Soul Sweet (13 page)

“Chef Banner, can you tell us how the judges reached this decision?” Shannon asked once the wild applause had died down.

“Her use of cilantro in the quiche and the extraordinary yumminess of her strawberry biscuits gave her a two point lead advantage.”

Shannon came over to her. “Congratulations, Misha.”

“Thank you, Shannon, and thank you, judges.”

Shannon looked directly into the camera. “There you have it. Misha and Jackson are our final two contenders who will battle it out here on Tuesday. Which one will be our next
Celeb Chef
? You’ll have to tune it to find out. Until then… Keep it delicious!”

Misha turned around and congratulated her team, promising a round of drinks later that evening before making her way over to Vivian.

“Congratulations, Misha.”

“Thanks.”

Vivian stuffed personal kitchen utensils into her bag. “I’m sad to be going home, but happy for you. I hope you win the final challenge. Jackson’s too cocky.”

Misha grinned. “He’d take that as a compliment.”

“Oh, I know.” Vivian offered her a bowl of her blueberry torte. “Taste this. It’s damn good if I do say so myself.”

Misha took the bowl, lifted the spoon to her mouth and took a bite. “Oh, this is really good. I love the hint of nutmeg infused in the cream.”

Vivian smiled. “Thank you. I hope you saved me one of those biscuits. It’ll go nicely with the Irish cream coffee I’m about to partake of once I’m back in my hotel room.”

“There’s a whole pan of them left. I’ll set some aside for you.”

“Do you think Chef Banner will personally wish you the best of luck for the final show?” Vivian winked at Misha as she took off her chef hat.

Misha shrugged, keeping her expression neutral. “I don’t know.”

“I think you do,” Vivian said in a singsong voice. “I’m not buying the ‘I don’t know he’s interested in me’ act.”

“Vivian—”

The other chef held up her hand when Misha remained silent. “Okay, I’m not saying another word. I’m going to go out with my crew and then I’m flying to New York.”

“New York?” Misha asked, knowing Vivian was from Connecticut.

“Yes, I’m going to be on that morning talk show tomorrow with those five female hosts. I’m so nervous.”

“That’s exciting! I’ll be sure to watch.”

“And I’ll be watching to see who wins.” Vivian hugged her. “Best of luck, Misha.”

Misha thanked her again before going back to her own kitchen station. She sent over a dozen of her strawberry-filled biscuits and waved to Vivian as she exited the studio.

“And then there were two.”

Misha looked to see Jackson standing with his arms crossed behind her. “Yep. It’s just you and me now.”

Jackson smiled at her. “Do you think you have what it takes to win, Chef Ryan?” His teasing tone held a hard edge just below the surface.

“Do you think you do?”

Jackson laughed, his handsome face full of merriment. “I do. I can picture myself holding that beautiful
Celeb Chef
knife now.”

“Well, we’ll find out who gets to take it home soon enough, right?”

“Indeed. I couldn’t have asked for a better chef to go into the final round with.”

Misha grinned, surprised by his compliment. “Likewise, Jackson.”

He tilted his head in her direction before striding off to talk to Shannon. Misha observed him laughing with the host and realised he was totally into the long-legged redhead. She couldn’t tell if the feeling was mutual, though. Shannon was warm and friendly to everyone.

Her gaze shifted to the judges’ table as she instinctively sought out Cameron. He was nowhere to be seen. Disappointed, Misha grabbed her stuff and headed out of the studio, waving to everyone as she left. She stepped outside, grateful to see the limo to take her back to her hotel. Thanking the driver as he held open the door, Misha slid into the seat with a weary sigh. She couldn’t wait to take a leisurely shower and relax for a little bit before going out with her crew later on.

Later, Misha flopped down on her bed, still damp from her shower. She turned her head and saw the light flashing, indicating a message for her. Curious, she picked up the phone to learn she had a package awaiting her at the front desk.

What the hell?

Misha got out of bed, put on a bra before pulling on a sweater and a pair of jeans. After applying eyeliner and lip gloss, she left her room and took the elevator down to the lobby. She gave her name at the desk, waited for Bev, the front desk clerk, to retrieve her package as she replied to a text message from her sister.

