Page 36 of The Sweetest Ingredient

Then I reminded myself that it was none of my business.

“So, Bree…” Bishop said. “Do you plan to join a professional orchestra when you get older?”

“Yes!” Bree’s face lit up with excitement. “I even got accepted to a music conservatory, and I’m, like, really excited. I’ve been practicing since I was little, and it’s always been my dream to study music professionally.”

“That’s amazing,” Bishop said. “Congratulations.”

Bree looked down at her scuffed sneakers. “Yeah, but even with my partial scholarship, we don’t have enough money to cover the tuition.”

My face reddened. “Bree,” I warned. “Why don’t we discuss this at home? In private and not in front of customers.” I went around the counter and took her hand, leading her outside. On the sidewalk, I let go. “I’m glad you stopped by, but I’m working, so I’ll see you later, okay? And stop worrying about the tuition. I told you, I’ll figure something out.” I ruffled her hair.

“Stop it.” She scooted away from me, smoothing her hair with one hand.

We hugged, and she ambled down the street toward our apartment building. With a sigh, I went inside to my post.

“Your sister’s a sweetheart,” Bishop said. “And you know what? Your pet treats have inspired me. I want to show you this new cupcake recipe I created. I’m planning to introduce it at the next bake-off event.”

“Who’s gonna watch the front counter?”

“We’ll hear the bell over the door if anyone comes in. Follow me.”

Thankfully, Lucia had gone to lunch, and we were alone in the kitchen.

Bishop began collecting ingredients—every movement precise and calculated. He resembled a sculptor, creating a masterpiece with each careful measurement.

“Kenzi, can you pass me the sugar?” He extended a hand toward me without looking away from his mixing bowl.

“Sure thing.” I reached for the container on the counter next to me and handed it to him.

Again, my thoughts wandered to Maxwell’s accusations against Bishop, but seeing this passionate side of my boss made it difficult to believe he was capable of such deceit.

I licked my lips. “Bishop, I wanted to ask you…” The words died on my tongue as he stepped nearer.

His gaze dropped to my mouth, then flicked up to meet my eyes. The tenderness I saw there made my knees weaken. He reached up, his fingers lightly grazing my cheek. At his touch, a shudder coursed through me and I swayed instinctively toward him.

“Yes?” he murmured.

His face was only inches from mine now, the warmth of his minty breath feathering my skin. This close, his tantalizing scent overwhelmed my senses. All I could focus on was his mouth and the dizzying beat of my heart.

In that moment, everything else fell away, and it was just us. My body trembled with the realization that Bishop was attracted to me, too.

“Ahem.” Lucia cleared her throat as she entered the kitchen. “I need to frost those sugar cookies.”

Bishop returned to his mixing bowl. His cheeks appeared flushed, and I inwardly smiled at the thought that I might’ve had something to do with it.

Grabbing a broom, I got busy sweeping the floor, while memories of that tender moment with Bishop kept replaying in my head, making me feel all mushy inside. Maybe his hard stance on not dating employees was cracking.

We had formed a friendship, but I knew like a slow-burning oven, it would take time for a real relationship to reach the perfect temperature.

Chapter Fourteen

From the moment I stepped into the refurbished Doughy Desires that morning, customers old and new were lined up to order their favorite sweets. Even the bell above the door seemed to chime with an extra zest, announcing another customer.

The bakery had transformed into the town’s hotspot—and I was here for it.

Perhaps Maxwell’s job offer wouldn’t be necessary anymore, and before long, Bishop could provide pay raises for me and the rest of the staff.

Alice Norton walked inside and up to the counter. “I’ve been coming here for years, and ever since you’ve been here, Kenzi, the atmosphere has been livelier, friendlier...just brighter. And I like the new color scheme.”

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