Page 21 of A Whole New Trick

I’m not interested in hiring someone for a job that requires them to regularly be in my space. I like my privacy, and the more people you let into your space, the less privacy you have.

Hell, I don’t even have a maid. Hence, my fridge has sticky residue from sauce jars.

Megan takes a deep breath, preparing to speak, when her phone buzzes on the island.

“Excuse me.” She walks over and looks at the screen flashing with an incoming call. I’m too far away to see who it is, but Eli isn’t. His eyebrows lift. I resist the urge to demand to know why he looks like that.

Megan denies the call but swiftly picks up her phone to type a text. She hits send and then puts the phone back on the counter, this time with its face down.

“Sorry about that.” She inhales a breath and then meets my gaze. I’m caught off guard by the imploring look. “Listen, I know this stuff isn’t your kind of thing, but I was given a job to do, and I want to do it well. If we hope for my dietary plan to make any sort of noticeable impact, then yes. It really is necessary for you to hire a chef.”

My budding objection fades from my lips. As much as I don’t want to invite a stranger into my home, I want to disappoint Morgan even less.

“Fine.” I sigh. “Give me a list of options, and I’ll hire one.”

Her shoulders slump, relieved. “Perfect. I’ll get that to you first thing in the morning.”

“In the meantime,” Eli joins the conversation. “Should he stick to his normal diet? Or will you be able to give him a modified plan that he can prepare for himself?” There’s a mischievous gleam in my brother’s eye.

“No.” She frowns. “That won’t work. Playoffs start in two weeks. We need to get you eating right as soon as possible.”

“So, what do you suggest?” Eli presses.

What is he aiming at?

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him to butt out when Morgan blows out a heavy breath and says, “I guess I could act as your chef. Just until we find you a qualified chef.”

I snap my mouth closed.

Nowthatsounds like an interesting proposition.

I try not to reveal my feelings about the idea when I say, “If you think that’s the best option, then I’m game.”

She gives a reluctant nod. “Okay. I’ll pick up groceries tomorrow. Do you mind if I come over in the afternoon to prep the meals? I’d do it at my place, but my kitchen is pretty small. And I could use the extra counter space you have here.”

Again, I try to hide my true reaction. “Yeah, that’s fine. Just text me when you’re heading over.”

Her eyes harden, and her voice is flat as she says, “I don’t have your number.”

“I’ll give it to you.” Eli grabs her phone and holds it up to her face to unlock the screen.

She stares at my brother, surprised by his bold behavior, but she doesn’t stop him from opening her contacts and typing my number into the phone. He also adds his own number and tells her to reach out to him if she can’t get ahold of me.

“Dane is known to leave his phone in random places.”

“Great. Thanks.” Morgan takes the phone from him and then picks up her keys from the counter. She hikes a thumb over her shoulder. “I should get going.”

“Of course.”

She avoids my gaze as she turns and walks out of the kitchen. My brother and I follow.

As she slips on her heels, I brush past her and open the door for her. She keeps her head tucked down. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.”

The moment the front door closes, Eli blurts, “Your nutritionist is the vixen from the club, isn’t she?”

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