It was Clarisse Chamberlain who’d yanked her upright, brushed the dirt off her derriere, and prodded her into a turnaround. Clarisse, a successful businesswoman for over forty years, had spotted Olivia’s potential and encouraged her—okay, outright bullied her—into taking a chance on The Gingerbread House. She had become Olivia’s ongoing mentor, most enthusiastic customer, and friend. Clarisse would tell her to go downstairs and attend to business.

Olivia decided not to change out of her cozy cords and sweater; she might end up napping in the kitchen during work breaks. On her way to the staircase, she stopped for a critical look in the bathroom mirror. She looked better than she had at four a.m., but there was room for improvement. A touch of makeup, a hint of blush, and her puffy eyelids were less obvious. Her short auburn hair was behaving for once, falling in loose curls around her face. A few men, Ryan included, had noticed her unusual gray eyes, which could look blue or green depending on the color of her outfit. Arm candy, however, she wasn’t, and she had no wish to be.

Olivia drained her coffee cup and carried it with her downstairs. It was going to be that kind of day.

Maddie was opening the store as Olivia arrived. “Fresh coffee in the kitchen,” she said, eyeing the empty cup.

Olivia followed the scent of brewing coffee. “Did you get any sleep?” she called over her shoulder.

“Nope, not really. Don’t worry about me. My record is forty-eight hours without sleep. Always wanted to break that.”

“Let me know when you need a nap.”

“Will do.”

In the kitchen, Olivia filled her cup, gathered a pile of orders, and sat down at her little work desk. She’d barely begun when the kitchen door opened and Maddie poked her head inside.

“I could use some backup out here,” Maddie said.