The Sweet Spot (Magnolia Springs Book 1) Read online

  The Sweet Spot

  Magnolia Springs Book 1

  Copyright © 2020 by Elyse Kelly

  All rights reserved.

  The unauthorized reproduction, transmission, or distribution of any part of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the express written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This literary work is fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or establishments is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Design: Sarah Kil Creative Studio

  Editing: Pagan Proofreading

  Formatting: Alt 19 Creative

  ISBN: 9798685473103 (print)

  Contents

  Callie

  Asher

  Callie

  Asher

  Asher

  Callie

  Asher

  Callie

  Asher

  Asher

  Callie

  Asher

  Callie

  Callie

  Asher

  Callie

  Callie

  Asher

  Callie

  Asher

  Callie

  Find Elyse Kelly

  Acknowledgements

  Coming Soon

  Christian

  Christian

  Ava

  CHAPTER 1

  Callie

  It’s finally happening! I can’t believe it’s finally happening! This is legit my life right now! Holy shit, I’m so excited!

  When I told my parents I was moving to Georgia, they both looked at me like I sprouted a magic unicorn horn and pink hooves. They’ve always known I wanted to open my own specialty bakery and they have been the most supportive parents a girl could ask for. They just thought I wanted to open my bakery in our hometown in Tennessee. I never mentioned moving and I certainly didn’t mention moving so far away.

  I lived out of state for a few years when I went to culinary school, but ever the good daughter, I came home monthly and promptly moved back right after graduation. I’ve been working at a bakery back home for two years, learning the ropes and saving my money. But now it’s time for this baby bird to leave the nest. I hate to leave my parents, but I’m ready to start my own life and I’m ready to do it in another town. Deuces!

  So here I am! Finally living in Magnolia Springs, Georgia, just outside of Savannah and I. LOVE. IT! This is the cutest town EVER! I feel like I’m living in one of those made-for-TV romance movies. It’s a small town with only about 20,000 people, but it’s perfect. Everywhere you turn there’s a smiling face. You can drive down any street and someone will wave at you as you go by. Everyone speaks to you, even if they don’t know you. And there’s even a Main Street with cute shops and boutiques, family-owned businesses, and now a cupcake shop. You’re welcome, Magnolia Springs!

  I’m about a week out from the grand opening of The Sweet Spot. Somehow, I convinced my bestie Ava to move with me and help me open the bakery. I don’t think this is exactly what she planned to do with her life, but she loves me and I could tell she was running away from something back home. Though I’m not sure what that something is, at some point, I’ll get to the bottom it. Ava has been my BFF since kindergarten and there is no way I could live without her. So, when I saw she needed to get away, I dragged her with me to open The Sweet Spot.

  I’ve only been in town for a few weeks, getting the shop ready, and settling in to our cozy little home. Today I’m working on promoting our grand opening, so I’ve whipped up some cupcakes to take to the other businesses on Main Street. There’s a mechanic’s shop on the left side of my bakery, and a trendy clothing boutique to the right. There’re other businesses as you go down the street, so I’ll try to hit those up later today, too. Far be it from me to deny anyone a chance to get free cupcakes.

  Sophie’s is the cutest boutique I think I’ve ever set foot in. The clothes are amazing and there’s also little trinkets, gifts, home goods, and a ton of other stuff. You can tell this is the kind of place someone has poured a lot of time and love into. You can’t help but feel happy as soon as you walk in. The front door chimes softly as I open it, signaling my entrance.

  “Hi, there! I’ll be with you in just a sec.” I hear called from somewhere in the store.

  “No worries. Take your time.” I take a look around, being careful not to drop the box of a dozen cupcakes I’m holding. Ava would love this place. We’ll definitely be back here soon to drop some cash. Gotta support local businesses! After a few minutes, I hear someone approaching me.