“How does it feel to be so close to winning the title of
Celeb Chef
?”

Misha’s heart skipped a beat the moment she heard Cameron’s voice. She shifted her body to look at him. “It feels damn good.”

Poor choice of words.

“I bet.”

She drew in a sharp breath consumed by erotic flashbacks of her fingers threading through his hair as she bucked her hips against his face. Goose bumps arose on her skin and she got wet looking at him as she recalled the way he’d worked his fingers in and out of her wet pussy. Her nipples hardened, rubbing deliciously against the satiny material of her bra as Cameron’s gaze ran over her.

Misha returned his lazy grin with a small smile of her own. “How are you?”

He was close enough for her to smell his cologne. Her gaze dropped from his eyes to his lips and a pulse of desire spiralled out of control within her as more images of him between her legs popped into her mind.

His tongue…

Good lawd.

He knew how to eat pussy.

Was he thinking about how hard she’d come for him just using his mouth and hand?

The naughty question in her mind sent a surge of heat through her. She shifted her weight off the front desk, very aware of her bare pussy rubbing against the seam of her jeans and the wetness threatening to soak the fabric. She wanted him so bad and she couldn’t remember the last time a man had created such need within her.

“I’m good. It’s been an interesting morning to say the least.”

Misha nodded. “That it has been. It still hasn’t sunk in that I’m in the final showdown with Jackson.”

“You deserve the chance to win.”

“Thanks, Cameron.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Here you are, Ms Ryan.” Misha and Cameron both turned to look at Bev, who pushed forward a huge vase of roses. “There is a card enclosed.”

“Thank you.” Misha’s eyes widened as she took in the enormous bouquet of red and pink roses.

“Someone went all out.”

Misha didn’t respond to Cameron as she reached for the card nestled in between the soft, fragrant blossoms. She opened the small envelope to read the message inside.

I’ve watched you blossom into something far prettier than these roses.

Turn around.

Misha whirled around, barely aware of Cameron pivoting with her and gasped. “Oh, my God.”

Darius!

She blinked, but he was still there, leaning against a pillar. He approached with a huge satisfied grin on his handsome face.

“Darius, what are you doing here?”

Darius frowned. “Now, that’s not quite the response I was expecting.” He wrapped his arms around her before pressing a quick kiss on her cheek. “I wanted to come and show my support. I know Serene couldn’t stay. Surprised?”

“Very.” Misha could feel Cameron’s gaze on her as she pulled away from Darius.

“I’m so proud of you! You’re in the final show, baby. Everyone back at Savoury is so excited for you.”

“Aww… I miss them.”

“Trust me, they miss you too. I think your management style is more to their liking.”

Misha chuckled as she shook her head. “I can’t believe you’re here. Darius Pane”—she gestured to Cameron—“this is Cameron Banner.”

Darius shifted his attention from her to offer his hand to Cameron. “Hey, man, you’re a great addition to the show. Nice to meet you.”

Cameron shook Darius’ hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Darius, and thanks. I’ve got to go make some phone calls. I hope you enjoy your time here in the Emerald City.”

Darius grinned. “I plan to.”

“Later, then.” Cameron gave them both what she now knew to be his television smile before walking away.

Misha regretted not being able to talk to him longer. She’d intended to find out what was bothering him.

“Do you like the flowers?”

Misha dragged her gaze from Cameron’s retreating form to nod. “They’re gorgeous. Thank you, Darius.” She picked the vase up off the counter, feeling a tad guilty that she had to drum up excitement and joy for his unexpected visit. “I don’t think I’ve ever gotten this many roses at one time.”

“You deserve them and more. Here, let me carry them up to your room for you.”

Misha passed him the flowers as they walked towards the elevator. “Your support means a lot to me.”

Darius held the elevator door open. “You’ll always have my support.”

They stepped into the lift with another couple and Misha waited until they’d exited to turn to Darius. “You’ll always have mine too. I wouldn’t have come this far along in the show if it hadn’t been for the experience gained from working with you at Savoury.”

Darius snorted. “You could teach me a thing or two, at this point. I’ve been amazed at how well you’ve continually risen above the stress I’m sure goes along with a competition like this one. My kitchen is never that stressful.”

