Page 19 of A Recipe for Romance

His heart swelled at her words. How had he gotten so lucky? He reached out, gently cupping her cheek. "You’re amazing, you know that?"

She grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I do. Now, are you going to kiss me or just keep talking?"

Drew didn’t need to be asked twice. He pulled her closer, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both tender and charged with everything they hadn’t said. For a moment, the world outside disappeared. There were no cameras, no media, no Amelia threatening to expose them. Just them, and the connection that had been building from the moment they met.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, and Drew whispered, "Whatever happens, we face it together. Deal?"

Kelsi smiled, her breath warm against his lips. "Deal."

They spent the rest of the morning going over strategies, sneaking in stolen kisses between ideas. Drew marveled at how easily they fit together—Kelsi’s innovative thinking balancing his methodical approach. She understood the public side of things in a way he never could, and he realized just how much he respected her for it. By the time they had to leave for the studio, they had a solid plan: stay discreet, be honest when necessary, and face whatever came their way—together.

Before they left, Drew pulled her into one last embrace, holding her close. "You know," he murmured, "I never thought I’d find someone who gets me the way you do. Who challenges meandhas my back."

Kelsi looked up at him, her smile soft but full of conviction. "Right back at you, Chef. We make a pretty good team, don’t we?"

"The best," Drew agreed, feeling a surge of certainty. "And we’re going to prove it to everyone."

They left separately, as they always did, maintaining their professional distance for the cameras. But as Drew arrived at the studio, watching Kelsi pull into the parking lot just a few spots away, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He wasn’t just here to judge a competition. He was here to show the world what passion—real, undeniable passion—looked like. And Kelsi was part of that story, as much as she was part of his.

As he walked onto set, greeting the crew with his usual calm authority, Drew felt a new energy coursing through him. Whatever came next—Amelia, the finale, the inevitable scrutiny—they’d face it head-on. Because for the first time in years, Drew Carlson felt alive. And it wasn’t just because of cooking—it was because ofher.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew one thing for sure: his life had been forever changed by a pink-haired, fiercely passionate woman who saw through all his defenses and loved him anyway.

And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Chapter 13: Drew

The studio buzzed withan electric energy as Kelsi stepped onto the set. Today was the semi-finals, and the tension in the air was palpable. Contestants darted between their stations, rechecking ingredients and prepping tools. The crew moved like clockwork, adjusting lights, testing mics, and ensuring every angle was camera-ready.

Kelsi took a deep breath, trying to ground herself. Her morning with Drew had been full of hope and promises for the future, but now the pressure was mounting. This wasn’t just about her career anymore—it was about proving to herself, and the world, that she was more than just an influencer dabbling in the culinary arts.

“Kelsi!” Zak’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He waved her over, standing by a camera crew. “Quick pre-show interview. We’re live in five.”

She gave a nod, plastering on a confident smile as she followed him to the interview setup. As the camera clicked on, Kelsi recounted her journey on the show, choosing her words carefully. The stakes were higher than ever, and she couldn’t afford any slip-ups that might hint at her relationship with Drew.

“So, Kelsi,” the interviewer said, leaning in slightly with a knowing grin, “there’s been some buzz about you and Chef Carlson. People are talking about a special connection. Anything you’d like to share?”

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