The Prince and the Pie Maker Read online

  But he knew better. He knew Jan was the one woman he could never kiss, at least not again. Even more than proving his seriousness to this group of investors, he had to prove it most to Jan. If she walked, he’d be left with nothing.

  “Or am I wrong?” asked Rogers. “Is she just an affair?”

  “Jan isn’t an affair. We’re going to be partners for life.”

  They were. This restaurant would be open for generations. Alex believed that in his bones. He just had to make these other investors see that without the need for any collateral.

  “Good.” Rogers’s eyes brightened with relief. “I’m truly happy for you both. You’ll have the wife you want along with the inheritance and a restaurant all in the same year. Makes me even more excited to be a part of this venture.”

  Rogers stuck out his hand. Alex gulped, but his mouth was dry. The throb at the back of his head chose that moment to pound and cloud his judgment. Instead of setting the investor straight, Alex grasped the man’s hand with his own clammy palm.

  Chapter Eight

  There was nothing like the smell of fruit on fire. Or the sight of golden brown crust. Or the heat from opening an oven door and getting a facial.

  “What have you got there, Jan?”

  Jan rose from the oven with her latest creation. The pie looked like a sand castle. The top crust spiked up like turrets. The pastry dough covering the sweet and savory filling was a golden brown, much like an undisturbed beach just waiting for its first footprint. Around the center of the pie, sugar crystals sparkled as though diamonds were buried in the sand of the dough.

  “It’s a chicken pot pie, but with rabbit meat instead of chicken. And I also used quince, which is like a pear but more acidic. There are chanterelle mushrooms, butternut squash, and purple carrots.”

  Jan beamed as she held the masterpiece high in her mitted hands. Her chest swelled with pride that the ingredients in her mind had come together so well and so cohesively. She couldn’t wait for Alex and the investors to arrive and try the dish. She should probably keep the specialty pie in the back so that other customers wouldn’t see it and ask for a slice.

  “Ah, that sounds nice,” said Mr. Dalton. “Can I get a helping of shepherd’s pie?”

  Jan’s shoulders slumped, and her smile pressed into a closed slash. She turned before she rolled her eyes, sitting the prized pièce de résistance on a platter. “Of course.”

  She couldn’t get upset. There was one slice of shepherd’s pie left on the dish, but she knew there was one more in the fridge. It was possible that she’d made her last shepherd’s pie today.

  She’d thought more about Alex’s offer since last night. Perhaps it had been the flash from the photographer’s camera that had done it, but a light bulb had gone off in her mind. Alex had essentially presented Jan with a dream job. Cook exciting new foods, her way, for customers who were interested in trying new things, all in an exotic locale. Where was the downside?

  Sure, Alex had a short attention span. But they would have a business contract. Jan knew from experience those were harder to get out of than a marriage. Not that she ever had or ever would be married. But she knew her parents hadn’t gotten any refunds from her doomed nuptials with Chris.

  On the one hand, the business with Alex might fail. Most restaurants failed within five years.

  On the other hand, she’d have five years of living her dream. How many people got to say that? The past three years had been a stifling nightmare living near and working with her ex. She hadn’t received an ounce of support from her family or friends back home. But in Cordoba, she’d have Esme. And then there were all the new recipes she could try.

  Jan served Mr. Dalton his pie with a renewed smile. She was starting to get truly excited about her future. And then the bell over the door dinged, and a cloud came in.

  “I was supposed to pick up lunch for Marisol for a picnic in the park. But I’m running late. I’ll just grab a pie from the display.” Chris didn’t even look up at her as he made his way around the counter.

  Not only had Marisol stolen her wedding, reception, and honeymoon, now Jan was expected to cater their afternoon rendezvous? Enough was enough. But the crust nearly hit the fan when Chris reached for the special pie.

  Jan placed her body at the pass through where Chris would have to exit to leave. He nearly bumped into her before he was forced to look up.

