Seducing the Baker (At First Sight)

by Janet Lane-Walters

  Grace signed her name in the places he indicated. She drew a deep breath. “Here’s hoping this is the right thing.”

  Tony slid the papers into a courier envelope. “What did Jules do?”

  Grace settled back in the chair. “It’s more about what he hasn’t done. Yesterday Charlene Paton ran into him at the bakery. She left in a rush. Though she pretended not to know him I think she rushed to some lawyer named Gumble. She’s claiming Jules is the father of her son.”

  “No way,” Tony said.

  Grace nodded. “Charlene lied. Jules never had sex without protection.”

  Tony arched a brow. “I won’t ask how you know that.”

  “Charlene said her attorney is serving Jules with papers for back child support and she believes she can force him to marry her.”

  “How can she prove that?”

  Grace leaned forward. “The boy is the right age. I don’t think there’s anything else. She’ll agree to less child support if he marries her.”

  “Not going to happen.” Tony reached for his cell and ran his finger down the screen. “Jules, Tony here. Call me ASAP.” He tried a second number and left the same message. “Looks like he’s not answering.”

  “What else can we do?”

  “You, nothing unless you have more information. I’ll hit his office tomorrow. This Charlene will be surprised when we ask for a paternity test. If she refuses to have her son tested a judge will issue the order.”

  The tension in Grace’s shoulders lessened. Could the problem be that easily solved?

  Tony rose. “We’ll lunch on cupcakes and have a sugar high.”

  As she followed Tony Grace’s thoughts roiled. How would Jules react to the news?

  * * *

  Jules sat in the coffee shop near his office and sipped his drink. A bitter taste lingered on his tongue. Not as smooth as the coffee he’d drunk at the bakery or Grace’s apartment. He chewed on a piece of cinnamon roll and grimaced. The bun tasted nothing like the cupcake with a similar name.

  He pushed aside the thoughts of the weekend. He failed to erase his memories. Everything reminded him of Grace and sex. Yesterday he’d roamed the city streets. The night had found chasing illusive sleep. Tony had left a dozen messages urging him to call. Jules figured he knew the reason and had ignored the message.

  What was he going to do about Grace? Would she talk to him? He glanced at his watch. Ten past nine. He needed to go to the office, call Allie and tell her he’d failed. All because he’d let the dude take control.

  He dumped the remainder of the roll and coffee in the trash and stepped into the biting wind of the winter day. Puddles of melting snow hid sheets of black ice. Walking became a challenge. Memories of two nights with Grace haunted his thoughts. Ghost whispers of cries of completion drifted into his head. The sex had been explosive. So had the sharing of their pasts. What would have happened if she had said yes ten years ago? The answer slugged him. The answer slugged him. To steady himself he pressed a hand against the brick wall of a building. He would have fallen in love. Maybe he still hovered on the edge but he’d blown his chance of forever.

  Coward.

  Instead of facing his feelings he had run back to the city where shallowness was the norm. Who needed to invest emotions in relationships when most of the people you knew were little more than strangers? Of his few friends, their lives had changed. Marriage had ended their days of bar-hopping and hitting clubs trolling for a flavor of the night or a bit longer. The rest of his life would be spent skimming the surface. Grace would never forgive him.

  When he entered the office his secretary/receptionist smiled. “You’re late. That’s a first.” Her eyes narrowed. You look awful. Are you ill?”

  He was but not physically. “I’ll live. There are some phone calls I need to make. Anything I should know?”

  She handed him an envelope. “This arrived by messenger. Allie Blakefield called for a report on her project. Tony’s on his way. A Mr. Gumble will be in around eleven.”

  Jules clutched the packet. He knew an unsigned contract lay inside. Why was Tony coming? Jules turned. “Did this Gumbel say what business he has with me?”

  “Only that he wants to discuss an important matter.”

  Jules closed his office door. He opened the envelope. She had signed. A hot arrow stabbed his chest. Though he wondered why she hadn’t returned shredded paper, he couldn’t ask. He flipped his cell open and hit a number.

  “Allie, it’s Jules.”

  “News?”

