Read The Cupcake Coven for Free Online Page B

salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring with a wooden spoon until it’s smooth. Then let it cool.
    “I place the whites and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a heatproof mixing bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture registers 160 degrees on a candy thermometer. Then I use a mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Then I increase the speed to medium-high until stiff, glossy peaks form. Then I reduce speed to medium and add the beaten butter, a cup at a time, and then vanilla, whisking well after each addition.
    “Then with the mixer on low speed, I add the caramel, and beat it until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.”
    “Wow,” the woman said. “It sounds like a lot of work.”
    “It is. But you asked why they’re better than the grocery store’s baked goods. That’s why. I’m pretty sure they take short cuts and mix up a lot of ingredients ahead of time. They never taste as fresh as homemade.”
    “Oh, you’re right. I’ll bet that’s it. Well…keep up the good work,” she said and waved as she left.
    Scowling, Dru set his hands on his hips.
    “What?”
    “You’re goin’ under, huh?”
    “Yeah. What’s that got to do with anything?”
    “Just that you’re givin’ away the candy store. No wonder your business is in trouble.”
    Rebecca rolled her eyes. “First of all, it’s a bakery. Not a candy store. Secondly, one customer won’t put me out of business. People come here because they can’t be bothered to go through all the trouble of making something like that.
    “What if she’s writin’ a cook book?”
    “She’d never remember all of that, and she wasn’t taking notes. Besides, there are plenty of recipes on the Internet and in other cook books. Where do you think I got them?”
    “It seems like you got that one from Martha Stewart but improved on it somehow.”
    “Just the frosting.”
    “Oh. Just the frosting, huh? Didn’t that customer say that’s what made it so special?”
    Rebecca folded her arms. “What are you saying?”
    Dru raked a hand through his hair. “I’m just concerned for you, is all. You said you might lose your business, and it’s clear how much you love it.”
    “If I’m going under anyway, why not make a few people happy on my way out?” She jammed her hands on her hips.
    “You’re givin’ up. Don’t. Things could still turn around.”
    “I doubt it.”
    “Yeah. Not if you keep doin’ things that way. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t open my mouth when you’re about to shoot yourself in the foot? Ain’t you never heard that the best way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket?”
    Rebecca shook her head. “No. I never heard that saying, but I think you’re trying to give me advice—and I haven’t asked for any.”
    Dru clamped his jaw shut. After a brief silence he said, “What else do you need me to do?”
    She strode into the kitchen, then turned around and came right back out. They stared at each other for a few long moments.
    Rebecca’s shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry. I know you’re trying to help.”
    Dru reached her in two long strides and enfolded her into his embrace. “I’m sorry too. I can be a bit outspoken.”
    The easy warmth of his hug felt odd, but comforting. Maybe Texans were more comfortable with touch than New Englanders were. She relaxed into it, and thought about how she never knew what her father was thinking due to his poker face—and he’d played a lot of poker. Dru’s honesty was a nice change. She slipped her arms around his waist. “I like that you’re not afraid to say what you think.”
    He leaned away enough to see her, but didn’t let go. Neither did she.
    “Do you want to know what I’m thinkin’ right now?”
    “What?”
    “I’m thinkin’ I want to kiss you.”
    “Why don’t you?”
    He smiled, then slanted his head and descended. His warm lips met hers, gently at first. Then he opened his mouth