Apple Cinnamon Desires

By Angela K Parker

Life's challenges deliver the greatest gems.

 

Blake Long is struggling with the loss of her grandmother and the small fortune she left behind. Heartbroken and unable to grieve, her temper is affecting everyone in her path.

 

Chester Phoenix gave up his dream of owning a business. With a hill of debt hovering over him, he settled for an assistant chef position at his brother's restaurant, where Blake stumbles into him.

 

A chance encounter is more than either of them can handle. But fate steps in, pulling them closer, forcing them to deal with their troubles. Blake offers Chester the deal of a lifetime, no strings attached, but she doesn't count on falling for the man she once despised.

 

Will Blake give in to her desires? Or will she bottle her emotions to protect her heart?

 

*A small town romance

*Contains mature content

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela K Parker
• Release date: Jul 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9798224771578

Angela K Parker

Angela K. Parker is a country girl with a big heart. She's a South Carolina native with a passion for writing, reading, music, & math. When she’s not engaged in any of the above, she’s spending time with her family or catching up on the latest movies. She’s always had a very active imagination. Now she’s putting it to good use.Looking for more ways to connect? Join her newsletter here.Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cI3h6H

Book preview

Apple Cinnamon Desires

––––––––

Angela K Parker

Apple Cinnamon Desires

Copyright © 2022 by Angela K. Parker

All Rights Reserved

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author of this book.

This book is a work of fiction.  Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner.  Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Published: Angela K. Parker 2022

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Cover Design ©Angela K Parker

To the loved ones left behind

Contents

Apple Cinnamon Desires

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Acknowledgments

Author’s Note

About the Author

Connect With the Author

Chapter 1

Blake

The air smells like rain, clouds hovering above, threatening to break loose. The wind whistles through the air in spurts, a clear warning to take cover or suffer the consequences.

Oregon, I sigh, dodging a young woman who ventures a little too close on the sidewalk. There’s no place like home.

The woman glares at me, rolling her eyes and pursing her lips as if I had offended her.

A grin slips past my lips as I open the doors to the diner I frequent every morning on my way to work. When I enter, heads turn in my direction, and I smile, bypassing the long line and stepping up to the counter.

Excuse me, I say, barely glancing at the guy standing next to me.

I believe I was here first, The guy responds, tapping his fingers on the counter.

I shot him a look in reply to his backhanded comment. Yep. And you’ll still be first after I’m gone, I reply. All I want to do is grab my usual and leave.

You know, an ounce of kindness goes a long way, the guy speaks again. I only stated the obvious.

I give him a sarcastic smile. You shouldn’t have. I spot May, the manager, and wave to get her attention. I’ve had enough of this guy and his snarky attitude.

May notices and gives me a subtle nod as she’s done plenty before. I can hear huffs and sounds of annoyance behind me, but I ignore them. I earned the right to be here. To walk in and be serviced without waiting.

Good morning, Blake, May says, setting a large cup of coffee in front of me.

I glance outside and back, hoping it stays that way.

Good morning, May. Thank you, I responded, glancing at the cup.

Not a problem, May says. Can I get you anything to eat?

I’m fine, May. Stop worrying over me.

If you’re sure. May squints her eyes, examining me.

I’m sure. I glance at the guy again, whose order is now being taken by the cashier. Then, I give May a five-dollar bill and wink. Keep the change. I grab the cup off the counter and turn for the door before she can object.

One of these days, May’s voice dims behind me.

You’re the best, May, I said over my shoulder.

May and I formed a kinship over the years. The diner is where I would often come to study during my stint in college. My home was too comfy and further away, and the library at school was too quiet. May allowed me to loiter for hours on end since it was for a good cause. Her diner was the perfect mixture of distraction and peace until I grew up and got a job, spending less time here than before.

May would provide free coffee and donuts as long as I kept to my graduation plans. The change that I offered freely could never repay her kindness.

Seconds after my feet hit the sidewalk, a drop of rain trickles down my cheek. Crap, I say. There goes my good morning. I hurry to my car and drive away.

When I arrive at work, the rain is pouring outside, and I dread the thirty-foot soggy walk to the entrance.

I look up at the sky through the windshield. Is this my punishment for mouthing off at that guy?

The sky rumbles in response.

I grab my umbrella, press the release button as soon as my car door opens, and hurry inside.

Megan, my assistant, bombards me the moment I step foot in the spice factory. I’m so glad you’re here, She said, walking alongside me.

What’s going on?

Glad you asked, She twists her lips. Donald called out sick this morning, and there’s a delivery scheduled for ten. Kevin and Nipsy are booked, which leaves.... Megan’s voice drags out as she lifts her brows.

Me, I sigh. Can this day get any worse? I could postpone the delivery and risk losing a client, but it’s not my nature. It’s why I got my CDL license in the first place, for instances such as this. I didn’t think I would actually have to use it, though.

Look on the bright side, Megan said. It’s only two deliveries. I’ll come with you, she offers.

Sure. What’s on the truck?

A few cases of cinnamon. Some sugar. Should be a breeze, Megan says, but I’m not too sure.

The weather is horrible, and I hate driving in the rain.

***

I pull the truck up to the back door of Dished Banquet. The rain slowed to a drizzle before we left, but not before ruining my hair.

I blow the loose strands from my face, pinning my hair up and tucking it beneath the cap I brought instead of the useless umbrella. I’ve concluded there’s no escaping getting wet today.

I pull the lid of the transparent poncho over my head and glance at Megan, who has done the same. Her smile is too bright for the weather.

Ready? Megan asks.

Ready to be done with it, I reply.

Megan is my assistant, but she’s also the closest person I have to a friend. Together, we know where to draw the line between friends and coworkers. This is a friend moment.

Megan grins. Come on. It’s not that bad.

If you say so. She wasn’t privy to my morning before I arrived at work.

Megan and I exit the truck. A small puddle waves beneath my feet, and I’m grateful I wore work boots and khaki pants today.

Megan volunteers to ring the bell to let them know we’re here while I open the back of the truck to prepare the delivery. I ride the lift and step inside, placing two boxes of cinnamon on the dolly. I hear a guy's voice in the distance speaking to Megan.

You’re not the usual delivery guy. Where’s Donald? The guy asks.

Donald’s not feeling well, I’m afraid. You’re stuck with us, Megan responds.

It’s quiet for a few seconds before I hear Megan’s footsteps returning to the truck. The cook is super cute, Megan said, looking at me.

Megan is also single, something we have in common. But wherein she’s ready to mingle, I just want to be left alone. I’ve had one too many losers in my life, and I’m not desperate for another. I’ve decided my radar is off. I’m a magnet for bad men with dark souls.

I add two more boxes and a single bag of cinnamon to the dolly, then lower the lift to the ground. He’s all yours, I tell Megan.

Megan smiles, and even I can see the wheels turning in her head. I don’t want him, She says matter-of-factly.

That makes two of us. I angle the dolly on its wheels, barely seeing over them as we trek to the door.

Chapter 2

Chester

Unbelievable.

That’s one word to describe the woman I met this morning.

Stopping by the coffee shop isn’t part of my usual routine, and after that encounter, I wished I had never gone. It wasn’t my intention to come off