once all the pies were ready. It usually only took two or three tries to get a recipe right. Most of the original creations were hits, but there were a few that outsold them all so those were rotated on a regular basis which helped when her creative juices ran dry. There were a few ingredients she wanted to work with today, but as she got out of her car and walked toward the restaurant, new ideas popped into her mind.
Golden honey. With a touch of lavender.
Blueberries with cardamom.
Better get those down on paper before—
“Temperance, what’s wrong?”
“Mother of—” She nearly jumped out of her skin as Gabriel’s deep, velvety voice interrupted her trance. “What are you doing here?”
He appeared in front of her as if from out of nowhere. “You seemed like you were in a daze.”
“I—” Warmth flooded her cheeks. “I was just thinking. And are you following me?”
“I had to,” he said, looking sheepish. “I mean … your car doesn’t look safe.”
Her cheeks grew hot again, but this time, of embarrassment. Looking back, she saw the shiny brand-new red Jeep parked behind her rusted out Kia. “Sorry I can’t afford any better. But if you’re done insulting me, you can go now.”
“I didn’t—” His lips thinned, and he raked a hand through his dark honey-colored hair. “Christ.” He muttered something under his breath. “That’s not what I meant. I just didn’t want your car breaking down in the middle of the highway and then having some guys jump you or something.”
“Seriously? Where do you think we are, South Side? I’ve been going to work by myself for the last three months just fine.”
“Hey, Blackstone can be dangerous,” he countered. “I mean, we’ve had some trouble around here, you know.”
She blew out a breath. “I’m here. You can go now.” Walking around him, she strode to the back door and slipped the key into the knob. A prickly feeling crawled over the back of her neck, and when she turned her head, she startled. He was right behind her. “Do you mind?”
“Not at all,” he said, his sensuous mouth curling up into a smile.
Warmth pooled in her belly, but she ignored it. “I can’t let you in. It’s employees only. If you want to come in, you’ll have to wait until we open.”
“That’s fine. I’ll stay out here and make sure no one disturbs you.”
While part of her wanted to continue to argue with him, those pies weren’t going to bake themselves. “Do as you please,” she grumbled, then walked into the kitchen. He’ll get bored. Or tired. And then he’ll leave and never come back. She told herself that’s what she wanted and, that’s how it should be.
Rolling her long sleeves up her arms and pinning her hair back, Temperance set about her morning routine, going into automatic pilot. However, in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but wonder if Gabriel was still out there. Surely, he had better things to do than just wait there, guarding the door from supposed robbers or muggers or whatever the heck he thought was coming to break in here while she was baking.
At around seven thirty, she heard Rosie and Bridgette come in through the front door as they usually did. Bridgette stayed out in the dining room so she could get it ready for the day, while Rosie came to the kitchen to help her. The older woman knew Temperance was self-conscious about the scars on her face and arms, so she made sure no one else came in here while she baked.
“Good morning, Temperance,” Rosie greeted as she grabbed an apron from the hook in the corner.
When Temperance first came to Blackstone for this job, Rosie had been doing most of the baking by herself. After over thirty years, she realized it was time to slow down, which is why she hired Temperance. Rosie has shown her what to do that first week and basically left her to her own devices after that, coming in only just before opening to help her finish up the morning’s pies.
Temperance took out the first batch of apple pies and placed them on the counter to cool. “Rosie, I’m so sorry for running out on you yesterday,” she began, biting her lip. “I just …”
“It’s all right, sweetie,” Rosie assured her as she came over and patted her on the arm. “So … is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” Why was Rosie looking at her weird? “Shouldn’t it be?”
“Er.” Rosie cleared her throat and