WHEN LOVE SIZZLES LUST WITH THE PROPER STRANGER Have you ever wanted to break free from being “a good girl” and have an uninhibited fling with a sexy stranger? Just find a handsome hunk and let your desires go wild? It had always been a secret fantasy of mine that I never could admit to anyone. . .until the day I decided to make it come true. It was hot and humid that summer evening when I pulled my car into the Sweets & Treats parking lot. I dashed up the steps. If I hurried, I would have just enough time to pick up something for dessert and get to Luanne’s barbecue party without being late. A wave of cool air engulfed me as I yanked open the glass door. I paused for a second and inhaled. Strawberry, lemon, watermelon. . .the zesty aromas flooded over me as I gazed around the quaint baked goods shop. It was almost like stepping back in time. The open oak beams told me that the bakery was at least a hundred years old, probably older. I’ve always loved antique buildings, and this place caught my eye. The high ceiling twinkled with multi-colored lights. Red, white, and blue balloons, flag paper cut-outs, and streamers decorated the display tables and high archways. My three-inch black heels echoed on the wide hardwood floors as I made my way to the rounded glass and oak counter. I tucked my hair behind my ear and peered into the case filled with cupcakes, sugar cookies, pies, and muffins. Everything looked delicious. As I glanced around the country-style store, I realized that I was the only customer. Where was everyone? After checking my watch, I noticed the stenciled sign in the window. “Summer Hours: 96pm.” The store closed at six o’clock, and it was already six-fifteen. Can I help you?” a male voice asked. I turned around. The man leaning against the kitchen doorway took my breath away. He wore black jeans and a green and white striped polo shirt. His sky-blue eyes locked onto mine, and he looked me over as he ran a hand through his wavy honey-colored hair. “Can I get you something, Miss?” I flashed him my best smile. “I’m Diane. I’m sorry to barge in like this, but the front door was open, and I didn’t realize you were closed. If it’s a bother, I can go.” “No. Not at all, Diane. My name’s Josh.” He grinned, showing off a set of dimples. “I’ve got some time. What would you like?” he asked with a wink. I licked my lips and relaxed. The pleasing fragrances in the shop drained my need to hurry. I could be late, Luanne would understand. Besides, Josh was handsome and acting flirty, how could I leave now? “I was driving past and I thought I’d stop in for a dessert. I never noticed this store before, but it’s interesting,” I replied. “I opened up two months ago. This used to be an old ice cream parlor. I was a pastry chef in a restaurant, but I always wanted to own my own business. I can show you around, if you’re not in a rush,” he offered. “That’d be great. I’ve got some time to kill.” All the time in the world, I wanted to add. Luanne’s party could wait. Every time Josh spoke, a tingling sensation ran up my spine. There was no doubt about it—Josh was hot, even hotter than last week’s weather when the temperature soared to ninety-five degrees. I decided to give in to my body’s signals and see where this was leading. What harm could there be in flirting back, or even teasing a little? Josh was attractive, and I certainly wouldn’t mind snuggling up next to him after a day at the beach. I followed Josh through the shop decorated with sunflowers and ice cream cone-shaped lights. “I bought the place at foreclosure. It came within a week of being torn down. I couldn’t let that happen. I’m too sentimental, and they don’t make buildings like this anymore,” he said as he steered me toward a black walnut cabinet. It was obvious that Josh had put a lot of work into the place. A gift section was devoted to decorative candles, lime and lilac scented potpourri, exotic iced teas, and flavored coffees. He seemed proud of the store, and rightfully so. The place looked gorgeous. “The store is beautiful. I love old buildings, and antiques are one of my hobbies,” I said as I examined a display of daisy-themed party items. As I bent over, my black dress rode higher up the back of my thighs. It was short and