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“It is,” Duke said, grinning at Hudson. “Good luck.”
He moved back toward the kitchen but then watched as his cousin proposed, Delaney moving over and then saying yes and sitting in Hudson’s lap.
Yeah, he was jealous for a man that hadn’t been jealous of much or many people in his life.
He went back to work after he heard the applause.
“That was your cousin, wasn’t it?” Beth asked. She was one of the line cooks. “I mean I didn’t see who it was, but someone said it was Hudson Mills.”
“Yes, that’s my cousin. He just got engaged.”
“Good for him,” Beth said. “And in your restaurant. Did you know that was happening?”
“Not until halfway through their meal,” he said. “Hudson slipped back and asked to speak to me. He knew Delaney liked my chocolate cake.”
“Who doesn’t?” Beth said. “But Hadley has the magic touch with desserts. I love chocolate, but those white chocolate chip blondies served hot with vanilla ice cream and raspberry compote on top are to die for. I made one a month ago as a late night snack before I left. I thought I was going to start groaning like I was in the bedroom.”
He cracked a grin. It wasn’t the first time Beth had made a comment like that to him.
He knew she was flirting, but he wasn’t interested. Even if he weren’t dating Hadley, Beth wasn’t his type.
Not that he knew what his type even was anymore because, at first glance, Hadley wouldn’t have been it if he’d seen her out.
He’d always liked confidence in a woman and found it sexy. Hadley very rarely expressed that, but he still found her sexy as all hell.
Sometimes it was in a vulnerable way and then other times she spoke up and surprised him and he found he was even more attracted to her.
Though he had to admit there were times she was finding her confidence too.
“Hadley does have the touch with desserts,” he said.
“It’s amazing she is only a home baker.”
“What’s so amazing about it?” he asked. “A lot of people get their start at home. You have the talent or you don’t.”
“She seems to have it with decorating too,” Beth said. “I was checking out her site. I pulled one of her cards down and looked. I think the island could use that.”
“It can,” he said. “She seems to be getting some orders.”
“Oh,” Beth said. “I didn’t know you talked to her that much.”
“I talk to all my employees when I’m here,” he said. He was working while the two of them were talking like he always did.
He was a fast cook. He wanted his employees to be too, but he also wanted things done right before he wanted them fast.
Beth wasn’t that fast and he was starting to realize it had to do with her talking more than focusing on the food.
He wouldn’t be an ass about it though. She was moving faster with him in here and he suspected it was only because hewashere. When Beth worked with Zeke he knew ticket times were slower.
Not because of Zeke so much but with him waiting for Beth or another line cook to catch up.
“You do,” Beth said, laughing. “Some people find you intimidating. I do in the kitchen, but you’re a nice guy and all.”
He choked out a laugh. He wasn’t sure anyone had ever said he was a nice guy. At least to his face
“Thanks, I think.”
“Oh, stop,” Beth said, giggling. “You’re a big guy. The long hair. I bet you work out.”