  “Welcome back. I’ve got the signed contract. She wants the feature to be in the November or December issue. Oh, she has developed a fruitcake cupcake that’s light, flavorful and absolutely delicious.”

  “Really. I’m not a fan of fruitcake. I’ll order some. Guess your charm did the job.”

  “Something like that. How was your trip?”

  “Italy was wonderful. The food fabulous and the country fascinating. Send the contract over. You’ll hear more about Italy at Tony’s wedding.”

  Jules buzzed Mrs. Jamison. He handed her the contract. “Send this over to Allie at Good Eatin’.”

  “Will do.”

  Tony stepped into the office. “You have a problem.” He pushed past the desk and entered Jules’ office.

  “What now?” Had Grace opted out as maid of honor rather than be escorted by him? He turned to Tony. “Sorry.”

  “Me, too. What happened?”

  Jules shrugged. “A touch of panic.”

  “I don’t believe that for a second. You got the contract. Did anything happed I need to know?” Tony sank on one of the leather chairs across from the desk.

  “Maybe.”

  Tony arched an eyebrow. “She turned you down.”

  Jules’ hands fisted. The intercom buzzed. “Mr. Gumble is here. He’s an attorney and insists on seeing you at once.”

  “Show him in.” The interruption would halt his friend’s question since Jules had no answer.

  “We need to talk first,” Tony said.

  “Too late. Go. I’ll call this afternoon.”

  “I’m not leaving.”

  The door flew open. A heavy-set, balding man ambled inside. “Mr. Grayson.”

  Jules nodded. “What can I do for you?”

  The pudgy man pointed to Tony. “Send your friend away. I’m sure you don’t want him to hear what I have to say.”

  “I’m his attorney and I’m not leaving.”

  “Then you know why I’m here.”

  “I do but Jules doesn’t.” Tony glared. “You should answer your calls.”

  “What’s going on?” Jules asked.

  The older man opened his briefcase and pulled out some papers. “I’m here on behalf of Robby Paton and his mother Charlene Paton. These papers are for you to make arrangements to pay the back child support. You are her son’s father.”

  Jules’ mouth gaped. “Why would she say that? I was never with her.”

  “We can make this easy or hard,” Mr. Gumble said. “Ms. Paton has agreed to take less money if you marry her.”

  “In a pig’s eye. You tell her…”

  Tony grabbed Jules’ arm. “What proof do you have to substantiate her claim?”

  “Her sworn word. The child’s age. Mr. Grayson’s reputation and his presence in the house next-door at the time of the boy’s conception.”

  “Proves nothing,” Tony said. “There were seven other teenage boys living in that house at this time. Tell Ms. Paton my client insists of a DNA paternity test. If she refuses I’ll ask for a court order. I’ve heard stories of her less than sterling reputation.”

  Jules looked from one man to the other. “I never touched her. I’ll go for the tests. The results will solve the matter.”

  Tony pulled a card from his pocket. “Here’s the name of a reputable lab. Ms. Paton can call for an appointment for her and her son.”

  Mr. Gumble glared. “Don’t think this means you will win. A man should accep
t his mistakes. How can you deny her story?”

  “Easy. What she says never happened.”

  Tony touched Jules’ arm. “Enough. Mr. Gumble, inform your client of our terms. We await the results.” He followed the older man to the door.

  The door closed. Jules sat on the edge of the desk. “That was fun.”

  “Any chance the child is yours?”

  Jules scowled. “Charlene’s pants were the last pair I wanted to see dropped. How did you learn about this?”

  “Thank Grace. Charlene bragged to her.”

  Jules smacked the desk. After what he’d done to her she had reached out to help him. There had to be a way to show her he wasn’t all bad.

  Tony reached for the door. “That must have been some talk you and Grace had. Understand you always wear condoms.”

  “Cautious.”

  “Practical.”

  “Give me the name of the lab and I’ll call for an appointment. Sooner this is done the sooner the problem’s solved.”

  “Talk to Grace. Avoiding doesn’t work.”

  “One problem at a time.” Jules ushered his friend out.

