Page 14 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)

“The Red Barn will be open year-round, though we expect things to slow down after Christmas.

Ice skating during the winter will bring people in, and Gruff is considering adding sleigh rides through the orchards next year.

Between the gift shop and our signature baked goods, we expect to stay busy, though hours of operation will have to be adjusted depending on the time of year.

“Aiden Romero at Delicious spoke very highly of you, Jillian, and from what I’ve seen and heard, I agree with him.

The position is yours if you want it, but you don’t need to decide here and now.

I have another interview for an assistant baker, and she’ll be here shortly.

Go home and think it over, and feel free to text or email any additional questions you have.

If you decide to join us, I’d like you to start no later than Thursday. We open the following Monday.”

The woman looked quite pleased indeed, and stood to go.

“Thank you so much. Let me talk it over with my husband, and I’ll be in touch later today.”

Dustin walked her out and noticed someone else pulling into the parking lot.

Neither Gruff nor Baxter were anywhere to be seen, and he wondered what the man was up to.

No doubt he had a lengthy to-do list, and Dustin respected his work ethic.

Well, he’d have to check in with him later, because right now, he had another interview to conduct.

############

Following the downstairs tour, Dustin led his prospective employee to the second floor.

Asha Dey was a petite woman of Indian descent, twenty-five, and the polar opposite of Jillian.

Soft-spoken and demure, Asha was also observant and asked pertinent questions.

When they reached the kitchen, she gasped.

“This is so lovely! Lots of room to work and everything in its place. Did you design it?”

Dustin shook his head.

“The owner was behind the basic design, though I added a few touches of my own—including the dumbwaiter. For this part of the interview, I’d like to see you in action.

Most of the recipes are ones I have created or adapted, and today you’ll be making one of our signature batter breads. Let’s get started!”

Both washed up, donning aprons and hairnets before Dustin pulled out a recipe for Orchard Bread.

This one featured whole grain flour, applesauce, apple cider, pecans, and spices.

Dustin gathered the ingredients while Asha turned on the oven and prepped the loaf pans.

He quietly observed as she went through the measuring and mixing process, noting organizational skills, timing, sanitary protocols, and her overall performance under pressure.

Clean up began as soon as the loaves were in the oven, and Dustin explained what a typical workday might look like.

He asked and answered questions, discussed how seasonal changes would affect production, and covered the work schedule, salary, and benefits.

Since he’d still be doing some of the baking during her off hours, Dustin warned Asha that they’d have to share the kitchen space.

“Major changes need to be approved by me, including the recipes themselves. I don’t want our customers to be surprised if their favorite item suddenly tastes different. As for testing, we have our own secret weapon. In fact, here he comes now.”

Sniffing madly and wearing a ball cap, Gruff approached to see what they’d been baking. Dustin made the introductions.

“Gruff, this is Asha Dey, our candidate for the assistant baker position. Asha, this is the owner of Shady Lane Orchard, Gruff Cunningham.”

Gruff leaned in to scent her briefly and then gestured towards the row of loaves on the cooling rack.

“Smells good. Is that the new Orchard Bread recipe?”

“Uh huh. I made all the changes you suggested, so it should be even better. Let me grab the butters while Asha slices some up for us.”

Dustin brought out paper plates, along with small tubs of honey and maple butters.

The dense, fragrant bread was still quite warm, soaking up the sweet spread before they could even get a taste.

Even Asha hummed with delight as they consumed the treat, wide-eyed as she listened to Gruff’s rumbly growls. He obviously approved.

“I can really taste the apple now. More, please?”

Gruff continued snacking while Dustin and Asha finished cleaning the kitchen. When they were done, Dustin presented her with a loaf to take home and a job offer.

“Oh, yes! I’d love to work for you, and can start tomorrow if you want.”

Both Dustin and Gruff smiled at their good fortune.

“Welcome aboard, Asha. I’ll see you Wednesday morning at six a.m. sharp, and be sure to bring snacks and a lunch. Text me if you have any questions in the meantime.”

Dustin escorted Asha to her car and then headed back to the Red Barn. On the way, his phone chirped with a message from Jillian.

I accept! What day and time?

Dustin pumped a fist and then responded.

Thursday, eight a.m. Bring lunch. Can’t wait to get started!

Gruff was still waiting for him upstairs and couldn’t help but notice his ear-to-ear smile.

“Jillian is on board, too, and I’m so excited! Give me a few minutes to put away the rest of the bread and then we can go.”

Gruff watched him finish up and then swept Dustin into his arms, holding the precious human in a snug embrace while purring contentedly. Pulling back, he peppered Dustin’s confused face with kisses before sharing what was on his mind.

“You brought me brownies. I... nobody ever... thank you, Dusty. Why did you...”

Dustin knew what Gruff was going to ask and interrupted him.

“Because everyone deserves a treat now and then. You work too hard and need to be spoiled a little. Besides, buttering up the boss means I’m more likely to get what I want.”

Gruff growled long and low, ideas filling his head.

“Mmmm... what do you want?”

Dustin leaned up to whisper last night’s dream in his ear, causing Gruff to blush and pop a boner.

“Yep. We can do that. Let’s go.”