Read Online California Girl by Sandra Edwards - Free Book Online

had to get a grip.
    He stared at her over the rim of his mug, then banged the cup on the counter. Coffee spilled over the sides onto the clean white tile.
    “I’m a lawyer and a businessman. I don’t gamble with my firm’s money.” The intensity in his sapphire eyes held her. “I’ve checked your company out,” he continued. “Talked to people. You have the potential to be big, but you’re over-extended. That’s where Sackett comes in. We’ll help you get on your feet. You have to look successful to be successful.”
    Mary Beth angled her chin, still not ready to believe him. “Sackett Industries doesn’t invest in small businesses like ours.”
    He shrugged and swallowed a sip of coffee. “Sackett owns a diverse portfolio of companies. Catering will mesh well with our other holdings. We do a lot of corporate entertaining. We could use an in-house caterer.”
    She studied him to assess the truth of his words. The confident set of his jaw spoke of a strength and maturity eighteen-year-old Tom had lacked. Maybe he’d changed after all.
    Stop it her brain shouted. Dreams of Tom had only caused her pain in the past. She wouldn’t go down that path again.
    She pulled another mug from the cabinet and grabbed the coffeepot to pour some coffee for herself. Hot liquid splashed on her hand, scalding her. She jumped.
    “Are you okay?” The stool scraped the floor as Tom stood up and started toward her.
    “I’m fine,” she rasped, waving him away. She didn’t want him close to her, not while she felt so vulnerable…and angry. Angry at him and at the circumstances that had brought him into her life again. She yanked on the faucet and held her hand under cold water.
    “This kitchen is great,” he said. “I’m planning to renovate mine. Maybe you could come over sometime and give me your professional opinion.”
    “I don’t think so.” She wiped her hands on a towel and faced him. “If we work out a deal—and I’m not at all sure about that—I will not be at your beck and call to help decorate your house, or perform any other duties.”
    “You always did have too much pride for your own good,” he said quietly.
    She met his gaze and held it, refusing to look away despite the small seed of awareness growing in her. “Pride got me through school and it will get me through this. I won’t be dependent on you, or anyone, for long.”
    His lips quirked in a crooked grin. “A little bit of overreaction, Mary Beth?”
    She tugged on her braid. The man had a way of making her lose her cool.
    He studied her. “You always tugged on your braid when you were nervous. Do I make you nervous?”
    “Don’t flatter yourself.”
    Before he had a chance to respond, Gail bounded into the room, her blonde curls dancing around her delicate face. She looked from Tom to Mary Beth. “Hi. I’m not late, am I?”
    “You’re not late. He’s early.” Mary Beth nodded toward Tom.
    “Tom Sackett,” he said, holding out his hand.
    “Gail O’Connell. I’m the ‘and Company’ in Kendrick and Company Caterers and Party Planners.”
    He laughed. “Glad to meet you.” His quick smile made Gail dimple with pleasure.
    Resentment knifed through Mary Beth. Tom could charm the apples out of a fresh-baked pie.
    “How’s Joey?” Mary Beth blurted.
    “His fever broke now that the antibiotics have kicked in.” Gail pulled her hand from Tom’s. “Joey is my five-year-old,” she explained. “My husband is out of town and I had trouble finding a sitter. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
    “No problem. My financial officer’s not here yet.” Tom settled back on the stool. “I got here early to check out the place and talk over old times with Mary Beth.”
    Mary Beth narrowed her eyes. Old times ? Hardly times she’d want to reminisce about. The future, her company’s future, was all that mattered now.
    Gail threw her a knowing look. She ignored it. “We should get ready for the meeting.” Mary Beth opened one of the