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  “Mmm… I love it when you make that, but I’m hungry now.” Serene walked with her towards the back door. “That takes at least an hour. Besides, you cook all the time.” She snapped her fingers as Misha set the alarm. “No, we’re going to go somewhere, have some drinks, relax and talk about possible names for your own restaurant when you win this competition.”

  Misha opened the door, let Serene pass then stepped outside with a grin. “You do realise I’ll be up against some of the finest up-and-coming chefs in the country.”

  Serene shrugged. “I know and I’m still confident.”

  “Those judges can be brutal. I wonder who they’ll get to judge for this season.”

  “Doesn’t matter. You can take the heat in the kitchen. You’ll be fine.”

  Misha giggled. “I can’t believe you never wanted to be a cheerleader. All you need are some pom-poms right now.”

  “Ha! Follow me to the restaurant. I’ll try not to drive too fast.” Serene unlocked her car door. “I know how crazy that makes you.”

  “I’ll be right behind you.”

  “Mish, I’m so excited for you!”

  Misha smiled, unlocking and getting into her own vehicle as her sister got into hers. She started the car then followed Serene out of the parking lot, thinking about what they’d talked about.

  Celeb Chef could very well change her life. All of the past winners had gained some measure of notoriety and professional success. Winning would open doors and catapult her career, but a bad run on the show could have the exact opposite effect.

  Serene was right… Good or bad, competing on Celeb Chef would change everything.

  * * * *

  Sunday morning, Misha parked in front of Serene’s condo, a ball of nerves. She still couldn’t believe she’d snagged a spot on Celeb Chef. If she didn’t go any further on the show, she would be proud to have been chosen out of a group of four local chefs. Serene had invited her over for breakfast to celebrate before they headed to the airport, but she was too anxious to eat. She got out of her car, her stomach in knots as she walked up to her sister’s door. After taking in a few deep breaths, she rang the doorbell. When it flew open, her eyes widened in surprise as she saw her best friends, Ava and Josie.

  “Surprise!” Ava and Josie said in unison. They pulled her inside and hugged her.

  Misha laughed. “This is a surprise. You both managed not to tell me you’d be here when I talked to you guys last night.”

  Ava tossed her dark tresses over her shoulder as she brought her hand up to her heart. “Dios! I know. It was very tough not spilling the beans.”

  Josie giggled. “Serene made us promise not to tell.”

  Misha wagged her finger at her sister who’d come to the door with a satisfied grin on her face. “You’re always up to something.”

  “Hey, I couldn’t let you go to Seattle without getting your girls together.” Serene waved the spatula in her hand. “Come into the kitchen and get these heavy-ass pancakes before they’re cold.”

  “I keep telling you not to over-whip the batter.” Misha followed the ladies through the living room to the kitchen. “Don’t you two look snazzy?” She admired the long-sleeved teal dress and the way it accentuated Josie’s pale skin and blonde hair. Ava was characteristically stunning in a ruby skirt, black sweater, matching black tights and boots that highlighted her long dancer legs and olive skin.

  “Snazzy?” Ava pouted prettily. “I was going for sexy.”

  Misha smiled, always amused by her sassy friend. “You already know you’re that. Josie, I love that colour on you.”

  Josie smoothed her hand over the dress. “Ava convinced me to buy it. I thought it was too bold.”

  “I told you it was rockin’. I’m more determined than ever to help you jazz up that boring wardrobe of yours.” Ava set her phone on the counter. “We’re going shopping on the Magnificent Mile after we see you guys off.”

  “Not fair. You guys get to shop while we get to enjoy the joys of airport security.” Misha breathed in the delicious scents of cinnamon and bacon filling the air as she washed her hands. She took a knife, cut a piece of one pancake and sampled it while the other ladies watched. “These will need extra syrup.”

