Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
“Hello, Julien. Long time no see.” I turn and see Vanessa Sims, another baker who wanted more than a lesson in making soufflés with me, but she didn’t understand that I don’t like people.
“For good reason, and it’s Mr. Beaumont.”
Marilyn gasps with her mouth open. “Always so prudish. How can a man like you resist beauty?”
“Ms. Shaw, will you excuse me? I must check on the other candidates.” I quickly move away from her before I say something rude.
Chapter Five
Marilyn
“You’re wasting your time flirting with the man. I’m guessing he has something wrong with him in that department.” I’m about to teach this bitch some manners, but it’s clear she’s just salty. It’s hilarious that for a moment I was actually jealous.
“Thank you for the unsolicited advice, but I need to finish working on my desserts, and Chef Beaumont’s affairs aren’t appropriate for discussion.”
“Obviously you want to work for him, but honey, he’s hard to please.”
“Vanessa, it’s good to see you again,” the guy who was with Julien yesterday says.
“George, what is wrong with your brother?” she asks him so rudely, but her blatant ignorance erases some of my own. I know who he is now.
“There’s nothing wrong with my brother. He just doesn’t deal with fake people, and you’re faker than artificial flavoring.” I clamp my lips together, fighting off a laugh.
“Damn, Georgie, I thought you were sweeter than that bitter bitch.” She sashays away.
“Oh, no. I guess I’ve lost her as a potential employer,” I say with a giggle, pressing my hand to my lips.
“Like Julien would let you go anywhere he isn’t.” I watch him speaking to another woman across from me, but I know she’s a great baker and a married mother of two. Still, a twinge of jealousy shoots through me. It’s irrational and silly, but it still does.
“I doubt it. He hasn’t tasted anything I’ve made yet.”
“First, I have your records just like all the employers here, so I know that on paper you’re the most qualified candidate. Second, that man would take you if you didn’t know the oven from the damn cabinet. I’ve never seen my brother like that last night.”
“Thanks for that. We both must not have been acting like ourselves. Excuse me, I need to finish making these cupcakes before I run out of time.”
“I told you, you’re working for me,” Julien says, coming up to stand next to his brother. His eyes darken with intent as his voice deepens with each syllable. My panties are drenched under the yoga pants that I’d decided to wear for the competition. Although this is like a job interview, our clothes aren’t meant to be formal. It’s about being presentable while comfortable in the kitchen, and nothing screams flexibility and comfort like a great pair of stretchy black yoga pants that allow me to bend and move around effortlessly.
“That doesn’t mean I’m not still going to put out a great product. I take my skills extremely seriously.” I glare at him, giving him a warning not to press the issue. I’m already on edge with Julien and then that damn woman came along. From their frosty greeting I thought they were ex-lovers, but then it was clear he just can’t stand her and she doesn’t like it. She’d definitely been mistaken about his virility.
He throws his hands up. “Fine, I’ll stand here and watch.”
“I think we need to check out the other candidates as well. You need at least two qualified ones for the major event.”
He shakes his head and crosses his muscular arms over his thick, muscled chest, staring at me as he speaks to his brother. “I know that, and I’ve already visited three stations. I will wait until it’s time to test every dessert.”
Another one of the employers steps up to my table where I’m trying to prepare my icings. “Hello, Miss Shaw. I’ve been anxious to try your desserts. I’ve heard they’re the best.”
“I wouldn’t say that, but I put a lot of effort into them.”
“You’re welcome to have a sample when they’re done, but Miss Shaw has already been offered a spot at my bakery and has accepted.”
“I haven’t accepted anything. Now, gentlemen, if you’ll please excuse me, I need to finish working.”
“We’ll see about that,” Julien growls.
“Of course, Miss Shaw,” George says and then takes his brother by the elbow, guiding him away, even though Julien refuses to take his eyes off me until he has no choice.
The other man turns to Damon’s station to watch him work. That’s when I notice that Damon’s working hard. I return my attention to my cupcakes, which are insanely important to me even if Julien demands I work for him. It’s probably not going to be a long employment. Couples rarely make it working together. I consider my brother and his wife the exception and not the rule. Then again, they’ve only been married for a couple of months.