Savory Sins

f halibut sat atop a creamy risotto, its edges slightly curled-a telltale sign of overcookin

is voice sharp enough to slice

f the junior chefs hesitantly raised her hand.

n snapped, his frustration bubbl

dge until his knuckles turned white. Mistakes happened, but not on his watch, not t

le. She hadn't said much since their confrontation, but Adrian

ard her. "Are you enjoying this

e replied coolly, swirling a gl

tic kitchen, "-this disaster. Is th

ave time to play games with you while managing th

as she stepped closer, her voice drop

ould figure out who's really pulling the string

er heel and left the kitchen, leaving Ad

s and keeping the event running smoothly. Adrian's staff worked tireles

ed, a sudden commotion in the dini

nto the kitchen, her face pale. "T

sank. "What kin

guing with one of the guests about th

oors, Adrian stepped into the elegantly lit dining room, where

x of defiance and irritation. Across from her, a man in an impeccably tail

ed, his face flushed. "A cabernet sauv

his jaw tight. "Wha

ou the chef? Perhaps you can explain why your som

lamb is braised with a bold red wine reduction," she said evenly.

e pairing is intentional. If you have a problem, I

shade of red, but before he cou

d, her tone smooth as silk. "Perhaps a B

diffused the situation, and the

everything, she handled herself with grace and confi

rian found Celeste outside, leaning against the brick wall of the event venue. T

he said, app

expression unreadable.

silence, the tension betwe

lly, his voice quiet. "For earlier. I sh

"You shouldn't have. But

at. "Because... I don't know who to trust. A

came here to work with you, not against you. But

heart pounding. "I do

ush of heat and desperation, Adrian closed the distanc

hair as she pulled him closer. The world around them fa

broke apart, both

ng," Celeste murmured, her

is gaze locked on hers

to whisper promises of more-more passion,