  “I’ve got plenty.” Serene brushed past her, donned an oven mitt then opened the oven door as Ava and Josie snickered. “I don’t know why I didn’t get any of those fabulous cooking genes like you did.” She took out a pan of sizzling bacon and placed it on the stove top with a big grin. “At least I didn’t burn the bacon. Ava, will you take out the pitcher of orange in the fridge? Josie, grab the plates on the counter and let’s eat.”

  “Where’s the champagne?” Ava asked, retrieving the juice from the fridge. “You know we’ve gotta have a mimosa toast before you two leave.”

  “But of course,” her sister said in a terrible Italian accent that got all of the ladies giggling again as they took a seat around Serene’s kitchen table.

  Misha blinked back tears as her closest friends continued to joke and laugh with one another while serving themselves breakfast, moved by her sister’s thoughtfulness to bring them all together before they left for Seattle.

  “Okay”—Ava passed flutes to everyone—“let’s join our glasses and toast Misha on what is sure to be an amazing experience!”

  Josie and Serene clinked their glasses with her and Ava.

  “Here’s to the newest Celeb Chef.” Josie took a sip, “Remember us when, girl.”

  “Ha! If I win, I’ll thank you all for always being there for me.” Misha paused to take a deep breath as her emotions almost got the best of her. “I truly have the best friends and sister. I may not win this competition, but knowing I have all of your support means the world to me.”

  Ava placed her glass down to wave her hand. “Now, you know you’re gonna have to keep those tears under wraps on the show.”

  Misha chuckled. “I promise to be a strong chef. Never let ‘em see you sweat or burn something, right?”

  “I wish we knew who the judges are.” Serene set her flute down. “Remember that judge with the wild red hair last season? She was brutal.”

  “She was, but she knew her stuff.” Misha picked up a piece of bacon. “I can handle brutal if it’ll make me a better cook.”

  “How did Darius take the news about you doing the show?” Josie asked, reaching for the pitcher of spiked orange juice. “I know he can’t be happy about you being away from Savoury for an indefinite amount of time.”

  Serene rolled her eyes. “Darius and Savoury will be fine. You guys, he tried to talk her out of it.”

  Misha finished her bite of bacon, recalling the uncomfortable conversation she’d had with Darius after the Calhoun’s successful catering event. “He wished me well, but I know he’d rather I’d stay.”

  “He doesn’t want to lose you.”

  Misha ignored Ava’s knowing smile, continuing to nibble her bacon without another word on the subject. She hadn’t told her sister about Darius’ impromptu kiss. He’d been disappointed about her leaving and refusing to talk more about the possibility of the two of them being together in the future.

  “Maybe while you’re gone, Darius will finally realise what a fool he was to let you go.” Serene topped off all of their glasses.

  He already has.

  “Maybe.” Misha shifted in her seat as her friends and sister looked at her.

  “Would you give him another chance?” Josie swirled her pancake-laden fork in the pure maple syrup on her plate.

  “No,” Ava answered for her and Serene laughed. “Darius isn’t a match for you, Misha, I said that when you first went out with him, remember?”

  “I remember.”

  Ava waved her bacon at them. “I’ve told you guys this before, but I can sense these kinda things. You two may be good in the kitchen, but that’s the only place.”

  “Well, why didn’t you speak up about Robert?” Josie frowned. “You didn’t say one thing about him not be
ing my match.”

  “I told you to take things really slow.” Ava dipped her bacon in her syrup as Josie glared at her.

  “That’s hardly helpful.”

  “Well, I didn’t get a strong ‘don’t date him, girl’ vibe from Robert.” Ava crunched her bacon thoughtfully while the rest of them waited for her to finish the bite. “I didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news if there wasn’t any. I knew eventually you’d realise he wasn’t your best match all on your own.”

  “Ava, the date whisperer,” Serene teased and the ladies laughed.

  “Hey, I’ve got a gift.” Ava straightened her back. “Passed down generation to generation to most of the Torres women.”

  “Too bad your gift of knowledge is only limited to potential dating disasters.” Misha glanced at the clock on the wall. She pushed her plate away as the feeling of butterflies fluttering in her stomach increased. It was hard to believe that in less than forty-five minutes, she would be getting on a plane to fly to a city they’d never been, to participate in one of the country’s most popular cooking competitions.

