Tempt Me (Tattoos and Temptation #1) - Mia Monroe Page 0,6
with beauty. I don’t need anyone to know my name.”
He audibly exhales. “Great. We are a local bakery. We get on the news sometimes, but that’s it. We represent the Dulce Santo brand, so anyone looking to build their own following wouldn’t fit here.”
“I’ve spent the last decade in France, working myself to the edge because it is so competitive. It is the only way to get and keep a good job, but I am done. I left to come back home for a simpler life. I am a hard worker. I can work for hours on a cake, and I will never complain. I don’t want a promotion or more responsibility or to be the executive pastry chef. I want to bake. That is all.”
“Okay. That’s awesome. Can you come on Friday? Tomorrow, we’ll be out delivering for a wedding.”
“Name the time.”
“Ten?”
“Perfect. I will bring my portfolio.”
“Fantastic. Do you need directions?”
“I will be fine.”
“See you then, Felix.”
“Thank you, Briar.”
After hanging up, I smile. Less than a day, and I have a job interview and a dinner invite from my childhood crush. I felt like the right decision was to come home, but now, I’m positive.
I’m already planning what I’m going to bake tomorrow to bring to Briar. Yes, I have a full portfolio of my best works, but nothing can sell my skills better than tasting one of my creations. Ah. I know. The mille-feuille. No one can resist my perfectly thin layers of puff pastry and delicate vanilla pastry cream. With fresh raspberries, it will be beautiful to look at it. As for what I’m wearing tomorrow night for dinner with Apollo, that is a harder choice. Do I ease him in slowly, or just be myself?
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I glance at my closet as a smile grows on my face. I promised myself when I moved home, that the one thing I would always do is be my authentic self, and only people who can handle that would have a spot in my life.
That philosophy extends to Apollo. If we’re going to be friends, then he has to accept me for who I am.
I’ll never compromise on that again.
Apollo
Pulling up in front of the home I spent much of my younger years at, brings a smile to my face. Sure, I’ve been here a few times over the years with Lucien, but the nostalgia never stops pinging. My own parents moved far away from here, opting to downsize once all the kids left, so it’s nice to visit my old haunts now and then.
After parking, I shut off the car and walk up to the front door. I’ve been wondering all day what Felix looks like now. As a teen, he was on the chubby side, as were all the Marchand siblings, but he’s the only one who never seemed to care, while Lucien tried his hardest to fight it back at the gym. I admired that about Felix. His ‘zero fucks’ attitude about things that usually caused a lot of teen angst. The only thing that bothered him was being teased about his accent.
I ring the bell, smiling when Mrs. Marchand opens the door.
“Apollo.” She pulls me into a warm embrace. She’s one of the nicest women I’ve ever met. As I stand back to greet her, a feeling of comfort settles over me. She’s still a beautiful woman, elegant with her dark hair pulled back and stylish blouse and capri pants, like an Audrey Hepburn throwback, although there are a few more crinkles around her eyes than the last time I saw her.
“Mrs. Marchand. How are you?”
She rubs my arms. “I am well. You?”
“Things are good. I’m excited to see Felix.”
Her smile grows. “He is excited as well. Would you like water or tea?”
“No, no, I’m good. We’ll eat soon. Mr. Marchand good?”
“Oh yes, very well. He’s in DC for a conference.”
“Ah.”
We both twist at the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. When I see him, my smile grows. Wow. That is not what I was expecting.
Felix grins, waving as he finishes his descent. “Bonjour, Apollo. Long time, no see.”
“Felix.” I grab him as he approaches, hugging him hard. “Oh my god. You’re all grown up.”
Felix laughs. “Time does that, no?”
“Wow. Yeah. So awesome to see you.”
Felix, whose style I think could always be described as unique, is wearing a white pantsuit, with a silky, light-blue blouse under the jacket. He’s much shorter than me, I’m guessing around five-eight to