Sweet Saturdays Read online

  Sweet Saturdays

  Pamela M. Kelley

  Piping Plover Press

  Copyright © 2018 by Pamela M. Kelley

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  Introduction

  Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series

  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

  Epilogue

  Also by Pamela M. Kelley

  About the Author

  Introduction

  Quinn Jacobs hasn't had a serious relationship in a long time. He's too busy running the family business, Bakey's--a nationwide bakery chain. He's only in town to get the newest store up and running. But he has noticed the woman in the cottage next to his

  And Paula O'Neill has noticed him too. It's hard not to. Like her, he leaves for work early, and comes home late. Paula has a busy job at a local marketing agency but her favorite day of the week is Saturday when she works at her aunt's bakery, decorating cakes. When her aunt announces that she is retiring and wants Paula to take over the business, she is thrilled. Everything in her life is going so well. She’s even started spending time with her new neighbor Quinn, who is funny and sweet and says that the area is growing on him.

  But there's one big problem, Quinn hasn't exactly shared what his family's business is with Paula, and Bakey's is going to be opening right across the street from her aunt's bakery. When they've opened in other locations, competing businesses haven't always survived. Will this kill their chance at romance too?

  Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series

  A multi author sweet romance series

  * * *

  Sweet Saturdays, Pamela M. Kelley

  Sweet Beginnings, Melissa McClone

  Sweet Starlight, Kay Correll

  Sweet Forgiveness, Jean Oram

  Sweet Reunion, Stacy Claflin

  Sweet Entanglement, Jean Gordon

  * * *

  Earlier books in the series

  * * *

  Sweet Dreams, Stacy Claflin

  Sweet Matchmaker, Jean Oram

  Sweet Sunrise, Kay Correll

  Sweet Illusions, Jeanette Lewis

  Sweet Regrets, Jennifer Peel

  Sweet Rendezvous, Jennifer Stewart

  * * *

  Holiday books

  * * *

  Sweet Holiday Surprise, Jean Oram

  Sweet Holiday Memories, Kay Correll

  Sweet Holiday Wishes, Melissa McClone

  Sweet Holiday Traditions, Danielle Stewart

  Chapter 1

  Paula O’Neill dipped a bare toe in the sand and wondered if she had time for a walk along the beach before Aunt Tessa arrived. She’d called earlier and wanted to stop by for a chat. Her aunt had sounded excited, but was also somewhat evasive and said that it was too important to discuss over the phone.

  She decided to wait until later, in case Aunt Tessa showed up early, which she sometimes did. It was a beautiful evening, not quite six thirty, and the air was still warm. She went inside and poured a glass of sweet tea before coming back out to the porch. She sat in her favorite spot, the corner of a comfy padded love seat that that was also a rocker.

  She never tired of the view. She’d bought this beachfront cottage three years ago and loved it at first sight. It was a small house, just two bedrooms, but it had all the space she needed, including a small balcony off her bedroom and the farmer’s porch. She took her coffee on the porch most mornings if she wasn’t running late for work. And she sometimes enjoyed a glass of wine there, too, at the end of a long day.

  She sipped her iced tea as she watched the waves crash on the beach, boats far out on the water and people strolling by. A cool breeze ruffled her hair, and she caught a whiff of the ocean’s salty scent. Indigo Bay was her happy place, where she relaxed and re-energized. She’d been thrilled when one of the cottages became available and she was able to buy. It was a great neighborhood, a mixture of year-round residents and rental cottages.

  Paula’s neighbor on her right, Hope, had become one of her best friends. She was an artist, and they’d clicked instantly. The cottage on the other side was a rental and there was a steady stream of new people coming and going. Paula hadn’t met the newest tenant yet, but she’d seen him drive in a few days ago as she was heading off to work. She was mildly curious about him as it was unusual to have a single younger man staying there. Usually it was families or groups of friends.

  She turned at the sound of a car door closing and saw her aunt coming her way.

  “That sweet tea looks good.” Aunt Tessa wiped her brow as she stepped onto the porch. Paula jumped up and gave her a hug.

  “Have a seat. I’ll pour you a glass.”

  She returned a moment later carrying a tall glass of iced tea with a slice of lemon and set it on the matching white wicker coffee table.

  “Thanks, honey. I do love it here, but it sure does get hot.” It was a typical low country evening. The air was still thick and warm, the humidity high. Aunt Tessa looked elegant as usual, though, in her pale yellow linen top and matching pants. A triple string of pearls pulled the look together. Her hair fell just below her chin in a perfectly shaped lemony bob, reminding Paula that she was overdue for a trim.

  Her aunt’s blue-gray eyes found Paula’s.

  “I’ve made a decision. It involves you, which is why I dragged myself out here.”

  Paula nodded and waited.

  “I know you’ve always loved helping in the shop,” Aunt Tessa began.

