Page 28 of Fostering Chemistry
"You said that one already."
“Wait until he takes off the apron—then you’ll see why it bears repeating.”
I studied the picture again. Surely, he was wearing something under that white apron? Because otherwise, I didn’t see how any woman would have the willpower to actually follow the recipe.
So I was in, as long as he actually knew how to cook. Even better if he knew how to teach other people how to cook.
"I’ll send you the exact links you need,” Hailey said. “He’s got a video on how to season the meat and cook it to the perfect temperature. And then, basically, you just have to add green beans, mashed potatoes, and cheese."
To my surprise, that didn’t sound all that difficult. “I guess I can do that. After all, green beans come out of a can. Cheese comes pre-shredded, and I’ve made instant mashed potatoes before."
Hailey exchanged a glance with Tori.
"I was thinking maybe you could make real potatoes. Mash them yourself."
"Do I have to?" Yes, I sounded like a whiny little kid.
"No, but don’t you want to make a nice meal for your roommates?" Tori asked.
I thought it over. "Some of them," I said at last. "Does this guy have a video on making mashed potatoes too?"
"Yes. He does have a bunch that are fine dining, but he’s got those two that you need. That’s why I chose the shepherd’s pie. Brown the meat, make the mashed potatoes, and as you said, just pop open a couple cans of green beans."
I sighed. "You’re not going to make me go out and pick them myself?"
Hailey laughed. "I think it’s the wrong time of year."
I gotan early start on Tuesday afternoon, but it took far longer than I thought to chop up the potatoes. I listened to music as I sliced, and it took so long some of the songs were starting to repeat. Fortunately, the hot-as-hell chef with abs for days had recommended a type of potato that didn’t need to be peeled first. That saved time.
It took three large pots to fit them all in, and it took a really long time for the water to boil even though I added a little salt to each pot.
Now I was working on the meat and seasoning it before I turned on the heat to cook it. So far, things seemed to be going like the hot shirtless guy said it would, but I didn’t quite trust that everything was going to work out right in the end.
Aaron and Evan had offered to help, but I was too self-conscious. Either this meal was going to be a success because of me, or a failure because of me—and if it was the latter, I didn’t want them involved in it.
Not that I thought everyone was going to judge me, but Tori had been right. I did want to make a good meal for my new roommates.
But nearly an hour later, I was near tears and ready to give up and order a bunch of pizzas. That’s when I called for reinforcements.
Aaron appeared so fast it was like he was beamed in.
“What can I do?”
I gave him a smile. "Ever mash potatoes?"
"A time or two."
Why the hell hadn’t I called him in before? "The ones in this pot seem ready. I’ve got this serving bowl, but I think we’re going to need more than one."
"Wow. That’s a lot of potatoes."
He rolled up his sleeves, washed his hands, and got to work wielding the potato masher. For a moment, I was mesmerized, watching the muscles in his forearms move.
But I was supposed to be working, too. Somehow, I managed to keep both pans of ground beef from burning and even managed to ask Aaron a question.
"You said Cody lived here last year, right?"
"Yes."
