Page 12 of Slow Simmer

“When he contacted me to offer me the position, he told me the restaurant was aiming for another Michelin star and needed a superstar dessert chef to make it happen. He also told me that he was happy, keen even, for me to continue with my YouTube filming because it will be good for the resort profile, and would be happy for me to accept other TV work should it arise for the same reason. I understand there are several TV shows scheduled to shoot on the island over the next couple of years, and at least one movie which will use the resort as a base for its staff, as well as any number of high-profile celebrities planning their weddings here. This is an amazing opportunity for me too, Suzannah.”

She nodded. She could understand that. There was still one question she was burning to know the answer to, though.

“Did you already know I was working here before you accepted?”

Carlo hesitated. “I’d already made the decision to accept before I put two and two together and realised it was your restaurant,” he admitted, “but no, I hadn’t actually accepted as such.”

Well, at least he was being honest about it. Respecting that, Suzannah nodded.

“I don’t dispute your talent or ability to do the job,” she said. “I just feel it could be awkward, us working together.”

“We’re both adults. I’m a professional and I’m here to do a job. I’ve never let my personal life interfere with my work, and I’m not about to start now.”

She never had either. At last, she nodded. “Fine. We’ll give it a go… but remember, Carlo. This ismyrestaurant. You disrespect me in my kitchen, or undermine me with my staff, or take credit for my work, you’re gone.”

The injured look he gave her made her feel about two centimetres tall. She stamped ruthlessly on her immediate urge to apologise; she’d meant every word of it, and although the Carlo she’d known years ago would never have done any of those things, he might have changed. Celebrity status in particular could do strange things to people.

“No problem,” Carlo said, and he offered her his hand. “Boss.”

That made the corners of her mouth try to twitch upwards, but she suppressed that urge as well and shook his hand.

“Welcome toLa Sirène, Chef Gianetti.”

“Thank you, Chef Monteil,” he said, equally formally, and then his mouth broadened in that irrepressible grin she remembered far too well. “So what did you think of my souffle?”

“It was sublime, as you well know. We need to rethink the menu, and soon. Come into my office and we can sit down and start working out the plan to retrain the pastry kitchen staff… and I can give you the folder for upcoming wedding cakes.” She was more than a little relieved to be handing that particular job over. She’d woken more than once in a cold sweat after dreaming one of her cakes had ended up featured on Cake Wrecks.

Carlo, on the other hand, looked delighted.

“One of the junior bakers has shown a lot of skill with icing and decorating. Perhaps you might take her on as something of an apprentice?” Suzannah suggested as she handed the wedding folder over. “She’s got a real artist’s touch, made these stunning sugar roses for this one last week.”

“Oh, lovely,” Carlo said in appreciation as she brought up a photo on her computer screen. “Yes, that’s definitely a talent who needs nurturing. Her name?”

“Samira.” Suzannah reached for the printed roster hanging beside her desk, a larger version of which was pinned to the kitchen wall. “She’s due on again tomorrow morning, and you’ve three cakes to do this week. Details for the first two are in the folder, the third bride arrives today and I’ve an appointment with her scheduled at ten tomorrow. I’ll sit in because I’ve already spoken with her, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s in your hands now.”

“Thank you, Suzannah,” Carlo said quietly, and she looked up to meet his eyes, finding him giving her an intent, serious look. “I appreciate this.”

She didn’t ask exactly what. Her cooperation, she assumed. Well, if he could be professional, so could she.

Even though the traitorous little voice in her hind brain was loudly wondering if Carlo still looked just as good naked as she remembered.

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