Page 10 of Fake Dating in Half Moon Bay

“Like you did with Uncle Zander?”

“Exactly! Slow and careful is always best.”

She glanced at Zander as she served his family. Every time she looked his way, he was looking at her. The third time he winked, she nearly lost her grip on the plate she held. Spilling twice in one night could be a career ending move. She forced herself to ignore Zander because the only person she needed to impress was her boss.

She concentrated on the task at hand, though her hands trembled knowing Zander was watching her. Leaving the dining room, she stole one last glance and noticed his phone in his hand. Couldn’t he leave the thing alone long enough to share a meal with his family?

She was scrubbing the roasting pans when Jacob came into the kitchen.

“Heather, come into my office, so we can talk. Please.” Whatever Jacob had to say must be important because he owned the inn and Derrick was the day-to-day manager.

Slowly, hiding her nerves, she dried her hands and hung her apron on a hook. She used the apron for dishes, to reduce the mess on her chef jacket. She followed him to his small office and stood in the doorway.

“Please, come in. Sit.” He waved toward a chair and took a seat behind his desk. His face was totally expressionless.

She perched on the chair edge and clenched her hands in her lap. This was where she got fired. She could see it in his eyes. She bit the inside of her lip to keep from begging for her job.

“I saw Zander’s face. Is knowing my brother will be around the inn frequently going to be a problem for you?” His tone was as flat as his expression, and she had no idea where he was going with this. Was this a warning, or something else?

She took a moment to consider the question. “No, I don’t believe so. I’m certain he won’t be in the kitchen often and if he is, I think I can trust him not to repeat what happened tonight. I apologize for spilling on him. I hope that aside from the spill, dinner was acceptable.” Hoped, nothing! She was praying for all she was worth. Mentally, she had her fingers, toes, legs, and arms crossed for good luck.

“Dinner was excellent. Can you write up a proposal for expanding the inn’s food service? Include a prospective menu. Give it to Derrick by Monday, please. We’d like to expand in time for the July long weekend. We’re booked solid for the event, and it would be a great time to unveil our new service.”

It appeared that the subject of Zander’s transgression was forgotten. She did a mental happy dance but stayed still in her seat. “I can do that.” She paused. “Can I ask a question?”

“Go ahead. I’m always open to questions from my employees.”

“Ella said she’d like to learn more about cooking. I was wondering if you would mind if I had her assist with some meal preparations, and maybe gave her a few lessons.” She was eager to teach Ella. Sharing her love of cooking would fill her heart with joy.

Jacob frowned. “I suppose that will be okay if it doesn’t interfere with homework. And please don’t let her get in your way. Same with Zander. Don’t let him bother you. If he becomes a pest, let me know immediately.”

“I’ll do that. Ella won’t be a problem. She loves the kitchen. She’s got good basic skills. Someone taught her very well.”

“I don’t cook much, and probably don’t let her help often enough. I guess that was her mother’s doing.”

“A job well done.” Hopefully, he knew she meant the praise and wasn’t just sucking up to her boss.

“Thanks. Get that proposal to Derrick. We’ll look it over and call you to discuss details.” He stood, indicating the brief discussion was over.

Back in the kitchen, she did a happy dance and hugged herself. She got to expand meal service. She couldn’t wait to share her news with Quinn. This was the first step in rebuilding her career, her reputation, and her life. Finally, after months of hoping for change, and striving to achieve it, things were looking up.

She’d barely donned her apron again when the kitchen door swung open. If people kept coming in, she’d never finish dishes. She pretended she didn’t hear the door and busied herself scrubbing a bit of baked on chicken skin.

“I hear you’re going to be expanding your role here. Congratulations,” Zander said from across the room. She closed her eyes. She did not want to talk to him. Just the sound of his voice had her lips remembering the pressure of his.

“Thank you.” She didn’t look at him. She rinsed the dish and set it onto the draining board.Please go away. Please go away. She inspected the second roaster and started scrubbing.

“I can cook, but I’m not great at it,” he said. “Maybe I’ll come around more if meals like tonight will be my reward.”

He was trying to get a reaction and she refused to be baited. “I’m sure your brother will welcome the added income.”

His laughter burst through the quiet kitchen. Deep and husky, it scraped against her nerves. Gooseflesh rose on her arms.You do not like his laugh. Footsteps came closer and he leaned his backside on the counter beside her. He was close enough to touch and she fisted her hands in the water to keep from reaching out.

“Derrick won’t charge me to eat. I’m family.”

“I’d charge you,” she quipped back. Even in the kitchen with the lingering smells of roasted chicken dinner, she caught the slightest whiff of his unique scent. Clean and soapy, like he’d just stepped out of the shower. She closed her eyes and savored it. She hadn’t noticed how he smelled yesterday at the clinic. Drenched from the rain, all she had smelled was wetness. Today, after that kiss and with him beside her it was a pleasant distraction.

“I guess we’ll let Derrick decide.” He gave her a little elbow bump.

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