Page 27 of Just Desserts

With that he slid a jewelry box out of his inside pocket revealing a large diamond tennis bracelet. I gasped and snatched the box up.

"I love it! Oh Jonathan, it's perfect."

I leaned over the table to kiss him before sliding back in my chair. I passed the box back to him holding my wrist out so he could put it on me. He leaned down and kissed the inside of my wrist before snapping the bracelet in place.

"There you go. Do you like it darling?"

He asked as I held my arm out in front of me to admire how the light reflected off all the diamonds.

"I adore it, Jonathan, truly."

After that, dinner was a low-key affair, we chatted about random work topics in between servings. After dessert, while I finished my third glass of wine and he drank coffee he reached out to hold my hand again, his thumb running over the bracelet in a soothing fashion.

"We need to talk about the party, about what we're going to say to the partners about Isla. You know I hate to bring her up, but we have to be conscious of what people might say or do, especially at the office." He said quietly but with a look of determination in his eyes. I wanted to yank my arm away, but he tightened his grip.

"Shh, shh darling don't get upset. I love you; you are who I want to be with. But Isla is being difficult, she's trying to take the house from us. I don't want to give her lawyer any ammunition to get more from me. We must be circumspect, especially at the party. Tell me you understand?"

He looked up at me hopefully as he lifted my hand to his lips. I wasn't happy about it, but I understood. She was fighting him for the house? After she made such a stink about not wanting anything from it? So typical of Isla, she doesn't want it, but she doesn't want anyone else to have it either. Well, it looks like I had some work to do outside the office.

Chapter 23

Myles

It had been a little over a week since Isla had come by the hotel and I convinced her to join me for the food tasting. I can't remember a time when I had so much fun, especially with something that was considered a work task.

It was incredibly heartwarming to see her genuine excitement and interest in not only the food but how Bennett House ran in general. We spent a little over an hour between the kitchen and dining room but I'm pretty sure every single staff member back there was a little in love with her by the end.

Thankfully I had gotten her cell phone number before the end of the night, and we had texted a bit since then. I felt like a teenage boy, staring at my phone, spending hours trying to craft the perfect text.

M: Good morning Isla. We have another chef coming today for a tasting. Would you like to join?

A literary masterpiece, I thought. But I was grateful I had finally gotten the balls to ask her.

I: Morning Myles! Dammit I would love to join but I have to stay late at the bakery today to do inventory. I'm super behind schedule. Raincheck?

M: Of course, consider it an open invitation. I'll let you know earlier once we have the next one booked.

I: Yum! Can't wait! So where are your culinary travels taking youtoday?

M: Spain. Tapas.

I: Ugh now I'm even more upset. Send me pictures? Of the food. Not you. Well, you can be in them if you want.

M: If you're up for a trade? I'll send pictures of the food if you promise to lock the bakery door tonight when you're there late doing inventory.

I had heard about Jonathan showing up and confronting her in the shop. I know her lawyer was waiting in the wings with a restraining order, but I didn't think Isla was taking it seriously. I was trying to act lighthearted about it but the idea of that asshole cornering her when she's alone at her shop sent rage down my body.

I: Sounds like you and Wes have been catching up. You've got a deal though. Alright time to get my hands doughy. Have a good day, Myles! Adios!

I couldn't help the smile that spread over my face. I was glad she didn't seem offended when I brought up the door. I wasn't trying to be overbearing; I just wanted to make sure she was safe. That her sanctuary wasn't invaded. I hadn't been to the shop yet, but I knew I would be making a trip soon.

Just hearing Isla talk about it was a wonderful experience. Her eyes lit up and her whole being radiated when she talked about it. I was happy for her and wanted to see her pride and joy. I wanted to see and know everything that was important to her.

With that in mind, I headed over to the kitchen to talk to the chef. A little after 7pm that night I was leaving the hotel, a bunch of tapas packaged tightly in a heat-controlled bag in my passenger seat. If Isla couldn't make the tasting, then I would bring it to her. The idea of trying the food alone seemed hollow now, the experience ruined after her presence at the first one.

Thankfully the roads were quiet, and I made it there in good time. I parked in the lot and looked up at the building. The exterior lights were on, but the shop looked closed down. I headed to the front door and was grateful when it didn't move, the locks were firmly in place. I took out my phone and dialed her number. She answered on the fourth ring a little out of breath.

"Myles? Are you okay?"

---