Lisa Jordan - Lakeside Romance

A Recipe for Romance

Sarah Sullivan will do whatever it takes to make her summer youth program permanent. But when she’s tasked to teach the teens basic kitchen skills, her hope goes up in flames. Not knowing the first thing about cooking, Sarah needs help. Smelling the delicious aromas coming from her neighbor’s apartment one night, she thinks she’s found her answer. Alec Seaver might know his way around pots and pans, but the lone-wolf widower doesn’t want anything to do with the free-spirited beauty next door. But after he becomes Sarah’s reluctant partner, Alec realizes that she might just be the key ingredient missing from his life.

“Wake up, sleepyhead. We’re home.”

Sarah’s eyelids fluttered open. She palmed his cheek. “You’re cute.”

He grinned. Yep, definitely the painkillers. He guided her out of the car and up the stairs. Once she was settled on the couch, he covered her with the knitted afghan. “Will you be alone today?”

“Just in the evening, but I can hang out at my brother’s. The girls think I’m kind of fun.”

Not just the girls.

Instead of dwelling on that sudden thought and before common sense kicked in, he spoke. “How about if we hung out at my place? I’ll cook dinner, and then we can watch My Fair Lady.”

“Will there be popcorn?”

“As long as you’re not making it.”

She stuck her tongue out at him. “One little smoke alarm…”

She closed her eyes, a smile curving her mouth. Seconds later, her breathing evened out.

Alec closed the door behind him and headed down the steps. The dinner and movie were not a date. Just helping out a friend.

How many times would he have to repeat it for his heart to believe it?

LISA JORDANhas been writing for over a decade, taking a hiatus to earn her degree in early childhood education. By day, she operates an in-home family child-care business. By night, she writes contemporary Christian romances. Being a wife to her real-life hero and mother to two young-adult men overflows her cup of blessings. In her spare time, she loves reading, knitting, and hanging out with family and friends. Learn more about her at lisajordanbooks.com.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

—Romans 8:28

To Scott and Mitchell. Walk with God.

I love you forever.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Epilogue Dear Reader Extract Copyright

Thanks to Mindy Obenhaus,

Susan May Warren, Beth K. Vogt, Melissa Tagg,

Michelle Lim, Joanne Bischof, Lynn Shultz,

Carolyn Vibbert, Amanda, Sara Patry

and the Coffee Girls for your brainstorming,

feedback and encouragement.

Thanks to Jeanette Walter, Kathy Hurst,

Bill Nobles, Lon and Kayla Hurst,

and Mark “James the Butler” Hurst for the

research help. Any mistakes are mine.

Thanks to Pastors C.D. and Jo Moore

for sharing Truth at the perfect times.

Thanks to Rachelle Gardner, Melissa Endlich

and the Love Inspired team

for bringing my books to print.

To Patrick for being my #1 fan.

Always and forever.

Thank You, Lord, for Your continued blessings.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A Recipe for Romance Sarah Sullivan will do whatever it takes to make her summer youth program permanent. But when she’s tasked to teach the teens basic kitchen skills, her hope goes up in flames. Not knowing the first thing about cooking, Sarah needs help. Smelling the delicious aromas coming from her neighbor’s apartment one night, she thinks she’s found her answer. Alec Seaver might know his way around pots and pans, but the lone-wolf widower doesn’t want anything to do with the free-spirited beauty next door. But after he becomes Sarah’s reluctant partner, Alec realizes that she might just be the key ingredient missing from his life.

Introduction “Wake up, sleepyhead. We’re home.” Sarah’s eyelids fluttered open. She palmed his cheek. “You’re cute.” He grinned. Yep, definitely the painkillers. He guided her out of the car and up the stairs. Once she was settled on the couch, he covered her with the knitted afghan. “Will you be alone today?” “Just in the evening, but I can hang out at my brother’s. The girls think I’m kind of fun.” Not just the girls. Instead of dwelling on that sudden thought and before common sense kicked in, he spoke. “How about if we hung out at my place? I’ll cook dinner, and then we can watch My Fair Lady.” “Will there be popcorn?” “As long as you’re not making it.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “One little smoke alarm…” She closed her eyes, a smile curving her mouth. Seconds later, her breathing evened out. Alec closed the door behind him and headed down the steps. The dinner and movie were not a date. Just helping out a friend. How many times would he have to repeat it for his heart to believe it?

About the Author LISA JORDAN has been writing for over a decade, taking a hiatus to earn her degree in early childhood education. By day, she operates an in-home family child-care business. By night, she writes contemporary Christian romances. Being a wife to her real-life hero and mother to two young-adult men overflows her cup of blessings. In her spare time, she loves reading, knitting, and hanging out with family and friends. Learn more about her at lisajordanbooks.com .

Title Page Lakeside Romance Lisa Jordan www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28

Dedication To Scott and Mitchell. Walk with God. I love you forever.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Epilogue Dear Reader Extract Copyright Thanks to Mindy Obenhaus, Susan May Warren, Beth K. Vogt, Melissa Tagg, Michelle Lim, Joanne Bischof, Lynn Shultz, Carolyn Vibbert, Amanda, Sara Patry and the Coffee Girls for your brainstorming, feedback and encouragement. Thanks to Jeanette Walter, Kathy Hurst, Bill Nobles, Lon and Kayla Hurst, and Mark “James the Butler” Hurst for the research help. Any mistakes are mine. Thanks to Pastors C.D. and Jo Moore for sharing Truth at the perfect times. Thanks to Rachelle Gardner, Melissa Endlich and the Love Inspired team for bringing my books to print. To Patrick for being my #1 fan. Always and forever. Thank You, Lord, for Your continued blessings.