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

about to find out.” Emma turned on her computer and sat down. Within seconds, she typed in “Jason Levine.” A slew of links appeared from the Miami Herald . She clicked on the top one and blew out a breath. “I knew it! He’s a flippin’ reporter. Why that little weasel.”
    Abby looked over her shoulder as they both stared at the handsome headshot of the man currently sitting at the counter in the Sugar Spoon. “Figures. Look at that photo. He’s damn sexy.” She sighed and flopped down on Emma’s comfy beige sofa. “There’s no way he’s single.”
    Emma sprang up and headed to the kitchen.
    “What are you doing?” Abby called out before following Emma back into the kitchen.
    Grabbing a mixing bowl and ingredients, Emma set them down and got to work. “Our arrogant and nosy reporter wants a magical cupcake. Let’s give him one.” She began sifting flour into the bowl. “Abby, go talk to him. Find out what you can. Talk loud so I can hear everything he says.”
    “Yes, ma’am!” Abby saluted and left the kitchen. Seconds later, she began completing Emma’s order. “So handsome stranger, what brings you to these parts?” She raised her voice so Emma could hear.
    Emma stirred the mixture, both ears concentrating on the conversation between Abby and Jason. He didn’t say much, only that he was in town visiting friends, was enjoying Buttermilk Falls, and had heard about Emma’s specialty. He had a sweet tooth and couldn’t wait to try one.
    “So, are you single?” Abby asked.
    Emma’s ears perked up, but she didn’t hear Jason’s response.
    She couldn’t believe a reporter from the Miami Herald was in her bakeshop. Sure, other reporters had tried to get the scoop on her matchmaking skills, but no one from such a large newspaper. The fact that this guy asked for a magical cupcake was bad, very bad. He knew something. She needed to get him out of her bakery—luckily, she had added just the right ingredient that would do exactly that.
    Smiling down at the mixture, she sauntered out of the kitchen with the mixing bowl and wooden spoon in hand. It wasn’t her grandmother’s spoon. She wouldn’t need it for this batch. “Mr. Levine, who told you about my special cupcakes?” She continued to mix the batter. “I’d like to thank them.”
    “Tom and Bridget Reed.”
    Emma wrinkled her nose. That certainly wasn’t the answer she expected. “How do you know Tom and Bridget?”
    Jason chuckled. “I was at their wedding.”
    “Really? In Las Vegas?” She highly doubted her high school friends knew this pompous ass, let alone invited him to their wedding. At least, she hoped not.
    “Yep.” He reached down and grabbed his phone from the counter. Touching his screen, he held it up so Emma could see. “Check it out.”
    Sure enough, there was Bridget centered between Jason and some guy she didn’t recognize.
    Next to Jason was Caitlin Reynolds, with her bony arms draped around him and Tom.
    A wave of nausea threatened to knock her over. Oh, God. Was this the stranger who Caitlin was currently shacking up with? Her mom had said he was handsome, and there was no denying Jason Levine was indeed attractive. She’d even seen dimples in his smile. Play it cool, Emma. Play it cool.
    She spooned up a huge dollop of batter. “So, Jason. Are you ready?” She asked in a suggestive voice.
    “Sure.” He closed his laptop. His eyes danced with amusement.
    “Here’s what I need you to do. Close your eyes.”
    He obediently shut them. Emma couldn’t help but take this opportunity to stare at his handsome face. Her eyes lingered on his full lips. Stop it, Emma. He’s the enemy.
    “Everything okay?” Jason opened one eye.
    “Keep both eyes closed.” She reached for his hand and inserted the spoon. “Repeat after me. ‘Batter I’m about to taste. Show me my true love, do not haste.’”
    Abby giggled. Emma put her finger to her lips, motioning her cousin to be quiet.
    Jason repeated the chant,