  Paula smiled. Saturdays were her favorite day of the week. Even after graduating from college and business school and joining an up-and-coming advertising agency, she still spent most Saturdays working at The Sweet Shop, her aunt’s bakery. They made all kinds of baked goods and were known for their wedding cakes.

  “And I know you’ve mentioned wanting to run your own business some day. You never did say what kind of business that might be. Have you decided?”

  Paula shook her head. “No. I’ve been so busy at the agency, and I enjoy it. I’ve learned a lot there.” She helped local businesses with their advertising and social media marketing strategy. The work was usually interesting and varied.

  Aunt Tessa smiled, put her hand over Paula’s and gave it a squeeze. “Well, my dear. The perfect solution has come to me. I’d like to have you take over The Sweet Shop if you’re interested. You can pay me a small percentage of the profits, if that works for you.”

  Paula’s jaw dropped. This was the last thing she would have expected. She’d always assumed that her aunt would run The Sweet Shop until she dropped.

  “I’m honored that you’d think of me for it. But, is everything okay? You’re not sick or anything?” Aunt Tessa looked as healthy as could be, but it just didn’t make sense otherwise. She was barely seventy and one of the most active people she knew.

  Her aunt laughed. “No, honey, I’m not sick. I’m just tired of working. I’m done. I’m ready to move on to the next chapter and I know if you take over, it will be in good hands. And you know how I sometimes just know things?”

  Paula nodded. Aunt Tessa had a bit of a reputation in the family for being eerily intuitive. r />
  “Well, I know you can do this,” she said with absolute certainty.

  A feeling of excitement swept through Paula. She’d mentioned different marketing ideas to her aunt over the years, but Aunt Tessa had never wanted to try them. Paula’s mind raced with all the various things she could do. She spent most of her time on Saturdays working with special order cakes. Now she could do that all the time and wouldn’t have to go into an office every day. The thought was very appealing.

  “When are you thinking of making the change?”

  Her aunt’s eyes lit up and held a hint of mischief. “A month from now, ideally. That’s when your mother and I are leaving for our cruise.”

  “What cruise?” This was the first Paula was hearing about it.

  “Oh, didn’t I mention it? We’re going around the British Isles and it’s a theater cruise. There will be lectures on the ship and we’ll be attending all kinds of shows in London. It’s going to be marvelous.”

  “What about Dad?” Paula wondered aloud.

  “Oh, he doesn’t mind at all. He’s going to hold down the fort. Someone has to run the store, after all.” Paula’s father had a thriving business at the local marina. His general store was always busy, and it was right around the corner from Sweet Caroline’s Cafe, where he had his breakfast almost every day before making his way to the store around ten. His manager, Stacy, opened bright and early most mornings for him.

  “Are you sure about this? I could probably just take some time off and cover the shop for you while you’re away?” As tempted as Paula was, she wanted to make sure her aunt had really thought this through. She did have a tendency to be impulsive at times.

  “Oh, I’m as sure as I could ever be. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.” She bit her lip and looked worried for a moment. “I’ll be honest with you, honey. I just don’t think I have it in me to go up against Bakey’s. They sent me another letter, with a better offer, or so they said.”

  “Bakey’s made you an offer? Are you sure you don’t want to take it?” Paula knew her aunt had been upset when she’d learned the nationwide bakery was planning to open a huge new store right across the street from The Sweet Shop. They both knew that in other parts of the country, other smaller bakeries hadn’t survived when Bakey’s came to town. They priced lower than the competition, and Paula had to admit their products were good. She’d had Bakey’s donuts and pastries when she’d gone to Savannah where they were headquartered.

  “I’d rather not! Unless you really don’t like the idea of taking over the shop? It would kill me to sell to them. But I just don’t have the energy to fight them. I’d love to see you do it.”

  Paula smiled. “If you’re sure, then I’d love to do it, too. I have lots of ideas for how we can market to win new business. We already have a better product and loyal customers.”

  “That we do. So, it’s settled then? You’ll give your notice and start in a month.” Her aunt glanced at her watch and stood. “I have to be off. I’m meeting the girls for supper.” The ‘girls’ were four of her aunt’s closest friends. They got together often for dinner.

  Her aunt left and Paula decided to go for a run. She needed to burn off some energy and her mind whirled with the all the possibilities for taking over the store.

  “How’s the cottage? Is it as pretty as I remember?”

  Quinn Jacobs smiled at his grandmother’s question. She was only a few hours away, in Savannah, most likely calling from her corner office at Bakey’s corporate headquarters, where she’d been in charge for over thirty years. He leaned against the porch railing and glanced back at the pale green cottage with its snow white shutters and trim and the welcoming window boxes overflowing with pink flowers.

  “It’s perfect, Gram. Thank you for insisting I come a few weeks early and take some vacation time.” He could almost imagine his grandmother’s satisfied smile.

  “You haven’t taken any real time off in over a year. You’ll be busy soon enough with the store opening, so you might as well enjoy all that Indigo Bay has to offer until then. Didn’t you once tell me that you wanted to learn how to surf?”

