Page 32 of Dreams and Desires

Jacob’s face lights up with a grin as wide as mine. “That’s awesome, Juniper! You’re going to knock their socks off.”

To celebrate, I suggest we dance. Jacob’s been cooped up too much lately, and it’s time to get him moving. I flick on some upbeat music—the kind that makes your feet tap and your heart lift. I start swaying to the rhythm, feeling the music loosen my limbs.

Jacob laughs, a sound that’s both surprised and delighted, as he gets off the stool to join me. His movements are a bit stiff at first, his body hesitant, but soon enough, he’s loosening up, letting the music guide him. His laughter, full of life and joy, fills the room, and it’s infectious.

“Come on, Jake, you can do better than that!” I tease, spinning around him with exaggerated flair.

He grins, trying to keep up with my moves. “Hey, give me a break! I’m not some professional dancer like you.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Oh, please! Professional dancer? You’re just trying to flatter me.”

He chuckles, grabbing my hands and making me twirl with him. “Maybe, but you’ve got some serious moves.”

“You don’t have to be a pro,” I say, pulling him closer. “Just have fun with it.”

“Alright, alright,” he concedes, his grin widening. “But if I step on your toes, you can’t hold it against me.”

“Deal,” I reply, laughing as we continue to dance, the joy of the moment washing over us.”

We dance around the kitchen, the music loud and lively, our bodies moving in sync. It feels good to let loose, and forget about the stress of the job hunt and the burden of responsibilities for a little while. Jacob’s laughter is contagious, and soon we’re both breathless, collapsing back onto the stools, panting but grinning like fools.

“See? That wasn’t so bad,” I say, still catching my breath, my face flushed from the exertion.

Jacob nods, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll admit it was fun.”

??????????????????????

I wake up early in the morning. My nerves are buzzing with anticipation as I carefully select my outfit—a professional yet stylish dress that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and practicality. I want to make a good impression, and first impressions are everything.

As I step outside, the cool morning air greets me. I inhale deliberately, mentally pushing down my anxiety, steeling myself for the day ahead. I’m determined to show them what I can do to prove that I’m the right choice for this job.

When I arrive at the hotel, the opulence of the lobby still takes my breath away, just as it did the first time I walked through these doors. The chandeliers glitter like drops of liquid gold, casting a warm glow over the marble floors. The air smells faintly of fresh flowers and expensive perfume, a scent that speaks of luxury and refinement. I walk up to the receptionist, who smiles warmly at me, her demeanor polished and professional.

“Good morning. I’m here for an interview and a demo,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm, though my heart is racing with anticipation.

“Ah, yes, Ms. Harding. Please follow me,” she replies, her tone courteous as she leads me through a maze of hallways. The hotel is vast, each corridor leading to another, filled with the quiet hum of activity that speaks of efficiency and elegance.

As we enter the kitchen, my heart plummets. Standing there, with an air of casual authority that commands attention, is Zade.

What is he doing here?

My hands curl into fists at my sides, fury coursing through my veins as I stare him down. “Zade, what the hell?” I demand, unable to keep the edge out of my voice. The words come out sharper than intended, but I can’t help it—he's the last person I expected to see here.

He smirks, his eyes glinting with amusement, as if he finds my reaction amusing. “I want to see if you can really bake,” he replies smoothly, the words laced with a teasing edge that makes my blood boil.

I feel my face heat up with anger, and I'm about to turn and leave when the receptionist adds, “Mr. Patterson recently acquired the hotel. He's our new owner.”

I stop in my tracks, shock rooting me to the spot. He bought the hotel?This can't be happening. As I'm about to storm out, Zade follows me, his long strides quickly closing the distance between us.

"Juniper, wait," he calls after me, softer now, sounding close to begging. “I know you need this job. The hotel is Cody's already; it's not like I'm building a resort here anymore. I told you that. I just want to see what the pastry chef can do before hiring.”

I whirl around, my eyes narrowing. “You’re playing games with me, Zade!”

“Honestly, I’m not.” He says. “You’re talented, Juniper, and you can help make this hotel something special. Please, give it a chance.”

His sincerity takes me by surprise. I study him for a moment, weighing my options. Finally, I sigh. “Fine. But don’t think for a second that I’m doing this for you. I’m doing it because I need this job.”

He nods, a hint of relief in his eyes. “Understood. Let’s get started.”

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