Page 21 of Chloé

“I…”Still have no idea what’s going on.

“We’d like you to create your own menu for JULIEN. One that can be showcased and one that I can present you to the culinary world with.”

Wait…“What?”

“Your dad, papa, and me agree that it’s time for you to spread your wings and be recognized for the wonderful chef you have become. The way to do that is to show off your skill to fellow chefs and critics. So, what do you say,mon ange?”

For once in her life, Chloé had no idea what to say. But as herpèreand dad’s faces began to blur, the shock turned to happiness and then—sheer, unadulterated panic.

“Are you sure? I don’t think that I’m—”

“Ready? Capable?” Dad stood from his chair. “Weren’t you just the one telling us you knew what you were doing?”

“Yes, but—”

“And that you’d never embarrass us?”

“I didn’t mean—”

“Chloé?” She heardPère’s soft voice and felt his gentle hand on her arm. “You’re ready for this.”

She looked into his earnest eyes, and the love she saw staring back had her doubts easing and her conviction setting in. He wouldn’t set her up to fail, and everything he’d taught her over the years was for this very moment. He was right. Shewasready for this. This was her chance to show him everything he’d taught her.

“Okay. If you think I’m ready.”

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I don’t think you are. I know you are.”

She swallowed around the lump in her throat and looked up at him, squeezing his hands.

“I’ll make you proud.” She looked past his shoulder to her dad and added, “I’ll makeallof you proud.”

Dad dabbed at the tears under his eyes and smiled. “You already do, angel. You already do.”

* * *

“WHAT DO YOU think? Three or four shelves?” Zayne glanced over his shoulder to where Ethan stood looking at the bookshelf they were building under the stairs.

He had a tape measure in one hand and a drill in the other as he eyed the plank of wood Zayne held in place.

“I think there’s enough room for four. What do you think?”

“I think that’s perfect. She’ll love it.”

“Agreed.” Ethan walked back over and started to measure and mark where each shelf needed to go. “That way she’ll have room for more if she wants it.”

Zayne stood aside, a grin on his face, as he watched Ethan work. In a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, it was a version of Ethan he didn’t get to see very often. But he might come up with more projects around the house after witnessing this—because holy hell, Ethan in a pair of jeans wielding a drill? That was a fantasy Zayne didn’t even know he had.

The high-pitchedwhirof the drill startled him out of his daydream. “Sorry, what did you say?”

“That I love the way you’re looking at my ass right now.”

Zayne scoffed. “Arrogant.”

“You look like you’re two seconds away from ripping my jeans off.”

“Actually, I was just thinking how good you lookedinthem. So you’re wrong.”

“Uh huh. Well, if you’re not going to tear my clothes off, could you bring over that box of screws?”

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