Page 5 of A Recipe for Romance

Kelsi steadied herself with a deep breath. “It’s fine.” She was surprised to find she meant it. “I’ve handled worse in the comments section.”

It wasn’t entirely true. The anonymity of trolls online was one thing, but the biting, direct disdain in Drew’s eyes was another. Still, she wasn’t about to let Zak—or anyone—see how rattled she was. She watched Drew as he barked orders to a team of sous chefs, his presence commanding the kitchen effortlessly. He was an obstacle, sure. But she’d faced obstacles before, and this one only fueled her determination.

“So,” she said, forcing a grin that felt a little more real, “where do I set up my ring light?”

Zak blinked, surprise and relief mixing in his expression. “You’re... okay? After that?”

Kelsi shrugged. “Like I said, I’ve dealt with worse. Besides,” her gaze followed Drew’s movements across the kitchen, “I didn’t come here to make friends. I came to do a job.”

As she spoke, an idea began to take shape. If Drew thought she was just about “pretty pictures,” she’d show him exactly what those pictures could do. She’d create content so compelling, so irresistible, that even Drew Carlson wouldn’t be able to dismiss it.

“Zak,” she said, a spark of excitement lighting her voice, “I need full access to everything. The kitchen, the contestants, all of it. I’ve got ideas I want to try.”

Zak nodded, his relief giving way to curiosity. “Whatever you need. Just... maybe try to stay out of Drew’s way?”

Kelsi smiled for real this time. “Don’t worry, I’m not here to cause trouble.” But as she watched Drew retreating back, she thought to herself,But if trouble comes to me, I’ll be ready.

As Zak led her to her workstation, Kelsi’s mind raced with possibilities. She might not have Drew’s culinary credentials, but she had something he didn’t—a direct line to the audience. And she was going to makeCulinary Crescendothe talk of the internet.

Her phone buzzed with a notification, snapping her back to reality. Another bill. Rent due in three days. The reminder hung heavy over her, but Kelsi pushed the anxiety aside. She had a job to do, and failure wasn’t an option—not with this much riding on it.

“Alright, foodies,” she whispered as she hit record on her first behind-the-scenes TikTok, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach, “let’s show them what we can do.”

The familiar rhythm of filming settled her nerves, and as she introduced her followers to the world ofCulinary Crescendo, her confidence grew. This was her domain—connecting, creating, inspiring. She glanced at Drew, busy in the kitchen, and a small voice whispered in the back of her mind:Let’s see you dismiss this, Chef Carlson.

Chapter 4: Drew

The kitchen hummedwith the sounds of creation, knives clattering against boards, pots bubbling softly, but Drew Carlson barely noticed. He stood at the edge of the set, arms crossed, watching contestants scramble to plate their dishes. The familiar scents of searing meat and fresh herbs surrounded him, but none of it stirred the excitement he used to feel. Not anymore.

His eyes drifted, unbidden, to the pink-haired whirlwind moving between stations. Kelsi. The "content creator." Just thinking the title made him grit his teeth. And yet...

"Chef Carlson?" A tentative voice pulled him back. Emma, one of the newer contestants, stood in front of him, holding out a plate. Her hands trembled. "Would you mind tasting this? I’m not sure about the balance."

Drew nodded, taking the fork she offered. The bite he took was... adequate. Technically perfect, but it lacked something intangible.Passion, maybe. That spark he'd been missing in his own cooking for far too long.

"It’s fine," he said, his tone gruffer than intended. "But it’s missing something." He handed the fork back, avoiding the sting in her eyes. "Take a risk. Add something unexpected."

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