“It’s fucking good.” At my comment, Jordy smiles knowingly. “I would like to have this person in my kitchen. See what they could do with a Lemon Posset.” I talk between mouthfuls of the delicious sweetness. Texture. Flavor. Bite. All there. I would put this on my menu in a second.
Sex with Theo hours ago and now this. No bad vibes allowed.
“Did you give me that to ease the news?”
Jordy shrugs. “I figured you might not like to hear it. And people use the cannoli at Sal’s on Lucien from time to time.”
“Lucien Moretti? Bish’s friend, right? Your . . .godfather?” I guess at the title, and Jordy panics, quickly concealed with a blush, pinker than Theo’s bright crimson.
“He is. Been looking out for me since I was a kid. I’ve seen people ease some bad news by way of his sweet tooth.”
I laugh, turning back to the dessert. “Well, thank you. It’s beautifully done. Delicate, but still sturdy enough to be boxed up. Those little details kill me, Jordy. A lot of people can do great flavor or decorate well. Fewer can do all. Even fewer have the mind to think about season and the consumer. Who they are. What they would be drawn to buy.”
“You going to eat it or ask it out?” Quinn walks in the kitchen, followed by Bishop.
“Try it and see if you don’t want to do both.” I hand the plate and fork to him.
“We had breakfast there, if that makes a difference.”
“A muffin is breakfast?” I ask.
Bishop speaks up as Quinn takes a bite. “It was a savory pastry, actually, phyllo dough with egg, heirloom tomato, bacon, herbs, and cheese. And spinach.”
“Motherfucker.”
“Not going to take away from Summit House if they do breakfast,” Quinn observes after his bite, offering the rest to Bish. “That was good. They must have set those out after we left.”
“It’s not about hurting the business. I need this person, and I don’t even know who they are. I tell you, whoever it is, they are selling themselves short of their talents.”
“You don’t know that.” Quinn tilts his head.
“You ever use the term ‘heirloom tomato’ to describe something from Maxine’s? She knows tea and coffee. I doubt she can pronounce Gruyere.”
“Damn,” Bishop says, after his bite. “That’s something else.”
“Second-best thing I have had in my mouth today.” Quinn gives a kiss to Bishop’s cheek, and Bishop looks anywhere but at me, with a pleased pull of his mouth from Quinn’s flirting.
“Jesus Christ, Q.” It’s not inaccurate for me either, of course. The lemon runs a quick second to Theo’s lips. How he comes apart for me is as decadent as the cake. I clear my throat. “Theo is feeling better.”
“He said he was taking his shift tonight.”
“Then he’s coming back to my place.” I wait to see if Quinn is going to have a problem with me dating his second-in-command at Black Diamond.
“All the way recovered then, is he?” Quinn smirks. “I will find a time to talk to him about the Hobbit Hole if he’s better.”
I rub my chest absently. I like the idea of him in my condo versus the one next door, but I guess cohabitating isn’t in line with a “nothing but sex” rule. A rule I intend to break as quickly as possible. I agreed to take what he had to give, and I’m willing to bet he has more to give than just sex.
“What are you guys doing here? Not that I’m not happy to see you.”
Quinn shrugs. “Jack and Perrin and Baylor are on their way up. I know tomorrow is Sunday, but we figured we could scrounge some lunch before your dinner service since we haven’t seen you much lately.”
“Are we doing something tomorrow? I have to set up an event first thing.”
“Probably just swimming at the Big House after a morning ski you will miss. Liam and Piper want to get another video with you.”
I nod, looking to see what can be made into lunch for my brothers, their lovers, and Jordy, while placing a grocery delivery order for tomorrow’s family meal.
“Hey, Jordy,” I call as he starts to leave the kitchen, off to more tasks while I make lunch, “did the Mirandas say what the desserts would be tomorrow?”
