Read Beautifying Bernadette: A BBW Romantic Comedy (The Jackson Tribe Book 1) for Free Online

and styled his hair. In a moderately tight pair of jeans and a solid black fitted tee, he stepped into the kitchen. “Mmm, I can smell that coffee already. My veins would like you to inject it directly in.”
    Bernie giggled, she often felt like that in the mornings.
    She poured him a tall mug. “Do you like cream or sugar or anything?” She opened a cabinet filled to the brim with syrups and flavorings.
    Levi put his mug down and stared. “You have your own Starbucks in there.”
    Bernie giggled again. “Yep! I started drinking coffee when I was eight and never stopped. I started investing in all the things I would need for my own coffee bar in junior high. I have the coffee, syrups, sugars, everything you put in coffee. I have a top of the line coffee maker and espresso machine and milk foamer. I pretty much have it all.  I hoped to open a bar after college, but obviously that wasn’t going to happen.”
    She looked a little sad for a second, but, before Levi could ask, she pulled out some sugar free hazelnut syrup and almond milk. “This is my favorite combo right now, but I often mix it up.”
    Levi looked impressed. “I just drink mine black, but if you’d like to create me something for my second cup today, I’d be willing to try it.”
    Bernie bit her lip and squinted. “Hmm, challenge accepted. You look like the sort of guy who might need something earthy, but subtly sweet. Maybe a little nutty.”
    She started measuring, shaking, and stirring. Within three minutes, she handed him a new mug. “All right, sip it slowly so you can really savor it, and tell me what you think.”
    She hopped up onto the counter and looked at him anxiously.
    He took a sip, planning to be kind and drink it even if he didn’t like, but then his eyes widened. “This is really good. Exceptionally good.” He took another sip and then a large gulp scalding his mouth a little. “What is in here?”
    Bernie grinned. “Caramel, a little bit of dark chocolate powder, a dash of heavy whipping cream, and some salt. Isn’t it amazing? You should try it with butter. It sounds gross, but it makes it extra creamy and different. I have one I call the Caramel Corn.”
    Levi happily finished his cup. As Bernie went to slide off of the counter, she wavered and slipped and he caught her in his arms. “Whoa, are you okay? Scared of heights?”
    She laughed. “Nah, just a little dizzy. I had a rough night.”
    He sobered a little and nodded. “Well, let’s get you some breakfast. It’s been at least twelve hours since you’ve eaten.”
    Bernie gave him a look, and then, boldly looking at her phone, she glanced back, and said in a fake haughty tone, “It’s been thirty-eight, thank you very much!” and started to giggle, but the look on his face stopped her short. “Wha-what’s wrong?”
    He scowled at her and slammed his mug down on the counter. “You haven’t eaten in over thirty-eight hours?”
    She bit her lip, she hadn’t expected him to care—she was just teasing. “It’s not a big deal, I know I’m a cow, but I do—”
    His hand ended up over her mouth. “Shut it. I am not going to listen to you demean yourself. You have epic curves, but you’re far from obese, and, even if you were larger, there is no ‘cow’ here. Ever.”
    Bernie shook her head defiantly, but her tummy was flipping in a nice way. “Hey! Hands off. What I was trying to say is despite being fat, I have self-control when I need to and can easily go a day or two at a time without food a week. It’s totally normal, but, that said, I am so ready for IHOP.”
    Levi continued to scowl at her, but decided to table this discussion along with the other. “All right, get dressed and we’ll go down to my truck in fifteen. Is that enough time?”
    Bernie saluted him. “Aye aye, captain!”
    After styling her hair in a high ponytail, Bernie scrutinized her face in the mirror. Ugh. She applied foundation and cover up, a sassy pink lipstick, glittery light