Page 45 of Leo

“To make certain we are not making a gigantic mistake. He has been with so many sophisticated and well educate women…”

“You are a goddamned magician in the kitchen!”

“In the kitchen. I am not a judge or a clever lawyer or even an actress. I read somewhere that he was involved with a European princess at one time.”

“And none of them had the distinction of being proposed to.” He pointed out and waited until their meals were set before them.

“He bought me clothes.”

“I knew there was something unusual about the sweater.” He leaned forward and fingered the soft wool. “It is exquisite. Paris?”

She nodded. “I feel stupid wearing it to the shop, but I wanted to make up for the fact that I was a bitch about everything. You know I am not used to anything fancy, and I do not give a damn about couture.”

Michael winced as he dug into his meal.

“I wonder constantly why we are such good friends. I am a clothes horse.”

“So is he.” She admitted wryly. “His closet would swallow up my bedroom three times over.” She drank some more water absently. They had been back for the past two weeks, and the pace have been hectic. He had sat down with her to go over the renovations that she wanted done and so far everything was going okay.

The pastry shop had been signed over to her and a contract drawn up by his lawyer in her name. She had employed two extra hands because of the upcoming winter season. And she wanted to free herself up to work mostly in the kitchen.

“Are you okay?”

“I think I am coming down with something. My throat is itchy and dry, and my stomach is acting crazy. One of the girls at the shop went home yesterday with a fever. She is still out, which means we are short-staffed.

“So how does it feel to own your own pastry shop?”

“Liberating!” She said with a quick laugh, pressing her hand against her stomach. “It also feels strange, not to be consulting Ingrid about everything. The decision is now on me. All on me and it is scary.”

“I take it that Leo has been giving you some business advice?”

She nodded and tried the water again. Her stomach was really acting up. “He’s really good at what he does.”

“Sounds to me like you’re smitten.” He said it casually, watching her reaction.

“I am definitely attracted to him, of course.”

“But?”

“Nothing.” She shook her head firmly and glanced at her watch. “I am not going to think about it anymore. We are doing fine and I am going to leave it at that.” Pushing away from the table, she waited for him to stand before wrapping her hands around his neck. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Ditto. Sorry I had to rush away before you returned. We should get together soon.”

“You should come by and see what’s being done to the place.”

“I will, I promise.”

He watched her stride away and sat down to finish his meal. She looked so much better and whether she wanted to admit it or not, Leo Coleman was obviously doing wonders for her.

Lifting his hand, he ordered a glass of Chantilly Merlot to go with his meal.

*****

She was exhausted and ready to drop. The contractor assigned to do the renovations had been recommended by Leo and was fastidious and somewhat of a perfectionist. The man was surly and uncommunicative.

He had a certain way of doing things and both of them had several personality clashes along the way, until she was tempted to tell him to go to hell. But he was the best and she wanted the best.

She wanted privacy booths, a larger waiting area, a place where baking competitions would be held. Another area where tea parties and discussions, whether it be about the latest movie or a bestselling novel, would be discussed over warm beverages or cold drinks combined with a savory and delicious pastry.

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