Read Online Better Than Chocolate by Pat Amsden - Free Book Online Page A

other things.
          It was probably the constant striving to see just how much he could push the glass, how far he could bend, blow and mould it into new and untried shapes that had made him such an outstanding artist. Now she watched him unhook a group of tired and happy adventurers shooing them in for a pirate’s feast with a sense of joy and trepidation.
          The sight of him in hiking boots and shorts, hair tied back in a bandana, a boy at heart himself, brought back memories of student days when they had done wild and crazy things. Usually the ring leader had been Race. It was all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment and find yourself zipping down a mountain or wind surfing in a gale. She intended to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground here. No bungee jumping for her.
          “Elena,” he cried out, joy in his voice. “What brings you here?”
          “I decided to take you up on your invitation and come see what you’re up to.”
          “Brave woman,” he said grinning. “Care to join the pirate crew or shall we leave Lydia and her crew to feed the fearsome adventurers for a few minutes.”
          “Don’t stop what you’re doing on my account.”
          “I’ve got to get all the ropes and gear in order anyway. You don’t mind visiting while I take care of a few odds and ends do you? I’ll make you a cup of primo espresso later.”
          She laughed. “It’s fine. We’re old friends.”
          He worked swiftly, untangling knots and straightening harnesses. “Sure you don’t want to try bungee jumping.”
          “Absolutely not,” she said planting her feet a little more firmly on terra firma. “I came to catch up with old friends and see what glass work you’ve been doing lately.”
      “Ah-hah, an ulterior motive.”
          She laughed. “I’m thinking some of it might work in my gallery.” There, she’d said it. She wasn’t sure if Race knew of her new venture or not.
          His eyes lit up. “Heard you were doing something in Chemainus.
          But before she had a chance to explain it in detail Lydia was waving in their direction.
          “Ah, needs a little help with the pirate masters/monsters I see,” he said and they joined her in a huge dining room/pirates headquarter. In no time Race was in the thick of things telling tales of pirate booty while Lydia served up steaming hot coffee and biscotti. It was there that Brad caught up with her as the last of the pirates headed for home.
          Great, a pirate, he thought. The man looked like a kid himself. A very grown-up kid, he thought grimly. The type woman found attractive.
          “Pull up a seat,” Elena said. “This is Lydia. Lydia this is Brad.”
          She gave him the once over, her eyes travelling slowly and carefully over every square inch before stopping at his face. “You certainly are,” she said smiling even as she watched a tinge of red spread across his face. “Have a seat. I’ll get a cup coffee for you.”
          “And who would you be,” he asked.
          “Lydia. Race’s wife.” She watched a look of stunned realization cross his face. “You didn’t think…”
          “No, no, of course not,” he said hurriedly, not sure what he’d thought. “All this and he finds time for art as well.”
          “He’s a talented man,” she said sweetly. “How did it go with the financing?”
          His face lit up in a broad grin. “I’ve got two solid backers lined up. We just have to go to Vancouver on Thursday.”
          “Vancouver? I’ve already made other plans.”
          “Unmake them,” he said simply. “This is important. They’re both deals I’d recommend. You just need to meet with the principals, go over the details and make your decision.”
          “You can’t just make plans for me,” she said