Page 35 of The Sweetest Ingredient

Taking the tray, I walked to the front counter, and he followed me with a skeptical expression.

We helped customers, and I offered the pet treats to a few patrons for their pets to try, but each one refused. Just as I was on the verge of losing hope, in walked two regulars, each flanked by their own furry entourage. The first was a majestic Chow, its fur a thick, pure white. The other dog, a terrier, had an energetic spring in its step, its coat a blend of browns and blacks.

Inviting pets into the bakery might not be the best way to overcome the health department rumors, but seeing those wagging tails sure did wonders for my morale.

“Hello, Delilah and Barney,” I greeted them cheerily. “Would you like to try our nutritious pet treats today? We’re testing something new.”

The woman, Delilah, with the Chow shrugged. “Why not? I’m always on the lookout for healthy indulgences for Fifi.”

“Same here,” the terrier’s owner, Barney, said. “Toby can be picky, though.”

“Trust me, these are irresistible even to the fussiest of pets.” My voice oozed confidence, while inside, I prayed that my grandma’s recipe would work its magic.

I handed out the treats, and both owners presented them to their pets. I held my breath while Fifi and Toby sniffed at the biscuits, then opened their mouths and took tentative bites.

To my delight, their tails started wagging, and they gobbled up every last crumb. The room filled with the sound of satisfied crunching, and I could hardly contain my joy.

“Fifi never eats anything so quickly!” Delilah exclaimed.

“Toby either,” Barney agreed, chuckling. “You must have a secret ingredient in these treats.”

“Only love for our furry companions.” Grinning, I glanced at Bishop, who watched the scene with a mix of astonishment and approval.

“You might be onto something, Kenzi.” My boss nodded slowly. “Maybe I’ll consider adding it to the menu in the future.”

“That’s all I’m asking.”

Smiling, I handed out two more biscuits to the dog owners. They ordered coffee and took it outside to the new outdoor seating area.

Bishop looked through the window at the dogs. “I suppose the pet treats would be a great way to expand our customer base.”

I nodded. “They’ll become my signature pastry, like your cupcakes are yours.”

Bishop leaned closer, his familiar scent masculine and alluring. “Look, Kenzi, I’m not blind. I know that you don’t have as much professional baking experience as you let on. But advanced techniques? Those can be taught. And you do possess a talent for innovation, which I admire.”

Wait...did he just give me a compliment? A whirlpool of butterflies made a ruckus in my belly. Oh, this must be my Elizabeth Bennet moment! He had seen past the flour smudges, my quirkiness, and my occasional mishaps to notice my flair.

I slanted my head. “Please elaborate.”

He leaned in, lowering his voice, and a jolt of electricity buzzed through me. “Even when you are knee-deep in a baking disaster, you handle it with grace, laughter, and determination. That’s not something I can teach.”

I let out a giggle. “Ohhh, sounds like a recipe for success! Or a kitchen explosion.”

Bishop shook his head, his lips twitching. “You’re an interesting girl, Kenzi.”

“Wow, you almost smiled! There’s hope for that grim heart of yours yet,” I teased.

The door opened and my teenage sister pranced into the bakery.

“Hi, Kenzi,” she said brightly.

“Hi, sis.” I gestured at my boss. “This is Bishop.”

“Nice to meet you, sir. I’m Bree.” She grinned at him. “I hear you’re the best baker in town.”

He smiled warmly. “Your sister tells me that your violin skills are just as impressive.”

I was touched by the gracious way Bishop treated my sister. Then…Maxwell’s words dimmed my view. They had rooted themselves deep within me, weaving vines of doubt that strangled the budding affection and respect I had for Bishop.

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