Page 28 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

Ethan showed me how to line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out eight strips of bacon in a single layer. “We only have canned bacon here, but it will work. Just arrange it so the slices aren’t overlapping.”

“Sounds easy enough,” I replied, doing as he instructed. “So far, so good. Maybe I can handle this cooking thing after all.”

“See? You’re a natural,” he encouraged me, setting the timer for 15 minutes once I placed the baking sheet in the oven. “Now, let’s move on to the eggs. First, crack four eggs into a bowl, then add a quarter cup of heavy cream, salt, pepper, and—” he paused for dramatic effect as he reached for the spice rack “—the secret ingredient: nutmeg.”

“Really? Nutmeg?” I raised my eyebrows.

“A little nutmeg goes a long way.” Ethan grinned, dropping a pinch into the bowl. “Cooking isn’t magic or voodoo. It’s about the little touches that transform an ordinary dish into something sublime.”

“Okay, Mr. Ramsey, what’s next?”

“Now it’s time to whisk the eggs,” Ethan instructed, his voice taking on a gentle, guiding tone. I tried my best to mimic the technique he showed me, but my clumsy wrists just couldn’t seem to get it right.

“Here, let me help you,” Ethan whispered, suddenly behind me, his muscular body pressing against my back. His strong arms wrapped around mine as he gently took hold of my hands, guiding them in the perfect whisking motion. His lips found my neck, kissing a trail up to my earlobe. A delicious shiver ran through me, banishing all thoughts of Pinegrove, the Insomniacs, and my conversation with Damon.

“See? It’s all in the wrist,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my earlobe. As I continued to whisk under his guidance, I felt his hands beginning to wander, exploring my hips and teasing at the sides of my breasts.

“Hey!” I playfully slapped his hands away. “You’re supposed to be teaching me how to cook, not taking advantage of your position.”

“My apologies.” His voice was a low rumble by my ear. “I can’t help myself with such a tempting student.” His hands slid around my waist, fingers splaying over my hips. “What will make you reconsider your stance on impropriety?”

“Maybe I’ll reconsider if these eggs turn out to be as good as you say,” I teased back, feeling more alive and present than I had in days despite going for more than twenty-four hours without sleep. Ethan grinned and stepped up his game, heating a skillet and melting a generous pat of butter in it.

“Alright then, pour the egg mixture into the skillet,” he instructed and I tipped the bowl, watching as the egg mixture cascaded into the heated skillet with a sizzle. The smell of butter and quickly cooking eggs filled the air, rich and savory. My stomach rumbled in anticipation even though I just ate.

Ethan nodded at the oven. “Flip the bacon. It should be getting crisp.”

I pulled the baking sheet from the oven, the rich aroma of sizzling bacon filling the kitchen air. “Mmm, I could eat this right now,” I said, my mouth watering at the sight and smell.

“Patience, Chloe,” Ethan replied teasingly. “The bacon needs to be crumbled. Besides, I’ve got some bacon of my own,” he added, giving my backside a playful squeeze.

“Are you calling me a pig?” I tried for indignation but couldn’t hold back a laugh.

“Never. You’re simply delicious.” Ethan raised his hands in mock surrender before returning his attention to the skillet. “The eggs are nearly set. Set the bacon on the counter, shred a quarter cup of cheddar and sprinkle it over.”

I did as directed, the cheese melting into gooey strands over the eggs. Ethan crumbled the bacon with a spatula and passed me the plate. “Add the final touch.”

I sprinkled the bacon over the cheese. “Like so?”

“Perfect.” Ethan brushed a congratulatory kiss over my lips. “Well done, chef. Our masterpiece is complete.”

Ethan cut the eggs into wedges and placed one on my plate. “Careful, it’s hot.”

I blew on it before taking a bite. Flavor exploded in my mouth—rich egg, savory bacon, sharp cheddar, creamy cheese tinged with just a hint of nutmeg—the secret ingredient. It was heaven.

“I can’t believe I made this,” I said, genuinely shocked at how good it tasted. “I never thought I could cook something so amazing.”

“Here, let me try,” Ethan said, picking up another wedge and taking a bite. He closed his eyes and moaned exaggeratedly. “Chloe, your bacon and eggs are even better than mine!”

“Stop it, you’re just saying that,” I playfully punched him in the shoulder, surprised by the firmness of his muscle beneath my fingertips.

“Seriously, you did an amazing job,” he insisted, his voice sincere. “Remember, you can do anything if you put your mind to it. That’s all there is to it.”

His praise filled me with warmth. I knew this idyllic interlude wouldn’t last but for a moment I allowed myself to forget about everything else and simply bask in the happiness of our little kitchen scene.

“So, does this mean I get to be sous chef again?”

“Anytime.” Ethan finished his eggs and set down his fork. “I need to get some tools from the storage room, then we can go outside if you like,” he said, disappearing towards the storage room.

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