Page 434 of Savage Bosses

Melinda gasped, her gaze jerking to Bryce as she started to tear up.

"E-excuse me?" Melinda snapped. "You can't talk to me like that! Bryce, tell her she can't talk to me like that. I'm just here to taste the desserts. I can't help it if all of them are bad. And this one is too dry."

Still glaring, Bryce tried the dessert. "You're right," he said after spitting it out. "It's too dry.”

"Then tell your mother that, because she made that one and one of the ones you both called too sweet."

Melinda’s mouth dropped open. Bryceson looked even more furious.

“So, are you saying Mrs. Cattaneo is bad at baking?” Tati asked.

"You're rude," Melinda whispered. "If you're going to be at the event serving, maybe I will find another caterer."

"You don't have to do that," Bryce told her, gently touching her hand.

Melinda looked up at him, forced tears shimmering in her eyes. "She doesn't like me, and it shows. I'm afraid she'll ruin the brunch on purpose. Look at her," Melinda's gaze drifted to Tati. "She doesn't even look remorseful."

"Tati, apologize to her. Now."

"Why would I do that?" Tati asked.

"Tati!" Bryce yelled. "She's a paying customer. I told you to work on your customer service."

"This isn't a fast-food place. The customer isn't always right. Give me a reason to apologize first. And if it's warranted, I'll apologize."

"For being rude."

"I'm not being rude. I'm being honest. If I were being rude, you'd both know. If you're done tasting this, I'll get back to work, preparing for your event."

Tatianna snatched up the tray before Melinda could taste anything else and turned away from the table.

"Stop," Bryceson ordered. "The tasting isn't over."

"As I said," Tatianna drawled, facing them again just as the bell over the door jingled and Mrs. Cattaneo entered the cafe. "The desserts I've presented are the desserts that will be on the menu. If you do not like those desserts, please choose a later date so we'll have time to work on a new menu. Or, choose a different cafe."

Mrs. Cattaneo moved over to Tatianna. "A tasting? I didn't realize they were having a tasting. Well, did they like the desserts we prepared?"

Tatianna opened her mouth, but Melinda talked over her.

"Yes," Melinda yelled. "Especially the ones you prepared, Mrs. Cattaneo. Our guests are going to love those treats. The peanut butter bagel you made with cream cheese was my favorite," Melinda lied.

"Oh, thanks, dear. But my Tati made that one."

Tati held in her chuckle at Mrs. Cattaneo's lie.

"I won't be here long," Mrs. Cattaneo chuckled. "I just came back because I forgot something." She winked at Tati before heading into her office.

Tati turned back toward the kitchen.

"Stop," Bryce ordered again.

With a sigh, she turned around to face him. She gasped when she realized he was standing right behind her. She took a step back. He took a step forward. Swallowing, she held her ground.

"Don't think that just because my mother is backing you, I won't fire you,” he hissed, glaring down at her.

She wanted to reply to his comment, but his cologne was bringing back memories. Tati inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly.

She smiled and whispered, "You smell good, Bryceson Cattaneo."

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