma Stevens?”
    “Yes.” How did he know her name? Did Abby tell him?
    “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Jason.” He extended his hand.
    The moment she took it, an electric shock went straight through her. She instantly pulled her hand away, tucking it inside her apron pocket. She rubbed her fingers against the lining, trying to get the remnants of his touch off of her. Her fingers still tingled. “Are you interested in something from the bakery?”
    “I thought I’d get a cupcake.” He grinned and leaned forward, propping his elbow up and cupping his chin with his hand. He whispered, “You know. A magical one.”
    Emma took a step back. Who the hell was this guy and what was he up to? He obviously was referring to the batter but had no idea what he was talking about. Why was he snooping? She glanced down at his laptop.
    She needed to play it cool. It wasn’t the first time nosy outsiders had tried to get the story on the bakeshop’s Monday night activity. She knew exactly what to do. “You’ve come to the right place, Mr.?”
    “Levine.”
    “Mr. Levine. Are you from around here?”
    “No, just in town for a week.”
    “I see. Well, it’ll take a few minutes.”
    “I’ve got all the time in the world.”
    I bet you do. She sauntered into the kitchen. Out of sight, she dashed into her office.
    “What’s going on?” Abby set two cupcake tins in the oven and closed the door.
    “I’m