  His gaze was a mixture of confusion, annoyance, and expectance. “I’m running late.”

  “That’s not for you.”

  He opened his mouth as though to argue, and then he squinted, peering at her face. “You look like you’ve had a busy day. Though it’s not very full in here.”

  Jan’s nostrils flared. Her chin went high, and she let out a loud breath. Before she could unleash, he set the pie down.

  “How are you, Jan?” Chris reached out for her, placing both hands on her shoulders. His features rearranged themselves into a mask of concern. “I worry about you.”

  The tick started in Jan’s right eye. She was so tired of hearing others say that about her. She was so tired of being looked at with pity. She was so tired of not being special enough for someone to choose her.

  But someone had chosen her. Alex had flown across an ocean because he wanted Jan, and only Jan, to be his partner. Jan moved past Chris and placed a cover on the pie that would change her life. She reached in the display and brought out the very last shepherd’s pie, put it in a box, and presented it to him.

  “I wish you wouldn’t worry about me,” she said. “I’m perfectly fine. In fact, I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life.”

  Chris nodded, his brows drawing closer, his mouth tightening into a thin, line. Clearly, he did not believe her.

  “Actually, there was something I wanted to talk to you about. I have a new business venture.”

  “Not another weird pie, Jan. We want to make a profit here. I’m doing this for your future.”

  Little did he know, he would not be a part of her future. Jan wouldn’t have to avert her gaze from any more looks of pity. She wouldn’t need to plaster on a smile of faux cheer around people who were entertained by her misfortunes. Jan’s future was bright and filled with weird pies filled with colorful fruits, pungent spices, and toothsome meats.

  At that moment, her future came up to the door. Alex walked into the pie shop as though he owned the place, as though he owned the world. Jan wished she had that kind of swagger. Maybe, hanging around with him more, she soon would.

  “You don’t have to worry about my future,” she said to her past. “In fact, you can have this business and do with it whatever you want. You can make boring shepherd’s pies and uninspiring cream pies every day for all I care.”

  “Look, Jan. I’m sorry I hurt you on our wedding day. But I had to follow my heart.”

  “I get that. I’m about to follow mine now.” She patted his shoulders and then gave him the cold shoulder. “Starting with this.”

  Jan picked up the pie just as Alex and his guests approached the counter. He was headed straight for her wearing the most dazzling smile on his face. For a moment, Jan forgot how to put one foot in front of the other, and she wobbled.

  Alex caught the pie in one hand. Unlike Chris, Alex wrapped his other arm around Jan to steady her as well.

  “Is this it?” Alex said by way of greeting. “It smells delicious. And you look delicious, my darling.”

  He bent down and kissed the side of her mouth, just at the corner of her lips. Jan’s knees melted into the consistency of pie filling at the impact of his lips.

  It was the second time he’d kissed her. The first time had been careless. This kiss was calculated.

  In the calculation, Jan knew it wasn’t the full sum of what Alex could do. She knew she was only getting part of the equation. But even this small fraction of affection that he pressed to her lips gave her more value than any kiss she’d ever received.

  “Please don’t reach for
another rolling pin,” he whispered in her ear. “I promise, I’ll explain.”

  He straightened and turned, still keeping her in the crook of his arm.

  “Ms. Morgan, gentlemen, may I present Ms. Jan Peppers. The most talented chef I’ve ever met, and my future partner, in more ways than one.”

  Jan had no clue as to what Alex was up to. But just the look on Chris’s face, the customers in the seats gawking with envy and not pity, it was all enough for Jan to go willingly with whatever Alex had planned.

  Chapter Nine

  Just entering the pie shop heightened Alex’s senses. First, the cooling scent of sweet basil tickled the tip of his nose. Followed by the earthy essence of cumin touching down on his top lip. That was met with the floral perfume of lemongrass on his bottom lip. And finally, the bitter balm of thyme cleared his palate and opened him up for more.

