Page 69 of Aiden

He places a hand on my arm. “Baby? Why do you look so sad? Did they not hire you?” His face contorts with anger.

“I’m so sorry I barged in like that.” I shake my head. “It’s nothing. I got the job,” I say in a small disinterested voice, looking at the floor.

Aiden lifts my chin. “What?”

I don’t want to sound childish or stupid. I gesture to the door quietly. “Who is she?”

A smile takes over his face and I swat him.

“You’re jealous.” He states in an arrogant tone.

I roll my eyes. “No,” I lie.

He places a hand on my shoulder. “Baby, I need an assistant.”

Why one so pretty?Before he sees my sad features, I smile. “It’s fine.” I assure him. I trust him. Seeing such a beautiful girl in his office just caught me off guard. It really isn’t a big deal.

He raises his brow. “If you don’t want me to hire her, I won’t.” He opens the door and steps inside.

I grab his arm as he edges into the doorway. “No!”

But it’s too late.

“Ms. Meyer, thanks for your time.” He says simply, shaking her hand. “I have to attend to something important. My front desk associate will call you if you’ve been hired.”

With that, she smiles and walks out.

Aiden ushers me in and closes the door, leaving Howard to stand guard outside.

I sigh. “Is she qualified?” I try not to sound bitter.

He shrugs. “Not really. I don’t know. It doesn’t really matter.”

I look at him with a serious expression. “If she’s qualified, you should hire her.”

He shakes his head. “I have a lot of applicants to go through. We will see but I don’t care about that.” He wraps me in a tight hug, lifting me off the ground. “You got the job!”

I can’t help but smile. I nod. “I did! It’s so cute too. Just what I would imagine a bakery would look like in France.” I swoon over the decor and tell him every detail of the rustic exposed brick that lines the shop. “I can’t wait to see the kitchen!” I practically jump out of my heels.

“Well, your boss must have really liked you.” He smiles. “Avery, is it? Was she nice?” He lifts a brow.

I hesitate. If I tell him, what will he do?

I don’t want to lie. I promised myself I won’t be dishonest with him ever. I’ll tell him after a week…once he sees it’s not a big deal, I’ll do something sweet for forgiveness.

I want him to trust my judgment and he’s been so busy lately that I don’t want to worry him.

“She’s great! I start tomorrow.”

∞∞∞

I push the doors open, inhaling the sweet aromas wafting in the air. Howard dropped me off. While I hoped Aiden would have, he was already gone when I got up.

“Ahh, Ms. Banks.” Avery smiles, then coughs once. “I mean Emilia. Come.” He gestures to the back.

I smile, excited to see the kitchen.

“This is for you.” He hands me a white apron, La Patisserie in black scrolled across the front.

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