He crossed the room with the same confident stride I remembered far too well. He plucked a pastry off the cooling rack without asking.
My breath stalled.
“That is for the guests,” I murmured.
He ignored me, biting into it with a hum of appreciation. “Your old technique. You should try a hotter oven for better lift. I told you that back at the restaurant.”
“I remember,” I said quietly. I also knew my pastries tasted better than his.
“I am sure you do.”
Before I could speak again, a warm shape entered the edge of my vision.
Braxton.
He had returned. Part of me was a little irritated that he thought I needed rescuing. The bigger part of me was grateful for his presence.
James noticed him belatedly, mid chew.
“Oh,” James said in a tone that suggested he had found a stray coat someone left behind. “Hello. You are…?”
“Braxton Hale,” he said. “Architect.”
James blinked once. Twice. Then dismissed the information with a shrug.
“Good for you.”
I saw Braxton’s jaw tighten. He kept his expression polite, but there was a new stillness to him that suggested he was filing this moment away. The protective kind of stillness.
James turned back to me, already moving on.
“We should talk about menus. The bride wants the best. This is a great opportunity for you. Collaborating with me could give your reputation a boost.”
I felt my throat constrict. He always did this. Made it sound like he was lifting you up while stepping on your shoulders.
“I already finalized the menu options. I will speak to the Bride and Groom to create the final menu,” I said
“Then we will refine it together,” he condescended. “You always took guidance well.”
My hands tightened on the edge of the counter.
Behind me, Braxton shifted.
“Jane has everything handled,” he said calmly.
James looked at him, almost amused. “I wasn’t speaking to you.”
The words hit harder than they should have. Old patterns had a way of slipping back on like a too familiar coat.
I lifted my chin. “The schedule is tight. I have things planned.”
“We will discuss adjustments later. The couple have a refined taste which is why they hired me. It’s a good chance you have here Jane. Perhaps if you play your cards right, it might bloom to an even bigger opportunity,” James vaguely promised. He stepped back, wiping crumbs from his shirt. “I will check in after lunch.”
James left without waiting for replies.
The kitchen door closed behind him with a soft click that felt far louder inside my chest.
I let out a breath I had been holding for too long. The room tilted just slightly before it settled again.