  “Nervous?”

  Misha looked at Josie. “Can you tell?”

  “It’s written all over your face. You’re going to do great.” Ava took hold of her hand on one side and Josie did the same on the other.

  Josie gently squeezed her hand. “Yes, you are and we’ll be cheering you here the entire time. All of us already know how fabulous you are. Chef Ryan, you’re too good not to share your culinary gifts on a much grander scale.”

  Tears welled up in Misha’s eyes. “Thanks, guys. You know, I’m not used to being addressed that way.”

  “Well, you’d better get used to it.” Serene sniffled. “Now, you all are going to make me cry. C’mon, one more toast before we clean up and get out of here.” Her sister waited for everyone to lift their glass. “Team Ryan!”

  “Team Ryan,” they all repeated as Misha smiled.

  She was nervous as hell, but so excited about the challenges she knew awaited her. Ready or not, she was on her way to the Emerald City to find out if she had what it took to become a Celeb Chef.

  Chapter Two

  Cameron walked onto the Celeb Chef set and was greeted with cheers from the audience. He gave a good-natured wave to the excited fans before heading over to the judge’s table, smiling at the other three judges already seated. He knew only one, Rowen Gallagher, pastry chef extraordinaire.

  She waved at him as he approached. “You finally made it.” Rowen handed him a folder. “Phyllis Kine, meet Cameron Banner.”

  Cameron shook the other lady’s hand, recalling an article written about the health-conscious chef opening the ultimate foodie restaurant dedicated to serving all dishes eight hundred calories or less.

  Phyllis shook his hand with a warm smile. “Welcome. I hope you packed antacids.”

  Cameron chuckled. “That bad, eh?”

  “I guess I’m just not used to eating a lot of butter and sugar.” Phyllis took a sip from her glass of iced water. “There is some real talent here, though.”

  “Excellent. I’m looking forward to this.” Cameron assessed Phyllis’ long, willowy form and imagined that most foods probably caused the woman some kind of gastro distress. He averted his attention from her to the other male judge, who was already offering his hand.

  “Don Mackey.” The portly judge pumped his hand vigorously. “Nice to meet you.”

  Cameron grinned. “Likewise, Don.”

  “The producer told me we’ll be getting started in about five minutes. Well, we’ve got seven potential finalists for the show left.” Rowen smiled at him. “You joined us just in time for the final preliminary round, Cameron.”

  “I’ve been watching the show.” Cameron took his seat behind the table facing the huge hall that had been transformed into ten mini kitchens. “You guys have had to make some tough decisions regarding the contenders.”

  “Well, today they should all do well.” Don placed his hands on top of his round belly. “How hard is it to mess up breakfast?”

  Phyllis snorted. “We’re about to find out.” She shook her head as Rowen and Cameron chuckled.

  “We have to decide which three chefs to cut today and which four to move forward.” Rowen passed a score card out to each judge. “Now, we’re officially ready.”

  Don leaned further into Cameron’s personal space than he liked. “You got to miss out on all the cooking nightmares.”

  “That’s what I’ve heard.” Cameron watched Don take a sip of what appeared to be iced coffee with whipped cream and sprinkles. He opened the folder Rowen had given him, jet lag still kicking his ass and he was hungry. Hunger always sharpened his taste buds and he was looking forward to tasting and judging each dish the contenders made.

  “What bad timing for Scott Marks.” Don slurped his coffee treat. “He told me he wanted to be one of the celebrity judges for this show two seasons ago, but I’m sure his wife is happy he decided to leave early and come back on next season, so he could be there for the premature birth of their son.”

  “I’m sure she is.” Cameron thumbed through the profiles of the contenders, ignoring memories and the flash of dull pain twisting his gut. He’d lost his wife Jess, not physically, but emotionally when she’d miscarried six months into her pregnancy. Their loss had created a gap between them he’d never been able to bridge and their subsequent divorce almost a year later had been at her request. Time had helped him see that the dissolution of their marriage had been for the best—they’d never been fully in sync with one another, not even after almost two years of dating. Heartbreak had proved to be too much of a strain on their tenuous union.

