Chapter 19
19
“That breakfast rush was crazy,” Sam said with a laugh, wiping her hands on a dish towel as she glanced at Nick.
Nick grinned, moving effortlessly around the kitchen. “We’re at capacity. It’ll be like this through the season now.”
Sam’s eyes lit up. “Such a rush. I’ve never had so much fun.”
As Frankie, Gloria, and Devyn strolled into the kitchen, they slipped into chairs around the large table, their casual chatter coming to a sudden halt. Amused smiles spread across their faces as they exchanged knowing glances, their attention drawn to the undeniable flirty energy buzzing between Nick and Sam, who were still hard at work. The playful atmosphere was contagious, and it wasn’t long before a few raised eyebrows and quiet giggles filled the room, adding to the light and festive tone of the space.
Nick caught Sam’s playful look and raised an eyebrow. “Fun? Wow, you’re secretly a foodie. Come to the savage side. Welcome to my kitchen.”
Sam giggled, her smile wide and genuine.
The kitchen buzzed with quiet anticipation, all eyes locked on Nick and Sam, who seemed lost in their own world. Joe and Abe entered just in time to catch the scene unfolding — Nick flashing a grin while Sam giggled, her cheeks flushed. They exchanged knowing glances with the others at the table as if they'd stumbled upon something both unexpected and... inevitable.
“I’ve always loved being in the kitchen,” Sam confessed, her voice soft but filled with admiration. “I’m a fan, you know. I follow you online and everything.”
Nick’s grin widened, clearly enjoying the attention. “I’m flattered and humbled. You’re a pro — it’s an honor to work in the kitchen with you.”
Shaking his head with a faint smile, Joe got up to pour coffee into a travel mug.
“I’ve tried all of your recipes,” Sam continued a hint of pride in her voice.
“There’s no greater compliment,” Nick said, looking genuinely touched.
Joe gave another amused shake of his head just as Chris walked in. “Sam. There you are. I should’ve known you’d be in here. Now I know why all of the proposals were done so early.”
Sam turned to Chris, her expression proud. “Yes. I got up early to finish those for you so I could help Nick in the kitchen. Breakfast rush and all.”
Chris slid into a seat at the table, casting a quick look toward Frankie, Gloria, and Devyn. Lowering his voice, he whispered, “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”
“Oh, we’re seeing it,” Frankie whispered back, her grin wide.
Chris leaned back, raising his eyebrows at the table. “Well, this is just interesting. And it’s a little weird. They’re so…”
“Darling,” Gloria said, her voice bubbling with a cheerful spark.
“I was going to say different, but okay,” Chris muttered, shaking his head.
With trays overflowing with a breakfast feast, Nick and Sam swooped in like a dynamic duo, the aroma of delicious food trailing behind them. Nick’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he expertly plated the meal for everyone, his energy as infectious as the spread he’d prepared.
“You never told me Sam was a fantastic chef,” Nick said, looking at Chris as he set down a plate in front of him.
Chris raised an eyebrow. “Probably because you never... knew who Sam was? Maybe?”
Nick laughed, brushing off the comment. “Either way, it’s like old times. The family together, a couple bonus members, and Christmas coming.”
As soon as Joe took his plate, he ate a quick bite and then headed for the door.
“Hey, where are you going?” Frankie called after him, noticing his departure.
“Work,” Joe replied, not pausing as he slipped out of the kitchen.
Frankie didn’t hesitate. Grabbing her plate, she stood up and followed him. “I guess that means I’m out of here too. Sorry. Maybe by dinner…”
Abe smiled warmly, waving her off. “It’s okay, dear. Go. Go.”
As Frankie hustled to catch up with Joe, she stopped momentarily to turn toward Nick, giving him a look of approval as she took another bite. “You keep cooking like this, and I’m never leaving.”
Gloria leaned closer to Abe, her eyes twinkling. “Did you hear that?”
Their eyes met a playful spark passing between them as laughter bubbled around the kitchen, mingling with the irresistible aroma of breakfast. It was a moment thick with unspoken understanding, wrapped in the cozy chaos of a morning well spent.
Abe chuckled softly. “Never leaving. One down…”
Gloria winked, “A few more to go.”