Page 20 of 40 and (Tired of) Faking It
Lily shook her head. “The first bite is yours.”
JD grinned, that sexy dimple making an appearance. “I usually prefer it that way.”
As he ate the bite of pound cake, she had the distinct impression that he was not talking about dessert.
“Claire, God.” JD finished his bite and forked up another. “Where did you learn to do this?”
“I went to the Institute of Culinary Education in New York.”
“You were obviously a star pupil.” JD offered the bite to Lily. The taste of lemon and vanilla burst over her tongue, but she forced back the moan this time. Much more of that and she’d combust.
“I’m glad you’re pleased.” The pride infusing Claire’s voice touched Lily’s heart. “Any of these desserts can be produced in bulk for the restaurant to serve. I’m already fulfilling bulk ordering for a couple of restaurants in Gatlinburg, though those are more traditional desserts—cheesecake, pies, basic cakes—and I provide breakfast pastries to a handful of hotels in the area.”
“That could definitely come in handy at the lodge.” JD took another bite.
Claire met Lily’s eyes, her own sparkling with achievement. Lily gave her a discreet thumbs-up.
Claire tapped the table lightly. “I’ll be right back.”
“Here.” JD held up another bite of the pound cake, brushing Lily’s lips. She took the bite, watching in fascination as he raised his other hand, his thumb coming up to glide along the edge of her mouth.
“Cream.” He smirked, then licked the white fluff from his skin.
She needed to get out of here.Professional, remember. You’re a professional. Stop fantasizing about—
God, was she fantasizing, mostly about JD closing and locking the door, laying Lily out on this tiny table, and feasting on something that had nothing to do with food.
JD took one more bite before Claire returned, this time with a cranberry ricotta rosemary tart. “The candied ginger chiffonade is the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries and the savory rosemary,” Claire explained.
“I admit I’ve never had a dessert with rosemary in it.” JD shrugged. “After your first two desserts, I’m game for anything that comes out of your kitchen.”
Claire laughed, seeming pleased at the compliment, as JD broke off the corner of the tart and gathered the bite to bring to his mouth. Another one of those full-body moans left him. “Really, you have to try this, Lily.”
He raised a bite to her lips. The flaky tart crust held a buttery flavor that mixed with the slightly sweet ricotta cream and the sour berries. Spice hit her tongue—the candied ginger. “Oh my Lord, Claire, where have you been hiding this thing?”
“This one’s definitely different, something I’ve been working on for the holidays.”
JD was spooning another big bite into his mouth. “Stop working on it and start selling it, Claire.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Like it?” Lily eyed the remaining tart with greed. “I love it.”
“As much as your chocolate cupcake?” Claire teased.
She considered that a moment. “Honestly, no. I don’t love anything as much as I love chocolate.”
JD chuckled next to her. “Well, enjoy something a little different while you can.”
Lily accepted another bite. Claire left them to the tart and returned to her kitchen.
JD held the fork motionless, staring into Lily’s eyes for a long moment, his own darkening. “I need to say thank you, Lily.”
“Why?” She raised a napkin to brush it across her lips. If JD saw any cream on her mouth and made a move to retrieve it, she wouldn’t be responsible for the consequences. Best to head off the possibility before she embarrassed them both.
“You made me get past my own prejudice and see some of the options here in Black Wolf’s Bluff with different eyes. Thank you.”
The sincere words brought a melting sensation to her heart. “There are good people here, JD. Not everyone has a skill you can use, but many of them do. They can help you, and if you let them invest themselves in the resort, they’ll make sure you thrive. More than anyone you bring in from halfway across the state or country.”