  “Hi, I’m Sophie. I think I’ve seen you around. You’re new in town, right?” Sophie looks to be about my age. She’s beautiful, with milk chocolate hair and striking green eyes. I’d kill for her complexion. She looks very boho chic, but in an effortless way–kind of like Stevie Nicks. She’s dressed in a high-waisted hi-lo skirt that ties at the middle and a simple baby pink t-shirt tucked into it.

  “Yeah, I’m Callie. I’m opening The Sweet Spot next door. I hope we haven’t disturbed you too much with our remodeling the last few weeks.”

  “Not at all. I’m happy to see someone moving in, now that the Johnsons have retired and moved to Florida.”

  “Well, I hope you like cupcakes because these are for you. Our grand opening is this Saturday so I thought I’d bribe you to come check out my shop, with some awesome goodness right here.”

  “You had me at cupcakes!” she says with widened eyes. I open the box to let her see how amazeballs I am at baking cupcakes. Yeah, that’s right, I’m not afraid to toot my own horn!

  “These smell like unicorn dreams and rainbows!” I think she’s actually drooling now. I try not to stare as she’s eye-fucking my cupcakes like she’s thinking dirty thoughts. Hell, I don’t know this girl. Maybe she is thinking dirty thoughts. You do you, girl!

  “Uh… should I maybe give you some alone time with those?”

  “Gah! Sorry! Didn’t mean to be so awkward. These just look and smell so amazing that I had a moment of insanity. Thanks for bringing these by! I can’t wait to try them!”

  “I hope you like them. And maybe you could mention to your customers there’s an awesome new cupcake bakery opening next door?” I ask hesitantly as I clasp my hands behind my back and dig the toe of my converse into the floor.

  “Oh, you got it! I’m excited to see someone my own age around here. I grew up here and a lot of kids move away for college and don’t come back. The town’s mostly parents and grandparents, and nosy ol’ busy-bodies that stay all up in your business. It’s quiet and low-key around here, but there are no secrets safe in Magnolia Springs. Just keep that in mind.

  “Truth be told, I’ve known about you since the day you got here. The gossips in town couldn’t wait to tell everyone about the new girl. And apparently you have a roommate? You guys are renting the Watson’s house on Dogwood, right?”

  “Well shit, I guess there really are no secrets here. My bestie Ava and I moved here from Tennessee about six weeks ago.”

  “Oh, I know. Like I said, no secrets. But don’t worry, you’ll love it here. Everyone is super nice, even if they are a bit nosy and gossipy. Just steer clear of Stacy Trent and her Misfit Toys. They’re our age but still living in their high school days, wearing pink on Wednesdays and thinking life is the extended cut of Mean Girls. A gorgeous girl like you will definitely be on their radar.”

  “Thanks for the heads up. I’ve known my fair share of mean girls, so I think I can handle ‘em. Well, I’ve got another delivery to make. I hope we can hang out soon. I could always use a new friend in town.” She claps her hands and jumps up and down like she’s on The Price is Right.

  “Yes! I’ll definitely be your Magnolia Springs tour guide!” I grin at her, thinking to myself, “This girl is too much.” I give her a quick hug, ‘cause I’m a hugger, and tell her I’ll see her soon. I make my way back to the shop to pick up another box of cupcakes to deliver to the auto shop next door. If they’re half as friendly as Sophie, I know I’ve made the right decision to move here.

  CHAPTER 2

  Asher

  I just wrapped up putting a new alternator on the Honda Odyssey minivan Mrs. Smith dropped off this morning. I don’t know how she manages with five kids, but if I can help keep her moving while she carts around her own personal basketball team, it’s the least I could do. Her husband works out of town a lot, so she’s definitely got her hands full with those hellions of hers.

  I wipe my greasy hands on the rag I keep in my back pocket and smooth my hair off my face before replacing my favorite hat backwards on my head. I walk out to the front of the shop to write the ticket for Mrs. Smith, but I stop dead in my tracks just before I open the glass door that separates the front office from the body shop.