  Alex stepped deeper into the shop wanting more. As he approached Jan, that sweet smell of cherries mixed with the crisp aroma of baked dough nearly knocked him over. The bouquet of scents swirled up his nose. They curled up on his tongue. They clung to his teeth. But the mix of heady smells had nothing on the chaste kiss he stole from the pie maker.

  Alex rarely stole kisses. He was more often turning away from unwanted advances. Women frequently tried to plunge their tongues into his mouth and invade his palate. For the first time in a long time, Alex had the urge to invade Jan’s mouth.

  With just the slightest taste of Jan on his lower lip, he was eager to order up the main course. The amuse-bouche of the corner of her lips was a mix of salty sweetness and fiery herbs that threatened to drive him nuts. He wanted to slide his lips over hers, align their mouths, and plunge and investigate her palate.

  Alex pulled himself a way. Jan was not on the menu. That kiss was a farce. It was a means to an end. One he had not yet cleared with her, and he wasn’t sure if she’d be on board. He couldn’t start his plea by pushing past a boundary he knew she didn’t want him to breach.

  He cleared his throat once, twice, and a third for good measure. “Jan, my darling, these are the investors interested in our new restaurant.”

  “Your new restaurant?”

  Alex turned to look behind Jan. A lanky man in a suit too big for him gaped. His features were screwed up at the two of them as though someone had picked up the toy he’d just discarded.

  “What’s this?” the man demanded, surprisingly without stomping his foot. “Who are they? What’s he talking about?”

  Alex knew these questions were meant for Jan, but he supposed he should answer as Jan’s wide gaze was still fixed on him. Likely trying to work out why he’d kissed her and was calling her endearments. He probably shouldn’t have announced their plans so loudly while her current customers were enjoying their fare.

  Alex turned from the disgruntled customer at the counter to face all the diners. “I’m sorry everyone, but it’s true, I’ll be stealing away your favorite pie maker.”

  There was a collective groan. Many people looked down at their half-finished pies as though Alex was preparing to take Jan’s food directly off their plates.

  “I’m not a customer.”

  Alex turned back to Mr. Lanky Suit behind him. He’d already forgotten the man was there. Alex looked at the packaged pie in the man’s hands, then back up at him. Alex’s raised eyebrows told the man that he begged to differ.

  “I’m her current partner.”

  “Business partner,” Jan corrected.

  “Really?” Alex frowned. “She’s never mentioned you.”

  “Well that’s who I am,” said Mr. Lanky Suit. “And she can’t go into business with you when she’s still tied to me.”

  Alex looked down at Jan. Her gaze was narrowed at the man in the suit. Alex was certain he didn’t need to ask Jan if she wanted out of this particular knot or not. And then he recalled a chat with Esme. He remembered Esme telling him that Jan was in business with her ex.

  Was this the same ex that had left her at the altar? And now he was trying to keep his hooks in her? Alex had never counted himself a hero. But at that moment, he itched for a cape.

  “Well, consider yourself a free man.” Alex pulled Jan more firmly into his side. “I’m buying you out.”

  Mr. Ex in a Suit balked. “Even if you could afford to, this business is not worth it.”

  “She’s worth it.”

  Alex might not want to dip into the crown’s funds for his own needs. But to save this particular damsel in distress from that villain in a cheap suit, he’d happily raise taxes. Being done with that conversation, Alex gave the man his back and motioned Jan over to where the investors had taken front row seats. Before they came to the table where the three people who truly would change their lives were seated, Alex chanced a glance down at Jan.

  He expected to see anger on her face at his machinations. He was wrong. Jan gazed up at him, a bright smile on her face. It was the first he’d seen from her, and he was dazzled.

  “You have no idea …” she began but didn’t complete her sentence.

  Alex wanted the idea. He wanted the scheme and sketches to the idea. Just to know what it took to make her that happy. Because he’d like to do it again and again.

  “That was quite a show,” said Ms. Morgan.

