Page 33 of The Autumn We Fell in Love

Basil jumps in. “I believe that there is a strict no-sharing policy in our rule book, isn’t there, Saffron?”

She nods. “That’s right.”

“I figured as much,” Colby says. “All I need to know is if Brie can use my food processor to remake her sauce.”

“She can,” Saffron says, forehead puckering, “but that would disqualify you.”

“But not her?” he demands.

“That’s correct,” Saffron answers.

My stomach twists. “Colby, no,” I begin, but he’s already grinning with his arms crossed over his broad chest.

“Done. The food processor is hers.”

I gasp.

The audience gasps.

Basil and Saffron gasp.

Hell, the closest cameraman gasps.

By the time we’ve all recovered, Colby has come to stand closer to me than ever. I can smell his sweat from cooking under the hot lights. I want to lean into him, to wrap my arms around him and keep him this close for always.

But all he does is gaze down at me with those brilliant blue eyes, so full of warmth now, and smile. “It’s for a worthy cause,” he says, speaking to the judges but with eyes only for me.

Then he spins and heads toward the audience seating, sinking into a chair.

I stare between him and his food processor sitting on my mess of a counter, uncomprehending.

What the hell just happened?

“Well,” Basil says, voice strand with excitement, “are you going to accept your rival’s offer or not? Because the clock is ticking.”

The clock. Right. Looking up at it, I see that I’ve got just enough time — now that I have Colby’s food processor.

Thank you, I mouth silently to him before throwing fresh hunks of cheese into the processor’s bowl.

He settles back in his chair, smiling so big now. With both sets of fingers, he creates a heart shape in the middle of his chest.

I melt.

Then tell myself I can’t melt. Not yet. Not before my cheese does.

But later?

I’m going to be hotter for Colby than my fondue. Even if yesterday wasn’t a misunderstanding. Even if it’s just for tonight.

I need to know what it feels like to be in his arms, to feel his skin against mine.

And although I know I don’t have to, I want to thank him for the sacrifice he just made for me. Well, for Mom, but I’m pretty sure that’s not who he was thinking of when he plunked his food processor down on my counter.

Colby

For all that I’ve got riding on this competition, forfeiting my chances was the easiest decision I’ve ever made.

Because Brie? She’s totally worth it.

---