Page 34 of Between Love and Loathing
I didn’t know if he was impressed or disgusted. Probably disgusted, but I didn’t care.
Instead of hearing criticism I didn’t need today, I followed up with, “I’m not sure if these will all make the menu, but the pink ones weresupposedto go with the seating, so we’ll see, and the flavors are delightful because”—I smiled at the mint leaf on top of one of the truffles as I pointed nervously now. I loved talking about my creations but was scared to share them too—“this one I actually ground and dried some fresh mint that blends well with the caramel I laced into the chocolate. Then when I added a hint of strawberry, it’s this perfect dance of all the flavors in your mouth but still leaves you with fresh breath after.”
He still didn’t say a thing as he watched me. His lips didn’t lift even a centimeter, and he didn’t move to grab anything off the tray.
I was making a fool of myself. It was like sitting with my mother and sister, trying to get them to try things when they were on a diet. I skirted around the counter and grabbed the tray to take back to the kitchen.
“Where are you going with those?” Did he lick his lips?
“I’m putting them away. Paloma and I are going to taste test later if you don’t want any and—”
“I’ll try them,” he announced, like I should be excited to have his expertise.
“Mr. Hardy, maybe we’ve reached our quota of hanging out for the day. I don’t think you have the knowledge of what is going to be good on my menu anyway.”
He clucked his tongue. “That’s a pity. But you know who does have the expertise?”
“Who?” I asked, sort of confused as I stood there with the tray.
The man didn’t even give me a second to prepare before he turned on his heels, opened the door to my bakery, and yelled Valentino’s name. “We’ve got a few truffles we’d like you to try if you got a minute.”
“Dominic Hardy, are you out of your fucking mind?”
He looked over his shoulder and shrugged, “Yeah, probably.”
DOMINIC
Damn, she was mad. The crimson over her chest rose up her neck to mingle with her freckles. I fucking loved seeing it.
I’d get her mad every day from now on just to witness her body’s reaction. I’d also be coming here every day to watch her talk about her desserts because I couldn’t see past anything when she did. Except for myself, I’d never seen anyone half as excited about their job. Clara sold me with her dream the second she said something about strawberries and mint in the truffle and looked about ready to cry with pride.
So, I was about to push our relationship and the boundaries I normally had with women. In more ways than one.
Valentino sauntered over as he waved to a few of the store owners and waltzed in like he owned the room. I’d liked the guy before last night. He was hardworking, had made a name for himself from nothing, and didn’t cut corners. It’s why I gave him the top restaurant in my resort. His food was divine, and he’d never given me a reason to dislike his character.
But when I saw Clara stare at that man, jealousy slithered through my veins, potent and vicious in its pursuit to suddenly want to claim her as mine.
“How’s it going, Mr. Hardy?” He shook my hand hard and then combed it through his dirty-blond hair before he turned to Clara. I saw him take her in, saw his eyes register her dress and how different she looked without makeup.
Clara put a beautiful mask on every day, covered the freckles, painted her lips deep red, and flared out her reddish lashes with dark black. Without all that, she was cute, like you wanted to fold her up and put her in your chest pocket to keep her close to your heart.
Valentino’s eyes narrowed and ping-ponged between us. He was putting together a story in his head, and it’s the exact one I wanted him to go with. “Nice to finally see your bakery, Clara.”
“Right.” She took a deep breath and stepped forward to set the tray on the counter again. “Sorry about the mess. I didn’t really plan on having anyone but Paloma come in and taste today.”
He hummed. “No worries. We’re all working hard to get our places up to Hardy standards, huh?” He slapped a hand on my shoulder.
She nodded and played with a corner of the tray. “Your restaurant looks absolutely fantastic. I think the kitchen is laid out well for utilization, and the ambience is one in a million with the floor-to-ceiling panoramic window views.”
“Thanks. Rita and Dom played a big part.” Clara’s gaze cut to me, and she lifted a brow as if to question whether I’d correct him using my abbreviated name.
I wouldn’t. I didn’t give a shit about the formality except with her. It was mostly to piss her off because she got a damn bakery here when I didn’t want her to have one.
“And sorry I haven’t been in to see your bakery. It’s been a busy month. You’ve settled in quite well, no? And the accent wall, huh? Pink is soft but bold.”
Valentino hadn’t stopped by to see hers?Fucking idiot.She ate up his apology though. I saw how she practically melted at the sound of his freaking voice.
“The pink is still to be determined. We’re undecided on whether or not we’re keeping it.” I announced and walked in between them to point at her truffles. “Which would you like to try first?”
