Page 50 of Desserts for Stressed People

“This is Heaven’s first experience in the fashion world,” Shane explains. At my murderous look, he casually grins. “She usually works with marketing campaigns.”

“Wow! I imagine that’s quite different.”

It feels like everyone’s focus shifts on me, and I gently bow my head. Freaking Shane. Why did he have to put me in the spotlight?“Oh, very. I’ve never dealt with suppliers, menus, and locations. My work mostly remains online.” Faces scrunch around the table, and I make eye contact with each table member. “But there’s also a lot that’s similar. I monitor everyone’s work and make sure nothing’s left behind.”

Therese takes a bite of her bruschetta, like she’s already lost interest in the topic. “Oh, I meant to tell you, Shane. I absolutely love the location.”

Shane’s face twists with amusement, and I seriously consider kicking him under the table. He’s kept the mystery going long enough. If Therese asks something about the location, I won’t be able to answer, because I still don’t know which one it is.

“Those stairs...Oh, I can picture all the guests walking down with their beautiful gowns and tuxedos. You know, I think we should station a couple of photographers down there. Those would be some beautiful shots.”

I take a mental note to tell the photographers, and she keeps shaking her head with a sparkle in her eyes. Two of the three places Shane and I saw have beautiful stairs that lead to the upper floor, so I’m still not sure whether he has recommended they choose the first or third location.

“And the crown moldings,” she continues. “I have to say, you have outdone yourself. It’s even better than last year’s villa.”

Shane’s amusement hits me in waves, but I refuse to look back at his smug face. He knows this is killing me, and he should really try to do a better job at hiding how pleased he is.

“I’m so very glad to hear you say that, Therese.” He brings his glass to his lips and takes a sip. “What did you think of the main room?”

“Oh, that’s the best part! Those high ceilings, and that beautiful crystal chandelier cascading right in the middle of the room. It’s just marvelous, isn’t it?”

My head turns to Shane, who’s smirking. He knows I know. “You chose the first location.”

Slowly shaking his head, he purses his lips. “No. You did.”

“But you’ve seconded it.”

He shrugs. “It was the best option.”

It was. I know it was. It had the biggest kitchen, which we’ll need, considering the amount of food to be served. And it also had the most gorgeous garden, with beautiful flowers and a large space by the pool where we’ll be able to serve appetizers. Plus, it was by far the most luxurious, at least to my inexperienced eyes. So it shouldn’t surprise me. Yet it does. Once again, he trusted my judgment with something I don’t have too much experience in. Once again, he treated me as his equal.

When he notices the shocked expression on my face, he cocks his head to the side. “Wasn’t it?”

“Yes—yes, it was.”

He leans closer to my ear and whispers, “Great work, Heaven.”

Great work. I’ve heard it plenty of times, even if it’s never been whispered into my ear. But it has a whole other meaning, coming from him. I’ve impressed him, which means much more than it should. And I’m pretty sure that isn’t the reason the hairs on my neck spike at the soft tone of his voice.

“Will it be possible to change the curtains, though? That tone of red is a little too gruesome for my taste.”

We both turn to Therese. Either she didn’t pick up on the moment going on between us, or she’s done playing Cupid.

“Yes, of course. We’re working on a series of changes in the interiors. The curtains and carpets will be removed. Instead, we’ll choose more soothing greens, in line with the theme of the event,” I explain.

Her brows raise, and she picks at the food on her plate. “Oh. That’s great. That’s really great work.”

See? Not the same thing. Shane’s “great work” rolls differently in my ear.

* * *

We walkto the front of the restaurant. We’ll need to stick around five minutes longer to discuss with the caterer the general feedback we’ve received, which was positive. Aside from a couple of appetizers that didn’t sit well with a few of the men—probably because they’re a little too flamboyant for their old-school taste—the dinner was very well-received.

“Your first dinner with clients,” Shane says, joining me at the counter by the entrance. “How was it?”

“It was good. I almost shot myself twice, but all in all, this was very educational.”

Arms crossed, he hums in thought. “Let me guess...Was it when Charles talked about the decline of the fashion industry?”