Page 28 of The Chef's Kiss
“And? We’d be working together, not getting married. Next.”
“I don’t particularly like you either.”
“No one does. Doesn’t stop me from doing my job.” My kitchen staff in New York used to pretend to stab me behind my back. Extreme, but I didn’t blame them. I demanded perfection, and when they couldn’t deliver, they were of no use to me. If a chef didn’t pay attention to every last detail of their dish, they may as well be making clam chowder at that restaurant at the marina.
She looked like she was trying to figure me out, which was a start.
“Why do you want me?” she asked. “Don’t get me wrong, most boys do.” She winked. “But not for, like, actual work. I have no experience. Book smarts but no real-life skills. I’ll make a terrible employee.”
This wasn’t going to be easy. “Everyone in this town loves you.”
“That’s not true.”
I leveled a look at her. “You’re an Ashford. Doors open for you, and I desperately need them open. Businesses here won’t work with an outsider, but if I have you on board, it instantly changes everything.”
She pressed her lips together before speaking. “So, you need me to work for you because I’m an Ashford?”
“Something like that.”
A car pulled up, and she hesitated with her hand on the door. “No.” And then, she was gone.
* * *
Jorgina’s no was still ringing in my head when I made my way back up to her father’s office. How was I going to explain my actions?Sorry, sir, but I noticed whatever you did upset your daughter, and my idiot body decided to run after her instead of meeting with you.
The assistant looked up when I neared her desk again, a stern expression on my face. When it came to business, I never showed weakness. Some would say it was ruthlessness, but it was the only way I knew how to keep people in line when the first thing they saw when they looked at me was my parents and all the ways I didn’t live up to them.
She gave me a softer smile than I expected. “You’re luckyThe Ashfordis more confused than angry. That daughter of his twists him up like a pretzel.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Go for it.”
“Why does everyone call himThe Ashfordwhen there are more Ashfords in this town than I can count?”
She thought for a moment. “It’s hard to explain. You know what a Scottish laird is?”
I nodded.
“Well, he’s like the laird of Superiore Bay. Nothing happens here without his say-so. He’s the benefactor to many local businesses and even owns a lot of property. The Ashfords and the Contreras built Superiore Bay from nothing generations ago. He runs the family wealth now, holds the power.”
“Except when it comes to his daughter?” I wasn’t sure what made me say it.
She didn’t take offense. Instead, she laughed. “Well, we all lose a little power to Jorgina Ashford. She had a hard time growing up with that last name, but oh, she’s grown up.” There was real affection in her voice, and I tried to reconcile it with the girl who had nothing but snark for me.
It was probably for the best that she turned down my ill-advised job offer. She had none of the experience I sought. Plus, we’d more likely kill each other than have a successful launch.
“You can go on in.” She nodded toward the door. “The elder Ashford is with him now.”
I didn’t know either man, but the fact that Lena called Conner’s grandfather to help told me I could at least somewhat trust him. Though, I didn’t really trust anyone. That was the point of contracts.
I entered the office, and both men looked at me in surprise. The one I suspected was the grandfather smiled. “Ah, you’ve returned.” He stood. “You must be Hudson, our big-city chef. I’m very excited to see what kind of food you come up with for my Lena’s restaurant.”
It didn’t escape my notice he said “my Lena” when Conner was his grandson.
The Ashfordhuffed out a breath. “Yes, we’re all very interested to see Orchard Hill succeed.” His tone defied his words, and his father shot him a look. He leaned back in his chair, chastened under his father’s glare. “Conner deserves the win.” This time, he sounded like he actually believed it.
“Please, Hudson, take a seat.” The older man smiled. “Lena tells me you are having trouble procuring a contract from Superiore Bay Wines?”
