Page 65 of Sweet Somethings

"I'll tell you what to do."

"What are you making?"

"Toasted almond cakes with mascarpone cream and Amarena cherries, decorated with pink and red hearts."

"That sounds hard."

"They're not difficult, but they are time-consuming. And I need six of them. I also need six molten lava chocolate cakes. It's a special order for a private luncheon. That's why I could use the help."

"And you don't have anyone else to ask?"

"I really don't."

"You're going to regret this, Juliette."

She smiled. "I don't think so. You're a smart guy. And you said yourself you used to cook for you and your mom."

"I also said I made hot dogs and spaghetti."

"You can do it. I'm a great teacher."

"Well, you're filled with confidence tonight." He got to his feet and pushed up the sleeves of his sweater. "Fine. You're on. I am yours to command."

"Great." She stood up and moved over to the built-in set of drawers, pulling out an apron and a baker's hat. "First, you dress."

"You want me to wear an apron?" he asked doubtfully.

"And a hat. Health regulations."

"No one is here to see what I'm wearing."

"I'll see. And what happened to—I am yours to command?"

"Fine," he grumbled, putting the apron on and tying it behind his back.

She put the hat on his head. "You look sexy."

"I seriously doubt that," he said dryly. "Save your buttering-up for the cake pans."

She laughed. "That's a good one. But you do look sexy, and if you do an amazing job tonight, I'll prove it to you." Her reckless dare brought a gleam to his eyes.

"Oh, yeah? What are you going to do?"

"You'll have to wait and see. First, you have to show me you can follow instructions and let me be the boss."

"I'm a good soldier," he said lightly. "What do you want me to do first?"

"Get the pans ready."

"Okay, that sounds easy."

"It is, but if you mess it up, the cakes won't come out of the pans, and we'll have to start over again."

"So a little pressure then. Way to build my confidence, boss."

"I just want you to know what's at stake," she said. "All kidding aside, Roman, these have to be perfect. This is my business, my brand, and it has to be amazing."

"I get it," he said, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll do the best I can. But at any point you want to fire me, just say the word."

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