Seducing the Baker (At First Sight) (10 page)

“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.”

“Place is real popular. What do you want?”

Jules smiled. “I understand you want to increase your order.”

“Would be nice but the rep hasn’t been in for more than a week.” The man leaned forward. “Why are you here? You’re not one of the owners.”

“Owners?” Jules asked. “I only know of one.”

“Everyone knows.” Mr. Trent chuckled. “Girl the Patons raised opened the bakery and made them partners. Charlene’s the one who delivers my orders.”

“Did you pay by check?”

“What right do you have to ask these questions?”

Jules slapped his card on the table. “I’ve been asked by her attorney to look into this business. How did you pay?”

“With cash.”

Interesting.
He questioned the man about the price. “I thank you for the information. I suggest you speak to the owner to arrange your order. Charlene Paton no longer represents the bakery.”

“I’ll do that.” Mr. Trent reached for the phone.

“I suggest you approach this as a new customer.”

“Like that, is it?”

“Yes.” Jules left the office and strode to his Jeep.
Got you, Charlene.
He slid onto the seat and drove to Tony’s house.

He couldn’t wait to tell Grace about Charlene but that had to wait until after tomorrow’s meeting with Charlene’s attorney. Before starting the vehicle his thoughts wandered. Was prying into lives and businesses all he wanted in life? He had a degree in accounting and finance. Curiosity and a distrusting nature had led him to his current career.

Jules started the engine. He trusted his friends. His current vocation had become boring. New challenges were needed. Helping Grace might be the answer.

He pulled into the driveway and parked his car.
Tomorrow begins a new day.

On Friday afternoon he and Tony walked up the stairs to Mr. Gumble’s law office. “Nice location.”

Tony nodded. “Did some searching on the man. He owns the entire corner block. I found items to make me think he’s greedy and just a few steps above legit.”

“He’s getting none of my money.” Jules chuckled. “I did some looking too. I want to see Charlene’s face when I spring what I know.”

Tony glanced over his shoulder. “What are you planning?”

“A small surprise.”

“Tell me. I want you to be as surprised as anyone who doesn’t know.” He followed Tony into a reception area screaming money. Plush chairs, rocks of magazines, a coffee set-up completed the room’s furnishings.

“Mr. Carlin and Mr. Grayson to see Mr. Gumble,” Tony said.

The receptionist pressed a button. “He’s expecting you.”

“Has his client arrived?” Tony asked.

“We’re expecting her at any moment.” She opened the door to a spacious corner room. The conference faced a large expanse of glass overlooking the street.

Mr. Gumble gestured to the table. “As usual my client is late. Perhaps you can put your offer on the table. I’ve informed her Mr. Grayson has refused to marry her.”

“Damn straight,” Jules said.

Tony sat beside Jules. “The paternity test results must be had before any agreement can be reached.”

“She won’t agree.”

“Then she’ll be in contempt of court. We have a writ compelling the boy’s DNA.”

Jules tapped his foot against the plush carped. How long would Charlene make them wait?

Ten minutes later the door opened. Charlene strolled inside. Jules stared at her sprayed on jeans and shirt nearly exposing more cleft that he wanted to see.

She smiled. “Jules, hello.”

“Hell no.” He almost laughed at her scowl.

“Ready to admit defeat.” She reached the table and put her hands on the surface. She leaned forward and her breasts nearly left the scanty cover.

Jules leaned back in the chair. “Don’t think that’s on the agenda.

“We’ll see.”

“Sit down,” Mr. Gumble said.

Tony opened his briefcase. “There’s nothing to discuss without the results of the paternity test. Oh, we’ve learned your son is staying with a Mrs. Mason in Rocky Point.”

“You’re not going to hurt my son.”

Tony leaned forward. “A cheek swab doesn’t hurt. Without the paternity test no judge will award you any money.”

Charlene turned to Mr. Gumble. “Is he telling the truth? That ain’t the way you said this would work. Didn’t you say my word is good?”

“And you swore Mr. Grayson vanished before you could tell him you were pregnant.” He heavy-jowled man scowled. “Without the test you’re throwing away a lot of money.”

Charlene pointed a finger at Jules. “This is all Grace’s fault. She’ll be sorry. I’ll tell people her cupcakes will poison them.”

Jules smacked the table with his hand. “Do not go there. You will end in jail.”

She sneered. “How?”

“For theft. Mr. Trent, owner of the diner believed you were Grace’s partner when he bought cupcakes from you. You deliver them to him five nights a week and he pays you cash. To obtain them you lie to Grace. I have documentation. The diner owner believes you and your parents are Grace’s partners.”

“We should be.”

“What have you done to earn that position?”

Charlene’s face turned ruddy. “It’s not fair for her to earn all that money. She owes us.”

“So get a job. You’re a leach profiting from someone else’s labor.”

Tony nodded. “Your attempt to claim Jules fathered your child speaks to that.” He turned to Mr. Gumble. “You have no case.”

“I can see that.” Mr. Gumble grasped Charlene’s arm. “I’ll send you a bill.”