When Jim had approached her three months before, she thought he was crazy. His persistence began to wear her down, however, and she began to think seriously about buying into the shop he promised was ideally located in a trendy little neighborhood in LA. He said she would make a great on-site owner, and assured her that sponsorships to any races she might like to compete in would be tax deductible. The shop had a staff of two mechanics that would continue to do the bulk of the maintenance and repair work that came in, though Sadie was determined to do her fair share. Shed always loved working on her own bikes, and was looking forward to expanding her mechanical skills.

The apartment was an unexpected treasure. Jim had told her about the living quarters above the shop, but hed downplayed the openness of the one-room loft. The wood floors were rich and gleaming, and the brick walls lent a warm glow to the space. Three floor-to-ceiling windows were spaced evenly across the long wall of her new home. Shed unrolled her sleeping bag the night before and spent the evening planning the arrangement of furniture with her border collie, Mia. Mia agreed completely with all of her ideas, and persistently brought her leash over to the sleeping bag every four hours. Good old Mia.Sadie could always count on her.

She glanced at her watch, 7:30. Jim was supposed to meet her at 9:00 to go over the inventory lists. She was now 51% owner of Off the Chain, and needed to get up to speed quickly, as Jim was moving on later in the month to open a new shop in Hawaii. Smart *****, she thought as she moved to the front door of the shop. Her Jeep was parked on the street where shed left it the night before. Shed arrived after 10:00 and hadnt gotten much of a look at the neighborhood. Curiously she stepped out on the sidewalk and glanced up and down. Two doors down, a steady stream of people flowed in and out of a spacious coffee shop called The Planet. As she moved closer to the caf, the aroma of freshly baked muffins and coffee greeted her. Sadies mouth watered at the thought of scones with jam and a latte. She trotted back to the bike shop, locked the door and returned to The Planet. Best start my first day off with a good breakfast, and lots of caffeine!, she justified to herself as she joined the throng of folks at the counter.

As she waited to order, she noticed the dark haired beauty who moved through the small open kitchen with grace. She couldnt help but follow her movements as she took a basket of croissants to a table filled by four women. God, shes beautiful, Sadie thought, her face flushing just a little. As if shed said the words aloud, the woman turned and looked straight at Sadie.who quickly averted her eyes to the bakery display. A moment later, she felt movement behind her, and suddenly a voice spoke quietly just beside her ear. Do you see anything you like?. Turning slightly, Sadie was left breathless by the chocolate eyes that smilingly looked at her. And, that voice.who could resist that voice?

Sadie felt herself flush deeply. Oh my God, how can I be such a dork? she thought frantically, as she took a step back and stammered, SconesI was thinking the scones looked beautiful.

The woman laughed quietly and said, Yes, I am often told that I serve the most beautiful scones in the neighborhood.

Delicious, I meant delicious. Sadie took a deep breath (and thought once again what a complete dork she was). Could I have one with a vanilla latte, please?

Of course. As she opened the bakery case, the brunette continued to smile at Sadie. I havent seen you here before, and by your accent I assume you arent a native.

Im new in townjust got her last night. I moved from Georgia.Id hoped my accent wouldnt give me away.my names Sadie- Sadie Thompson.

Welcome to LA, Sadie Thompson, the scone was plated and placed on the counter, and the brunette extended her now empty hand. Im Marina, it is a pleasure to meet you.