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Damn it, the man knows his way around a flirt, and if I hadn’t experienced the ups and downs with him just over four years ago, I shudder to think what I’d be doing now.
Probably eating it all up.
No, twenty-three-year-old idiot Sarah might have, but twenty-seven-year-old Sarah? She knows better. She’s enjoying time by herself.
Alone.
I close my eyes a moment as his kiss whispers through my memory, the slide of his tongue on my naked skin. Shit.
My eyes snap open. “I think that’s rejection, and it’s something big and there and not wanting your paws on.”
He laughs. The asshole actually has the nerve to laugh, and thank heavens, the door opens and a cute guy comes rushing in, tattooed, hair in a man bun, and a face that’s all apologies.
“Sarah?” he asks.
“That’s me.”
“I’m sorry, I got lost. I’m Jonah Henderson, here about the executive chef position.”
The slight scowl that flits over Leland’s face at the sight of the brawny chef makes me want to offer him the job on the spot.
“As I said, Leland, I’m busy. This way, Mr. Henderson.”
“Jonah.”
I sweep a hand to the office as Leland straightens up. “Actually, I’m here to see Dakota. She around?”
A snappy, snarky answer almost slips out, but I swallow it down.
“Here.”
I almost jump as I turn. There’s Dakota, looking pretty and happy, even with the curious expression on her face as she glances between Leland and me. I know questions are coming, but instead, I walk off with Jonah at my heels, hoping like hell he’s the one for the job and I can make a swift exit.
Swift exits aren’t to be. When I come out, shaking hands with Jonah, Dakota’s there at the desk, working on sanding it.
She’s been fussing with the place since I got here. And while great strides have been made and everything looks stunning, all the woodwork, including furniture and animal statues glow with love and care, she wants perfection, and the desk won’t be done until she’s happy with it.
That of course might be somewhere around Christmas in forty years time, but I keep that to myself.
She slides a side eye to us and she’s sizing the situation up. Jonah’s pretty much told me he wants this job, and I’ve all but made him an offer, but Dakota is the one has the final say, obviously.
Regardless, I’m happy she trusts me enough to pick the chef. I know Jonah was one of her picks from when we went over all the applicants. His credentials are stellar.
“I’m Dakota,” she says, dropping the sand paper and holding out her hand. “Why do you want to work here? You’ve worked in some of the biggest cities not just here but around the world and you’re what? Thirty?”
He shrugs easily. “I want a change of pace.”
“It’s not going to be easy.”
“I don’t want it to be.” He breathes out. “I want to make a mark, something I can build from the ground up, and I’d prefer to work in a place that’s ready to roll. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Her mouth quirks. “Really?”
He nods. “Building the staff and menus but not having to find the perfect spot somewhere. This already is. Farm to table is big, so where better than a small town that you have marked for a destination? Add fantastic food and seasonal menus, and we can do something amazing. Plus, I have family a few towns away. This is a great location.”
She nods like she’s considering it all when to me it’s clear she’s ready to say yes. “How about Sarah and I give you a tour of the kitchen?”
“That would be great.”
