Page 2 of The Chef's Kiss
I pinched his side. “Don’t flirt with me. I’m not in the mood.”
He slid his arm around my shoulders. “Well, then, I know just what you need. I was heading to work. Come on.”
I eyed him curiously as we walked toward the market district, wondering what kind of work his mother had him doing in the family business.
When he led me to one of the many chocolate shops in town, I stopped. “What—”
He released me and stuck his hands in his pockets. “I… okay, long story short. I was trying to strike out on my own, still am, but the first investment opportunity I tried didn’t really pan out.”
“What was it?”
He looked away. “Uh, a certain business your brother stole for Superiore Bay.”
That brought a laugh out of me. “You mean Selena’s business? Don’t feel bad, Cols. Working with her made Conner fall in love, and you’re definitely not the type for that.”
One corner of his mouth tipped up. “Absolutely not. So, Mom was tired of me trying to get away from the company and made me do penance ringing up tourists here.”
“Surrounded by chocolate? Doesn’t sound so bad.” I pushed open the door and inhaled the scent of candy. They made certain things like taffy and some of their baked goods right here in the shop. It was a draw for the tourists.
A girl behind the counter looked up. “Finally, you’re here. I’m going on break.” She left without another glance. It was just as well. I wasn’t exactly in the mood for lots of company.
Colin wasn’t usual company though. He was uncomplicated and would never judge.
Rounding the counter, he grabbed an apron off the hook and tied it around his waist.
“Oh, that’s a good look.” I mimed taking a picture. “Pose for me.”
“You’re cruel.”
“I’m hilarious.”
He rolled his eyes. “So, how goes the life of the mysterious Jorgie Ashford?”
“Still mysterious.” I paused. “Complicated.”
“Wasn’t it always?”
“I used to think so. Now, I know how much worse it could get.” I reached into a case on the counter and pulled out a round chocolate.
“Want to talk about it?” He passed me a napkin.
“No.”
“Fair enough. Want to pay for that truffle you’re stealing?”
I laughed. “Have I ever?”
“I’ll put it on your tab.”
It was his rebellion when we were teenagers. Supplying the Ashford daughter with their delicious chocolates. I’d just never told my dad how good I thought they were. I bit into it and moaned. “What heaven is this?”
“Oreos and cream cheese covered in chocolate.”
I sighed as I finished it. It was just what I needed. Chocolate had always been my go-to whenever I needed to feel better. Some of the girls I surrounded myself with in college were aghast at the amount I ate. They were from other wealthy New England families, the kind of friends I was expected to have. If things had been different, I’d have married a Harvard man by now and spent my days organizing charity events.
Thank the great chocolate overlords that never happened.
Though, my current situation wasn’t exactly ideal.
