“Let me take that.” His fingers brushed over hers.
Too scared to pull away and risk dropping the hot dish, Bella held on, savoring the touch. How long had it been since she’d had a real date where she was actually interested in her partner, not a coffee date like she had with Jake yesterday but a date-date where she wanted to be kissed good-night?
You’re asking for trouble, girl, if you think this is a good move. Staying in Cherry Lake isn’t an option. Not after you’ve clawed your way to the top.
“Thanks.” She wiped her tingling fingers on her jeans, tried to still her breath. He was way too sexy and appealing for his own good. Bella Moore did not do casual sex but, boy, she could be tempted. Maybe. Possibly. No. Not a hope in hell. Too much too soon. Concentrate, girl. You’re here to wow them with your cooking, not your needs. You have a book to get out. Priorities, girl!
“Welcome to our house, Bella.” Woodsie appeared at the door, his silver moustache twitching as he watched her argue with herself.
Thank goodness she hadn’t said the words out loud but no doubt her twitching lips would have given her away. She couldn’t help it. Even when it was all in her mind, her face said it all.
“Thanks and thanks so much for taking pity on me and letting me take over your meals until I can get my hands on a decent stove for the hotel.”
“This old man is more than happy for you to take charge. You know what it’s like here, steak, steak, and more damned steak.”
Jake appeared behind his father, a scowl on his face. “Stop complaining or I’ll make you cook every night.”
Woodsie cackled. “As if. You hate my cooking.”
“This smells terrific.” Cory had ripped the lid from the grilled fish and sniffed deeply at the steam rising from the trout.
“Get the plates so we can test this out. Don’t want to leave Bella hanging on our opinion.” Jake hustled his son to move as he put the last dish on the table. “Do you want to serve this up, Bella?”
“Sure.” She carried the jug of sauce over to the table and took the lids off the rest of her creations trying not to feel nervous. The three watched her every move. Was this what she felt like when she dished up her first meal for the competition? Her nerves as tight as a bow, ready to snap if she failed? Get a grip, Bella. They aren’t judging you. They’re desperate for a decent meal, that’s all.
“Want me to do that? You’re kinda shaky there.” Jake stood to take the ladle from her hand.
“No, it’s okay. Must have a bit of muscle cramp.” She flexed her fingers hoping he was convinced. “I do hope you like this. I made one of my new favorite fish dishes with something I haven’t yet tested on anyone as well. I’m thinking of using it for the sweet section of my next cookbook. The one I’m going to do while I’m here.”
Woodsie stretched his neck to get a closer view as she plated the main meal and poured the sauce over the trout. “Hey, isn’t that the dish you did on that show, you know the one where you set it on fire?”
“You watched my show?” She glanced at Jake, he couldn’t make eye contact with her.
“Had to find out more about who you were and seemed the most sensible way to do it, eh, Jake?” He chuckled, took the plate she offered him. “That sign off line of yours, ‘leave you wanting more,’ who the heck came up with that?”
“Didn’t you like it?” She passed a plate to Cory who immediately dug in, ignoring the conversation. Thank goodness. “Which show did you watch?”
Jake rubbed his chin and seemed to stumble over his words. “The one where you set it on fire, you know the fish with the flaming sauce.”
“Jake here just about had a heart attack.” Woodsie nudged his son. “Didn’t you?”
Jake swallowed and finally met her gaze. “I, ah, wanted to see what your show was like. It’s, ah, really good. I can see why those women were fan-girling you the other day.” His cheeks bloomed and she wondered why the embarrassment.
“So, what did you think? Did I impress you with my cooking?” Bella placed his plate in front of him, waited for his answer.
“Without a doubt. I just hadn’t realized that you were so, ah, good at what you did.”
Her lips twitched and she resisted the urge to laugh out loud. “It just so happens that I cooked the trout for you tonight. I only came up with the recipe for that show and wanted to use it in the book. Tell me what you think of it.”
“Doubt it would be terrible the way the audience reacted.” Woodsie took a bite and moaned in pleasure.
She presently held the top-ranking show on the network, and it made her proud to see how far she’d come since she’d made the decision to try out for it.
Cory stopped eating long enough to agree. “This is totally cool. Can you teach Dad how to cook? Anything as long as it’s not steak.”
Bella let the laugh go, she couldn’t hold it in any longer. “It’d be my pleasure.”
“You gonna eat, girl?” Woodsie pointed at the extra plate. “Don’t think you can dish up this kinda food and not join us for a meal, now do you?”
“If you’re sure you don’t mind.” She’d hoped for an invite but hadn’t taken it for granted.
“Bella, there’s no way I would’ve agreed to let you cook for us if I thought