  Quinn laughed. “I did. I’m not sure if this area is known for it’s surfing, though.”

  “Well, go kayaking then or that new thing, what is it? Paddle boarding! That’s it. Looks like a surfboard. That looks fun.”

  “Actually, that’s not a bad idea.” Quinn had noticed a surf shop further up the beach. He could probably rent a board for an afternoon.

  “Now, I don’t want to hear that you’re working for the next two weeks. I’m getting daily reports from Marshall, and everything is on schedule. We’ll need you there when it gets closer to opening day. We sent a new offer off to that Tessa woman and I’m confident that she’ll accept.”

  “The little bakery across the street? You think that’s all set?” Quinn hoped so. It was always easier if they were able to buy out nearby competitors instead of taking them on directly. He knew it was just business, but it was one aspect that he’d never felt good about. He much preferred when they were able to come to an agreement that both sides felt was a win.

  His grandmother was quiet for a moment and Quinn sensed that it wasn’t fully settled. “Well, not yet. But it’s a very good offer. She should take it!”

  Quinn sighed. “I’ll stop in there and check the place out this week.”

  “Well, if you do, just go in as a customer. We still haven’t heard back yet, so I don’t want you to say anything too soon. Besides, you’re on vacation. No working!” She sounded so fierce that he laughed again.

  “Okay, no working,” he agreed and promised to check in toward the end of the week. He hung up and decided to take a walk down the beach and see if the surf shop was still open. Maybe he’d line up a board for the next day. He had no plans for the rest of the week besides relaxing on the beach, firing up the grill occasionally and heading into town to do some exploring.

  As he stepped off his porch onto the sandy pathway to the beach, he noticed his neighbor jogging toward him. She slowed to a walk as she got closer and he couldn’t help admiring her long, lean muscles, which her baby blue tank top and shorts showed off. Her hair was in a long ponytail, the color so dark it was almost black. Yet her skin was fair and there was a smattering of freckles across her cute nose. Her eyes were a pretty shade of blue—or was it gray? She smiled when she reached him and held out her hand.

  “Hi. I’m your next door neighbor, Paula O’Neill. I noticed you drive in the other day as I was heading off to work.” He shook her hand and liked the feel of her smooth, soft skin against his.

  “Nice to meet you, Paula. I’m Quinn. I’ll be around for the next few weeks.”

  “Oh, are you taking a vacation?”

  He laughed. “Yes. My grandmother insisted that I take the next two weeks off. I suppose I don’t do that often enough.”

  Paula smiled. “You must like your job.”

  “I do, actually. It’s a family business and I work for my grandmother.”

  “That’s nice!” She seemed to hesitate for a moment before saying, “I work in marketing at a local ad agency. So, what do you have planned for your vacation? I can suggest some local restaurants.”

  “No plans other than relaxing. I’d love some suggestions.”

  “Well, for breakfast, you have to go to Sweet Caroline’s. It’s the local hangout. My father is there every morning with his cronies, solving all the world’s problems over coffee.” She smiled when she mentioned her father.

  “I’ll be sure to check that out, thanks.” He’d probably head there in the morning as he hadn’t stocked up on groceries yet.

  “There’s a general store right around the corner from there, too, at the marina. It’s actually my dad’s shop.” Quinn figured he might as well stop in there, too, after breakfast and pick up a few things.

  “Where’s your favorite place to go for dinner?” He wondered if she was single. He’d recently turned thirty-f
our and guessed her age to be close to his, maybe a few years younger.

  “For dinner? Well, there’s a great place just a short walk from here. The Surf Shack. It’s casual and beachy. Fried seafood, fresh fish. Burgers.”

  He smiled. “I’ll have to check that out soon. Maybe you’ll come along sometime? I don’t know a soul here,” he admitted. He found her attractive, but if she wasn’t interested, he’d still welcome her company.

  “Oh, sure,” she said, and then added, “I could see if Hope and her brother, Von, want to join us, too. She lives on the other side of me.”

  “Sure. The more the merrier.” He’d prefer to just go with Paula and get to know her better, but if she wanted to bring her neighbor, that was fine by him, too.

  “Okay. Well, it was nice to meet you. I should probably head in.”

  “Have a good night. And stop by anytime if you feel like company. If I’m not home, I’ll probably be at the beach. Or paddle-boarding.”

  “I keep meaning to try that. It looks like so much fun.”

  “I haven’t tried it yet, either, but it’s on my agenda for tomorrow.”

  Paula laughed. “Have fun.”

  Chapter 2

  Quinn slept until almost nine the next morning, and his stomach was grumbling as he eased out of bed and made his way into the bathroom for a quick shower. By the time he dressed and towel-dried his hair, the grumbling had turned into a roar. He drove the short distance to Sweet Caroline’s Cafe and slid into one of the few empty seats along the busy counter.