Catch Me (The Winters Family Series: Book 1) (21 page)

Immediately remove rolls from pan, place on large plate, or another large cake pan.  Add glaze while still warm to all areas of sweet rolls, completely cover with glaze.

Enjoy!

Connie's Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail

Ingredients: 

Handful of fresh mint

Ice

4 cups prepared lemonade

3 cups club soda

4-6 shots (2 oz each) Bourbon (depends on how strong you want cocktail)

Directions: 

Large pitcher.

Add handful of fresh mint to pitcher, and muddle the mint really well.

Fill pitcher half full of ice.

Add lemonade, club soda, and bourbon and stir well.

Enjoy!

Note: 

Will serve 5 if you use 12 oz tall glasses. Will serve about 8 if you use 8 oz glasses.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A romance nerd at heart, I tend to find inspiration in my dreams, or when walking my dog.  My love for romance goes all the way back to when I was 15, and laying on my best friend’s bed reading romance books.  It only took me 25 years to start putting all my stories on paper… well, actually a computer.  I was born and raised in Michigan, now live in the South in North Carolina.  So my accent sounds like a Yankee with a slight Southern drawl.  When I am not writing you will find me reading, or baking.

My real-life romance started when I was just 19.  Now, over 20 years later, my husband is not only my lover but my best friend.  We only raise furry kids, we have one dog and two cats.  Our animals are all rescues.

I am a foodie, who loves creating recipes.  Over four years ago I started a food blog at CafeTerraBlog.  My love for food is why each of my books will always share new recipes made by the characters.

I love connecting with my followers.  You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, CafeTerraBlog, Pinterest, or at my website.

WEBSITE:
www.terrakelly.com

FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/TerraKellyAuthor

TWITTER:
www.twitter.com/TerraKellyAuthr

FOR MORE RECIPES:
www.cafeterrablog.com

PINTEREST:
www.pinterest.com/cafeterrablog

EXCERPT

Alex and Alyssa’s Story

Coming March 2015

They arrived at the cafe about 10:00 AM.  The place was packed, every seat filled in the little cafe.  You could hear clanking of silverware, and loud conversations filling the room.  Saturday and Sunday were their busiest days.  When she opened the cafe over a year ago, Alyssa was not sure how it would be accepted.  She was someone new coming into a new city, and trying to start a new business.  The cafe was called "Lexie Eats," named, of course, by Alexandra herself.  

It was open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  They served fresh homemade pastries and bread.  Aunt Anna, the pastry chef, made everything fresh each day. Missy, Anna's daughter, helped her make the pastries.  

They also served homemade pizzas baked in a brick oven. Barbecued pulled pork, ribs, and brisket came lovingly slow-cooked from their wood smoker.  Other options were salads, soups, and unique breakfast options using the bbq'd meat.  The menu was unique, full of flavor, and fun.  

Within the first month, word had spread about her place.  Camel's Back Park, where she liked to run, was a very busy place with several trails for runners, hikers, bikers, and people walking their dogs.  All were excited to see some fun, nutritional options on the menu at Lexie Eats. 

Up until a month ago she had a full staff.  Alyssa was able to work, but with a flexible schedule for Alexandra.  Now she was in need of Chef.  A few weeks ago she found a potential Chef, who felt like the perfect fit.  He would be arriving on Monday for an in-person interview.  His name is Alex Winters.  He worked in L.A. as a sous chef, but had recently lost his job.  Alex had shared on their phone interview last week, that the restaurant had done some restructuring.  

Alyssa was looking forward to having a full staff again.  Poor Alexandra basically lived at the cafe these days.  The customers loved her, and the employees adored her.  She always wanted to help bake something and she loved helping at the cash register.  Alyssa could see Lexie helping in the kitchen for many years to come.

When they walked into the cafe, they were both greeted warmly.  Lexie was holding Alyssa's hand, as she hopped from foot to foot in anticipation.  Aunt Anna was at the pastry case adding some freshly made Danishes.

Anna looked up, "Well look who it is, my sweet girl Lexie."

Lexie ran to the older woman and wrapped her little arms around her waist.  "Hi Aunt Anna! Momma said we could have your cinnamon coffee cake."  She was now jumping up and down from excitement.  

Anna was in her fifties, and had two children.  When she met Alyssa for the first time, she immediately felt a connection.  She knew about Alyssa and Alexandra's past.  As their relationship grew, Alyssa and Lexie slowly became a part of her family.  She loved them both so much.  "She did now did she?  I think that can be arranged.  Grab a seat sweetie.  Do you want some milk with your coffee cake?"

Lexie looked up at her mom, "Do I Momma?"

Alyssa just smiled, reached over to Lexie and moved a strand of hair behind her ear, "Yes you do, Baby Girl."

The cafe was small, yet inviting.  There was seating for 54 people inside, and about 16 outside on the patio.  Bright colors adorned the walls, with pop art from Andy Warhol to Tom Wesselmann.  Everyone at the cafe seemed happy and even better, several of the plates would easily pass in the Clean Plate Club.  

