Page 5 of Quarterback Sneak

She glanced around the familiar kitchen in an attempt to gain her composure. Her attention settled on the bottle of wine she’d set aside. To cover her uneasiness, she poured two glasses of her favorite pinot noir. “I realize a lot of people prefer white wine with fish, but salmon pairs well with a fruity red wine.”

“The food smells delicious.”

His reference to food sent her focus away from her nervousness and into her comfort zone. She grabbed the ever-present bar towel tucked beneath her apron strings and used it as a hot pad to remove their dinner from the oven. “I hope you’re hungry.”

He leaned his hip against the counter, his thumb looped inside the pocket of his dark-washed jeans “Starving.”

The sensual way his eyes swept over her face sent her heart racing. Sam was even more appealing then she recalled. Flustered, she shoved a glass of wine into his hand and lifted the other, drinking deeply before placing it on the butcher block counter. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to greet you at the door. I’m still behind from today.”

“I’d imagine you’re super busy in the summer, since the Market is such a popular tourist attraction.”

“Yeah, it can get crazy.” Like me for accepting a date with a man I know nothing about. She hushed the unwelcome inner voice. If she wanted to find a special someone, she had to open herself up to the possibility. But why was it so damn nerve racking? “I had my staff set the break table in the corner, unless you’d prefer to move into the dining room.”

“No, this is good. I’m used to kitchens.”

“Then you’ve worked in a restaurant? I’ve spent most of my life in this one.” While she’d renovated the kitchen when she’d taken over as Executive Chef two years before, the layout was the same familiar one. She snatched a couple of rounded dishes from under the heat lamp and plated the food, the act second nature.

“My mom and step-dad own a bakery,” he said, leaning in closer to inspect the salmon that was sizzling in the pan.

And? Ivy reached for a sprig of parsley to garnish the plates. Please tell me you’re not one of those guys that run out of conversation after the first ten minutes. If so, this would shape up to be a long night and not in a good way. “Then you’re familiar with how demanding the business can be.”

“I used to help my mom every day after school and on weekends until I was drafted,” he said, a noticeable affection threading his deep voice.

“My dad is a huge Pioneers fan and since its tradition in my family to have dinner together on Monday nights, I’ve caught a few games over the years.”

“What about his daughter? Is she a fan?”

She glanced up at his teasing, a grin of her own forming. Was he referring to the team or to him? It was a bit too early to judge the later, as for the team, “I enjoy watching the occasional game. I know enough about football to recognize what’s happening on the field, but I don’t follow the sport like my dad. I couldn’t name many players, but then you knew that.” She fought a blush, still embarrassed that she hadn’t recognized him.

“According to the decals on your door, not only are you a James Beard award nominee, but you’re Seattle’s Best Competitive Chef.”

“Three years in a row, not that I’m bragging.” She licked nervous lips, her awareness of him growing at an accelerated rate. “It was Beth’s idea to broadcast it on the door. She says I need to celebrate my accomplishments.”

“She’s right, you should. You earned it. Have you always been a great chef?”

She willed her hands to remain steady and continued on with her task. “How do you know I’m any good? You haven’t tried my cooking.”

“Bad chefs don’t get nominated for the Rising Star Chef of the Year award.”

“Naughty ones hooking up with the nominating committee chair do.” She playfully bumped her shoulder into his. He was so toned it was like hitting a brick wall, one she pictured herself climbing.

His smiled deepened into laughter. “How do you think I landed the cover of Sports Illustrated? I feel so cheap.”

Feet drifting on a cloud, she gripped the plates and moved past him. Was he f’n dreamy or what? “Can you bring the wine?”

“Sure. There’s one thing I must do first.” Although she couldn’t see him, she sensed his presence close behind. She set the plates down, and when he held out the chair for her, her spine nearly melted. In the two years she had dated Kevin, he had never shown her such courtesy. Of course, he never showed much interest in doing anything for anyone except for himself. She snapped the train of thought in half. Focusing on her crappy ex-boyfriend wasn’t conducive to a successful first date.

Sam grabbed her wine glass and the bottle from the line and placed them on the table. His movements were fluid and easy, showing none of that awkward gait she’d noticed in some overly beefed up types. Years of playing football had honed his legs, and she discreetly admired the way his jeans hugged his thighs when he resumed his seat. She’d bet money the rest of him was equally as ripped. Take your mind out of the gutter and concentrate on the conversation.

“Cooking is my passion. What is yours?” Ivy fingered the amulet at her throat, gaining comfort from its weight. The jade stone hummed under her fingertips as Sham’s words skated across her mind. If you truly want to find the perfect man and restore your faith in true love, then this necklace will be your good luck talisman. She dropped her hand, shaking off the crazy notion. It was a coincidence she’d wished to meet the perfect man and Sam had appeared. The necklace had nothing to do with it.

Right?

He shrugged, the flex of muscle under the material of his shirt, pulling at the seams. “I’ve always been into science.”

“Science? How very scientific.” Smart, athletic, and easy on the eyes. Where was he lacking? Hopefully not in the sex department. If that wasn’t good, then she might as well call it a day. “I figured you’d say football.”

“I love football. Unfortunately, it’s a profession with an expiration date. I have a charity called the Fresh Water Fund. It’s based on the principle that everyone deserves untainted drinking water. The technology is basic. Distributing it is the complex part.”

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