Making His Baby(167)

“Do all of what?”

“All these desserts. They are some of the hardest to accomplish.”

“I didn’t offer.”

“Ah,” he says matter-of-factly. “Another one of Joanne’s tests. She likes to push those she believes in.”

I smile a little. It makes what I’m doing seem a little more tolerable and doable, knowing the woman I work for believes in me.

“If it makes a difference, Maddie, I believe in you too.”

“Thank you,” I say humbly.

I can feel the heat between us as we talk about how long he has been in the business and why I chose the culinary arts. The tension is thick but neither of us crosses the line, even though I flirt on the border of it. Every time he reaches over me to get a couple eggs, I can feel the heat of his body.

Just as we finish the last of the desserts, Joanne pops in and smiles at the countertop covered with my newly created accomplishments. She sweeps the kitchen area with her eyes. There are several desserts lining the counter as I put the finishing touches on the last of the baklava.

“I do believe we are finished. I have another batch of pies coming out of the oven. After I top them, that should be all.”

“Maddie, I am impressed. I honestly didn’t think you could do it when I initially asked you. When the incident happened, I was sure we would be without dessert this evening. Between the specialty desserts and our signature cakes, you did it. You got everything done.”

The cakes! I feel the blood drain from my face. I didn’t make the cakes! Bistro Italiano is known for their signature cakes and every week they sell out of them. I look at the clock and it’s almost four-thirty. There is no way to make them in time, even with help. I screwed up. It’s time to admit defeat.

“Joanne?”

“Give me just a moment, Maddie. I hear my office phone. I will be right back.”

She disappears from the kitchen and I scramble around in hopes that some miracle helps me put four different cakes together and get them ready in the next half hour. I run into the supply room and pull as much as I can carry off the shelves.

“Maddie?” Rocco’s voice stops me for a moment. I can’t give him the time of day right now. “Stop what you are doing and come out here please.”

“I’m busy at the moment, Rocco. It will have to wait.”

“No, it can’t. Come here, now.”

His forcefulness causes my breath to catch and I slowly walk into the kitchen with my arms full of ingredients.

“You won’t be needing those.”

I look at the counter as he sets the last of four cake display stands with covers next to my pies.

“What is this?”

“I knew that you would be too busy to prepare everything, especially after what had happened, so I took the liberty of preparing these.”

“You are kidding.” I put the boxes down and dash over to the displays, pulling the tops off two of them. Each one holds a signature cake, perfectly decorated and ready to be served. “I can’t believe you did this.”

“Stepping up and stepping in is what a boss does. I hope this helps.”

“What is it you needed, Maddie?” Joanne walks back in and looks at the food. “Everything smells delicious.” She stands and looks at me, waiting for me to speak.

“I, um,” I glance at Rocco as he takes a small slice out of one of the cakes.

“Good job on the chocolate mousse cake,” he says, shoving a forkful into his mouth. He winks at me and turns away.

“Rocco took care of it,” I say, smiling.

“Very good. Everything is ready?”

“Yes.”

She smiles and hesitates, looking at the dishes and then back at me. “Duly noted.”

All through dinner, my mind is on Rocco. Maybe I am wrong about him. I know it’s been tough fighting the feelings I have for him. Everything tells me I need to talk to him about it. Open communication is the key to any good relationship, even a business relationship, right? If I tell him everything, maybe I’ll get a better idea on how to move forward. After the dinner crowd thins out, I find Rocco in his office going through receipts.

“Can I talk to you?” I ask, standing in his doorway.

“Absolutely, come in.”

I walk in and quietly close the door. “I want to thank you for what you did for me today. If it weren’t for you, I would have…”

“It’s okay, Maddie. You were struggling. It’s the least I can do.”

I sit down in a chair against the wall and fidget with my bracelet. “Can I be honest with you about something?”

“Of course.” He sets down his pile of receipts and turns to me giving me his full attention.