Under His Protection by Denise A. Agnew

Author:Denise A. Agnew [Agnew, Denise A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Erotica, Suspense
Published: 2010-09-11T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Olivia watched from the pie participant’s area on one side of the tent, settled on her hard plastic chair. Judges went from pie to pie as “cutters” sliced smidgens of desert for the judges to taste.

“I think your pie is going to the next round based on what Trey told me,” Arlene MacGilvary said as she leaned to her right and whispered, “He loved your pie.”

Olivia smiled and whispered back, “Thank you.”

Olivia enjoyed the woman’s company. In fact, the time she’d spent in the participant’s area with her, trading quips and conversation had proven pleasant.

On the other side of Olivia sat Edie, Trey’s biological mother. She’d come rushing in at the last minute with a ready smile and breathless. Trey had seen her and escorted her to a seat next to Olivia. This sort of surprised Olivia, because with Trey’s somewhat secretive past, she didn’t expect him to want Edie in close proximity to Arlene. Arlene had welcomed Edie with kindness and no trace of animosity. Just in a short time, Olivia was starting to enjoy both women’s company immensely. They had plenty of time to chat before the event started, and when Olivia mentioned to Edie and Arlene that she was considering a makeover, the two older ladies had offered to help.

“Hurrah!” Arlene’s clan cheered as her apple pie made it to the next round of judging. Her other pie hadn’t done as well, but Olivia could tell the woman loved participating regardless. The fact she’d done so well even though she wasn’t an experienced baker was fantastic.

Edie grabbed Olivia’s hand. “Oh, your pie is up next.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll do well,” Arlene said.

Olivia chewed her lip. Sure, she’d told Trey she’d win a Grand Prize, but she said that to cover how flustered she’d become after his kiss. She knew that Trey was a trustworthy man, and not the least dodgy like her last boyfriend Randy. But why did Trey keep tantalizing her when she’d told him to back off? He would bloody well make up his mind. This game wouldn’t work for her.

Still, she could feel him behind her, sitting in the back row with Celeste and Mary.

Just because you are attracted to a man doesn’t mean you should pursue a relationship.

She knew that, but it didn’t mean she liked it.

Olivia held her breath as the judges continued their tastes. “This is nerve wracking.”

“That’s for certain.” Edie’s voice sounded shaky with excitement. She’d entered a pie, too because the inn had allowed her to use their kitchen.

Before they knew it, the judging on Olivia’s pie completed.

“Voting is in!” The announcer’s voice came through loud and clear. The older woman smiled broadly. “The apple pie baked by Olivia Scott passes to the final round.”

Arlene, Olivia and Edie let out a combined squeal. Clapping and hooting from the sizeable crowd filled the air. A breeze fluttered through the tent. Cooler temperatures had moved in and darkening clouds promised moisture.

As they enjoyed that only five pies qualified for grand prize, Trey, Celeste and Mary came to the front to congratulate them.

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