  Chapter Six

  On Tuesday morning the moment Bonnie arrived, Grace retreated to her office. She had expected Jules to call and thank her for the warning about Charlene’s plans. She wanted a chance to ask him what she had done wrong Saturday night. Had he heard her whispered “I love you” and left because what had happened was nothing more than great sex?

  You can’t go there.

  She heard the bell over the door chime. Her heart danced in her chest. Was he here and had he come to thank her? In minutes a fantasy arose and she stood in his arms with him announcing his love for her. She pressed her hands against the desk.

  “You can’t go back there,” Bonnie cried.

  Had Jules planned another invasion? Hope flared like a rocket ascending toward the stars. Grace closed her eyes.

  The aroma of cheap perfume told her the identity of the visitor. Hope fizzled like a dud. Charlene stormed in and paused at the desk. “I hate you. You’ve ruined my life.”

  “Ruined. How?”

  “My plans. My lawyer said Jules had Tony present when Mr. Gumble arrived to inform him of the suit. He had a chance to end this quickly and refused. They demanded I have Robby’s DNA tested and compared to Jules’. The only way he could have known was if you told him.” She laughed. “They was going to have a judge order the test. Fooled them. Pulled Robby out of school and sent him away.”

  Grace reached for her cell phone. “What Jules asked makes sense. Don’t you listen to the news? DNA tests are done all the time. If Jules is Robby’s father the test will prove that. Jules would be a fool not to ask for one.”

  “He’s not going to get Robby’s and you can tell him so.” Charlene glared. Tony asked Derek for a sample. The fool accepted a ride to the city. Why did he have to stick his fingers in my pie?”

  Grace hid a smile with her hand. “Tony’s father was the lawyer who got Jules out of the trouble you tried to pin on him years ago. I imagine Tony would give you and Robby a ride to the city.”

  “Ain’t going to happen.” Charlene rounded the desk and slapped Grace. “You have to tell my lawyer what I told you years ago.”

  Grace rose. “I’ll also tell him I didn’t believe you then and I still don’t.”

  “How can you do this to us? Mama’s going to be real mad. After all she took care of you for years.” Charlene backed toward the door.

  Grace followed. “Your mother was paid to keep me. I did a lot of cleaning and cooking when I lived there. And I’ve cooked Sunday dinners and gave your mother cupcakes since I returned. I’m tired of being told I owe your family.”

  “You are going to be sorry.” Charlene whirled and stomped away.

  Grace followed to make sure Charlene didn’t upset the racks of cooling cupcakes. She returned to the office and sank in her chair and allowed Charlene’s words to filter through her thoughts. She needed to call Tony at his office. She scrolled down and hit the number. His secretary answered and refused to take a message. She tried his cell and the call went to voice mail.

  Next she called Lauren. “Hi, I have a problem.”

  “What?”

  “Just recovering from Charlene’s visit. She said something Tony and Jules need to know. Tony must have his phone off and you know how his secretary treats women callers.”

  Lauren laughed. “I can barely get through.”

  “Does she think she’s his mother?”

  “Hardly. I think she believed if she turned away other women she could step in.” Laurel paused. “Tony has an all day meeting. Tell me and I’ll get the message to him.”

  Grace repeated the things Charlene had said. “She’s mean and spiteful.”

  “I know she hadn’t taken her son for the test. Tony and Jules are meeting with her attorney on Friday. Where do you think she’s hidden the boy? If Tony knew he could have a judge sign an order for the test.”

  “Charlene didn’t tell me. She blames me for her scheme falling apart.”

  “What about Mrs. Paton?”

  “Doubtful she’ll say anything but I can try.”

  Grace disconnected and stared at the phone. Could she learn anything from the older woman? Was worth the try. She hit the group home number. One of the girls answered.

  “It’s Grace. Is Mrs. Paton around?”

  The girl giggled. “She went off somewhere. Was a circus here this morning.”

  “What happened?”

  “Charlene came rushing in dragging Robby and a suitcase. She yelled about how she had to hide him. She and Mrs. P argued a bit. Then they took Robby away. Derek came and wanted the boy. He and Charlene had a battle.”

