“Sure.” No sense irritating a fellow businessman. She could remain professional. He’d probably end up working on the Chamber of Commerce with her. Most of the local businesses had a representative.
“In private, please?” He turned to Julianna. “No offense. This is business.”
Julianna raised her hands. “None taken. I’ll just stay out here and sort these candies. You guys hit the office and catch up on old times.”
“This is business,” Darius stated in a no-nonsense voice that matched the slight frown which did nothing to mar his good looks. When had he developed a serious side? In the army? At culinary school? She wanted to know more. She bit her lip and pushed those thoughts into her avoid temptation box.
“Just give me two minutes to cut these shapes out and I’ll be free.” More like two minutes to calm her racing heart and get a grip on the emotions she thought she’d shed years ago.
“Practicing for the contest? Smart move. Actually, it’s the contest I’m here to talk to you about.” He leaned over her work as if studying her technique. Did he have to get so close? He smelled so darned good, like leather, spice and something undeniably male. Delicious. Even in the bakery’s warmth, his presence warmed her. Her temperature spiked and her heart tripped a happy beat.
What could he possibly want to ask her about the contest? Competitors didn’t usually share secrets. She’d checked out the winners from previous years. If she honed her skills a bit more, she could beat them. But if Darius entered, she might not. He’d been almost as good a baker as she was in high school. After culinary school, he could be even better. She flashed him a glance but didn’t speak until her last piece was cut out and she had washed her hands. Nothing like cleanliness as a delay tactic. “Would you like a coffee? It’s fresh.”
“I’d love one. I’ve heard yours in the best in town, unless you lean toward those fancy fluffy drinks. I’m all for plain, black coffee myself.”
“It’s our house blend. Nothing super special, just a blend of fresh ground beans from several sources.” She poured him a coffee and made herself a mocha. She had the feeling she’d be needing the comfort of the cocoa. Refusing to fall into the stress eating trap, she added a dollop of milk and skipped the fresh whipped cream topping. “Let’s go into the office.” She led the way.
She’d get through this. Her first encounter with the guy who’d dumped her on prom night. She’d survive this meeting without revealing her hurt and anger, and never let him know she’d been affected by his betrayal. The fat, insecure girl was gone. She was still curvy, but she’d learned to love herself, to value herself for who she was, and not try to become what other people thought she should be. She was happier and healthier and darn proud of the person she’d become.
