Soul Sweet Read online

  Table of Contents

  Legal Page

  Title Page

  Book Description

  Dedication

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  New Excerpt

  About the Author

  Publisher Page

  A Totally Bound Publication

  Soul Sweet

  ISBN # 978-1-78184-962-0

  ©Copyright Nichelle Gregory 2014

  Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright January 2014

  Edited by Rebecca Douglas

  Totally Bound Publishing

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

  Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

  Warning:

  This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Sizzling and a Sexometer of 2.

  This story contains 189 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book containing 8 pages.

  Souls Entwined

  SOUL SWEET

  Nichelle Gregory

  Book one in the Souls Entwined Series

  Savour the flavours, spicy and sweet… A taste of what’s yet to come.

  A passionate cook with the desire to spread her wings, Misha Ryan decides to compete in a popular television cooking competition for the ultimate title of Celeb Chef. The culinary stakes are high, but Misha feels more than capable of handling any challenge thrown her way, until she looks into the eyes of Celeb Chef Judge Cameron Banner.

  After dealing with an emotional divorce, Cameron isn’t looking for any serious entanglements, but everything about Misha makes him want more. She’s adamant about limiting any diversions that take her focus off the show, but the unexpected mutual attraction between them distracts them both as they add spice and turn up the heat in an attempt to satisfy their insatiable appetites for one another.

  Misha is devastated when evidence of their involvement has a disastrous effect on the final decision for the winner of Celeb Chef. When Cameron’s motives come under suspicion, she confronts him, putting a strain on their budding relationship. Celeb Chef is over and Misha realises winning isn’t everything, especially if she’s lost the love of a lifetime.

  Dedication

  Behind that silver badge is a heart of gold.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Marriott: Marriott International, Inc

  Google: Google Inc.

  Barbie: Mattel, Inc.

  Starbucks: Starbucks Corporation

  Martini: Martini & Rossi

  Sleepless in Seattle: TriStar Pictures, Inc.

  Dr Phil: Dr Phillip Calvin McGraw

  Kahlúa: Pernod Ricard S.A.

  Chapter One

  “Misha, I’m ready to go. Are you almost finished with your menu suggestions for the Calhoun party on Saturday?”

  “I’ll have it in your hand in a few minutes.” Misha barely glanced up from her laptop to look at Darius. “Almost done here.” She kept typing then paused to meet his gaze when he didn’t move from the doorway. “I’m serious. Give me five minutes and you’ll have it. If you want, I could just email it to you. I can lock up.”

  Darius glanced at his watch. “That’s all right. I still need to order the prawns tonight to ensure delivery by Friday. I’ll be in my office.”

  “Okay.”

  Misha focused her attention back on her computer and sighed. She refused to let him frazzle her concentration. He was under pressure—she could see it in his eyes. Usually, he handled stress well—an ability that made him an excellent chef, along with his gift for marinades and savoury dishes. After two years of working with him and briefly dating, she could pick up on all of his moods.

  Misha hit the print button and slid off the bar stool. She stretched her arms over her head, enjoying the usual aches in her muscles that came along with her job. Misha flipped off the light illuminating the bar. She walked towards the back of the restaurant and into the office where Darius stood by the copier, with her menu suggestions already in his hand.

  “I forgot to tell you”—Darius stared at the paper in his grasp and frowned—“Jerry Calhoun doesn’t care for spicy foods.”

  Misha studied Darius while he continued reading her menu. His white chef coat was a striking contrast against his mahogany skin. She’d always admired how he managed to keep his uniform impeccably clean. He’d unfastened the first button of his uniform, a clear and familiar indication to Misha that he was ready to end the day.

  “The red pepper flakes on the salmon will hardly be spicy. Just a little heat to kick up the flavour of the lime.” Misha smiled. “Besides, I’ve paired the seafood with my famous Parmesan, garlic-crusted, non-spicy chicken breasts.”

  “Didn’t you prepare that dish for me?” Darius looked up at her with a wry grin.

  “I did.” Misha brushed an imaginary piece of lint off her sleeve, uncomfortable with the memories his question brought up of the two of them spending the weekend together preparing some of their favourite dishes for one another. “You said it was the best chicken you’d ever had.”

  “It’s a damn good entrée. I think it will make a nice addition to the menu.”

  Misha nodded, pleased by his words. “What about the rest of my suggestions?”

  “They’re all good. I like the idea of Key lime pie as one of the dessert options. We can get the limes from Carter Farmer’s Market, which happens to be owned by Jerry Calhoun’s sister.”

  “I know. That’s why I suggested the dessert.”

  Darius lifted an eyebrow. “Oh, I see I’m not the only one doing my research.”

  “I always do my research, Darius.” Misha tapped her fingernails on the door. “You know that about me.”

