Sweet Inspiration Read Online Free PDF Page B

gently.
    "I agree. It's hard to believe your little hands are capable of such gastronomic creations. They're so tiny...well, they're as tiny as elf hands." Nicholas stopped suddenly, looking mildly uncomfortable.
    "My mom used to say that, too. That I was as tiny as an..."
    Before Lucy could finish her thought, she stopped, speechless, staring into the cafe. All of the tables were pushed together and covered with a beautiful embroidered tablecloth. Elegant place settings for two surrounded a gorgeous roast chicken, nestled in clusters of pomegranates, lady apples and fresh herbs. Votive candles flickered along the length of the table. Tears filled Lucy's eyes, and spilled down over her cheeks.
    "What have you done, Nicholas?" she whispered in awe.
    Before she could take a breath, he was pulling back her chair, and seating her at the table. He filled a champagne flute in front of her plate, and leaned down to kiss her tear-stained cheeks.
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    Sweet Inspiration
    by Penny Watson
    "How could you do all of this? Where did you get all of this beautiful food? This is too much...I...I..."
    Nicholas smiled mischievously. "A friend stopped by to help out. I couldn't let you fall asleep with your stomach rumbling loud enough to wake the whole town. After enjoying your delicious cooking for the last two weeks, I thought it would be nice to return the favor. What do you think?"
    For a second, Lucy thought she saw an expression on Nicholas' face that looked a bit vulnerable. He's worried I won't like his cooking. "I think this is the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me. Can you tell me what all of these incredible dishes are?"
    "Of course. We have a saffron-roasted organic chicken in the center of the table. Wild rice and a green bean vinaigrette to your right, freshly baked rosemary bread with sweet cream butter from Vermont, and French champagne with pomegranate seeds. For dessert, I've made pears poached in white wine and thyme, and a bit of home-made hot chocolate, made with the finest chocolate from Switzerland."
    Lucy stared at Nicholas in astonishment. "Have you really been to all of those places? France, Vermont, Switzerland...?"
    "Oh yes, of course. Traveling around the world and tasting culinary treasures from different regions is my favorite hobby.
    It's very inspirational for me as a chef."
    Lucy shook her head and looked down into her lap. "I'm embarrassed to say I've never left New York State. I've gone to the city a few times, but I felt so intimidated that I didn't stay long. Someday I would love to travel, to taste exotic foods from every country."
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    Sweet Inspiration
    by Penny Watson
    "You'll really enjoy it, Lucy. It will open your eyes to a whole new world." Nicholas tilted up her chin with his fingers and lightly brushed his lips across hers. "So those travel posters in your office are fantasy adventures?"
    Lucy nodded. "...hopefully someday. My employees make fun of me for dreaming about my 'world travels', when the truth is I seem to be having a hard time leaving Eston."
    "Well, it's something to look forward to, n'est-ce pas?"
    Nicholas gestured to the table. "Ready to eat?" he asked softly.
    "Yes, please. Everything looks delicious."
    Nicholas lifted the champagne flute to her lips, and she took a swallow, enjoying the fizzy bubbles of the sparkling wine. He winked at her, then began to carve the chicken with a professional looking carving knife. "What would you like to try first?"
    "Everything! I want all of it...you're joining me, right?"
    "Of course, I have a hearty chef's appetite after preparing this feast. Let's dig in."
    The next hour was bliss. Nicholas continued to heap Lucy's plate with all of his decadent dishes. The green beans were crisp and vibrant, tossed with a fruity olive oil and sherry vinegar. The rice had a lovely nutty flavor. He served her rich hot chocolate with a dollop of vanilla-infused whipped cream, playfully licking some off her lips after he spooned it into her mouth. He