  “Any idea where Mrs. Paton took Robby?”

  “Heard Mrs. P say something about her sister in Rocky Point. Do you need her for something?”

  “Nothing important. I’ll call later.”

  “Guess what. We helped her bake the cake on Sunday. Turned out pretty good. Can you believe Charlene’s going to marry a rich man?”

  “I doubt that will happen.”

  The girl snickered. “Do you think it’s another of her lies?”

  “Bye.” Grace hung up and called Lauren. “This is what I learned.”

  “Great. Jules owes you a special favor.”

  Like that’s going to happen. “Talk to you later. I’ve dozens of cupcakes to ice.” She walked to the kitchen and donned her apron. After the icing was finished she planned to finish a coffee-mocha blend for a cupcake.

  * * *

  Jules sat on the edge of his bed and rubbed his temples. His life had imploded for the second time. Once again he’d done nothing wrong. He’d never had sex with Charlene. Tony insisted the paternity test would prove he wasn’t the father. Jules groaned. He wanted to punch the wall or better Charlene. His head spun like he rode a merry-go-round. He needed a diversion to keep from thinking about unsolved problems.

  He dragged to the bathroom and stepped beneath the shower. Charlene had hidden her son to prevent an exposure of her lies. Her refusal would win the case for him but doubts would remain. Why did that matter?

  As though he’d been slammed in the chest by a sledge hammer he knew why. Grace would never marry a man who deserted a child even if the child wasn’t his.

  He stepped from the shower and wrapped a towel around his hips. As he studied his wardrobe Tony’s ring blared.

  Jules hit to open. “What now?”

  “You owe Grace a big hug. She discovered where the boy might be. All that’s needed are your computer skills. Rocky Point. Mrs. Paton’s sister.”

  “I’m on it.” He owed Grace more than a hug. A hundred orgasms for a start. “Anything else?”

  “Good and bad. Derek’s hunting. We’re meeting with Gumble on Friday. Come and spend the night.”

  “I might visit for more than one night. There’s something I need to do.”

  “Stay
as long as you want.”

  Jules packed a hanging bag. He loaded it his Jeep and drove to the office. He planned to do the search for Mrs. Paton’s sister and call Derek to check for the boy’s presence.

  He parked, grabbed a large coffee and rode the elevator to his floor. Mrs. Jamison looked up. “Morning. You look better.”

  “Feel better.” He headed into his room and booted the computer. Within a short time he learned Mrs. Paton’s married name. Another search located her sisters. Only one lived in Rocky Point. He called Derek and gave him the address.

  “I’ll check the house and see if Robby’s there. How dare she try to pass him off as yours? I’ll let you know and you can call Mr. Carlin.”

  “Thanks.”

  This discovery sent Jules to the computer. This search was for Grace. What was the name of the diner near the village? A search revealed the name and number. He keyed in the number. A woman answered. “I’d like to speak to Mr. Trent.”

  “Sorry. He’s away. He won’t be in until Thursday morning.”

  Jules hung up. No sense going today. He buzzed Mrs. Jamison. “I’ll be out of town from tomorrow until the weekend. Anything pending?”

  “I’ll let you know after I read the calendar. You do have three potential employees for the Good Magazine Group.”

  “I’ll finish that today and dictate to you. You might as well take the time off.”

  “Thanks. My daughter in Georgia is expecting. A visit would be nice.”

  Jules set out to finish the searches. He nodded. On Thursday he would see this Mr. Trent.

  On Thursday morning Jules drove to the diner. He noticed the cupcakes in the dessert display. They didn’t look like the ones he’d seen at Grace’s shop.

  He stopped at the hostess stand. “I’d like to see Mr. Trent.”

  The woman at the cash register eyed him. “He’s in his office. Go through the main area toward the restrooms. His office is the third door.”

  Jules nodded. “Thanks.” He followed the directions and knocked on the door.

  “Come in.”

  Jules entered. A thin, balding man sat behind a desk where stacks of paper filled a basket. “Mr. Trent. I’m here on behalf of the owner of Sweet and Savory Cupcakes.”