Page 34 of The Sweet Chef and the Corporate Queen

"I should let you finish packing," he says when I don't continue. "Have a safe flight, Jules."

He turns to go, and something inside me screams to stop him, but the words stick in my throat.

"Mom, I left Mr. Hoppy in the room!" Mia gasps as we prepare to leave. "I can't leave without him!"

"I'll go check. Wait here with Andrea."

Back in our suite, I find the stuffed rabbit tucked in the corner of the sofa. As I retrieve it, my gaze falls on the window and its view of the mountains, so different from my Manhattan skyline.

What am I doing?

The question rises with unexpected clarity. Running back to New York because it's safe? Because it fits the narrative I've constructed about who Jules Sinclair is supposed to be?

For the first time in years, I allow myself to consider what I want. Not what's practical or efficient. What I want.

And the answer comes with startling simplicity. I want more mornings with blueberry pancake smiles. More moments watching my daughter bloom under the guidance of a man who sees her creativity as a gift, not something to be scheduled.

I want another chance at that kiss on the bridge.

I pull out my phone and call Andrea.

"Did you find the rabbit?" she asks.

"Yes. But I need you to do something for me," I take a deep breath. "Take the team to the airport. Mia and I are staying a few more days."

"I'm sorry, did Jules Sinclair just say she's extending a trip spontaneously?"

"Don't make me reconsider."

"No, no! It's wonderful." I can hear her smile. "Does this have anything to do with a certain chef?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say, but we both know it's a lie.

"It's about time."

After we hang up, I sit for a moment, stunned by my own decision. Then I'm moving with purpose. I call the front desk to extend our stay and check the time.

Lunch service will be in full swing. Declan will be in the kitchen.

For the first time in my life, I'm about to do something completely unplanned, utterly inefficient, and potentially life-changing.

And I can't wait.

Chapter Twelve

Declan

The lunch rush is winding down, my hands moving on autopilot as I taste and adjust the butternut squash bisque for dinner service. My mind isn't on the soup, though. It's on the airport shuttle that left thirty minutes ago, carrying Jules and Mia back to their real life in New York.

"Chef, the stock's about to boil over," Georgia warns, nudging me aside to turn down the heat.

"Sorry," I mutter, wiping my hands on a kitchen towel. "Distracted."

"Noticed that," she says dryly. "Been like this all week, but today's worse. You should take a break."

I shake my head. "I'm fine."

"That wasn't a suggestion." She takes the spoon from my hand. "Kitchen's under control. Go clear your head."

---