  Well, fuck me to the moon and back! Who is SHE?! I quickly close my gaping mouth as my dick begins to tingle before I open the door to find out who this goddess is. She hasn’t noticed me yet, so I take a moment to appreciate the girl in front of me, as she’s looking around my lobby, unaware of my presence. She has the most beautiful, light caramel skin with long, curly black hair that I bet would feel so soft wrapped up in my fist. Curves for days and an hour-
glass figure that makes me wanna drop to my knees and motorboat her tits. Her banging body is all woman with an ass that puts a Kardashian to shame. My favorite part though, is that she’s dressed in a vintage Weezer t-shirt, dark blue skinny jeans that look painted on her luscious body, and black converse on her cute little feet. It’s about to be on like Donkey Kong!

  Just as I get ready to open the door to the woman of my dreams, a hand claps me on my shoulder. My best friend, Dane, who works at the shop with me and my brother Christian, lets out a low whistle and asks, “Where’s she been all my life?” Before I can think straight, I shuck off his huge hand and blurt out, “Mine!” Then quickly I open the door. I walk toward the front desk with Dane hot on my heels, chuckling under his breath and shaking his head at me. She turns to me and Dane, holding a hot pink box in her hands like it contains a prized possession.

  “Hi, I’m Callie!” she says brightly, in a voice that could only come from an angel. Dane is quick to reach out from where he’s standing behind me and offer his hand.

  “I’m in love!” Dane tells her with a smile. “I’m Dane, by the way. And this is Asher.” She giggles softly as her cheeks turn a soft peach flush. Damn, is that sexy! And she’s not even trying.

  “I’m Asher,” I say like an idiot. Shaking my head, I inwardly cringe. Real smooth, Asher, real smooth.

  She smiles at me sweetly. “So, he said. Here, these are for you.” I take the box from her hands and open it to see the most mouth-watering cupcakes I’ve ever seen. Each one, a different flavor with mile high frosting on top.

  “You wanna be my wife?” Dane says to her as he drools over the cupcakes from over my shoulder.

  I nudge him in the ribs. “These are mine and I’m not sharing.” He gives me a mock affronted look and pouts. “But I’m your best friend!”

  “Now now, boys, sharing is caring,” she chastises us jokingly. She winks at me and my dick that I willed to calm down earlier is now trying his damnedest to get to her. She looks at me with these soul-stealing, sterling silver eyes and I know I’ve got to get it together before I fall all over her. You’re better than this, Asher!

  “My cupcake shop, The Sweet Spot, opens next week. Our grand opening is Saturday. We’re neighbors!” I can’t take my eyes off her lips as she’s speaking.

  “So… can I bribe you guys with these cupcakes and get you to come to the grand opening? Maybe tell all your customers about my new place?” she says, looking up at me through her long, black lashes.

  “I’ll be there on one condition.” I give her my best mega-watt smile. She may be new in town, and maybe she’s affecting my dick more than any woman ever has before, but I’m Asher Davis. No woman has ever said no to this smile and these dimples. I cock my head to the side and look deep in her eyes, “Go out with me.”

  That sweet peach blush is back and she bites her pillowy lower lip, but then she gives her head a subtle shake like she’s clearing a fog from her brain.

  “Hmmmm… maybe another time.”

  “Damn, son! That has never happened before!” Dane says exactly what I’m thinking, covering his mouth with his fist and laughing behind me. Maybe she misunderstood me. Right? Who would turn down these dimples?

  “What’s that now?” I ask her surprised, my eyebrows almost at my hairline.

  “I just have a lot on my plate, opening the bakery right now.” She lifts her shoulder in a slight shrug. Gaining conviction, she says, “And besides, you have ‘heart-breaker’, ‘panty-melter’, and ‘trouble-maker’ written all over you. My mama told me all about boys like you.” She quirks her eyebrow, daring me to tell her it’s not true. So, what if it’s true? She doesn’t know that. Yet.

  “And just what did your mama say about boys like me?”

  “Wouldn’t you like to know,” she says. “I’ve got to get going. It was nice to meet you. See ya, boys! Enjoy the cupcakes! They taste as sweet as they look.” With a parting wink, the little minx sways her sweet hips right out the front door.

