In Over Her Head: An Anchor Island Novel by Terri Osburn (reading eggs books .TXT) 📗

wrong about one thing. Lauren knew struggle better than most. But he’d gotten the cold heart right. That heart protected her. Kept her safe. If this Jackson Moore person knew his way around the kitchen, as Nick claimed, then she would give him a chance. Not because Nick Stamatis had demanded she do so, but because she wanted experienced people on her team.

Leaving the tape measure on the pass, she turned toward her office, knowing exactly who to call for details on the previous staff. Roxie would likely require a second meal as payment, but at least Lauren would have someone to try her new dishes on.

3

In the two days since he’d paid Chef Riley a visit, Nick hadn’t been able to get her out of his head. She hadn’t known about Jackson. She hadn’t known about any of the people who had worked in that restaurant before she took over. Proof that she’d never run a damn kitchen before.

That would have been his first question if he’d been offered a job like that. Who do I have to work with? Yet the thing he really couldn’t get out of his head was the fear in her eyes. She hid it well. That icy facade covered a lot, but that facade had slipped for mere seconds and the truth had shown through.

Lauren Riley was in over her head.

Nick had never been the stalker type, but doing an internet search on a fellow chef wasn’t the same as digging up dirt on an ex. The few facts he had going in—hometown Boston, attended Le Cordon Bleu—were enough to narrow down the search. The lack of info available confirmed his suspicions. She’d never run a kitchen before. As far as he could tell, she’d never even been second-in-command. Or third.

What had possessed Will Navarro to hand her this restaurant?

Hopefully, she’d worked under some quality leaders, but based on her current methodology for picking staff, he had to wonder.

“Just the man I came to see,” Jackson called out as he crossed the restaurant toward the bar where Nick was taking a break. The big man set a sealed plastic container on the counter. “I’m here to pay up.”

Unsure what he’d done, Nick examined the bowl. “Pay up for what?”

“You did it, man. I got the email this morning. The new chef is giving me an interview.”

Not what he’d expected. “That’s good. I’m glad she came around.”

“Doesn’t mean I’ll get my job back, but at least I’m in the running.” Jackson tapped the lid of the container. “Denise’s clam chowder, as promised. I’ll bring another helping next week.”

Rising up on his stool, Nick reached over the bar and snagged a spoon. “The perfect meal on a chilly April day.” The first bite was heaven. The second even better. Cooking was all about flavor and balance, and Denise somehow managed to add the perfect amount of acidity without throwing off the taste. “How much vinegar does she put in here?”

Jackson laughed. “You know I can’t tell you that. Besides, I’m not sure I know myself. She keeps this recipe under lock and key and won’t let me anywhere near the kitchen while she makes it. She says what makes it so good is in the cook, not the cooking, and since I have to live with her, I’m not going to argue.”

Nick wasn’t going to argue with her either. There were mystical elements at play in the making of amazing food, and whatever powers his friend’s wife possessed, he was just grateful that she used them for his benefit.

While enjoying the chowder, Nick asked, “What exactly did the email say?” Lauren’s parting shot about running things her own way had not seemed like a concession to his demands.

“That due to my long history with the restaurant, I was being invited to interview. I don’t know what you said, but it worked.”

Maybe she was willing to listen after all. “I only pointed out that she was going to miss out on some great cooks. Did anyone else get the invite?”

“The whole staff, as far as I know. We could have the team back together in no time.”

Good news, but a development that would leave Lauren as the sole outsider. Another hurdle she likely wasn’t equipped to clear.

“That’s good. I’m glad I could help.” From the corner of his eye, Nick saw two women enter the restaurant. “Speak of the devil. Here’s the new chef now.”

Lauren and Roxie Chandler lingered by the door, and after a brief exchange, Roxie shuffled off toward the restrooms. Lauren looked around and eventually caught Nick’s gaze. He nodded in greeting, and she visibly tensed. A second before she’d looked like a kid walking into a new school for the first time. After seeing Nick, she looked more like a dragon ready for battle.

“Should I introduce myself?” Jackson asked.

Curious how she’d respond, Nick slid off his stool. “Definitely. Let’s go.”

The two men crossed to the entrance and Lauren’s body language gave off a fight or flight vibe as they did so. Sensing her unease, Nick stopped several feet away.

“Chef Riley, this is Jackson Moore. I’m guessing you recognize the name.”

Blue eyes shifted to his friend and her face softened. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Moore.”

“Call me Jackson,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunity to interview for the new restaurant.”

“After fifteen years of service, you’ve more than earned the right.”

“Thank you, Chef. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

Lauren smiled, cracking the icy shell to which Nick had grown accustomed. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Jackson bid Nick farewell and left the restaurant, leaving him alone with Lauren.

“Thank you,” he said.

The cold front returned. “For what?” she asked, avoiding eye contact.

“You know what.”

She lifted her chin and met his gaze. “I didn’t give him an interview because of you. As I told you once, I never said I wouldn’t hire locals. That was your assumption.”

“So you planned to offer them all interviews from the beginning?”

The flinch was telling. “They were with the restaurant long enough