Chapter 1Peter Summers moved with deliberation. The big, digital clock above his head never stopped ticking, relentlessly counting down the final seconds of the California Confectioners Pastry Competition. The Pasadena Convention Center had been turned into the perfect stadium, with six kitchen stations set up in a row, giving each competitor just enough room to create their masterpieces. Josh Boothe stole the occasional glance, but he didn’t shift his attention from the final touches of the chocolate statue. He didn’t dare. When he assisted Peter, the pastry chef expected—demanded—complete and total concentration. Nothing short of perfection would please him, but Josh could be perfect. For Chef Peter Summers, he could be better than perfect.
“How’s that bird coming?” Peter asked, without
