The Prince's Secret Baby (A Baby for the Prince Book 1)(3)
Maggie’s eyes widened. “You’ve done your homework.”
Raffaele smiled. “I’m fascinated by the work chefs do, and I appreciate those that support local food suppliers.”
Maggie nodded slowly. “I believe in working with what you have, and using local ingredients is a part of that.”
“I’m sure your ingredients are outstanding, but it’s what you turned them into that is truly unforgettable.”
Maggie blushed and Raffaele was charmed. He could tell she was searching for a way to turn the conversation back to him.
“Is this your first time in New Orleans?” Maggie asked, and Raffaele loved the way the name of the city rolled off her tongue.
He nodded.
“I’ve wanted to visit before, and when I had the opportunity to attend a Mardi Gras party here, I couldn’t say no.” He leaned back and grinned at her. “And I gained another reason to visit when I discovered there was a not-to-be-missed restaurant.”
Maggie blushed but also raised her eyebrows. “You didn’t come to the city just to visit my restaurant.”
He shrugged. “No, but I plan to make it a reason to come back.”
She couldn’t help but laugh at that.
“Would you like a tour of the kitchen? I’d be happy to show you a few tricks of Creole cooking.”
Raffaele was tempted to blow off the party and spend the evening with this enchanting woman, but then, he had another idea.
“I’m attending an event tonight, and unfortunately, I can’t miss it.” He noticed that she looked disappointed, and that made him feel he was making the right move. “However, please do me the honor of joining me. I’d greatly enjoy continuing our conversation.”
She sat back, surprised. Raffaele wondered for a moment if he’d overstepped.
“That’s sweet, thank you, but I really couldn’t.”
Raffaele took a deep breath. He hadn’t noticed a ring, but he did know that many chefs didn’t wear one while working.
“I don’t mean to suggest anything inappropriate, and of course, I understand if you have family you need to get home to.”
Maggie waved a hand.
“No, it’s nothing like that. It’s just me.”
Raffaele wondered at her blithe dismissal of his unspoken question on whether or not she was married or dating.
Maggie continued, “It’s only, I have so much work that needs to be done here, and it’s my restaurant, so it’s my responsibility.”
He leaned forward.
“You deserve a night to relax and enjoy the festivities. I can tell you work hard. When was the last time you took any time for yourself?”
She gave him a long look, then sighed. “Honestly, three years ago, before I took over the restaurant.”
Raffaele sat up straight.
“Then I insist! One night will not put you that behind, and it sounds as if you need some time to simply have fun.”
He could see she wasn’t persuaded, so he tried another tactic.
“If time off is not an option, think of it as a creativity boost. I imagine someone with your talents must find inspiration everywhere; I can guarantee that the event tonight will be inspiring!”
Maggie smiled at him. “When you put it like that, how can I say no? Yes, thank you. I would be delighted to go with you.”
“May I pick you up in an hour, say here, at the restaurant?”
“That would be perfect, yes.”
Raffaele smiled, thrilled. “Then I’ll see you in front in an hour.”
He stood as she did, and gave her another small but perfectly executed bow.
“Chef Bechet.”
The Prince watched as she hurriedly walked away, one hand on her hair, and then he smiled again at her as she looked back once over her shoulder.
Chapter 2
Maggie
Maggie liked talking to her customers, and part of the job was occasionally schmoozing BienVille’s guests, but she always felt a little weird when someone specifically asked to speak with her. It was too much like a performance, and she was never quite sure what to say.
But then she’d never had the chance to talk with a real live prince before, and he’d liked her food. So, when Brian had come back to the kitchen with the Prince’s request to speak with her, she had smoothed her hair and changed into the clean chef’s jacket she kept hanging in her tiny office for the moments when she went out into the dining room.
And now, she was going to a ball! Well, a party. But for all that she got out, even at Mardi Gras, it might as well be a ball.
When she glanced back at the Prince, he was still standing there. He smiled and she turned back around quickly and ducked into the hallway that would take her to the kitchen.
Good Lord, Maggie thought, that man is handsome. There was no way he didn’t spend hours at the gym, and his thick dark hair was a testament to good genetics, good grooming, and surely some higher power.
Ducking back into the kitchen, she found her sous chef.
“Hey, Joshua—all the plates are out, right?”
Joshua nodded. “We’re done serving, just a few tables left to settle and then we’re finished for the night.”
“Can you close things up?”