Page 10 of Winner Takes All

I go back to the kitchen and finish my newest recipe then make several plates and pass them through the window to feedthe hungry crowd. I’m smiling the entire time. Nikki Sands is certainly a challenge, perhaps the biggest of my life. I think I can win. I think we can both win.

Chapter Five

Nikki

The sun’s beginning to warm the air in Seaville as I make my way to the local farmers market. A town without a good fresh food source is sad indeed. I shop at the stores, as most everyone does, but never in the summer. I like to get my produce straight from the source without a lot of waxes and chemicals sprayed all over it. How lucky I am to live in an area with so many resources year round. I’m not sure how people survive arid climates.

As soon as I enter vendor avenue, the aroma of fresh produce and baked goods fills my nostrils, a tantalizing promise of the ingredients I need for my latest culinary creation. My competitive spirit is on high alert. This is the time to find the best of the best.

As I reach for a bunch of bright, crisp carrots, my hand collides with another and a shock runs through me, making me freeze. I don’t need to look up to know who’s standing next to me. I take in a breath and tell myself all is okay.

“We’re always going to the same items. I guess that means great minds think alike.” Victor’s voice is as smooth as butter and certainly just as slick.

I slowly look up to meet his amused gaze. “Or someone likes to copy someone else,” I tell him. His grin doesn’t falter for a second as he chuckles, the sound annoyingly rich and deep.

“Are you admitting you copy me?” he asks with practiced innocence. I want to huff and puff, which he knows. This man, unlike any other, knows how raise my hackles.

“We both know that’s the other way around,” I tell him. “I’ll be destroying you at this year’s competition.”

“I like to win against the best, so bring all you have,” he tells me.

I turn back to the stand and start filling my bag with carefully selected fruits and vegetables. Each stall we approach together becomes a battleground. He’s following me and not even trying to hide it. We’re picking some of the same items, but both go for unique items as well.

Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, roots — every choice is a calculated move. The vendors, who are more than aware of our antics, look at us with bemused smiles, and it doesn’t take long for a crowd to form around us while our neighbors whisper.

Like a wave parting, Aunt Eileen, Vivian, and Martha suddenly appear, their eyes twinkling with mischief as they watch us spar.

“Hello, ladies, enjoying yourselves?” I ask.

“Very much so. You and Victor are the best entertainment this town has ever seen,” Eileen says.

“We were just saying that the two of you should have a good romp and make up,” Martha says loud enough for everyone within a ten-mile radius to hear. My cheeks heat as I gaze at her in horror. I should be used to this by now, but somehow, they still manage to shock me.

“Oh, I miss the days of a good romp,” Vivian says.

“You ladies should be ashamed of yourselves,” I tell them as Victor laughs. I glare at him. “Don’t encourage them,” I whisper. He shrugs. He’s loving this.

“We’re too old not to say what’s on our minds. Besides, we like to see your pretty cheeks turn all pink,” Eileen says.

“I’m not having any romps,” I tell the ladies. “I’m simply here to restock my kitchen.”

“Romps in the kitchen are the best,” Martha says. “But you have to make sure you buy a high-quality table. Those cheap knockoffs won’t do.” She rubs her hip as if remembering a failing table. I don’t even want to know this story.

“The tomatoes are beautiful this year,” I say, desperately trying to change the subject. I’m not talking about anyone’s sex life in an open market.

Victor looks at me with his eyes twinkling. “You know, the ladies might be onto something,” he tells me.

I glare at him. “This isn’t happening... andthat’scertainly not happening.”

His smile grows bigger. “How about a date, then? You and me without a bunch of ears listening in.”

“Nope,” I quickly reply.

“Why? Are you scared of falling for me?”

“I’m not afraid of anything. I don’t date the enemy, and I certainly don’t date men I can’t stand.”

“You can stand me quite well. I remember a few times that you’ve liked me a lot.” My cheeks flame again.

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