Page 2 of The Oath Operation

Fish’s heart seemed to explode in his chest, like a cannon going off. He’d never felt anything quite like it. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. The air around him shimmered with a new kind of energy, making his senses tingle. His toes tapped a rhythm that moved him away from the stove and toward her. He swore he heard music, a beeping sound that was coming from her.

"Jules, your numbers are low," Chef Jacqui said, grabbing the woman's slim arm and exposing a sleek, small device attached to her skin. It was some sort of monitor with a tiny screen that displayed flashing red numbers. The beeping sound was coming from there.

"I know, I know. I was just coming in for a banana."

"You need to watch your sugar levels better."

"Okay, Mom."

The words were said sarcastically. There was no way this was mother and daughter. More likely sisters.

Fish watched the pixie—Jules—bite into the white meat of a banana. He swallowed as her throat worked to follow the fruit. He gulped as she licked her lips and then opened her mouth to take another bite. Then her eyes alighted on him. He knew he was staring.

"This the new sous chef?" she asked, mouth full.

"We're in the middle of an interview. You just interrupted. Fish, this is my younger sister, Jules. She's the pastry chef opening the bakery next door."

"Fish?" Jules asked.

"It's Min-ho. Min-ho Pike."

"Oh, I get it," Jules giggled. "That's fun. I'm named after Julia Child. But I like yours better." She held out a small tray of pastries. "Would you like to try one? They're fresh out of the oven."

Fish didn’t have a sweet tooth, but he couldn’t say no. He reached out and took one of the treats, his fingers brushing against hers for a brief moment. The contact sent a shiver down his spine.

He took a bite, and his senses awakened all at once. His nostrils flared at the sweetness. His ears twitched at the crunch of the flaky exterior. His tastebuds sighed at the butteriness of the interior. It was like tasting a piece of heaven.

"This is amazing," Fish said, his eyes widening in genuine appreciation.

Jules beamed, her smile lighting up the room. "I’m glad you like it. I’ve been working on that recipe for weeks. It's sugar free since…" She held up her elbow until it was pointing skyward.

Fish frowned as he looked at the circular device. It had ceased its beeping.

"I'm diabetic."

"Oh." It was all he knew to say. He didn't know much about diabetes, except it dealt with sugar. Which was odd, since the pastry was sweet.

The skinny man in the suit stormed into the kitchen, looking flustered. His dark brows drew together as he glared at Fish. "Hey, valet. My car keys?"

"We don't have valet parking here, Dr. Mensah," said Chef Jacqui sweetly—sickly sweetly, like there was a poisonous bite to her words.

"I left my keys with this guy." The doctor pointed an accusatory finger at Fish.

"I left them on the hood of your car, since you misplaced them by dropping them into my hand."

The guy narrowed his eyes. Then there was a hand on his chest. Jules' hand. Fish saw red. He wanted her hand off the man.

"Come on, Amari. We should go and make sure no one takes your car." Jules offered Fish an apologetic smile as she corralled the doctor out the door.

Fish's gaze stayed on her every step until she was out of his sight. His toe tapped, his knees loosened, eager to run after her. But he held his ground. Something told him he wouldn't be doing that for long.

"I think you’ll do just fine here, Fish," said Chef Jacqui, grinning at the closed door. "Welcome to Chow Town."

ChapterTwo

Present day

Jules stoodin the charred remains of her bakery. She didn't think her heart could sink any lower as she surveyed the damage. She was wrong.

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