Page 11 of One Sweet Match Up

“You are?” On what planet did Donovan Foster envy her?

“Yeah. It sounds like you knew what you wanted and went for it. I’ve been here two months and still haven’t a clue what it is I’m going to do. I thought I’d come back and everything would fall into place, but I continue to live out of a suitcase in my sister’s girly guest room. Everyone in town looks at me like I’ve lost my mind.”

“Have you?” she asked, cracking a smile.

He grinned back. “Maybe.”

“Well, there’s something to be said about keeping people on their toes.”

“Right. I’m in no hurry. I mean . . . I want to open a restaurant, but it has to be the right one. I don’t want to replicate what I did in Denver, but I don’t want to fade into the culinary sunset either. I’d like to build on my career in some way.”

“I don’t think you’ll fade into the sunset.” She paused. “I mean, I’m sure you’re well known.”

“I have a reputation for succeeding.”

Yeah, and of being a self-centered playboy who flies off the handle firing sweet line cooks. She picked up her wine, giving her mug a swirl. “I doubt you’re ready to be put out to pasture. You could do all kinds of things. With the internet these days, it’s not like you’d have to be only known in Buttermilk Falls. Besides, everyone loves a comeback.” Zoe took a sip of her wine. Was she honestly giving Donovan a pep talk?

“Yeah. I know what you mean about the internet. I was even thinking of live streaming my work in the kitchen. Maybe experiment with some new recipes . . .” He stopped for a beat, pointing to the snow. “Show people what they could make while riding out a snowstorm. I’m pretty good with a counter full of vegetables, a chunk of meat, and a soup pot. Maybe comfort food should be my next venture.”

A vision of her next to Donovan as he chopped seasonal vegetables for a warm, hearty stew popped into her head. “Stop it,” she mumbled.

“Stop what?”

“Oh nothing.” She set down her fork and picked up her mug, hoisting it in the air.

“To your culinary comeback.”

“Culinary comeback,” he repeated, lifting his mug up. “How about to culinary comebacks and a fresh change of scenery?”

“To culinary comebacks and a fresh change of scenery,” she repeated. His toast caused her cheeks to warm. Was the latter part meant for her? It sure sounded like a nod to what she’d said earlier. She clinked her mug to his and took a sip.

“I’m glad you liked the pasta.” He pointed to her empty plate; his gaze locked with hers for more than a split second.

“What?” She swiped her chin, glancing down at her hand. “Is there sauce on my face?” She’d die if there was.

“No. It’s just you really do look familiar. I can’t put my finger on where we might have met, but I’m almost certain we have. Maybe we bumped into each other at the Star Lite or the Buttermilk Tavern?”

“Maybe. It is a small town.” She sprang from the booth in the direction of the cake display, ready to change the subject. “I’d like some dessert. How about you?”

“Sure. Abby made an awesome red velvet cake this morning. There’s still some in the carousel.” He reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. “Speaking of Abby, I’m going to send her a quick text and let her know we’re bunking here for the night unless she has a broom stick in the back we could borrow to get home.”

“That would be one cold ride.” Zoe couldn’t help but laugh at the ridiculous image of her holding on to Donovan on the back of a broomstick. Over the last few months, she’d gotten used to talk about the Stevens cousins and their magical abilities—not to mention Adam’s. It was out of this world to experience it firsthand last December, even if she didn’t agree at all with the outcome that Will Jenkins was her soul mate.

Moving behind the counter, she found two small plates and a knife. While cutting two generous slices, she couldn’t resist stealing a little peek at her dinner companion.

Tonight had certainly been unexpected.

Nice even.

Maybe if they’d spoken before he fired her she could have told him the truth. Maybe no one would have been let go. It wasn’t like the governor went toes up, after all.

If Donovan hadn’t fired her, would they be working side by side at this very moment? Her mind wandered again to them cooking together at the Rocky Top, this time him inches from her bringing a spoon up to her mouth to taste his special sauce.

Enough already with the dumb fantasies.That would have never, ever happened. She snapped back to reality and grabbed the plates. Donovan had only one mission that night and that was to get rid of who he thought was responsible for the snafu. He’d canned her in a blink of an eye, and she had zero doubt he’d do it again without hesitation if he felt the need. If it hadn’t been Zoe to lose her job, it would have been her friend.

Returning back to the booth, she set the plates down.

And that’s why Donovan Foster was a world class jerk.Remember that.

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