JADE
Brock’s confidence in my ability gave me the pick-me-up I needed. Though I’ll admit I’m a little starstruck when we meet Pierre, I’m completely taken aback when Brock drapes his arm around me and introduces me as his girlfriend instead of Jade, and then proceeds to give me a scorching hot, toe-curling kiss right in front of Pierre. I get the impression he’s uneasy about me spending the day with another man, so I quickly forgive him for his little performance. I never would’ve picked him for the insecure type. Pierre is short, plump and middle-aged, so I find Brock’s actions ridiculous, but adorably sweet at the same time. He has no need to worry. Even if Pierre were young and gorgeous, nobody could ever come close to Brock. He’s everything I’ll ever want.
My day flies, and I am genuinely sad when it is over. It’s the most amazing experience—so much more than I could’ve imagined. In the six hours I’m with Pierre, I learn so much. Being a fourth-generation pastry chef, you could say it’s in his blood. He shares a lot of industry secrets as well as the one behind his world famous macarons. It’s nice to spend time with someone as passionate about food as I am.
His English is good, but I speak fluent French. I’d learnt to speak a few foreign languages at the private schools M had me attend growing up, including Italian and German. Pierre tells me he’s impressed with my culinary skills, and compliments me a number of times throughout the day. He even goes so far to say he wouldn’t hesitate to hire me to work in one of his restaurants. It’s a huge compliment and I’m pretty sure I smiled like a fool when he said that, but my home is in Australia with Brock. I’m keen to start my own business when I return. Nothing flashy, just something small that I can call my own. Something worlds away from my previous profession.
When I tell him of my plans, Pierre promises to look me up if he ever comes to Australia. It’s kind of him to say, but it will probably never happen. I’d probably keel over and die if he ever walked into my restaurant.
I find Brock waiting across the street when I exit Pierre’s building. His long, lean, sexy-as-hell body is resting up against the convertible sports car we hired at the airport. His legs are crossed at the ankles and his arms are folded over his strong chest. A beautiful smile spreads across his face when he notices me walking towards him. The sight of him sends my heart into a flutter.
‘How was it?’ he asks when I approach.
‘One word: amazing.’ I pass him the white box that’s filled with all the delicious treats I made, and watch as he leans over and places it on the back seat of the car before pulling me into his arms.
‘I’m glad,’ he says, pressing his lips to mine. My body melts into his. Nothing else seems to exist when we’re together like this. He has the power to stop my world from spinning. Like we’re the only two people on this planet. ‘I missed you today,’ he whispers against my mouth.
‘Me too,’ I reply, before drawing back. ‘How was your day?’
‘Interesting.’ His smirk tells me he’s been up to something, but he doesn’t elaborate, so of course I have to ask.
‘What did you do?’
‘Stuff.’ He chuckles, letting go of me and opening the passenger side door.
‘What kind of stuff?’ I ask, my brow furrowing as I seat myself in the car.
‘You’ll find out soon enough,’ is all he says, leaning down to kiss the top of my head before closing the door. Ugh! Why is he being so vague?
‘So, are you going to tell me what you did today?’ I ask once we’re seated in the restaurant where we’re having dinner. I’m dying to know what he’s been up to.
‘Of course,’ he says, trying to suppress his smile.
When he doesn’t continue, I raise my eyebrow. ‘Well?’
‘I promise all will be revealed before the night’s out.’ When he picks up his menu and holds it in front of his face, I swear I want to reach over the table and smack him.
Sighing, I pick up my menu as well. I hate secrets, and surprises scare me. I’m not a fan of the unknown. That’s what I’ve faced my whole life. I’ve learnt firsthand how horrible the unknown can be. Past experience tells me good things never last, but that’s my insecurity rearing its ugly head again. I want us to last more than anything I’ve ever wished for in my life, and believe me when I say the younger Jade wished for so much. So, so much.
We’re quiet during dinner, apart from the few questions Brock asks me about my time with Pierre. I grow agitated. I know he wouldn’t do anything bad to me, but I’m concerned as to why he won’t tell me about his day. He’s quiet and a little withdrawn.