Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“When you become successful,” Sebastian continues, “people stop being themselves around you. They put on airs, try to impress you with every move they make. Even some of the women here are doing that, but not you, my little Tweety Bird. Not you.”
From anyone else, that term of endearment from my tattoo would sound condescending, but not from Sebastian. He makes it sound sweet. Sexy even, in that raspy low voice that has made him famous.
“I hate to break up this little love fest,” Marc chides, “but these shrimps aren’t going to cook themselves.”
Sebastian rubs my hands once more before letting them go. “What’s next, el capitan?”
“We’re going to chop some garlic and scotch bonnet pepper and add some seasonings. Then we’ll mix it with lime juice and let the shrimp marinate for about fifteen minutes while we prepare the coleslaw garnish.” He hands a bulb of garlic to Sebastian. “You know how to break this into cloves and mince them?”
Sebastian takes the head of garlic. “I think I can manage, if Ariel here helps me.”
“I’ve got something else for her to do.” Marc winks at me. “How are you at jerking?”
Warmth—and redness, no doubt—rush to my cheeks at his inuendo. “What?”
“Jerk seasoning, of course,” he laughs, nudging my arm. “It’s a mixture of peppers, garlic, cloves, and other spices. But I’ve already combined them. What I need you to do, pretty lady, is whisk the spices with some mayonnaise and cider vinegar. I’ve premeasured the ingredients for you. While Sebastian finishes up the marinade for the shrimp, I’ll thinly slice this cabbage for our slaw.”
I smile as I whisk up the dressing in a glass bowl. My cheeks are still warm from Marc’s teasing, and Sebastian stands next to me, glancing my way quite a bit.
Shrimp poop aside, this is the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I feel joyful—like the feeling I used to get when Jazz and I would go out to catch lightning bugs on a hot July night. I had the best time chasing those little flits of glitter, watching as the trail of light lingered long after they flew away. It seemed like magic, but the real magic was that life was simple and uncomplicated.
I melt into the feeling, moving closer to Sebastian so our elbows bump as we cook.
Is Alex watching us? Is June? Is Emily?
I don’t care, and it’s so freeing to let go of the jealousy. I won’t let anyone ruin whatever I’ve got going with Sebastian. It may be nothing…or it may be everything.
More likely, it’s something in between. All I know for sure is that it’s now.
And it’s good.
I’m good.
Sebastian is good.
And who knows?
Maybe we’ll be good together.
EPISODE 95
CUTTHROAT KITCHEN
Emily
I’m a bit embarrassed by Misty’s behavior. Her interrogation of Evangeline about what will happen if our team wins and she and I both choose the same man makes her look both childish and aggressive.
Nothing new there, I suppose.
Why does she think it’s even an issue? If we win, I already know who she’ll choose. River, of course.
That doesn’t bother me. Not in the bloody slightest.
I’m getting pretty good at lying to myself about River. But the truth is that I haven’t spent any time with either Brett or Alex. I should give them both a chance before I decide to zero in on a cowboy with whom I have absolutely no future.
Evangeline’s response that we can both choose the same man seems to satisfy Misty—for the time being, at least. I take another sip of my Island Mirage. I don’t normally drink during the day, but Lord knows dealing with Misty requires it.
“This is delicious,” I say to Katie. “What’s in it?”
“I’m so glad you like it.” Katie beams. “Blue curaçao gives it the lovely color and the delicate citrus flavor. The main ingredients are vodka and simple syrup with just a splash of prosecco on top.”
“It’s brilliant.” I nudge Misty, who’s sautéing the onion and garlic. “Don’t you think so, Misty?”
Her drink still sits untouched on the counter. Perhaps if I can get her to imbibe a bit, she’ll lighten up.
“I’m busy,” Misty says.
I pick up her cocktail and hand it to her. “Seriously, you’ve got to try this.”
She lets out a soft huff and takes a sip. “There. Satisfied?” She hands the glass back to me.
“Excuse me for a minute,” Katie says. “I need to get another scotch bonnet pepper from Marc.”
I meet Katie’s gaze. She looks perplexed at Misty’s attitude. I give her a slight shrug.
Once Katie’s gone, Misty turns to me and whispers, “All right. Let’s get on the same page. How are we going to make sure we win this thing?”
I look her square in the eye. “You’ve gone seriously dotty.”
“Hey, I’m winning this thing with or without your help, Emily.” She lowers her voice even more. “I’ve got some Ipecac syrup in my room, and—”