All Chapters of All About Love: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"That's right." The man nodded, his mouth curved wide in a smarmy grin."Well, I'm sorry to disappoint, but the paying guests finished the last of the muffins before you got here. I'm fresh out."Maggie twisted her face into a petulant frown. "Oh, no. And here I was telling Judd all about them and your extraordinary pastry skills.""That doesn't matter." He flapped a hand in the air. "I was on my way over here to see you anyway, Pepper.""Isn't that just the best coincidence?" Maggie gushed. "How lucky we ran into each other.""Yeah, right," Pepper grumbled under her breath.Looking at the man made her want to take a bath. It wasn't that he was grimy or anything. In fact, with his curly blond hair and masculine face, he might have even been appealing if not for his attitude. Too bad he had that slick appearance of a snake oil salesman. Even his expensive slacks and button-down shirt couldn't make him into anything but what he was. A hustler, full of himself. In a job his family's

Kyle did have to say he was pleasantly surprised, when he pulled off the interstate at the exit for Bayview, to actually find a Starbucks. He loaded up with a grande Americano with two extra shots, enough caffeine to keep him awake while he made polite conversation with a dowdy innkeeper. While avoiding his true purpose for the visit.Sipping his high-octane drink, he piloted his rental car down the highway to Bayview, taking note of the tropical landscaping on both sides of the road. He didn't know what he'd expected, but it wasn't the attractive homes and buildings, all with a distinct Florida appeal. Whatever that was, he thought.When he saw the sign that said Entering Bayview, Population 3512, he cringed. What in hell could someone find to do in a town that small? He saw a convenience store a few yards past the sign and decided to pull in and feel out the situation. He noticed with idle interest the number of bikes parked outside the store and wondered if there was a special eve

Curiosity flashed in Kyle Montgmery's eyes. "I assume you don't do that with all your guests?""Of course not." She bit her lip. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you, but I was caught in a very bad situation.""Let me guess. Your parents are trying to meddle in your life and get you married off."Her eyes widened. "How did you guess?""My folks keep trying to do the same with me. I guess neither set has figured out yet we're old enough to handle that ourselves."She blew out a puff of air. "Of course, now I have to figure out how to explain this was all a big hoax." Then she brightened. "Or we could tell them that, after the first few minutes, we decided we really didn't like each other.""But that wouldn't take care of the problem. Especially if that jerk that was here is the boyfriend-in-waiting.""Not in my life," she snapped. "But you're right.""So, how about this? I'm really here so I can hang out for a few days and get away from the rat race. Maybe we could pretend this is re

Kyle leaned back in his seat in the sporty little roadster and studied the woman driving the car. The more he was with her, the more he wanted her. The last thing he'd expected when he'd been forced into what he thought of as social purgatory was to be met so enthusiastically by a woman so desirable, so hot he was instantly aroused. When she'd jumped into his arms, plastered herself against his body, and kissed him like she meant serious business, he'd responded without his brain even being engaged. He'd almost forgotten his first assumption that his parents, especially his mother, had set the whole thing up.She was, in fact, delightful. If he could forget his irritation at being set up, playing along with her little game was going to be fun, unexpected spice for a trip he'd been dreading and a business situation he wanted nothing to do with. He anticipated long days and longer nights with Pepper, until he had to leave. Despite the fact that they were supposed to be engaged, she unde

Pepper gave a sigh of relief that at last she was in the sanctuary of Hibiscus House. To her, the evening had been interminable, the steady barrage of questions from both of her parents like swords falling on her head. And Kyle? Lordy, he had been beyond wonderful. Where did someone get that kind of discipline and charm? Too bad their engagement was only a fake.She wondered what on earth he did when he wasn't pretending to be in love with her. No doubt he had women falling all over him. She'd certainly been ready to fight them off today as they did their walking tour of Bayview. No matter the age, they shamelessly let their tongues hang out wherever she took him. So much so that she eagerly let him hold her hand in his as they walked along.Tonight at dinner had been next to unbelievable. Mama had spent half the time waving people over to introduce "Pepper's fiancé" and tell them to watch for the Save the Date postcard. The other half, she joined her husband in giving poor Kyle the