  “Mark gets to enjoy the sunshine in California while we deal with this rain,” Don said, bringing him out of the past. “Have you ever been there?”

  “Nope. I’ve always wanted to get out that way to visit Mark’s restaurant. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the place.”

  Don nodded. “I’ve been. He’s a bad ass in the kitchen, just like you.”

  Cameron grinned, pleased by the compliment. He’d worked hard to earn his reputation in the culinary world. “Look who’s talking, man. Your desserts were served at the White House.”

  “I still can’t believe that.” Don beamed as he leaned in towards Cameron. “Rowen’s so jealous about that too. She’s wants a pastry bake-off. Her favourite cake up against mine. I told her if her fave chef wins I’ll do it, but if mine wins, she has to design and name a cake after me.”

  Cameron shook his head, amused by the dessert chef. He knew Rowen well enough to know she had no intentions of losing their bet. “I’ll offer to be a judge for that.”

  “Only if you vote for me.” Don looked around him. “Here they come.”

  Cameron shifted to see the chef contenders entering the hall.

  “We’ll finally find out what the mystery ingredient for today’s competition will be.”

  Cameron quickly counted four male and three female chefs as they made their way to their respective mini kitchens. Their faces reflected an interesting mixture of excitement and trepidation as shrimp, the mystery ingredient, was revealed. The giant clock behind the contestants started to tick down the minutes the moment Shannon, the host for Celeb Chef, announced that the final round had begun with her usual flair for the cameras.

  A flurry of activity commenced and Cameron divided his attention between sharing observations quietly with the other judges and studying the chefs moving about their kitchens with their personally selected crew in high octane energy. His gaze rested on one particular female chef. She stood out in a sea of white coats with her smooth mocha skin and the twisted ebony strands barely concealed beneath her chef hat. Even from his vantage point, Cameron could see her effortlessly commanding her team as she sautéed something on the stove.

  Don stood up. “This is the time we are supposed to get up and observe the contenders in action. Truth be told, I think the producers just like to
see which cook gets rattled by our presence.”

  “Cool.” Cameron got up, glad to stretch his legs. “I’d like to take a closer look at their prep methods.”

  He walked with Don and the other judges towards the mini kitchens where they broke off and observed different cook stations. Cameron could easily see which chefs were more confident than they should be given the time and their lack of finished dishes. Name tags allowed him to greet each chef personally and he noticed the ones more concerned with greeting him than continuing to guide their staff. He made his way to the final station and realised subconsciously that he’d been saving the best for last.

  “Nicely done, Chef Ryan.” Cameron admired the way she hand-tossed a skillet of sizzling shrimp while barely glancing up to give him a polite smile.

  “Thank you, Chef Banner.”

  She quickly returned her attention to her food, but not before he’d taken in every inch of her beautiful face. He continued to observe her instructing others while mincing shallots, mesmerised by the way she worked the knife in her hand. Her gaze lifted unexpectedly to meet his again and Cameron wished he could watch her until the very last second passed in the competition.

  “You’re welcome. I look forward to tasting your dishes.” He hoped his voice sounded professional, because sampling her dishes was the last thing on his mind when her luscious lips curved up into a sweet smile.

  Misha merely tilted her head in his direction before turning away to take the pan her assistant was handing off to her. Cameron walked on, amused by his level of interest in a woman he’d just met. It had been a while since any female had stirred up such a reaction within him. His painful divorce, at least in his case, had destroyed his optimism in the opposite sex. He wasn’t sure if he even believed true love existed and was no longer keen to find out.

  When the mood struck, he sought out female companionship. He always made it clear that he was only interested in a physical relationship and made sure that’s all it was by ending things as quickly as they usually had begun. His restaurants kept him busy and occasional loneliness was easier to deal with than any emotional entanglements.