  “Sorry about that,” said Jan. “Some people don’t know when it’s time to move on.” She was all grins as she watched her ex sulk out the door.

  “Is this the pie?” asked Rogers, motioning to the dish Alex held in his hand.

  Alex sat the pie on the table between the three investors. Jan brought over a knife and spatula and began the process of slicing and serving the pie. If Alex had not already known Jan was the one, just the smell of the pie would have convinced him. When he took a bite for himself, he was ready to give the woman anything she wanted.

  The burst of flavors nearly knocked him to the floor. He looked over at her. Amazement and pride and excitement had to be clear on his face because he saw it reflected back in her gaze.

  “This is delicious,” said Gordon Rogers.

  “Best thing I ever had,” said Cody Walsh.

  Phoebe Morgan said nothing. She was too busy chewing with her eyes closed and her head tilted back in what looked like ecstasy.

  “You had me at the first bite,” said Rogers. “I don’t need a discussion. I’m in.”

  Cody gave a thumbs up as his mouth was still full.

  “I want to say no because I’m sure you’re going to ruin my figure,” said Phoebe as she placed a second slice onto her plate. “But who needs a man when you can have pie like this.”

  “So, that’s a yes?” Alex’s heart pounded hard in his chest.

  In response, all he got from the investors was a chorus of mmmms. It was good enough for him. He swept Jan up into a hug.

  “We did it,” he said pulling back from her. His face was less than an inch from hers. If she truly had been his fiancée, it would’ve been nothing to lean in and kiss her. But because she hadn’t yet agreed to that small detail, he decided he needed to carry her away from prying eyes.

  “Please continue to eat up while I have a word with our pie maker,” Alex said, pulling Jan into the back of the kitchen.

  “We did it.” She beamed once the door to the back closed behind him.

  “We did.” He nodded.

  “And I’m free of Chris.”

  “You are,” he agreed.

  “You’re not paying him off,” she insisted. “I’ll take on that debt.”

  “Not on your life. The check will be written and delivered to him tonight.”

  “Alex—”

  Alex cut her off before she could begin to argue. Her ex was the least of their problems. “We have a more important situation that needs attention.”

  “What?” She looked at him expectantly.

  “Those three want to invest, but they need collateral.”

  “I don’t have much in terms of savings, but I’ll contribute whatever I can.
”

  The urge to kiss her again overwhelmed him. Jan was the type of woman who would give her last dime for something she believed in. “I have collateral.”

  “Great.”

  “I just don’t want to resort to using it.”

  “I don’t understand.” She took a step back from him, getting nearer to the door. “I thought you were serious about this business.”

  “I am.”

  “You gave me your word.”

  “And you still have it. Just let me explain. There’s this inheritance. It’s quite a large sum. I’ll get it on two conditions. When I turn twenty-five at the end of the year. And when I marry.”

  Jan’s brows shot up. “You’re getting married?”

  “No.” Alex raised his hands in a stop motion. “I have no desire to get married. But they know about the inheritance. If they think I will get married and will get the inheritance, they view it as collateral.”

  Jan nodded slowly. He could see the wheels turning in her head. “So, you’re getting married.”

  Alex sighed. Why was this harder than he expected? Probably because they were the only two people in this room who didn’t want to get married. “Not married. Engaged. By the time I’m twenty-five the business will be profitable and it won’t matter. You see?”

  “I see.”

  “You do,” he sighed with relief.

  “So, who’s the lucky girl?”

  “Well … you, of course.”

  She stared. Her face crinkled in confusion. “Sorry.” She shook her head. “I think your accent confused me. What’s her name again? Wellou? Is that a common name in Cordoba?”

  “Jan.” Alex put his hands on both of her shoulders. She tilted her head back and looked up at him. “I’m talking about you. Will you be my fake fiancée for the rest of the year?”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, you.”

  Still, she stared as though she were trying to work out what he was saying. He knew his accent wasn’t confusing. Jan just wasn’t comprehending what he was saying.