Misha grinned at him as they got off on her floor. “Savoury has had some moments. Remember when that shipment of crab got delayed and Mr… What was his name?”

“Lonler.”

“Right! Mr Lonler demanded crab or a full refund on that banquet we’d already spent twenty hours preparing for?”

Darius shook his head. “How could I forget that jerk?”

“This is my room.” Misha took her key card out of her bag, unlocked the door and held it open for Darius to pass. “Did you get a room in this hotel for the night?” She watched him place the vase on the small dining table.

“Uh, not exactly.” Darius turned to face her and she knew in the breadth of a nanosecond that he’d banked on staying the night with her.

* * * *

Cameron ignored the dull burn in his muscles and the sweat dampening his T-shirt, continuing to jog in an inclined position at a brutal pace. He pushed himself to run faster, challenged himself to finish the four-mile workout under his usual time. The machine beeped and he slowed his pace, pleased by the numbers displayed on the screen in front of him.

He got off the machine and walked over to the paper towel dispenser. After snagging a few, he returned to the treadmill and wiped it down. It was almost eleven o’ clock at night and the gym was officially closed. The hotel manager had given him a special key card, allowing him access outside the standard hours offered to other guests, and the room was almost eerily quiet with him being the only occupant. He walked over to the floor-length windows overlooking downtown Seattle. The view was fantastic. Cameron envisioned bringing Misha up to the exercise room for a little workout that didn’t require the machines behind him, just the two of them up against the glass.

Shit.

Cameron adjusted his hard-on then picked up his water bottle. He took a sip and wondered if Misha was having a nightcap with Darius. For a short while, he’d managed to forget about her, forget about how damn sexy she’d looked in those jeans that had hugged her spankable ass. It had been just about all he could take not to yank her against him and kiss her hard on the lips while he palmed her derrière. From the way Darius had been looking at her, Cameron figured he’d felt the exact same way. Misha had told him she’d never felt any chemistry between them, but it was clear that Darius wanted to change her mind.

Cameron gritted his teeth as he flicked the light off in the gym. He made his way back to his room and headed straight to the shower. The warm water cascading over his body started to soothe the tiny aches his workout had created as he lathered his body. He closed his eyes and envisioned Misha dressed up for dinner with Darius, those curves tempting the other man to touch her.

Mine.

Cameron muttered a curse. The fact was that she wasn’t his, at least not yet, and seeing her standing next to Darius had confirmed for him once and for all that he wouldn’t be satisfied until he’d claimed her. He wished she were in the shower with him. His cock hardened as he pictured the pleasure of having Misha right in front of him as he slid balls deep into her warm, wet sheath. She’d been so tight around his fingers. Cameron placed one hand on the shower wall, wrapped his other one around his dick and stroked his erection under the pulsating stream of water. Thinking about taking Misha never failed to make him hard as steel. Exercising had barely eased the tension and need within him.

“Fuck.” Cameron straightened. He took his hand off his cock, shut off the water and got out of the shower. He quickly towel dried before cinching the towel around his hips, ignoring his stiff cock bobbing underneath. Striding to the mini bar, he opened the small fridge, stared at the liquor choices inside and contemplated drinking one bottle of everything. He reached for the tequila and paused when he heard a knock at his door. After slamming the fridge shut, he walked to the door, opened it and blinked in surprise when he saw Misha.

“Hello, Cameron.”

“This is unexpected.”

Misha smiled. “You said, win or lose, you wanted to see me tonight.”

Cameron lifted an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be entertaining Darius?”

The grin on Misha’s face slipped and faded.

Damn.

His tone held an edge and he knew Misha had picked up on it.

“Darius is out entertaining Seattleite friends of his own.” Her voice was a bit cooler as her gaze flicked over his half-dressed state. “Looks like I caught you at an inopportune time.”

“No, that would have been five minutes ago.”

She’d changed into a pair of black yoga pants and a hot pink hoodie, with the hood pulled up over her hair. The sight of her made him hard as steel all over again. Cameron took hold of his towel as it started to slip. “Come in, before someone sees through your mediocre disguise.”