Page 21 of A Recipe for Romance

Whatever came next—whether from Amelia, the media, or the competition—Kelsi knew she could face it. And with Drew by her side, even if in secret for now, she felt invincible.

The finale awaited. And with it, the chance to prove that love, passion, and culinary excellence could create something extraordinary.

Chapter 14: Kelsi

The night before thefinale, Drew paced his apartment, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He tried to focus on the challenge ahead, on the dishes the contestants would present, but his thoughts kept drifting to Kelsi. Her growth over the competition had been nothing short of remarkable. She’d started as a talented influencer with potential, but now, she was a true chef, a force in her own right.

But with his pride in her came a heavy weight of responsibility. Tomorrow, he would have to judge her impartially. The entire culinary world would be watching, and any hint of favoritism could ruin both their careers and the show’s integrity.

A knock at the door startled him. Glancing at the clock—2:37 AM—he frowned. Who could be here at this hour? He opened the door to find Kelsi standing there, looking just as restless as he felt.

“Hi,” she said softly, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I couldn’t sleep... I needed to see you.”

Without a word, Drew pulled her inside and into his arms. The tension in his chest eased the moment he held her close, the world outside fading away as he focused on the steady rhythm of her breathing.

“You should be resting,” he said gently, brushing a strand of pink hair away from her face. “Big day tomorrow.”

Kelsi sighed, her head resting against his chest. “I know, but my mind wouldn’t stop. I kept thinking about the finale, about us, about what comes after...”

Drew led her to the couch, sitting close, their hands automatically finding each other. “Kelsi,” he began, his voice serious, “you know tomorrow, when I’m judging...”

“I know,” she interrupted, squeezing his hand. “You have to be impartial. I wouldn’t expect anything less, Drew. Your honesty, your dedication to the craft—that’s why I fell for you.”

Her words, simple yet full of meaning, warmed him in ways he hadn’t realized he needed. “You’re amazing, you know that?” he whispered, pulling her closer. “No matter what happens tomorrow, I want you to know how proud I am of you. Of the chef—and the person—you’ve become.”

Kelsi’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she smiled. “I wouldn’t be here without you,” she said. “You pushed me, challenged me to see food—and myself—differently. I’m a better chef because of you.”

They sat together in comfortable silence, both lost in their thoughts. For Drew, it was hard to believe how much had changed since the show began. He’d gone from seeing Kelsi as an ambitious influencer to recognizing her as a talented chef—and, more unexpectedly, the woman he loved.

“What are you thinking about?” Kelsi asked quietly, her voice breaking the stillness.

Drew smiled softly, running his fingers through her hair. “I’m thinking about how lucky I am. How this show, which I almost didn’t do, brought you into my life. And how, no matter what happens tomorrow, I don’t want to lose this—us.”

Kelsi sat up, her gaze steady and unwavering. “Drew, whatever happens after the finale, however our relationship comes to light—I’m in this. All the way. I won’t let anything come between us.”

Her conviction made his heart swell. Drew leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that spoke all the words he couldn’t express. It was slow, tender, and full of the promise that, together, they could face whatever came next.

---