Page 3 of The Chef's Kiss
“I’m taking more of these to Conrad.” I rounded the counter for a small cardboard box and piled them in. “Maybe that’ll soften thebrotherly concern,” I used air quotes for that, “when I arrive at his doorstep without even a change of clothes.”
Colin froze. “You’re just getting home?”
I lifted one shoulder in a shrug.
“And you didn’t bring your stuff? Please tell me you just dropped it off at your dad’s place.”
Another shrug.
The truth was, after I’d learned the full extent of how bad my actions were, I couldn’t face anyone, let alone my roommate. She’d no doubt have everything sent to my dad’s address when she figured out I wasn’t coming back. I couldn’t.
Colin didn’t ask more questions. He’d always been good like that. We weren’t as close as my brother Carter had been to Selena growing up—something Carter thought he’d hidden from us. But Colin and I understood each other. He was the black sheep son always under his mother’s thumb, and I was the golden daughter who could do no wrong in my father’s eyes.
Different circumstances, but the same pressure.
“Did you hear Lena is opening up a new restaurant at Orchard Hill Farms soon?”
“Yes.” I sat up straighter. “But how on earth did you know that?”
“I have my sources.”
I leveled him with a stare I knew he couldn’t resist.
“Fine. My mother was complaining about some big-city chef coming into Superiore Bay. Apparently, he’s quite the catch. She’s just upset the Hideaway won’t be the only tourist trap restaurant for city folk in the area.”
“A city chef?” That wasn’t how things were done in Superiore Bay. We tended to go small, to hire locally. “Are you sure?” Whoever it was wouldn’t have an easy time in town. It could be a difficult place for outsiders.
“My mother was mad enough that I’m pretty sure it’s a done deal.”
“Strange.” This should be entertaining at least. And it would be nice to have a restaurant that served something other than our typical small-town fare.
I spent a few hours at the shop with Colin, watching customers come and go. By the time evening fell, I’d eaten the entire box of chocolates I’d meant to bring to Conrad and Leyla. Their loss.
“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” Colin asked after I threw out the box.
“Not anywhere I want to be.”
He lifted a brow. Ugh, he knew me too well.
“Fine, I was on my way to the sanctuary, but this seemed like a good detour.”
He leaned against the counter. “And how do you expect to get there? Or even Superiore Bay? I saw you arrive on the ferry, so you have no car.”
I fluttered my lashes. “It would be ever so lovely if my good, handsome, understanding friend took me.”
“Thought so.” He caught my gaze with his. “Why didn’t we ever date?”
“Wow, that came out of left field. Is my answer the price of a ride?”
“Maybe.”
He was insufferable. “Fine. First, our towns would have murdered us. My cousin is the mayor of Superiore Bay and not even he would have blamed anyone.”
“Fair point.”
“Also, you’re not my type.”
“I’m everyone’s type.”
