Read Have Your Cake for Free Online

out of your hair as soon as you call Matthew’s. I’ll make sure you get reimbursed. Can you wait until Sunday night for it?”
    He nodded. “I won’t go broke before then. What did your sister say?”
    “She and Mama got invited to stay at the fair three more nights. It’s the last three nights of the festivity anyway. They’ve been such a hit the organizers are giving them the booth rental free.”
    “Oh, yeah? The food’s that good.”
    She gave a smile. “Yeah.” She dragged the word out with a hint of pride. “It’s disappointing I traveled so far to see them. It’ll be lost time to visit, but I can’t blame them. The booth rental totals eight hundred dollars. They get to still serve from the port-a-kitchen and gain customers from their spot virtually for free. It’s a good business call.” She shrugged.
    “But where does that put you?” He leaned on the countertop, closing the distance between them to command her attention. She seemed to want to look away. The sight of her heartbroken browns was far too compelling to walk away from. Damsel in distress.
    “I don’t know. Matthew’s I guess. I used to babysit that kid. I’m sure he’d take me in for a few days. I could work off the stay by tinkering in the garage a bit. I haven’t worked on a car since changing the oil. The dirt could help me get my creative thoughts going.”
    He chuckled. “You work on cars and bake cakes. Is there anything you can’t do?”
    She turned her sight skyward. The cheek on the corresponding side of her face plumped up in a half-smirk before she shook her head and restored her visage to normal. “Um, haven’t found anything yet.”
    Asher took a breath. Every part of him was comfortable with his next proposal. “Tell you what.” He flipped his body to lean his back against the island, crossing his arms over his chest. Cyana’s stare slid down his long form. A smile etched his mouth. The subtle pause of her gaze on his crotch caused the pink of her tongue to moisten the gloss of her lips. Her palms curled slightly on the countertop. She abruptly cast her attention to the floor. A rush of gentle breath left her. Oh yeah. His body hummed. He’d gladly offer himself up for a pleasurable touch fest with her. Satisfied with the obvious mutual attraction he continued, “Why don’t you stay here and wait for them?”
    Her gaze jumped to his with surprise. “What? Oh no, Asher. I couldn’t. You’ve already agreed to cover the tow. I can’t put you out for three days.”
    “You have to.” He shrugged during his pause. “Now, I may not know you all that well. But, I can’t rest knowing a young lady like you came all the way from Chicago alone, got stranded and left the Milway with no place to go. What I gathered from your end of the conversation is Matthew doesn’t sound like the type of guy to leave a beautiful woman with.”
    A smile played in her stare. “Now, how do I know I can trust you? At least I know Matthew...a little.”
    Asher raised his palms to the ceiling. “I’m trusted with the safe keeping of this place. I like to leave things better than I found them, but I’d say you have no room for improvement.” He paused, noticing her gaze dart to the floor. She’d taken his innuendo exactly the way he intended it. He continued before she put too much thought into the meaning of his statement, “If anything happens to you while you’re here, then it’s on me. How much trouble could you be?”
    Her lids narrowed. “More than you think, mister.”
    He chuckled. “Think about it. If the room upstairs can’t convince you by the time the tow truck arrives, then I’ll let you go.”
    “You said the upstairs wasn’t finished.”             
    “Three of the seven rooms are. I’m sure I can spare one.” He enjoyed watching her nibble her lower lip while she thought it over.
    “Okay. Let me see the room.”