Page 63 of Chloé

Justin switched off the stove and pointed the wooden spoon at her. “Don’t act like you didn’t bat your lashes and look all cute to get your way when you were little. You did it with me just yesterday.”

“I did not.”

“You did so. You know exactly how to play me and the parental units. Probably these two also.”

Her mouth fell open in sibling outrage, a gasp leaving her as she grabbed the pan off the stove and took it to the blender. Ethan and Zayne were quick to get out of her way as she dumped the contents inside, then jammed the lid on top.

“I don’tplayanyone,” she said. “But just remember, Idoknow how to use a blender.”

All three of them winced as she hit the button and the appliance roared to life, and Ethan learned a very valuable lesson from Justin that night about his sister:nevermake Chloé mad while in the kitchen.

It seemed Zayne had been right after all.

CHAPTERELEVEN

I never knew a heart could actually break.

Until tonight, when mine did.

~ Chloé

“THESE ARE ALL excellent choices,mon ange…”

Chloé watched on eagerly as herpèrepopped a perfectly seared scallop in his mouth. It was Saturday morning, and she’d come in early to prepare the four main dishes she was thinking about serving for her menu, to see if he had any sage words of advice for her.

Right now, she was having a difficult time deciding, and until she nailed down that main dish, there was no way she could construct the rest of the menu. The main was the star, and once she had that, she could plan the opening and closing.

“But which one do you likebest?”

He glanced at her as he put the fork down and looked over each dish. She could see his brilliant brain working behind his serious jade eyes, and just when she thought she’d die from his silent contemplation, he shrugged.

“I can’t tell you that,bichette.”

He can’ttellme?

“What do you mean you can’t tell me? You know which one tastes the best. You have one of the most discerning palates in the world.”

“Oui, that’s true.” He picked up a napkin and dabbed at his mouth as he stepped around the station and put an arm around her shoulders. “But I’m not the one making the decisions this time.Youare. It’s your palate that is going to be on display. That’s going to guide this experience for others. You need to show us what you think tastes the best. What works cohesively together. What forms a perfect dish.”

Chloé shook her head. “No pressure.”

“Au contraire.All the pressure. But that’s part of being the best. It’s part of running an internationally renowned restaurant.” He pulled her in and whispered by her hair, “It’s also something I know you can do.”

“Merci, Papounet.”She let out a sigh and wrapped her arms around his waist. His faith in her meant more than he would ever know. But at the same time, she knew she wasn’t quite there yet with any of these dishes.

They were good, but they weren’t great—and she wouldn’t settle for mediocre.

“I think I need to tweak them a little still. I feel they’re missing something. I’m just not putting my finger on it yet.”

“If that’s what your gut is telling you…”

Chloé pulled away and narrowed her eyes on him. “Is it whatyourgut is telling you?”

A grin tugged at his lips, causing one of his dimples to flash at her. “My gut isn’t the one making the decisions.”

He picked up the scallop dish and walked toward the kitchen doors. When he reached them, he glanced over his shoulder. “We can’t leave your dad out of this little taste test. He’d never forgive us.”

Chloé hurried over and eyed the scallops. “So was this your favorite?”

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