Page 38 of Third Time Lucky

He gives me a sideways glance, aware that I’ve abruptly switched subjects mid-conversation. Yet, he’s gracious enough not to question it. ‘Love it.’

Right then, punctuating his words, my stomach lets out a howl loud enough to make Mitzi stir.

Without missing a beat, Asher heads to the fridge, retrieves a plate wrapped in foil – stripping away the cover as he crosses the kitchen – and puts it into the microwave.

‘I saved you a plate. Sit,’ he instructs, pointing at the island bar.

He saved me a plate?

‘Thank you,’ I say sincerely. ‘I probably shouldn’t tell you I hoped you’d do exactly this. My taste buds were in mourning.’

He seems pleased by my confession.

‘Well, I wouldn’t even think of leaving until both the ladies of the Gray household have been fed. It’s my job right now.’

Settling down where I’m directed, he catches sight of my haphazard attempt at dicing celery.

‘Uh – doyouenjoy cooking?’ His tone carries more than a hint of doubt.

‘Not even a little bit, does it show?’ I admit, glancing at the celery before the smells coming from the plate now sitting in front of me distract my mind.

‘A little bit,’ he laughs.

‘Yeah, well, Mitzi had high hopes when hiring a chef that he would inspire me to learn.’

‘Is that so?’

I nod, my mind on the dish in front of me. ‘What magic have you woven here? It smells amazing.’

‘That is chicken tikka masala over white rice.’

I take the first bite, dropping my head back as I chew.

‘Holy everything. I didn’t lie before. My taste buds are in love with your cooking. You’re a culinary wizard, Mr Wright. How do you do it? I’ve had this before, and yours is leagues above.’

My compliments cause him to light up. ‘Actually, this one was Aaron’s recipe. I swiped it.’

‘Well, Aaron is a freaking genius then.’

‘Never tell him,’ Asher quips with a smile that could turn saints into sinners.

As I savor each mouthful of food, I notice his curious stare directed at my celery handiwork again.

‘Taking Mitzi’s hopes into consideration, along with this celery massacre, maybe you should come along with us tomorrow night.’

‘Who’s us? And what’s happening tomorrow night?’

‘Me and Aaron. Aaron and I?’ He questions his words. ‘Ya know, us.’

‘You two are a real team, aren’t you?’

‘He’s my little brother and best friend. He drags me to places like Vegas, and I force him to things like baking classes.’

Realizing how much losing Kris affected both our lives hits home; I’d never thought about how he had to form new friendships after everything turned upside down. And he’s chose his brother.

‘You’re going to a baking class? But I thought professional meant you taught the class?’

He smirks. ‘Sometimes it does. Other times – like when it comes to baking – legends know more than me, so I listen and learn. What do you say? Want to come with and learn something new?’

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