“What? No. Thanks. I have a partner. I’m working with Julianna. You’re asking me to drop my best friend and take on a stranger?”
“Hardly a stranger. We’ve known each other since elementary school. And, yes, I am asking. I need a win to help with my business.”Oops, he hadn’t meant to admit that.
Under the previous management, or rather mismanagement, the restaurant Darius had re-named Mythos Taverna had been going steadily downhill for the past couple of years. Then the owner skipped town, leaving a mass of unpaid debt behind. Darius had been able to pick up the restaurant for a great price once the town had confiscated it for back taxes, but its reputation was in tatters, despite the new ownership.
“I’m slowly rebuilding, but this town has a long memory. It feels like some people blame the restaurant itself. The contest is a great, low-cost way to elevate its reputation. I need this. I need your help. Please.” He was practically begging. He’d get down on his knees and grovel if he thought it would convince her. “I’ll pay half of the entry fee and half of any ingredients we take.”
“How would it help? It’s not like you’re a bakery.”
“We have an extensive dessert menu and as you know, desserts are costly to produce. So far, everyone seems skittish about trying them. I’ve even resorted to giving away sample plates. Winning would let people know that I can bake as well as cook and potentially draw in more business.”
“I won’t ditch Julianna. Sorry. You’ll just have to find another way to promote yourself.”
The office door flew open and Julianna burst inside.
“Did you say yes? Darius needs a partner in the gingerbread contest. Mayor Nkosi is outside. He’s going to ask you to take Darius on as a partner instead of me. This is such a great idea! Both businesses get the free advertising. You said yes, right?”
Darius suppressed a chuckle at her enthusiasm. Julianna hadn’t changed one bit since high school. “No,” he said. “She hasn’t agreed.”
“What? Why not?” Her eyes bulged in disbelief. “You need to do this. It’ll be great for both of you. Great for the whole town. Every successful business is a draw for tourists and a boost for the economy.”
“I already have a partner,” Poppy objected. “You’re my partner.”
“Oh, I’ll step aside.” She waved a hand like she was brushing away crumbs. “I can help your Mom run the bakery during the contest, instead of participating. We’re always swamped on contest day. That way, you’ll have talented help with the contest, and the shop will be in the best hands. Not that the other staff is under-qualified, they’re just…young. Well, except for your mom.” She laughed.
“Please, think about it.” Darius smiled his best smile, despite the doubt lingering in his heart. He wanted this, he needed this, and Poppy Holiday had the power to block him. “Thanks for the coffee, the rumors are true. You do make a great cup of coffee.” He stood and offered his hand. “Thank you for taking the time to see me. Good luck at the competition.”
She shook his hand, her expression serious. The warmth of her hand intensified the attraction already poking at him. She was a beautiful, successful woman. He’d always admired her inner strength. Now, he hoped that strength would allow her the grace to bend.
She caught her lower lip between her teeth and looked at him. Her gaze flitted to Julianna who was virtually vibrating in the doorway. Back and forth. Finally, she looked at her friend. “Are you sure you don’t mind? If you want in, I’d prefer you. No offense, Darius.”
“None taken.” Hope caught in his chest.
“I don’t mind. We, you, stand a better chance of winning with him.” She blushed. “Not that I don’t think you can win anyway. Oh, just do it. Partner with Darius and set that competition on its ear. You guys will kill it.”
The furrow between Poppy’s brows deepened. Her chest rose and fell with a deep sigh. Nope, he wasn’t looking at her chest. No way. He pulled his gaze back to her face.
“Fine. Under several conditions. My design. I’m in charge. And, you do what I say. We practice here, every day. Ten to three.” She crossed her arms over her chest, virtually daring him to object.
Every day?That was a lot to ask. It wasn’t like he had a choice. If he wanted to compete, she was his only option, even if being close to her was going to make him crazy as a loon. He bit back a sigh. It was a darn good thing he had a talented head chef to watch over things while he was busy.
“Thank you. We’ll do it your way. If we combine our talents, we can win this. I appreciate you doing this for me. Thank you both. When do we start?”