  “I’m giving you one chance with that girl, before I’m all over that.” I cut my eyes at Dane and punch him in the arm, letting him know that little Miss Callie is all mine.

  A second later the front door chimes and Christian walks in, letting out a loud wolf whistle. “Did you guys catch the hottie outside?”

  “Mine!” I say, like some kind of caveman that wants to club her over the head and drag her back to my cave. I don’t know what it is about this girl that’s gotten my full attention, but she has it. And I’m not settling for a no.

  Okay, my little cupcake. You wanna play hard to get? Well, game on, baby. I love a good chase.

  CHAPTER 3

  Callie

  I. AM. SCREWED! I can’t squeeze my thighs together tight enough to relieve the sexual tension I’m feeling in my lady bits right now. That man is sex on a stick! Walking, talking, breathing sex. Sweet mama, am I in trouble.

  That is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. So tall and muscular, his body lean and built from hours of physical labor. Thick dark hair pulled back under a backwards hat. Cerulean blue eyes that demand your attention. And those dimples! That man definitely leaves a wake of exploded ovaries everywhere he goes.

  And his friend Dane is just as hot! Gotta be over six and a half feet of sexy chocolate, and built like a Mack truck with muscles on top of muscles. Black hair close-cropped, with scruff that begs to be rubbed against a woman’s bare skin, and a smile that drops panties within seconds.

  Then I almost run over hottie number three when I walked out the door. He looked a lot like Asher, but with blond hair and no dimples. I’d bet they were brothers with how similar they look. He had a sexy swagger about him too, as he came strutting through the door. What are they putting in the water here?! Those three boys are nothing but living, breathing sex gods!

  I barrel into The Sweet Spot and quickly lock up. I’ve gotta get away from all that sexiness before my ovaries faint! I close the back door and make my way to my black 4Runner, hoping I don’t run into Captain Sexy himself.

  As fate would have it, I am not that lucky. Cursing my luck, I keep my head down and dig into my bag for my keys, feeling his stare across the small back parking lot. I spot Captain Sexy leaning against the trunk of a blue minivan, his legs crossed at the ankles, and his huge tanned arms crossed over his broad chest. I try not to stare but my mouth waters looking at the full sleeve he has inked on his left arm, just begging me to take a lick.

  He catches me staring, while I almost walk right into the back corner of my SUV. Way to be cool, Callie! I hear him call out to me, “Hey, Cupcake! Be seeing you soon.” Then the cocky bastard winks at me and my panties catch fire. I have got to get home before I embarrass myself any further.

  The short drive home—curse this town for being so small—did nothing to calm my libido. Even with the A/C on full blast, my skin is still hot all over. What has that man done to me? If I’m feeling like this after one brief encounter, I’ll never survive an actual date. I can’t believe I told him “no” when my lady bits were screaming “hell yeah”. I walk in the door and drop my stuff down on the table. I hear Ava in the kitchen and rush in to tell her all about my brush with hotness.

  “Everything go OK at the shop today?” Ava’s standing in the kitchen, drinking a glass of sweet tea and looking through the mail. My bestie is so pretty with golden blond hair, baby blue eyes, and a runner’s body I’d kill for. Why she’s still single, I’ll never know.

  “Sure! If you count running into the three hottest guys on the planet, then yes, everything was great at the shop today.”

  “Three hottest guys? In this Podunk town? Spill,” she says in disbelief.

  “Hey, I love this town! You’re gonna love it too. Just wait.”

  “Yeah, we’ll see. Now, tell me about these hotties and quit stalling.”

  “Fine,” I tell her with feigned exasperation. “After I dropped cupcakes off to Sophie’s Boutique, which you’re gonna love BTDubs. Sophie is a real sweetheart and her shop has some amazing stuff.

  “Anyway, I then dropped some off at Davis Auto next door. Let me tell you, that is the place where all panties go to melt and ovaries go to combust. No joke, extreme sexiness must be a requirement to work there because those boys scream sex god.”