Page 31 of Sinfully Shameless Chef

I stand up even straighter, a move that shifts my breasts out and causes Jameson’s focus to drift south of my face.

Ha! At least I’m not the only one.

If nothing else, at least I got that little ego boost today.

“What would I have to say to you?”

For some reason, playing dumb seems like the right response here; though, he has to know it was me. None of his construction crew would have any reason to mess with his menu, and I was the only other person back there while he was working on it. Plus, his jab at me on live TV was in clear retaliation.

But the way his amber eyes bore into me, I don’t want to admit what I did. Even though only hours ago, I was so proud I could have burst. Now, that pride has been replaced with a tiny quiver in my belly of something I don’t even want to consider.

Almost like an anticipation, a desire for him to move closer, to be angrier, to demand some form of penance from me.

Christ, I’m a mess.

It’s been so damn long since a man has touched me in that way that I’ll apparently fantasize about it with the one who has become my mortal enemy in the span of only a few weeks.

Get a grip, Iz.

He pushes off the jamb and takes a step toward me. “Oh, I don’t know.” He holds out his hands. “Maybe an apology for embarrassing me on live television?”

Another couple of slow steps bring him even closer, close enough that the rich, spicy scent he always carries with him overpowers the seasonings from the chili on the stove to assault every one of my breaths.

Still, I don’t answer.

We’ve stood like this before, but somehow, the energy between us today is different. A crackle. A spark. Something building and threatening to light the whole kitchen ablaze.

His heated gaze narrows on me. “Not going to say it, huh? Well, I have a few things to say to you.”

Oh shit. Here we go.

8

IZZY

This is what I’ve been waiting for. The storm I knew would come with his anger. This playful sexy act when he first got here was simply to get me to let down my guard. It’s time for him to strike. But I’m ready for whatever he throws at me.

I think.

He examines me, waiting for some kind of response, his eyes raking over me like he can see straight through to the intimate thoughts I’m trying to push to the back of my mind.

I stand my ground, refusing to quiver under his assessment.

He takes another step closer until our chests are practically touching while I still hold the spoon over the pot. The side of his mouth tics up slightly. “Well, I have to say, Iz, I underestimated you. Fucking with my menu was genius. Well played.”

Wait…what?

I shake my head to try to clear it because I can’t have just heard him right. “Well played?”

He nods slowly, his eyes locked with mine. “I’m actually impressed. I’m not so sure I would have been quick enough to come up with that if I had been in your position, standing there in your kitchen with the menu just sitting out unprotected.”

Impressed. He’s IMPRESSED with me?

Those words shouldn’t feel so good. They shouldn’t make warmth swell in my chest and flood my cheeks. They shouldn’t make me all swoony and light-headed, yet I wobble slightly on my feet and drop the spoon into the pot of chili.

A strong arm wraps around my waist, holding me steady. He narrows a concerned gaze at me. “Are you okay?”

Shit.

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