Tempt Me (Tattoos and Temptation #1) - Mia Monroe Page 0,4
see my brother’s expression. He worries deeply about me. “I am fine, brother. I am. I just got to the bottom of my well in France. It is so cutthroat. Everyone has a motive and wants their name in lights. I just wanted to make beautiful desserts. I was pushed too hard.”
“By who?”
“No one specifically. It is an environment you cannot escape. As you know, my ability is somewhat innate, yes?”
“Yes.”
“There was so much jealousy and animosity when I would do well. I felt like I had a target on my back. That is not how I wish to live.” I exhale, smiling. “One morning, a few weeks ago, I woke up and I went through my routine. I walked down the street to the cafe, I got my coffee, and as I stood on the corner, gazing up at the Eiffel, suddenly it became so clear. I wanted to come home. I did not want another decade to go by living in a pressure cooker. I went into work, I walked up to my manager, the head chef of the most popular fine dining restaurant in Paris, and I said, ‘It has been an honor and a pleasure to know you, but I am done.'”
“How did he take it?”
“Not well, at first. We had a nice talk though, and he understood. I finished my shift for the day, and I didn’t go back. I have never felt so free in my life. I know it was the right choice.”
Lucien nods. “I understand. I do. I chose a different profession, but there are pressures.”
“Of course.” I tuck my knees to my chest. “I think also, I was ready for a cultural change. I want to be free to express myself and my style. I did not feel I could do that in France. Just being in Miami for one day, I can feel the energy seeping back into me.”
“I love that. When you meet Apollo's friends, you will feel it even more. They made me feel like they had known me for years. I was so welcomed.”
“I need that. A love life would not be bad either.”
“You’ll find it in Miami. I am sure.”
“I do hope. What of you? Are you in love?”
“Not even close. It will happen for me someday though.”
“Yes. Apollo? Is he married now?”
Lucien’s smile drops. “No. He was engaged a few years ago, but it fell apart. He’s single and dating here and there, I think.”
Engaging fantasy revival in three...two...one…
“Is he still cool?” I ask, ignoring the way my heart rate speeds up. He’s still straight, you knob.
“He is still wonderfully Apollo. Call him please? Straight away. He has the same number he’s had for years.”
“As soon as we hang up.”
“Good. I’ll be out for a visit as soon as possible. I must see you in person. I am so happy you’re home.”
“Me too. I will let you know what happens with Apollo’s bakery friend.”
“Please. Talk soon, mon frère.”
“Talk soon.”
After ending the call with Lucien, I lie on the bed, staring at Apollo’s number in my contacts. I shouldn’t be nervous. It’s been ten years, and I am a grown man. This is a job contact and perhaps, some friendship. I just have to ignore my raging hormones every time I even think about Apollo Onassis. You would have thought the impact faded by now, but apparently, I am more starved for romance than I thought.
After a deep breath, I press the button and wait as it rings, the adrenaline in my body making me almost lightheaded.
“Hello?”
Oh, fuck me. His voice.
“Hello?” Apollo repeats.
“Apollo. It’s Felix Marchand.”
“Oh my god, Felix! Hi. How are you?”
The affection in his voice nearly undoes me. “I’m well. Home. How are you?”
“Great, man. I’m so happy to hear from you. Welcome home.”
Okay, he’s way sweeter ten years later. I was just an annoying teen the last time he saw me.
“Thank you so much. Lucien said I should call you. You may have an employment contact for me?”
“Yeah, yeah. Briar. He’s really excited to talk to you. He’s been looking for someone with fancy skills like yours for a while.”
“Is that not a common skill in Miami?”
“It is, but he says he has trouble attracting talent because there’s not prestige and the pay isn’t super high, I guess, but their shop offers benefits and a retirement plan.”
“No prestige?”
“No. Is that an issue?”
“Far from it. It’s just a local bake shop, yes?”
“Right. I mean, it’s very popular. They have more customers than they can