  “I do know that about you.” Darius placed her menu on his desk then crossed his arms. “This catering gig could potentially take Savoury to the next level.”

  Misha cleared her throat. “It will take Savoury to the next level.”

  Snagging the Calhoun account was a big deal for Darius and, as his friend, she wanted everything to go smoothly. The family usually used the same catering service every year for their company anniversary, and their decision to use a local restaurant had made the news.

  “Thank you for always being so supportive.” Darius leaned against his desk.
“I appreciate it.”

  “You’d do the same for me.”

  “I would.” Darius pushed off the edge of his desk. “Why don’t you let me take you out for a drink to celebrate getting the account?”

  Misha’s eyes widened. He hadn’t asked her out since they’d both mutually agreed to keep their relationship strictly professional almost a year ago. She’d quickly learned from working with him that Darius was too much of a flirt to stay with any woman for long.

  Darius chuckled. “Don’t look so shocked. It’s just a drink.”

  “As lovely as that sounds”—Misha glanced at her watch as if the current time was reason for her hesitation—“I think I just want to go home and relax.”

  Darius dropped his hands to his side, disappointment evident on his handsome face. “C’mon, Misha. I’m not trying to get you back in my bed. Although…”

  Misha exhaled. “Darius—”

  “Misha.”

  This was the conversation she’d thought they’d never have again.

  “I thought we agreed to keep things strictly business between us going forward.”

  “We did.” He flashed her his infamous, winner-take-all grin. “But lately I’ve been thinking maybe that wasn’t the best decision for us.”

  “For us? What happened to Jess? Tess…?”

  “Beth. Nothing serious there. The woman bored me anywhere outside the bedroom.”

  Misha rolled her eyes. “She seemed head over heels in love with you.”

  Darius shrugged. “Of course, but she’s not the one I want.”

  “You have a huge ego, you know that?”

  “I’ve been told once or twice. It’s part of my charm. It worked for you, remember?”

  “Okay, where is this coming from? That thing between us was over and done with almost a year ago. We make better friends than lovers, Darius.”

  “Do we?” He took a step closer to her. “Because I think we do well in both areas. Misha, when I think about the future… I want you in it, and not just as my right hand in the kitchen.”

  Misha opened her mouth to speak and gasped when Darius bridged the small gap between them, pulled her against his body and kissed her. Too surprised to react at first, Misha brought her hands up to his chest and pushed away from him seconds later. She touched her lips as Darius stared at her, momentarily at a loss for words.

  “Misha—”

  “I can’t believe you just did that.” Misha felt her cell vibrate in her pocket. She tore her gaze from Darius and retrieved her phone, ready to talk to whoever was on the other line. It was her sister Serene calling. “Hello?”

  “Hey. I’m out front. Can you let me in?” Serene asked and Misha could hear barely contained excitement in her voice.

  “Okay. Give me a minute.” Misha avoided looking at Darius, but she could feel his eyes on her. “What’s going on? You sound funny.”

  “I sound funny?” Her sister giggled. “You sound a little bit funny. Just come let me in and I’ll tell you why I’m so excited.”

  “I’m on my way.” Misha ended the call and met Darius’ gaze. “Serene’s out front. I’m going to go let her in.”

  “Fine, but you and I still have some things to discuss. That kiss—”

  “That kiss was way out of line.” She pivoted to walk away when Darius caught her arm and whipped her around.

  “I’m not sorry about that kiss, but I do regret ever letting you go.” Darius released his hold on her. “Misha, we’re good together.”

  Misha sighed, not knowing how to respond. “Serene’s waiting for me.”

  Disappointment dimmed the light in Darius’ brown eyes. “You’ll lock up?”

  “Yes.”

  Darius grabbed his keys off his desk. “I know you don’t think I’m serious about this, but I am, Mish.”

  Misha almost believed he was ready to settle down after being the ultimate playboy for as long as she’d known him.

  “I believe you are being serious. I just don’t—can’t see us together anywhere else but in the kitchen.”

  “I’m going to change your mind about that.”

  Misha remained silent when Darius winked at her. He’d charmed his way into more than one wide-eyed woman’s bed, bowling them over with his good looks and his talents in the kitchen. “I can’t stop you from trying, but no more surprise kisses.”

  Darius held up his hands. “Got it.”

  Misha left him in his office, discombobulated by his confession. She made her way to the front of the darkened restaurant and smiled the instant she saw Serene waving at her through the glass. Unlocking the deadbolt, Misha barely had the door open before her sister began talking.

  “So, you know that cooking competition show?” Serene stepped inside, radiant in a burnt orange dress that showed off her toned body. “The one we watch on Friday nights?”

  Misha closed the door behind her sister. “Celeb Chef?”

