To the casual observer, Casey Thomas has had a perfect life. Sole heir to a wealthy, powerful business mogul, she seems to have the world at her feet-but life is not easy for a daughter whose father only wanted a son. Not to be deterred, Kenneth Thomas makes the best of bad circumstances and sets out to prove that he can transform anything-even a girl-into profit. He pushes Casey to excel and dangles a carrot in front of her: graduate from business school, and you'll get a cool half-million bucks. Casey plays her father's game and gets that diploma-and the reward. And just like her father, she sets out to make the best of a bad situation. She uses the nest egg to fund her own sweet dreams of being a pastry chef, leaving her father's dreams behind for crepes drenched in chocolate ganache, a bungalow on the beach, and a wind-in-your-face, tricked-out ride. She's convinced she has the hottest ride on the beach-that is, until she meets Nate, her scorching-hot photographer neighbor. After experiencing what he can do with chocolate icing, Casey's convinced she's found the man who can satisfy her sweet tooth. But then she learns he's become her competitor and may be in cahoots with someone who's trying to sabotage her new business venture. Nate's fallen hard for the accident-prone beauty. Somehow or another, he has to convince her that his involvement with the bagel joint isn't what it seems. Someone that rotten has no business looking that good.

Simply Delishable

By Laura Kehoe

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2012 Laura Kehoe
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4759-4504-1

Chapter One

Casey began her day with stirred emotions better left hidden for at least one more day. She had worked too hard over the past four years to slip up now and let the proverbial cat out of the bag. It wasn't easy keeping a secret of this magnitude, and at times it riddled her with guilt. Nevertheless, it was the only quintessential way to her future endeavors. It consumed her. She spent countless hours putting the pieces together, all the while concealing those plans from almost everyone, especially her parents. Her father would never approve, though she knew her mother would forgive her. Her mother was the lone person Casey truly loved and looked up to. It was for her own good she knew nothing of her daughter's big undertaking. However, Casey vowed when the time was right that she would be the first to know. Casey knew her mother's adoration for her only child ran deep. Her mother was always defending her shortcomings to her demanding father. "My poor, dear, mother," Casey mumbled, zipping up the formfitting skirt. "In the end my father will see what I can do. Shoot, he might even be proud of me!"

Looking in the full-length mirror one last time, Casey made sure her wavy red hair was presentable. She wanted everything about her demeanor to be perfect for the special celebratory dinner. Casey looked at the event as a long-awaited end, but more importantly, a hard-fought new beginning. "One more spray," she told her hair, "then we're outta here." Tonight she needed to keep up her stuffy business appearance. "Presentation is everything, Casey." How many times had her father stressed that upon her?

Casey slipped her protesting feet into the ugly gray work pumps. Elation washed over her knowing it would be the last time she would have to endure the treacherous toe mashers. Tomorrow both she and her feet would be free to move on to new adventures. All of her expensive three-piece designer suits, shoes, and matching bags were headed clear across town. Every one of them was going to someone who would not only appreciate them but also get good use out of them. That someone was Julie, her administrative assistant and keeper of all her secrets. They considered themselves sisters, of which neither had. Casey loved her quirky friend and admired her for doing the best she could with what she had. Julie deserved all of her suits and much more for everything she had done for Casey over the last four years.

Glancing at her watch, Casey realized she needed to get a move on and prayed rush-hour traffic through Tampa wasn't going to keep her from getting to the club on time. "Damn, Casey, of all nights for you to screw up."

She sprinted down the long hallway of the two-story mansion, stopping shortly when she got to the staircase. Staring at the wooden rail, realizing it may be a while, if ever again, she said, "Ah, what the hey." Casey yanked up her skirt, mounted it, and as she had done when she was a child, yelled, "Look out below." She began her descent. This was one of her favorite pastimes as a child—well, only when her father wasn't home, which was a good part of the time. On the few occasions he caught her, she paid the price. Yet the punishment never warranted not taking in the pleasure of the thrill ride, once the punishment was fulfilled of course.

There at the bottom of the staircase was Nellie, the family's live-in housekeeper, wagging her finger. Nellie had caught Casey a time or two, but she would never think of ratting her out to her father.

"Miss Casey, I must tell you, you still make my heart flutter when I watch you do that. You are lucky your father isn't here to witness such child's play. Don't you think you're way too old for that sort of nonsense?"

With devilish, childlike eyes, Casey replied. "Dear Nellie, you are never too old! And my heart races every time, which is exactly why I do it. You should try it sometime!"

Nellie's cheeks reddened just thinking of riding the rail. For over the years—well, when she was younger, and alone—she had experienced the adventurous ride herself.

"Have a wonderful evening and congratulations again," Nellie said.

"Thanks," Casey yelled back. Pushing the button for the third stall, the door slowly lifted open. The big tank, as she called it, was yet another thing her father insisted on. The Lexus 430 was not so much for her, but he wanted the clients his daughter entertained to be comfortable and impressed. She really didn't mind tooling around town in the large sedan. It was sturdy and safe and full of fun gadgetry. Even so, what she really longed for was the two-wheeled ride she secretly purchased just days ago. The salesman needed to make some minor changes to it before Casey could pick it up. It represented freedom to her.

Casey motored down the shrub-lined driveway and onto Oak Street, making turns and twists through the lavish, gated community. After a quick wave to the guard, she found the traffic was unusually tame for this hour of the evening. She was confident she would be on time if she took advantage of the valet, even though she didn't mind parking her own car. In fact, every chance she got, she parked in the farthest space in a lot, giving her the chance to stretch her legs and take in the warm Florida air.

The valet line was only three cars deep and dread began to sink in. As she inched up her vehicle, Casey was delighted to see Tim, the cute twentysomething, wave her up. He shot her a toothy smile that eased her jitters. Casey liked Tim. He was the only one in the bunch at the club that had a sense of humor and always called her by her first name. Casey admired his comedic talents. He had a knack for making her laugh by trying his hand at corny pick-up lines. It always earned him a twenty, though she could tell it was not her money he longed for.

Opening Casey's door, Tim held out his hand. "Hey, Casey, kill anybody in this monster today?"

Casey returned a sly smile and said, "Ah, Tim. I'm disappointed you doubt my driving talents."

After sliding her sleek legs out of the car, Casey stood toe to toe with Tim. It gave him no choice but to look her in the eyes.

"Casey, believe me, I have no doubt you have all kinds of talents. So when are you going to show me some of them?"

As she pinched his cheek, she pressed her key ring into the palm of his hand. "Be careful what you wish for, Tim," she said before strutting away.

Twirling his obnoxiously long mustache, Louie the creepy door attendant greeted her. He tipped his hat, as he did to everyone, and wished her, "Bon appetit." Casey proceeded past the reception podium, knowing just where she would find her parents. Her father would only sit at one table, and it had to be the one with the best view of the harbor. Taking in a deep breath, Casey continued on to the table. Her mother stood immediately. Mary Thomas greeted her daughter with a comforting hug. Casey told her mother how beautiful she looked, knowing her father probably would not, and it brought a smile to her face.

While greeting her daughter, Mary took a brief moment to disclose her plans for the next several days. Casey was happy to hear she would be accompanying her father to New York City tomorrow. Mary loved the big city and deserved a little fun and indulgence. Casey had fond memories of time spent with her mother there, dating back to when she was just a child. Mary favored midtown Manhattan's theater district. Her favorite restaurant, Triomphe, was where Mary introduced baked escargot to a then...