Chapter 5
Coco
“Oh, you have got to be kidding me,” I groan when Pearl and I walk into the cooking class the next day and I lock eyes with Alec.
“What?” Pearl asks, looking around for what upset me.
I glare at Alec as he grins at me.
“That’s my new asshole neighbor,” I tell Pearl, pointing to Alec.
His smile instantly drops, and he looks guilty and sad as he glances away from me.
I feel bad about saying that right away.
I mean, the guy has apologized twice now, and it’s obvious he feels bad for his behavior when we first met.
Everyone makes mistakes, and I should probably forgive him.
I know I’m using my anger as a shield to keep him at arm’s length because I’m not sure what to do with the feelings he invokes in me. It’s easier to pretend I hate him.
I’ve never dated, never wanted to—until him. The things I want to do with him… I blush as my head fills with images of the two of us naked and tangled together in my bed. When I realize that Alec and Pearl are both staring at me curiously, I shake my head and beeline for a table in the back.
When I bravely look back at Alec, I’m surprised to see his eyes trailing after me, desire clearly written across his face.
I freeze in shock. Could the hot chef be attracted to me? No, that can’t be right.
Right?
Pearl leans toward me, her eyes locked on Alec as she talks out of the side of her mouth. “Our teacher is so into you.”
I frown. “You’re crazy.”
She laughs, shaking her head at me.
I ignore her and Alec until class starts a few moments later.
I try to focus on the lesson—I really do.
Pearl and I work together to create a roast chicken with broccolini and roasted potatoes.
I keep my eyes locked on my cutting board, but it’s hard when Alec keeps coming over to offer help and give me pointers.
I try to keep it professional, but I have to admit that it’s electrifying when I see some other girls in the class trying to get his attention and failing.
Is he trying to make up for the other night? Or is he actually interested in me? Could Pearl be right that he wants me?
And what am I going to do about that?
“Well done, class!” Alec says as we sit down to enjoy our meal.
Ours turned out all right. Well, the parts that Pearl made did anyway. Everything I touched is burned, cut into mismatched shapes, or raw.
“Bon appetit!” Alec calls.
I pick around the potatoes, eating the edible ones.
“Good job for your first attempt,” Pearl praises.
I snort, giving her the side eye. “It’s not…terrible.”
“You’ll get better in the next class,” she assures me.
I smile, relaxing as we finish eating.
“Class dismissed! I’ll see you again soon,” Alec says, his eyes locked on me.
I swallow hard as I stand and gather my things. He beelines for my table, stopping me before I can leave.
“Do you want me to stay?” Pearl whispers.
I shake my head. “No, I’ll see you later.”
She smiles, mouthing good luck before she heads out, leaving Alec and I in the kitchen.
“You did good,” he tells me.
I laugh. “No, I didn’t. Don’t lie.”
“Well, you didn’t set off any smoke detectors or start a fire, so that’s an improvement, right?”
“I guess.”
“It will get easier.”
I sigh. “If you say so.”
He tilts his head as he looks at me. “You know, I could give you some private classes.”
“Are you hitting on me, Chef?” I tease.
He locks eyes with me as he nods. “Yes. I’ve never done it before.”
I roll my eyes at his line.
He steps closer. “I’m serious.”
“I don’t see how that’s possible, but okay.”
“I’ve been focused on my career. Never met anyone who made me want to… divert my focus.”
“Um…” My cheeks heat and my mind goes blank.
“Go out with me, Coco. On a date.”
“Okay,” I agree before I can think it through.
“Great!” His eyes light up like it’s Christmas morning.
“When?”
“I’m free tomorrow at lunch. Does noon work for you?”
“Yeah.” I nod.
“Give me your number,” he says, pulling out his phone.
I rattle off my digits.
Alec smiles as he adds my number and tucks his phone back into the pocket of his black pants.
We fall into step as he walks me out to my car.
“Tomorrow,” he says softly.
I smile. “See you.”
I slip into my car and pull out of the parking lot, wondering what I’ve gotten myself into.