Page 51 of Dirty Secret

But it was all an act. I longed to delve into baking full time. Not just play around in my kitchen. But Nadyia didn't want to be bored with my sad tale.

"It's funny you should mention that . . . I am in need of an apprentice for the new bakery I am opening here next year. Would you be interested in applying?"

I gasped and glanced up at Max to see if this was a joke. Did he convince Nadyia to play a trick on me?

"Are you serious? But you don't even know me or my baking skills."

She nodded. "You are right. I know you planned to attend a gala tonight, but if you want, you can show me your skill here. Some of the desserts were ruined in the leak. Would you be interested in helping me replace them?"

I clutched my chest, unable to fathom what was happening.

"I would love to help." I turned to Max. "Do you mind if I do this?"

"Do I mind if you make your dream come true? Now, what sort of boyfriend would I be if I said no?" He cupped my face gently in his hands. "I want nothing but your happiness, Heidi. I thought when we first met that you were too beautiful, too perfect, and too wealthy to be with a guy like me. And now that I have you in my arms, I am content. You, Kat, and being able to run my own business fills me with joy. Now it's your turn to understand that joy. Go, bake your heart out." He slipped a chaste kiss across my lips.

"You know I will now make a special dessert for you." I wiggled my eyebrows at him.

Max wiggled his eyebrows back. "Only if I can fix all your pipes."

"You two are weird. And I'm totally jealous." Nadyia laughed before heading toward the oven.

"Weird, dirty, and full of love. The perfect relationship," I mentioned to Max just before he leaned down again. But this time, the kiss was anything but chaste.

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