  They were practically obsessed with the show. Every Friday, they’d pop popcorn, pour a bottle of wine and make wagers on which cook was going to get chopped from the competition first.

  Serene nodded excitedly. “Yep. Auditions are being held next week for next season’s show and I think you should go try out.”

  “What?”

  Serene gave her an exasperated sigh. “You need to have your butt down there to audition. You’d be perfect for the show.”

  Misha scoffed. “I don’t have time to be trying out for some crazy reality show.”

  “You could win fifty thousand dollars on that crazy show and that’s just if you’re runner-up.” Serene grabbed hold of her arm. “Mish, you could take the whole thing. You want your own restaurant… Being on the show would almost guarantee you that.”

  Misha frowned, a little overwhelmed by her sister’s enthusiasm. “I don’t know, Serene.” She walked towards the office and Serene followed.

  “Tell me that’s not what you’ve dreamt about, sis. Tell me you wouldn’t love the chance to show whatcha got on television. Celeb Chef could be your ticket to the big time. Preliminary auditions are being held downtown. There’s no excuse for you not to be there.”

  A sliver of excitement raced through Misha despite her misgivings. “Serene—”

  “Celeb Chef?”

  Both women looked at Darius as he came out of his office.

  “Don’t tell me you are seriously considering auditioning for that ridiculous reality show.”

  Misha shrugged, annoyed by his condescending tone. “It’s a good show.”

  Darius snorted. “The celeb chefs judging are just in it to make a bigger name for themselves. The show is nothing more than a popularity contest… Not a true test for awesome chefs.”

  “I disagree.” Serene gave Darius a tired look. “The last two winners of Celeb Chef have gone on to have very successful restaurants. The benefits of participating in this competition can’t be ignored.”

  “Real chefs don’t need a television show to pat them on the back.” Darius glanced at both sisters who simply stared at him. “Well, I’m out of here. Don’t forget to set the alarm.”

  “I won’t.” Misha rolled her eyes at Serene when Darius walked past them.

  “Goodnight, ladies.”

  “Goodnight,” the sisters said in unison.

  Serene waited until he pushed through the back door to speak. “He should’ve been supportive of the idea. Don’t listen to him and don’t try to act like you aren’t excited about this. Celeb Chef is your chance to prove to yourself and the world that you are indeed the bomb-diggity chef I already know you are. You’ll breeze through the audition here in town and then I’ll go with you to Seattle, Mish.”

  “Wait. Seattle?”

  “Yup. That’s where the show is being filmed this season.” Serene clapped her hands together. “I’ve always wanted to visit the Emerald City. It’s such a health-conscious state.”

  “Wow.” Misha tried to picture herself boarding a plane for Seattle. “This is c
razy. Darius would be super pissed with me if I went. There’s a very important catering event this weekend.”

  Serene grabbed hold of her arm. “You never ask for time off, but if you’re worried about leaving him in a bind we could fly out late Sunday morning if you want. Honestly, you need to stop thinking about him. This is about you. Your career. Your chance to do something amazing.”

  Misha leaned against the wall, thinking about the high octane show she was addicted to, trying to imagine herself being one of the frazzled contestants competing for the ultimate title of Celeb Chef.

  “C’mon, Misha.” Serene released her hold on her to twirl one of her braids. “Dad, Mom and Kaden all agree you should try out for the show.”

  “Our big brother gave his stamp of approval?” Misha chuckled. “That’s surprising. The last time we talked he was encouraging me to become partners with Darius.”

  Serene waved her hand. ”He knows you’re too talented and driven to be happy working for Darius in his restaurant when your dream is to have your own. Being on Celeb Chef—winning Celeb Chef could give you the start-up cash and recognition you need to get your own place up and running. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t love to be on that show.”

  “No, I can’t. I would love nothing better than to compete on that crazy programme.”

  Serene grinned. “So, what’s stopping you?”

  “I don’t know.” Misha paused. “Fear?”

  “Remember what Dad always tells us?”

  Misha smiled. “You’ll never get anywhere being afraid.”

  Serene nodded, excitement making her radiant face even more beautiful. “That’s right. So?”

  “So, I guess I’m going to try out for Celeb Chef.” Misha cringed when her sister squealed.

  “You’re going to win!” Serene hugged her. “I just know it! Let’s go to dinner and celebrate you making the best decision of your life. I’m not kidding, Misha, I have a feeling your life will never be the same after this.”

  Misha laughed as she pulled away from her sister. “You are so dramatic. Let’s go. I can just whip us up something to eat at my place.” She went into Darius’ office, grabbed her purse and keys before shutting off the light and joining her sister back in the hallway. “I’ve got all the ingredients to make chicken parmigiana.”