To Catch A Player

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? This is what I always wear. And this story is about the cook-off, right?”

“Yeah, of course. It’s just this is going to be online… for everyone to see.”

“And?”

“And don’t you want to look like you… but with a little, I don’t know, pizazz?”

Ginger and Janey both wore matching serious expressions and I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “What the hell do you mean by pizazz?” I should have realized my mistake sooner, because Ginger’s expression brightened.

“Glad you asked.” She knelt down and grabbed a small black bag before she made her way to me. “I’ll just do a little bit of this and that and you’ll be you, but hotter.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Close your eyes,” she instructed with a bossy tone and look that only eased when I did what she said. “You’re beautiful and you know it, that’s why you never wear any make-up or do anything to highlight it.”

That wasn’t true. “That’s not true.”

“It is. Open up.” I did and she flashed a satisfied smile. “Perfect. We’re ready, Janey.”

“Ready to finish these photos, anyway.” As much as I didn’t like taking pictures, even for work, I really didn’t want or need anyone to help me in the kitchen. Other than Maven, who couldn’t be here because she had some big class project.

Janey sighed, and this time her glare softened. “I’m sorry I didn’t give you more of a heads up about this, but what’s the big deal? This is great for you, the town, and the calendar.”

I nodded, because the calendar was getting attention outside of Tulip and I’d love to benefit from that kind of exposure. “Fine.”

Janey put the camera between us again and started issuing orders which I followed dutifully, hoping to be rewarded by finishing sooner.

Ginger groaned in frustration. “You’re not even a little bit curious who’s gonna be your assistant?”

“Is it Tyler Florence or Babish? Or Alton Brown? Because that guy knows his food science. If not, I’m not that curious.”

“Party pooper,” she accused and stuck her tongue out at me. “That tall, dark, and mysterious drink of water known as Detective Slater.” Her smile was mischievous and I just shook my head.

Because of course it was Jackson. Because who else would the universe send my way? “So, not a chef, then?”

“No,” Janey groaned. “We have no Hometown Hero chefs.”

“A few photos. No more.” I didn’t have time to babysit an amateur in the kitchen while I was trying to take my business to the next level.

“Sous Chef Slater, reporting for duty.” His voice came out as a low growl that was, okay, a little bit sexy.

I flashed a phony smile. “Shift’s over, thanks for your help today,” I deadpanned.

He frowned but only for a second. “I just got here.”

“And I was just informed of this… whole situation, which means I don’t have anything for you to do.” I’d have to find something easy for him that would keep him out of my way.

“I can do anything you need.”

“Doubtful.”

His brows arched in amusement and Jackson took a step forward. “Care to test that theory?”

“Sure. You go inside and work on my sauces and I’ll go home and catch up on… anything else.”

“Done. I can whip up some sauces in an hour or two.”

I knew he was baiting me but still I gasped and took a step forward, fire in my eyes. “Keep talking and you might end up a key ingredient in one of my sauce recipes, Detective.”

He took another step forward until the tips of his shoes touched my much smaller sneakers. “If you wanna get your mouth on me, just say the word.”

As. If. “Keep dreaming.”

He smiled again and I took a step back.

“Kids!” Janey’s voice carried in the early morning quiet, and both Jackson and I turned to her. “I don’t know whatever this is that you two got going on,” she began, waving a hand at us both.

“Nothing,” I insisted and folded my arms over my chest. Angrily.

“Not a damn thing,” Jackson barked, his posture mirroring mine.

“Whatever, I don’t care.” She snapped a photo of us and grinned. “Jackson has already agreed to be your number two, since Maven can’t.” She flashed me a pointed look that was unnecessary. “That means you will do what Reese wants, Jackson. Got it?” We both nodded. “Good.”

“And I won’t need anything from you until we’re closer to the cook-off, so I’ll email you.” That was weeks away and there was the possibility, however small, that I wouldn’t make it to the end. “That was easy enough. Let’s finish this please, Janey.”

But Janey still held the camera at her side and stared at me like I was crazy. “Reese, this is going to be a four-part story covering each leg of the cook-off competition, and Jackson will assist you for each one.”