“Yes, sir,” she replied, her voice firm. “I noticed your menu uses a delicate elderflower infusion in several dishes. I’d like to elevate your standard lemon tart by replacing the citrus zest with that elderflower. I’ll balance it with a delicate yuzu meringue and a subtle olive oil crumb.”
The whole time his sweet lips was calling her attention but she tried to ignore it.
A ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of Gordon’s mouth—gone in an instant, but Chloe saw it. It was the slightest acknowledgment of creativity.
“Elderflower and yuzu. Bold, Ms. Brown. Make it happen.” He gave a curt nod and moved on to inspect the sauce station, but Chloe could feel the residual intensity of his focus lingering near her station.
Chloe plunged into her work. She weighed the flour precisely, whipped
