Standing By Author: Claudia Burgoa

 
Mitch Knight 1. Loves a good challenge 2. Never turns his back on a dare 3. Loves to create nicknames 4. Nobody cooks better than him 5. Doesn’t believe in love When Parker Welsh sells Mitch Knight his organic restaurant, Willows, he not only gives Mitch ownership; but everything entangled with it. Including the annoying pastry chef who supplies the muffins and cupcakes. Hayley Roth-Welsh 1. Loves To-Do Lists and Five-Year Plans 2. Has her dream job of baking sweets 3. Always tries to make others happy 4. Never seems to succeed with her family 5. Is still a virgin, waiting for love Hayley played by her mother’s rules for the first eighteen years of her life, instead of heading to college as her family expected, she rebelled and opened a bakery, Pieces of Heaven. Her family expects her to fail and head back to school and their wish may come true once Parker sells his restaurant to the handsome, arrogant Mitchel Knight. It’s either join forces with him or lose her dream.
 

Excerpt

 

Hayley “I received the email. Now go and change,” Mitch barks, as he closes his phone. I just emailed him my end of the year numbers and for the next two weeks he’ll come daily to observe and analyze what we need to take the next step—or so he says. I’m weary about his recommendations-no-I fear that he’ll say this is a lost cause. “Change?” My forehead automatically becomes a frown. “You said wear comfortable clothes, these are my comfortable clothes.” I point at my Nirvana T-shirt, then my shorts and finally my flat thong sandals. “Should I switch my thongs for tennis shoes?” “I really didn't need to know that you’re wearing a thong, unless you’re willing to show me.” I point at the shoes. “Thong sandals, you, idiot.” Then I head for my satchel purse and walk to the door. “Ready.” “You’re wearing a t-shirt of a band from last century, and… can you wear something less, Today is laundry day and these are the only clean items I found.” “As I said, these are my comfy clothes. No, I won’t choose another outfit. Unless of course, we’re heading to have tea with the queen, then I’ll think about changing my attire. What’s the plan?” “Tea with the queen, what does that mean?” “Mom’s motto. Every morning, you need to dress as if you’re going to have tea with the queen.” I did it for eighteen years, even when she was out of the country with Dad but after I left her controlling grasp, I made sure to wear what I liked. “For Mom specifically it means wearing famous designer’s clothing with high heels and a gallon of her expensive perfume.” “Can you wear something in between?” “Yes, but I choose not to.” I respond with a sweetly tone, open the door and wait for him to follow so I can lock the door. “Are we leaving? Because as you know, my bed time is seven and we don’t have much left… unless you need a refresher on how to tell time.” “You can be obnoxious, Miss Hayley Mae Roth-Welsh.” He heads outside. “One of my charms.” I stick my tongue out before locking the door behind him.

 
  Born on the mystical day of October 30th in the not so mystical lands of Mexico City, Claudia grew up with a childhood that resembled a caffeine-injected soap opera. Seventeen years ago she ventured to the lands of her techie husband—a.k.a. the U.S.—with their offspring to start a new adventure. She now lives in Colorado working as a CFO for a small IT company, managing her household filled with three confused dogs, said nerd husband, two daughters wrought with fandoms and a son who thinks he’s the boss of the house. To survive she works continually to find purpose for the voices flitting through her head, plus she consumes high quantities of chocolate to keep the last threads of sanity intact.  

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