He reached over the side of thebakkie, muscles flexing as he hefted a sack of potatoes onto his shoulder, falling easily into step beside Miem as if he’d always belonged there.
Suzette trailed behind them, caught somewhere between exasperation and reluctant amusement. It didn’t take long before Miem’s scowl began to soften, her mouth twitching at something Justin said.
Traitor, Suzette thought dryly.
They carried the vegetables into the cold room, the air inside cool and earthy, thick with the scent of herbs, damp soil and, darn it all, the clean spice of his cologne.
Justin set down his load, relieved Miem of hers, then turned and reached for the box Suzette still held.
“We’ve got a staff shortage today,” she said briskly, resisting the urge to step back. The sooner he stopped playing havoc with her senses, the better. “It might be best if you eat at your place.”
Justin flashed a grin as he set the tomatoes down. “Eating can wait. I’m here to help. All hands on deck, yeah?”
Suzette stared at him. “You’re not serious.”
“Totally.” He jerked his chin toward the two burly men hauling in the rest of the crates. “My security detail’s pitching in too.”
Miem folded her arms, unimpressed. “Can you cook, mister big shot?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Justin said smoothly, not missing a beat. “Worked in a commercial kitchen once. Deep immersion for a role. I can slice and dice and sauté like a pro.”
A slow grin creased Miem’s face. “Then you’re with me. Sous chef.” She shot Suzette a look that brooked no argument. “You — go smile and soothe the guests. We’ll keep this kitchen running.”
Suzette exhaled, part defeated, part impressed. And entirely, frustratingly aware of the man following Miem.
But not before he turned, flashed a smile. And a wink.
“Cheeky man,” she muttered, unable to stop the flutter of butterflies in her belly.
Pushing through to the restaurant, she was greeted by the comforting scent of freshly ground coffee and warm pastries. Johannes, her night manager, met her gaze with a weary but reassuring nod. He’d gone above and beyond, laying out what he could for the early birds. Gratitude softened the tightness in herchest. Drawing a steadying breath, she slipped into the familiar rhythm that had carried her through every crisis before this one.
Table by table, she soothed, smiled, reassured. Guests grumbled, but her calm tone and practiced warmth did their work, smoothing ruffled tempers and turning complaints into compliments.
The two burly bodyguards waiting tables caused a stir among the ladies, their easy manners and American drawls earning more than a few giggles. Thankfully, Justin had the sense to stay in the kitchen.One riot per day, thank you very much.
As the morning wore on and more guests drifted in, the orders kept streaming from the kitchen. Hot, prompt, and surprisingly well-plated. Somehow, Justin and Miem had found a rhythm.
Now and then, Miem’s sharp voice cut through the swinging doors, followed by Justin’s deep, rolling chuckle.
That sound did something traitorous to her chest.
Irritatingly warm, like his voice, which always seemed to seep into her blood and linger there, pulsing with quiet heat.
Sometimes — in the past, mind you — while watching his movies, she’d close her eyes and just listen.
Because that voice…
The problem was, now she knew what his touch felt like, too.
And how he tasted—
Enough.
By late-morning, the chaos had settled into a steady post-breakfast hum. Staff were trickling in. Miem had waved goodbye after passing the reins to the chef, and Justin … well, she hadn’t seen or heard him for a while. And his bodyguards were gone, too. She swallowed her disappointment. It would’ve been nice of him to at least say goodbye, give her the chance to thank him.
Suzette made her way to the edge of the patio and gratefully settled back in a cushioned chair. She closed her eyes, kneading her temples, exhaustion threading through her limbs. Herstomach gave an impatient growl — she hadn’t eaten since last night — but she just needed a moment to breathe before deciding what to feed herself.
And then he materialized.
