Page 32 of Tactically Tied

But as much as she wanted to push him away, to deny this, she couldn’t. Because in the depths of her heart, she knew she had always wanted this too.

She was furious. She was hurt. But God help her, she was also hopelessly in love with Jed Winchester.

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

Jed wanted nothing more than to get this competition over with and take his wife back to their home. He could still feel the imprint of Jami’s lips on his, the way her body had softened against him after Ryan’s revelation about that old, stupid bet. Something had shifted inside her. He’d felt it in the way she didn’t run from him, didn’t pull away. Instead, she’d kissed him back, and that kiss…

He swore he felt something click into place inside her. As if a piece of her had finally found its match in him. He needed to explore that, needed to feel that connection deeper, in every way possible. But before he could whisk her away and lose themselves in the privacy of their home, they had to get through this final competition.

Jed no longer cared if they won, lost, or drew. The victory he craved wasn’t about some trophy or a title. The only thing he wanted was her. Just her. Alone.

The dining room of Grits and Grub was packed to the brim with townsfolk. The judges sat at a special table, sampling the dishes he and Jami had poured their hearts into. The smells of barbecue, mingling with the spices Jami had introduced to his family recipes, filled the room, creating a mouthwatering blend that had every onlooker eager for their turn to sample the new creations.

Jami was focused, her brow furrowed in concentration as she watched the judges, waiting for any hint of their reaction. She looked so beautiful, standing there in the soft lighting of the restaurant, her presence commanding the space. The weight of her wedding ring caught the light, and his chest tightened with the reminder that she was his.

He stepped closer to her, needing to feel her warmth beside him, wanting to wrap her in his arms and tell her that none of this mattered. They didn’t need a win. Not when they had this—had each other.

Jami reached for his hand without looking. She laced her fingers through his. A subtle gesture, but one that made Jed’s heart flip in his chest. She squeezed his hand lightly, and he pressed a kiss behind her ear, loving the familiar, intoxicating scent of her.

He couldn’t wait to get her alone.

The judges tasted each bite with their usual poker faces, dragging out the suspense as they analyzed the food. But Jed wasn’t even watching them anymore. He didn’t need their approval. Not when he had her.

"We'll announce the final verdict live this weekend on the network," one of the judges finally said, his voice echoing through the room.

Jed and Jami thanked them, their voices harmonizing in gratitude. The room erupted in applause, the townsfolk cheering for them, clapping and whistling. The staff of Grits and Grub began serving the neighbors the same dish the judges had tasted. Laughter and chatter filled the air as everyone sampled the fusion dish. Jed heard the murmurs of approval, the compliments on the blend of flavors, the way Jami's spices had elevated his traditional barbecue. He had to admit—she’d been right. Those spices added a complexity to the dish that he never would have thought to include.

Though he still had his doubts about Marissa’s lemongrass.

Rick called a wrap on production, signaling the end of the evening. The cameras were finally turning off, the crew was packing up, and Jed felt a wave of relief wash over him. He pulled Jami close, wrapping his arms around her waist, drawing her against him. She fit perfectly in his embrace, like she had always belonged there.

“It’s all over. No more cameras. No more crew. It’s just us now. I’m done having my life on television. What I want is you, Jami. Just us, in our kitchen, in our life.” He pressed a sweet kiss to her forehead, savoring the feel of her against him.

Jami blushed, her cheeks turning the softest shade of pink. She looked up at him with those almond-shaped eyes that made his heart flip every time. “Just us?”

“Just us,” he confirmed, his voice steady and certain. "In our home, in our kitchen. Cooking, laughing, and being together."

Everything was perfect. It was just them, in their little bubble of happiness. Then Rick appeared, breaking into their moment with his usual enthusiasm. Jed felt his muscles tense as the producer approached, his eyes bright with excitement.

"I was listening in on the judges. They really loved your dish. I’d say you have this competition in the bag."

Jami looked up at him with pride in her eyes. Jed felt ten feet tall—until Rick kept talking.

"I have another idea for a show," Rick continued, his eyes gleaming with that TV producer hunger. "Picture this: a travel show. Jed and Jami on the road, exploring the world of food together. You’ll travel to different cities, different countries, taste the local cuisine, and cook alongside chefs from around the world."

Jami's face lit up, her excitement palpable. "Really?" she asked, her voice breathless. "A travel show... Rick, that’s... that’s amazing. Jed, isn't that amazing?"

Jed tried to muster a smile, but it felt tight, forced. He glanced at Rick, who was watching them like a hawk, waiting for their response. Jed swallowed, the words sticking in his throat.

"Isn't it perfect, Jed? We could do this together. We could see the world, taste everything it has to offer."

Her eyes were shining, a hopeful, almost childlike light in them that made his heart twist. This was what she had always wanted—to travel, to explore, to learn from the world's hidden culinary treasures.

Jed wanted to say yes, to match her excitement, but his chest felt heavy, constricted. This wasn’t what he had pictured. He had imagined them here, in their small town, building a life together, one that was real and solid. One that wasn’t constantly under the scrutiny of cameras. He looked at Rick, then back at Jami, struggling to find the right words.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

Atravel cuisine show. The dream. Her dream. And on someone else's dime no less.

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