Page 46 of When You Were Mine

“Yes, and the reason is a woman named Darby.”

“And here’s the bad side of stubbornness. If you really want to give Joel a fair shot, it’ll only come after you get closure with your first love.”

Jess sat up straighter. “You’re right. How did you get so smart?”

“I had the best older sister in the world. She guided me through some really messy times in my life. You ready to let me return the favor?”

“I think so.”

“Good. Then, go talk to him.”

“All right. I’ll do it.” But it was easier said than done.

Because she’d only ever known him as the boy who’d looked at her with devotion and lust.

And now, he was in love with another woman.

She didn’t think she could bear being in the same room with them.

Chapter Seven

Jessica couldn’t saywhat the chef prepared. She didn’t know if the food was too salty or not flavorful enough.

She was overheated, overstimulated, and about to lose her mind.

Because Trevor was working her last nerve trying to get her attention.

He wasn’t being rude or childish. No, he was charming and funny. He was delightful.

So much so that no one noticed what he was doing.

Except her. Because that man knew exactly what to say to stir her up, to engage her. Even worse, every time their gazes collided, sparks flew.

Ignoring him was exhausting.

Yeah, she got it. She should’ve moved on long ago. Getting closure should’ve been a simple thing, just two friends talking through what went wrong.

He explains his side. I explain mine.

We hug it out, and all is peachy.

But she just couldn’t do that. Not in front of Jasper, Chris, and Darby. Her emotions ran too high.

Besides, she wasworking.

This is a job.

My reputation’s on the line.

For the past hour, the others raved about the food and listened with rapt attention as the rosy-cheeked chef described his cooking ethos and told stories about each dish. He was as captivating as he was talented—and he even had a great temperament. Which was rare for a chef.

After the servers brought out a selection of side dishes, the chef stood in front of the table and rubbed his hands together. “How’s everything so far?”

“Couldn’t be better,” Chris said.

“I’ll be honest. Food’s always been more like fuel for me, but this…” Darby gestured to the plate in front of her. “Your cooking might turn me into a foodie.”

“We appreciate you coming out here,” Jess said. “I know it wasn’t easy.” He’d had to pack up his food and knives, travel by two different modes of transportation—car and ferry—and cook in an unfamiliar kitchen.

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