Page 23 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

I can't help but laugh. "You've been reading too many paranormal romances, Soph. Axel is just a health inspector with a mysterious side."

But even as I say it, I know it's more than that. There's an undeniable pull between us, a connection I can't explain. His piercing gaze, the way his presence makes my heart race—it's both thrilling and terrifying.

"What am I getting myself into?" I mutter under my breath.

Sophie nudges me with her elbow, her voice softening. "You're falling for him, Lila. And from what I can tell, the feeling is mutual."

I bite my lip, unsure of how to respond. Part of me wants to deny it, to chalk it up to a silly infatuation. But deep down, I know there's something more. Something that draws me to Axel like a moth to a flame.

"I don't know what to do, Soph," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "I barely know him, and yet... I can't stop thinking about him."

Sophie gives me a reassuring smile, and I'm reminded once again why she's my best friend. "Take it one step at a time, Lila. Get to know him better, see where it goes. And if it turns out he's a supernatural creature, well, that just adds to the excitement!"

I laugh, grateful for Sophie's lighthearted perspective. She always knows how to make me feel better.

The kitchen door swings open, and students start filtering in, their excited chatter filling the air. I push thoughts of Axel to the back of my mind—for now, at least—and put on my best instructor smile.

"Alright, everyone," I begin, clapping my hands to get their attention. "Let's dive into today's recipe. We'll be making homemade ravioli with a delectable ricotta and spinach filling."

As I demonstrate the proper technique for mixing the filling ingredients, my mind wanders back to Axel. The way his eyesseemed to see right through me, the intensity of his gaze. I feel a shiver run down my spine at the memory.

"Now, you want to make sure the filling is well-combined, but not overworked," I explain, my hands moving on autopilot. "The key is to achieve a smooth consistency without losing the texture of the ricotta."

I glance up, catching Sophie's eye. She gives me a subtle nod, a silent acknowledgment of my distraction. Without missing a beat, she steps in, guiding the students through the next steps of the recipe.

I'm hit with a wave of gratitude. Sophie's not just an employee; she's my rock, my partner in culinary crime. I don't know what I'd do without her.

As I guide the students through the delicate process of shaping the ravioli, I find myself wondering what lies beneath Axel's stoic exterior. Is he hiding a softer side, a vulnerability that he keeps carefully guarded? Or is he truly as unflappable as he appears?

"Lila, can you show us how to seal the ravioli edges again?" a student asks, breaking me out of my reverie.

I blink, refocusing on the present moment. "Of course," I reply, stepping forward to demonstrate the technique once more.

As I work alongside the students, my hands deftly shaping the ravioli, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. Axel has awakened something within me, a longing for something more than just the casual flings and short-lived romances of my past. But is it wise to pursue these feelings, especially with someone so different from anyone I've ever known?

Sophie catches my eye again, giving me a reassuring smile. She knows me better than anyone, and I can tell she senses my inner turmoil. With a subtle nod, she silently encourages me to trust my instincts, to follow my heart wherever it may lead.

As the students disperse for a short break, Sophie gently tugs on my arm, pulling me into a quiet corner of the kitchen. Her eyes are filled with concern and understanding as she studies my face.

"Lila, I can see something's bothering you," she says softly. "Are you still thinking about Axel?"

I sigh, leaning against the countertop. "I don't know what to do, Soph. I can't stop thinking about him, but I'm afraid he only sees me as a little sister. Someone to protect and guide, but not someone to..." I trail off, unable to put my feelings into words.

Sophie takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Fall in love with. Lila, I've seen the way he looks at you. It's not the way a man looks at his sister. Trust me."

I bite my lip, uncertainty swirling in my gut. "But how can you be sure? I mean, he's older, more experienced. Why would he be interested in someone like me?"

Sophie shakes her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Lila, you're an amazing woman. You're passionate, talented, and absolutely gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to have you. And let's face it, what man would pass up your cooking?"

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks at her words. "But what if you’re wrong? What if I'm just setting myself up for heartbreak?"

Sophie leans in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Listen, I've seen the way he lingers when you're around, how his eyes follow you when you move. And I remember you telling me how he bolted at the sound of that shriek - that was to shield you from whatever danger might be lurking. That's not just professional concern, Lila. That's something more."

I feel a flicker of hope ignite in my chest, but it's quickly dampened by the nagging voice of self-doubt. "I want to believe you, Soph. I really do. But I'm scared. Scared of getting hurt, of risking our friendship, of... of everything."

Sophie wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a comforting hug. "I know it's scary, Lila. But sometimes, the best things in life are the ones that terrify us the most. You have to take a chance, or you'll never know what could be."

I nod, burying my face in her shoulder as I try to absorb her words. She's right, of course. I can't let my fears hold me back forever. But the thought of opening myself up, of putting my heart on the line, is still daunting.

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