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“Mmm. It’s delicious.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
The sound of his fork clinking his plate as he gets his first bite makes me look up at him. “I like that you cook,” I say sassily.
He grins. “Good, I’m glad.”
I nod. “Actually, I like cooking, too. It’s just that our kitchen in the apartment is so small I don’t get to do a lot of it, but I do what I can. Baking is my favorite though. There’s nothing like a slice of warm, homemade bread when you want a BLT.”
Cyrus nods.
“Did you teach yourself to cook, sweetheart? I don’t recall Marilyn being big on cooking …” his voice trails off and the dining room is quiet for a moment at the mention of my mom. But again, they divorced more than ten years ago, so I decide to power through it.
“Actually, I taught myself,” I say, making sure to smile so that the brief moment of tension dissipates. “It’s probably a little dorky, but I love to watch the Food Network, and I’ve picked up a lot of recipes from the shows I follow.”
Cyrus laughs. “Well, if you’re dorky, then so am I because I don’t watch a lot of television, but when I do, the Food Network is one of my top choices. Do you watch The Great British Baking Show?”
I shake my head. “No, but I’m addicted to its sister, The Great American Baking Show.”
The alpha male chuckles and holds up his hands. “Okay, I admit it. I’ve caught a few episodes of that one, too. It’s amazing because some of the bakers are really talented.” I nod enthusiastically.
“I completely agree. In fact, they’re so creative that it’s crazy. Did you see the episode with the merry-go-round cake?”
He chuckles. “No.”
I giggle.
“OMG, it was astonishing! The baker’s details about the merry-go-round were spot on and so whimsical too, from the marzipan animals to the swirly red and orange icing. Plus, the contestant even rigged it to rotate and play music by hiding a music box inside. It was incredible ingenuity on his part.”
Cyrus chuckles.
“Maybe you should be on the show too.”
I shake my head.
“Oh no, I’m just limited to cookies and brownies and such. Maybe the occasional cake, but I’m someone who sticks with box mixes. It’s embarrassing, but it works.”
He chuckles.
“Nothing wrong with a good box mix. Personally, I’m a fan of Pillsbury, although there are folks who swear by Betty Crocker.”
I laugh.
“OMG, you have a favorite? I like the Godiva brand box mixes, and yes, those exist.”
Cyrus just laughs again, flashing even white teeth. “Well, we can have our own baking competition using different box mixes and see who comes out the winner. Although I’m sure it would be you, honey. Your enthusiasm would be cause for a prize in and of itself.”
My heart flutters and the heat rises in my cheeks. Cyrus is looking at me like I’m his favorite person right now, and it makes my pulse hammer. Suddenly, I want to do and say all kinds of things I know it’s too soon for, so instead, I bite my tongue and murmur, “Well, you’re pretty passionate about things you enjoy, too. I know we haven’t spent a lot of time together in the last few years, but Alyssa says you’re good at your job. She says you love running True North’s panoply of bars and restaurants.”
The handsome man looks thoughtful for a moment.
“Yeah. I do love it. I mean, it’s a job but it’s more than a job too.”
I nod while taking a sip of water.
“Does it ever get overwhelming? I mean, you must be managing at least thirty establishments now.”
Cyrus nods and grins.
“Make it forty and yes, it definitely gets overwhelming at times, which is why it’s important to seek balance in life. Every now and then I just want to veg on the couch and watch some TV. Hey, maybe I’ll even catch a few episodes of The Great British Baking Show because my real life is so hectic and I’m always out overseeing my establishments.”
I cock my head at him.
“Do you spend a lot of time at the clubs True North owns? You guys got into the nightlife business a few years back, right?”
He nods.
“I’m not in the clubs non-stop, but I do spend some time there. I like to try to stop by each one at least once every couple weeks to check in on operations and with the management and staff. Maybe even say hi to some of the clientele from time to time.”
My eyes go wide because it can’t be easy to be constantly juggling multiple venues. I guess that’s part of what makes this man so powerful and successful.
“You really are busy,” I murmur.
“Yeah, we have a solid portfolio,” he nods. “Our top three performers right now are Limelight, Tone House, and Cairo.”