At the middle booth, Alex was looking through the menu, impressed with all the menu options. He had arrived in Boise a few days earlier than planned.  Since he had a few days to kill he decided to check out the cafe he would possibly be working at very soon.  

The bell on the door rang loudly.  Alex looked up from the menu to see a woman and her daughter walk in.  The little girl was precious, with loads of energy.  The woman seemed curious and took a few moments to look around the cafe.  When the woman looked in Alex's direction, he couldn't take his eyes off her.  She was gorgeous.  She had long blonde hair that was wavy and hung to the middle of her back.  Her face was peppered with freckles, and she had piercing caramel eyes.  She was voluptuous, with curves in all the right places.  She smiled at her daughter, but he noticed the smile never met her eyes.  She seemed sad or distracted.  

As Alyssa walked to the counter, she noticed some tables where customers were without food. "Anna, do you need me to help with getting some orders?  There are a few tables that look like they're waiting."

Anna put her hands up, "Honey, you better ask Rachel.  She was swamped all morning."

Just then Rachel walked out, "Alyssa, hi Sweetie!  Today has been crazy, but a great morning." Rachel was the lead server.  She was friendly, and excellent at her job.  

Alyssa grabbed a pad and pen, "Do you want me to help with a few tables?"

Rachel smiled, "Bless you, my friend.  The booth in the middle just arrived, want to grab him for me?"

Alyssa looked over, and about did a double take.  The man sitting at the table was handsome. He had dark brown hair that looked unkempt, like he had been running his hands through it several times.  He had a sharp jawline, prominent nose, five o'clock shadow, and lips that desired to be kissed.  

Alex looked up to find the woman looking right at him.  Damn she was stunning.  

Alyssa realized they were staring at each other.  She quickly looked down, shook her head. Then looked at Lexie sitting on the barstool, her legs swinging back and forth.  "Is it everything you dreamed it would be baby girl?"

Lexie had her mouth a little too full, "And more, Momma."

Alyssa just smiled and decided to stop staring at the handsome man, and take his order.  When she walked over, he looked up and smiled.  His smile was radiant.  It took her a second to compose herself.  "Hi there, sorry about the wait.  We can get you free pastry if you like?"

At that moment Lexie ran over to the table, "Ahhhh... you should get Aunt Anna's coffee cake, it's the best!"

Alyssa just smiled, "Sweet girl, let him decide okay?"

Alex lightly laughed, "Sounds like she knows what she's talking about.  So a piece of coffee cake sounds wonderful.  I wasn't waiting too long though, you can charge me for it, it's okay."

Lexie was excited, "I’ll have Aunt Anna get you a piece right now."

Alyssa shook her head, "Nope, my cafe, my decision.  Sorry, she loves talking about Anna's pastries, and of course eating them."

Alex looked stunned, "You're Alyssa?"

Alyssa looked at him curious, "Yes, do I know you?"

He put his hand out, "Hi, I am Alex, Alex Winters."

Alyssa shook his hand.  There was immediate sparks that passed through her arm from his touch.  "Yes.  How are you?  You arrived early?" She sat down opposite him, "When did you arrive in Boise?"

Alex felt the sparks and heat as he shook her hand.  Wow, something felt different.  This couldn't be happening.  He tried to ignore what he was feeling.  "I arrived late last night.  I really thought I would get in tomorrow.  I left a little early though."

Lexie approached the table carrying a piece of coffee cake with Anna's help.  "Here you go."  Then she rested both hands on the table, her head resting on her hands.  She was waiting until he took a bite.

Alyssa combed through Lexie's hair, "She wants to make sure you like it."

"Oh, well here we go."  He took a bite, and actually moaned.  He looked at Alyssa, then at the little girl, "Wow, this is amazing."  

Her eyes went wide, and she jumped with excitement, "Yay! I better go tell Aunt Anna!"  She ran off to find Anna in the kitchen.

"Sorry, that's my daughter Alexandra, most of us call her Lexie."

Alex smiled, "So... she's Lexie, and she does eat."

Alyssa laughed, like a full belly laugh.  She couldn't remember the last time she had laughed like this. "That she does.  She loves to help at the cafe."  She looked down at her hands to compose herself.  What was it about this stranger?  He was making her feel things she had not felt in years.  When she looked up, forest green eyes were looking right at her.  Jokingly, "So you want to do the interview today... right now?  Then you can start helping us tomorrow!"  Then with a serious look, "I'm kidding.  You're probably tired from all the driving."

Alex was not sure what to make of this beautiful woman.  "Sure."

Alyssa was looking at Lexie helping Rachel at the cash register.  She quickly looked back at Alex, "What?  What did you say?"

"Yes.  I would love to help now.  You said you've been short handed for about a month?" 

Alyssa just looked at him stunned, "You're serious aren't you?  Well, okay, follow me."  As she passed Lexie, "Hey sweetie, I am just going to show Alex around, okay?  I’ll be right back." She then looked at Alex,  "It's pretty small here, so this won't take long.  Then I'll have them make a few of our signature dishes for you to try."

"Sounds great."  Alex followed behind her, she was gorgeous from behind too.  He needed to reel himself in, and quickly.