Page 86 of Recipe For Seduction (Madewood Brothers 3)

It parked in a spot farthest from the door. But when the driver got out, Finn’s tension lightened. Emerging from the black four-door was Martin Rice, one of his former students.

Martin checked his tie in the car’s side mirror before turning toward the restaurant door. He looked so sophisticated in his suit and tie. Quite a leap from the ratty T-shirts and frayed jeans he used to wear. Getting a full scholarship to a business school and being recruited by one of the largest trading companies in the city definitely helped with one’s fashion choices.

Martin stopped short when he noticed Finn in the doorway. He glanced back, then to his left and right, as if trying to figure out the best way to approach the restaurant.

What the hell was going on?

Finally, Martin continued walking. When he was close enough, Finn called out to him, “Martin. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Hi, Chef.” Martin stepped up the two stairs onto the small wooden deck outside the back door. “Do I need an excuse to pay a visit to my mentor?”

Finn’s chest tightened in appreciation. “Not at all. I’m glad you’re here.” He motioned for him to step inside. “Although I don’t have anything to offer for breakfast since I just showed up myself.”

Martin held up his hands. “You’ve given me plenty over the years. I should be the one making you breakfast.”

Finn grinned. “I wouldn’t say no to that.” He led them through the hall, past the kitchen and into the bar lounge. “So how are things? I know—”

“Surprise!”

Finn jumped at least a foot in the air at the loud chorus of unfamiliar voices yelling out from the darkened room. “Holy hell!”

The lights suddenly blazed on to reveal the entire lounge filled with people. But not just any people. People he knew. Dozens of them.

His grinning brothers and their significant others hovered behind the bar. Mark and Cal stood off to the right, farthest away from the rest of the crowd made up of Cooking for the Future graduates. And then he saw Veronica. She stood in the middle of the room, a notebook in her hand and a smile beaming from her face.

A hand clamped on his shoulder from behind. “Are you surprised, Chef?”

“Um. More like stunned.” Bewildered. Nervous. Why the hell were all these people here? It was definitely not his birthday…

That’s when he saw a banner hanging across one side of the room, taped to the wooden shelving separating the dining room from the lounge. The banner shouted four simple words.

Thank You Finn O’Reilly!

Veronica broke free from the crowd and walked over, giving him a hug.

He whispered in her ear, “What’s this all about?”

“It’s for you.”

What had he done that all these people were gathered around just for him? Sweat broke out across his brow and he wiped his suddenly moist palms on his pants. She motioned for him to sit down in a chair that had been decorated with ribbon and had balloons tied to the seat back.

“Welcome, everyone,” she said. The room quieted. “I’d like to thank you all for coming this morning, and on such short notice, but it’s for a special occasion and a very special man.”

Jack hooted and clapped. “Yo, brother.”

“We’re here to celebrate the many accomplishments of Finnigan O’Reilly.”

He shot her a narrowed look. She knew how he hated when people used his full name. But maybe he’d forgive her, just this once.

“Finn has touched the lives of each one of us. That’s why we’re all here.”

He tried to stand up. “I don’t understand why—?”

Cal appeared on his left and shoved him back down. “Just go with it, dude.” He sat down in the seat next to Finn. “When she gets like this, it’s just best to let her talk, even if you aren’t listening.”

Finn laughed.

“Thank you, Cal,” she drawled. She waited, staring at her little brother, then cleared her throat. “Cal?”

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