Worth the Risk

so well, Lexi smiled and explained as their drinks arrived. “I assumed Rick hadn’t voted for Amber, but apparently he had.”
    “Good for her,” Brad said with sincerity, and raised his glass for a toast. “Next summer I’ll try to hire her away from Fullerton.”
    Lexi clinked her glass against Brad’s. “What’s in this?”
    “Reposado tequila, fresh lime juice and cherry liqueur. Whipped egg whites make the foam on top. Remember, I told you how popular frothy topping has become.”
    “Right.” Lexi took a sip. “It’s good, but knowing there’s tequila in it makes me cautious. It’s deadly.”
    Brad reached over and put his large, warm hand on hers. Her whole body tingled at his touch. “How’ve you been?”
    She started to say she was fine, but decided to tell him how she really felt. “Like I told you before, I’m not enjoying working at a big firm as much as I thought I would. I just sit at a desk in a cube farm, punching numbers.”
    “What are you going to do about it?” Brad asked, concern underscoring each word.
    “In order to become a CPA, I have to pass the exam and work under a licensed accountant for two years. I’m going to send my résumé around to some smaller firms and see what happens.”
    Brad leaned closer and gazed directly into her eyes. “Don’t sell yourself short. Make sure your résumé includes City Seeds as well as your payroll work at the upholstery shop. You’ll find another job.”
    His confidence was as contagious as his smile. “What about you? How are things going at Black Jack’s? How’s Charmayne’s apprentice doing?”
    “He’s great. Charmayne really likes him.” Brad took another swig of his Tornado. “And the sous-chef is really working out well. Tonight Alice is in charge of the show at Black Jack’s.”
    “Really?” Lexi was more than a little surprised. Brad had said he didn’t like relinquishing his position as executive chef.
    “Yes.” His features became more animated. “I want to have a life that I can enjoy beyond the restaurant business. I had to figure out how to make it work for me.” He slipped his arm around her. “I need to make time to see more of you.”
    She inhaled sharply at his words. “You do? I—I mean, I want to see more of you. I don’t like spending all day punching numbers.”
    “When you know what you want, it’s worth the risk to go after it,” Brad said.
    “Yes,” she agreed. “Having a life you enjoy is worth the risk. Amber’s going after what she wants.”
    “I wasn’t referring to Amber’s plans. I’m talking about us as a couple. I don’t want to sacrifice having you in my life just to have a successful restaurant.”
    This man was special, Lexi realized. He meant more to her than she had wanted to admit. Now was the time to acknowledge how she felt.
    He leaned closer, halting a scant inch from her lips. “Am I part of your plans?”
    “Of course. I—”
    His mouth cut off her response as his lips covered hers and he pulled her flush against his chest.
    Lexi could hardly believe this was happening.
    Brad pulled back, whispering, “I want us to be together. You come first—before the restaurant, before everything else.”
    Lexi smiled. “I have no idea what it’s like to come first in anyone’s life, but I’m sure willing to give it a try.”

Dear Reader,
    I was thrilled to be asked to contribute to this year’s edition of More Than Words. I have followed the program since its inception and have been so impressed with the many outstanding women honored over the years. Now, I have the pleasure of writing a story to commemorate another exceptional lady, Gracie Cavnar and the Recipe for Success Foundation.
    The accomplishments of Recipe for Success cannot be understated. There is now a heightened awareness of childhood obesity and its causes. More people appreciate the importance of growing and preparing food. From the White House garden to community gardens across this country, people understand the importance of healthy food.
    I hope you enjoy Brad and Lexi’s story and feel the message is important enough to help spread it. Food is not just something that comes in a package from the supermarket. It plays a vital role in keeping us healthy and deserves our admiration for the way it is grown and prepared.
    This story is dedicated to Harlequin Books for their efforts in rewarding the women in our communities who have gone above and beyond to help others. It is especially