Bittersweet Surrender Read Online Free Page A

the chocolate.
    â€œNever. Ever. Come between a woman and her chocolate,” she said through clenched teeth.
    No doubt the icy tone of her voice was what made Scott’s eyes bulge. “Just as I thought. You’re not ready.” He shook her loose, shoved the drawer closed, and walked back to his desk.
    â€œWhat was that all about?” How dare he get her all worked up like that and just walk away.
    â€œWhen you’re ready to give up the chocolate, I’ll know you’re serious about the weight.”
    â€œChocolate is my life.”
    â€œLike I said.”
    â€œOh, so you’re going Dr. Phil on me?”
    Settling back into his seat, he steepled his fingers together and stared at her. “You want my help. I’ll help you. From this point forward, you can count on losing weight. If that’s what you truly want.”
    Something about the way he said that made her feel she was standing in a long, cold hallway and huge steel double doors had just closed—doors that led to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. She’d had that same nightmare as a kid.
    It was in that moment, as she sat there pondering her place in a universe without chocolate, that Magnolia appeared.
    With suitcases in hand.
    â€œIf you’re sure you don’t mind, dear,” she said, bumping her luggage against the door frame as she stumbled through. “The movers will be here tomorrow.” The sweetest of smiles curled her wrinkled lips upward. She dropped her suitcases at her side and brushed her hands together. “Now, which room is mine?”
    â€œSee y’all later,” Scott heard a woman say as he stepped out of his office. The black-haired beauty was walking forward but looking behind, so she didn’t see Scott with his hefty file. She plowed straight into him, scattering papers everywhere.
    â€œOh, my goodness! I’m so sorry,” she said, bending to help him pick up the papers while her gaze stayed fixed on him.
    Scott coughed. When was the last time he had been close enough to a woman to smell her perfume? “No, no, it was entirely my fault,” he rambled, stuffing papers in the file as quickly as possible. He was thankful Magnolia and Carly had gone upstairs and missed his run-in with the customer.
    They both reached for the same paper and her soft fingers fell upon his. When he looked up, she was smiling. He gulped. “Well, I think that’s all,” he said, sliding the last piece into his file and standing.
    The woman joined him.
    â€œScott, they need you in the—” Amber stopped when she saw the woman. “Oh, I’m sorry, Melissa, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
    â€œNo problem,” Scott said. “We’re finished here. Where do they need me?”
    Amber stared at them so long, Scott felt hot around the collar. “The kitchen.”
    â€œBe right there.” He turned to Melissa and tossed a quick smile. “Well, have a nice day.” One glance at the way she batted her eyelashes and he shot out of there as fast as his legs could carry him.
    Stepping into the bedroom, Carly closed the door and made sure it was latched. Though Magnolia had gone back to her house to bring another load of belongings, Carly didn’t want her sneaking up behind her.
    She sat on her bed and pondered the situation. Magnolia had actually taken her up on her offer. She was more than happy to help family when they were in need, but now she found herself wondering just how long this arrangement would last. Surely it wasn’t going to be permanent.
    Not that she didn’t love Magnolia. She did. Her stepmother could be sweet when she wanted. She just didn’t want to very often. Occasionally she messed up things. Like the time she used barbecue sauce for the caramel icing. And French dressing on the French fries instead of catsup. And then there was the wedding when she’d tried to pass the ring to her sister