Read Man of the Month (Willowdale Romance Novel) for Free Online

Brad
    “Don’t give up, girl. February’s the month of love,” Tonya said. “We could dye your hair red. Or pink?”
    Jeanne laughed. “Save that for the gals at the residential center. They love decorating for the holidays, even when it’s on their head. When I worked in the kitchen there, they thought my green mashed potatoes for St. Patrick’s Day were genius. Marge talked about it for weeks.”
    “Come on. I’ll drop you off,” Kate said.
    They paid the bill, complimented Rita on her new sweater, and climbed into Kate’s Jeep.
    Jeanne dropped her head back and sighed.
    “I think it’s good you’re putting yourself out there, hon.”
    Jeanne nodded. “That’s not my only New Year’s resolution. Brad and I are trying to boost business for Elegant Eats . Any ideas?”
    Kate drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. “Isn’t the residential facility celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this spring? Maybe they’re having an event?”
    “Good idea. I’ll have Brad call my old boss. I’m sure they’re looking for something beyond the lime Jell-O and rice pudding we used to whip up for special occasions.”
    “Is business okay?” Kate drove past the bustle of downtown Willowdale toward the outskirts of town.
    Jeanne shrugged. “I think so. Brad handles that end. We’re holding our own. But growing bigger’s always better, right?”
    “As long as it’s not my butt we’re talking about. Your coconut cream pie is to die for. I swear I’ve gained five pounds since Rita started carrying your desserts at the diner.” Kate pulled into the parking lot of the old VFW that was the new headquarters for Elegant Eats . The building was dilapidated enough that it looked like a purposeful, distressed chic. She and Brad had had a fine time redecorating the inside, moving all the war hero pictures into the lobby where they could be hidden behind a floor-to-ceiling curtain they’d installed. Old Zeke Baker in his Civil War uniform with that handlebar mustache and grim expression might not be welcome at a discerning bride’s wedding reception.
    “Thanks for the ride, and the tip,” Jeanne said.
    Kate reached over and squeezed her hand. “It’s all going to work out, honey. I’ll have to get you one of Tonya’s bumper stickers. The one that says, ‘Be positive.’ You know, the one with the letter B and the plus sign? Rita bought one the other day and hung it up at the Jelly Jar.”
    Jeanne laughed. “Sure, I’ll plaster it to my forehead and see if the notion sinks in.” She jumped out of the car, wishing she could believe her friend, and then walked into the kitchen. The smell almost buckled her knees. “Mmm, what did you make?”
    “Come taste.” Brad held up a fork, and she walked over like a kid entranced by the pied piper’s tune—only Brad’s lure was his food. Sure, he handled the business end of things, but he was a force in the kitchen, too.
    “It’s a prosciutto-wrapped date stuffed with blue cheese.” He gestured with the fork for her to take a bite.
    She closed her eyes and sank her teeth into the date. “Oh.” She chewed it slowly, savoring the taste. “Yes. Now that’s a good date.”
    “Unlike last night.”
    She covered her mouth, laughing, and finished chewing, savoring each morsel. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. “More. That was good.” She realized she was staring at those mesmerizing eyes of his with her mouth open and snapped her gaze away.
    “Michael Green.”
    “New client?”
    “Your date for February.” Out came his wicked grin.
    She dropped her head back and groaned. “Can’t we stick to these dates? I like these dates. I looove these dates.”
    He pulled the tray away and set it on the counter. “No, I’m saving these to take down to the police station for a taste.”
    She leaned against the huge industrial fridge and looked up at the ceiling. Lordy, those tiles need a new paint job, she thought. “How did you find a date for February