“A trifle. I can add in a soak for the useable pieces of cake. Lime, to bring in more acidity. It’ll be better than the original, if I can just—” I abruptly stop as his question sinks in fully. “What did you just call me?”
He gives me a smile so warm with approval, I nearly melt through the floor. My heart expands in my chest, eclipsing my lungs. There’s a real possibility that I might pass out.
“I’m going to pass out,” I inform him, which just makes him laugh and kiss me. The kiss—deep, claiming, dirty—doesn’t do much for my chances at staying conscious. I don’t care. He tastesdelicious.
Coconut and mango, in perfect harmony.
“You’ve got this,” he whispers against my lips, an arm tight around my waist. Just in case. It’s the last push I need. “Heard?”
Chapter 40
Front of House
Poppy
Ten minutes until guests start arriving.
I smooth my dress, taking a deep breath before pushing open the door to the kitchen.
I snuck down to Palm Beach a few weeks ago to shop for a suitable outfit for the pop-up. Working in the restaurant has meant sneakers every day, plus jeans and T-shirts, so I took my time picking out something to wear. For myself, I kept telling everyone who would listen. For the event. I ended up inviting the owner of the boutique and her assistant to the pop-up because I couldn’t stop rambling about it.
If I’m being completely honest, however, most of me was looking for something that would make Jack’s jaw fall on the floor.
Judging by the expression on his face, I succeeded. I went with a gold dress with a thigh slit and square neckline, perfect for emphasizing the shape of my breasts. The slinky fabric does wonders for my waist, as well, and I’ve accented it all with a simple pair of dangling pearl earrings. He stops what he’s doing immediately—ignoring Hazel’s delighted whistle—and strides over. His mouth is on mine in an instant, his body pressing me against the wall, dangerously close to a row of knives. He devours me, his tongue exploring my mouth, teeth nipping my lips. I gasp, my hands opening and closing on his back.
He’s hungry. I can feel it in the charged air between us. Not just for me, but for this entire experience. Nothing makes his blood pump harder than the thrill of commanding the kitchen. I can’t wait to have a front row seat to it.
“Mission accomplished,” I murmur, rubbing my cheek against his beard.
“What?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“You look stunning. Like a perfect little present.”
“If you’re good, maybe I’ll let you unwrap me later.” I kiss him again, running my hands down his back, playfully squeezing his firm, good-enough-to-bite ass. Not to be outdone, his hands wander along the fabric of my dress, coming dangerously close to the thigh slit. “Are you ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“You’re going to crush it.”
The door to the alleyway swings open. Owen spots us, coughs hastily, and makes a quick exit.
“You’re the one who told me to stick to the strict fucking schedule!” he yells through the door. “I barred Mateo from coming back here!”
“Head chef privileges,” Jack yells back. He catches my chin between his thumb and forefinger, leaving me with one more bruising kiss. “You got this too, sweetheart. I tasted the dessert; it’s fucking fire.”
“Not too much lime?”
“It’s perfect.” He pushes me in the direction of the door. “Communicate, yeah? If we need to slow down or speed up, tell us.”
“Heard. But I’ll want you out in the dining room eventually.”
“Before dessert.”
“Sooner.”
“Heard, but no.”
