enough or being tough enough. Sometimes, around them, it had seemed that being a caring female was a crime. She’d never forget their faces when she’d announced she wanted to pursue Human Resources as her career.
“Yes,” Taylor finally replied. “My mother was Patty Reed, but she died when I was born. I never really met her.”
Bennett gave her a look that was compassionate, but couldn’t be described as pity, which she appreciated. She hated it when people pitied her. Despite the challenge of being the only female in a house full of very manly men, she hadn’t grown up without love. Sure, she wished her mother had been there, especially during her adolescent years, but Sarah and Holly helped fill some of the female void in her life growing up.
“Well,” Bennett said, “that explains where you got your good looks and fast wit.” He looked out his window but didn’t ask anything further.
Taylor couldn’t believe he’d paid her a sincere compliment. Or that he’d let the family topic go. No one ever did that. Not ever. They always wanted to dig and pry and know everything.
Well, it’s not like he’s a stranger to actresses and fame. After all, the guy showed up on the Forbes List each year and the tabloid slash gossip magazines each week with a new perfect ten on his arm.
The town car turned down a dirt road, passing a tractor and several pastures with grazing horses. At the end of the road was a large, two-story, renovated farmhouse with big green shutters and a huge wraparound porch.
“Wow. That’s just gorgeous,” Taylor said. Maybe she should get into the baking business.
“I’ll be right back,” Bennett said, once again leaving her behind in the car. She watched him knock on the door. An older woman with long silver hair pulled into a bun answered with a kind smile.
Taylor watched Bennett’s arms move as he spoke, the woman smiling warmly and listening closely before shaking her head no and closing the door in Bennett’s face.
Taylor chuckled. “Oh. But I’m Bennett Wade,” she said quietly in a low, mockingly deep voice, “coming to grace you with my presence.”
“Sorry, ma’am?” asked the driver, glancing at Taylor through the rearview mirror.
“Nothing. Was just mumbling to myself.”
Bennett scratched the back of his head and started back toward the car.
“No luck, huh?” she said when he got back inside, feeling totally satisfied with herself. Why hadn’t he listened to her? Oh, I know. Because he’s “Bennett Wade.”
“Says she doesn’t do business from her home, and that they’re all sold out anyway.”
Taylor bet that if he’d asked nicely, the woman might’ve pointed him toward one of the bakeries they shipped to. But of course, he didn’t ask, he demanded and got nothing in return.
“Who is this for anyway?” Taylor asked, wondering what excuse he might come up with to hide the fact he was desperate for a “love” cookie. Maybe he wants his ex back.
“My mother. She’s been raving about these cookies and tomorrow is her birthday. I took her out to her favorite restaurant a few days ago and got her a nice bracelet, but I thought I’d send her some cookies too since they’re apparently her new favorite. Honestly, I don’t know what’s so special about them. Robin ate the one my mother sent and said it was just a sugar cookie with a happy face on it.”
The cookie was for his mother? Now she felt bad that he hadn’t gotten one. But…did he realize that his mother was apparently trying to play the matchmaker?
He added, “She hasn’t been herself lately. I thought it might cheer her up.”
Okay. Now she really felt bad. He’d literally detoured his entire business trip just to get his mom a cookie.
“Here, let me talk to the woman.” Taylor crawled over Bennett’s lap, realizing the moment she shoved her ass in his face that she could’ve gone out her side of the car and walked around. Oh well. Let him look at what he can’t have.
“It’s not going to work. That woman is a stubborn mule,” Bennett warned, not seeming to mind the physical intrusion one bit.
“I happen to speak fluent stubborn mule; case in point, you understand me perfectly.”
Taylor approached the porch and rang the bell. After a few moments, the door swung open revealing the same older woman. “Listen here, young man,” she said sternly with a thick accent, “I’ve already told…”
“Hi. I’m so sorry to disturb you, Ms. Luci. My name is Taylor Reed, and