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hand fed her pieces of the fragrant bread, and then brushed imaginary crumbs from her face. Every subtle touch had her shivering and impatient for more.
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    Sweet Inspiration
    by Penny Watson
    During the meal, Lucy peppered him with questions about his cooking techniques, unusual ingredients, and his travels around the world. She realized that she probably sounded like a provincial star-struck groupie, but Nicholas' travel stories were marvelous and fed her thirst for adventure.
    "Oh, I almost forgot. I have a little something for you."
    Nicholas leaned down and pulled a covered basket out from under the table. "I'll think you'll like it."
    Lucy blinked as she stared at the container. "You got me a gift? Really?"
    Nicholas laughed at her surprise. "Don't you ever get gifts, Lucy Anne?"
    "Not very often." She looked down at the table to hide her teary eyes. "Thank you."
    Nicholas leaned close to her and gently brushed an errant curl from her cheek. "Why don't you open it up and see what it is?"
    Lucy nodded and carefully removed the checkered tea towel from the top of the basket. The sweet aroma of vanilla was released as soon as she lifted the fabric.
    "Those are the Mexican vanilla beans I was telling you about. I like to make an infusion with vodka. Of course, you can use them however you'd like."
    Lucy's eyes filled with tears. "This is perfect. Thank you."
    She leaned forward and brushed her lips across his, so softly they barely touched. Nicholas' gaze was riveted on her mouth. Lucy had the distinct impression that he wanted to gobble her up for dessert. When he finally gazed into her eyes, his look was so intense, Lucy blushed.
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    Sweet Inspiration
    by Penny Watson
    Nicholas cleared his throat. "Are you ready for dessert, Lucy Anne?"
    She nodded. "Absolutely. It looks wonderful," she answered quietly.
    As Nicholas served her a perfect poached pear, Lucy smiled and patted her stomach. "I don't think I'm going to fit in my baker's pants anymore. This meal is more than I've eaten all week. Your family must be thrilled to have such an incredible chef to feed them."
    Nicholas drizzled some of the wine sauce over the pear.
    "Actually, my father is somewhat annoyed with my 'little hobby' as he likes to call it. I know he appreciates my cooking skills, but he thinks my energy should be focused elsewhere."
    "Really? You're so talented. How can he not be proud of your accomplishments?"
    "It's not that he's not proud of me. By the time I was sixteen I had already surpassed his master baker. Everyday I presented my parents with some new cookie creation, and they were my biggest supporters. It's just that he expects his oldest son to take over the family business, and I'm not interested. My passion is cooking. My father is not getting any younger, and it's only a matter of time before I have to sacrifice my work in the kitchen and fulfill the Klaus family tradition." Nicholas sighed with resignation.
    "Do any of your brothers show an interest in the business?
    Maybe one of them could be his apprentice?"
    Nicholas looked surprised at the question. "I have no idea.
    It is a long-standing tradition that the eldest son takes over 46
    Sweet Inspiration
    by Penny Watson
    the business. My brothers all seem content with their positions in the village."
    "Well, I hope you don't give up your passion, Nicholas. It would be a shame. You have a real talent for the culinary arts." Lucy took a bite of the tender pear. "This is wonderful.
    But I think I have too much tryptophan in my system. I can't keep my eyes open."
    Nicholas stood and pulled out her chair with a flourish. "I'm so pleased you liked the meal. I think it's time to get you back to your lumpy sofa."
    Lucy giggled as Nicholas lifted her into his arms.
    "Hmm, you seem a bit heavier than last time." He staggered down the hall, moaning and groaning for effect.
    "It's not nice to comment on a woman's weight, you know."
    "You barely weigh a hundred pounds, Lucy Anne. I think I need to