Page 16 of A Recipe for Romance

They stood there, the air between them thick with unspoken words. Drew’s heart hammered in his chest, the urge to kiss her overwhelming. But before he could act on it, a voice cut through the moment like a knife.

“Ah, there you are!” Amelia’s voice rang out. “Kelsi, I need a quick interview with you. If you don’t mind, Chef Carlson?”

Drew clenched his jaw, forcing a smile. “Of course. She’s all yours.”

As Amelia whisked Kelsi away, Drew’s chest tightened. They were walking a tightrope, one misstep away from everything crashing down. But as he watched Kelsi shine in front of the camera, her passion for food spilling over into every word, he knew one thing for certain.

She was worth it.

With renewed determination, Drew headed back to the kitchen. He had a show to run, contestants to mentor, and a relationship to protect. It wouldn’t be easy, but then again, nothing worth having ever was.

Chapter 11: Drew

The sizzle of oil ina hot pan filled Drew's kitchen as he stood motionless, staring at the ingredients laid out before him. Kelsi would be arriving any minute, and despite his years of experience in high-pressure kitchens, he felt a nervousness he hadn't experienced in ages.

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly. "Get it together, Carlson," he muttered to himself. The weight of his recent professional struggles pressed down on him. How had he gone from being the culinary world's golden boy to feeling like an imposter in his own kitchen?

The doorbell rang, sending a jolt through his system. Drew wiped his hands on his apron and made his way to the door, his heart pounding with each step. When he opened it, the sight of Kelsi standing there, a shy smile on her face, nearly took his breath away.

"Hi," she said softly, holding up a bottle of wine. "I brought this. I hope that's okay?"

Drew nodded, stepping aside to let her in. "It's perfect. Thanks."

As Kelsi passed him, the scent of her perfume – light and citrusy – mingled with the cooking aromas, creating a combination that made Drew's head spin. He followed her to the kitchen, watching as she took in the scene.

"Wow," Kelsi breathed, her eyes wide as she surveyed the gleaming countertops and state-of-the-art appliances. "This is amazing, Drew."

He felt a surge of pride, followed quickly by a twinge of guilt. This kitchen, once his sanctuary, had felt hollow for so long. But with Kelsi here, it seemed to come alive again.

"So," he said, clearing his throat. "I thought we could start with a fusion dish. Something that combines classical techniques with some of your more... unconventional ideas."

Kelsi's eyes lit up, a challenge sparking in them. "I'm game if you are, Chef."

As they began to work, moving around each other in the kitchen, Drew found himself hyper-aware of Kelsi's presence. Every accidental brush of their hands as they reached for ingredients sent a jolt through him. The way she bit her lip in concentration as she chopped vegetables was maddeningly distracting.

"So," Kelsi said as she worked, breaking the charged silence. "Tell me about this dish we're making. What inspired it?"

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