Fifty Recipes For Disaster - Book 2 E-Book

Carla Coxwell

• Herausgeber: Revelry Publishing
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

Book 2 of the Fifty Recipes For Disaster New Adult Romance Series

A New Adult Romance Story

A new chef arrives on the scene and makes Kiara an offer she can't refuse.

***Due to sexually graphic content and language that some may find offensive, this book is intended for mature readers only***

Life in the Fission kitchen has become difficult for Chef Kiara Sands. While she tries to focus on her work, the rest of the employees pass their time gossiping about her boyfriend, Executive Chef Paul Weston, and the baby he’s expecting with former employee Jenny Foster. Kiara loves Paul, and she’s trying to accept the idea of raising Jenny’s child with him.  But Paul isn’t making things easy. His time is consumed with getting ready for the baby, and he’s pushing most of his workload off on Kiara. Instead of an apprentice, Kiara is acting more like manager in the kitchen.

As Kiara and Paul’s relationship is tested, a new threat arrives in the form of celebrity chef James O’Toole. After enjoying a meal at Fission, the charming, world famous chef busts into the kitchen and offers Kiara a job in his classy New York restaurant. As Kiara considers his offer, another temptation arrives. Chase Abbott is a charming Southern football player with dreams of becoming a chef. Kiara feels pulled in three different directions. 

Will she follow her dreams and accept James’s offer? Can she do that without ruining her relationship with Paul? Or is the young, carefree Chase the man she’s supposed to be with? 

Download the story to find out what happens.

Leseprobe

WARNING

This book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language. It may be considered offensive to some readers. This book is for sale to adults ONLY.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

Please store your files wisely where they cannot be accessed by underage readers.

Copyright 2015 by Revelry Publishing

All Rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this book. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known, hereinafter invented, without express written permission of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER

This book is a work of FICTION. It is not to be confused with reality. Neither the author nor the publisher or its associates assume any responsibility for any loss, injury, death or legal consequences resulting from acting on the contents in this book. The characters, incidents and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Every character in this book is over 18 years of age. The author’s opinions are not to be construed as the opinions of the publisher. The material in this book is for entertainment purposes ONLY. Enjoy.

Other Books by Carla Coxwell:

Star Bright New Adult Romance Series (This series follows “Fifty Recipes For Disaster New Adult Romance Series”)

Torn between her feelings for her agent, Jon, and Rich, a charming bad boy who has ties in the movie industry, Jenny finds herself working through her own past to try to get a grip on her present. As she struggles to learn the lesson that in Hollywood not everyone is what they appear to be, Jenny tries to become a person that she can be proud of. Will she be able to find love and success in Hollywood? Or will she be dragged down by her past forever?

Torrid Exposure New Adult Romance Series

April is finished with school and ready to build a career. Coming from a well-to-do family, she has decided to reboot her life completely. With family scars too deep to mend, April craves a fresh start. But the past is harder to shake than April ever would have imagined. At the center of it all is Bennett, an old family friend who is the heir to a billionaire media mogul company. Bennett and April haven’t been able to stand each other since they were kids. But as the world shifts, the two of them discover the past might be the key to their future.

Devil's Advocate BBW MC New Adult Romance Series

When Kristie comes home from college, the last thing she is expecting is her world to be turned upside down by the appearance of her step-brother, Gray. Gray is rash, impulsive and breaks the law. Kristie’s mom asks if she can try to befriend Gray, in hopes to get him on the straight and narrow. The plan backfires, however, as Kristie finds herself falling for Gray. Is it possible he feels the same way? The connection between them threatens to tear down everything Kristie has ever held dear.

Obsessed Bounty Hunter Romance Series

Jacqui Schneider couldn't help it. Every time the memories of her family's brutal murder haunted her, she had to escape. The only thing that could replace her sorrow was sex...and lots of it. Depressed and with no goal in sight, Jacqui continued on with her self-deprecating lifestyle until it all changed one day. Uncle Max, an old family friend, appeared unannounced. Jacqui was astonished when Uncle Max revealed a secret to her about her father. From those few words, Jacqui's world turned completely upside down. She really didn't know her own father. In fact, she didn't even know much about Uncle Max, except that he visited them for a few days at a time over the years.

Get the latest update on new releases from the author at:

https://www.carlacoxwell.com/newsletter

This book is Part Two of the “Fifty Recipes For Disaster New Adult Romance Series”

Book 1

Trying to win a competition for best chef is cut-throat business. Kiara Sands has just won the opportunity of a lifetime. When she arrives at Fission, she has no idea just how much her life is going to change. She’s immediately introduced to Jenny Foster and Robbs Martin, her competitors in the cut throat competition. The only thing Kiara finds more distracting than Robbs’ hateful attitude is the handsome executive chef, Paul Weston. It doesn’t help matters that Paul is quite taken by Kiara, and showers her with more attention than he gives her competitors.

Book 2

Life in the Fission kitchen has become difficult for Chef Kiara Sands. While she tries to focus on her work, the rest of the employees pass their time gossiping about her boyfriend, Executive Chef Paul Weston. Paul isn’t making things easy either. His time is consumed with rearranging things for the pending changes in his life. He is pushing most of his workload off on Kiara. Instead of an apprentice, Kiara is acting more like manager in the kitchen. As Kiara and Paul’s relationship is tested, a new threat arrives in the form of celebrity chef James O’Toole.

Book 3

Chef Kiara Sands finally feels like she’s getting her life back on track. She’s arrived in New York City to start her dream job as apprentice to celebrity chef James O’Toole. But just as she settles into her new life, her past comes back to haunt her. Jenny, Paul, and Robbs have all arrived in the city and they each want something from her. Kiara is convinced that her life will be perfect if they would just leave her alone. What she doesn’t realize is that an unknown force is working against her, not to ruin her perfect life, but to end her life completely.

Book 4

Kiara learns that her scholarship at Le Cordon Bleu has been revoked and no one will tell her why. Her almost boyfriend, Chase Abbott, promises to look into it for her... he also gives Kiara and Jenny a safe place to stay until the police capture Robbs. The attraction between Kiara and Chase rekindles the moment they’re reunited but Kiara isn’t ready to start a new relationship. The women struggle to put their lives back together and live with the constant fear that Robbs will return. Will the police catch Robbs before he hurts Kiara and Jenny again? Will Kiara finally let down her guard and give in to her feelings for Chase? Or will everything end in disaster?

A New Adult Romance Series

Fifty Recipes For Disaster

Book Two

By Carla Coxwell

Copyright Revelry Publishing 2015

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Other Books by Carla Coxwell

About the Author - Carla Coxwell

Connect with Carla Coxwell

Chapter One

“HOW LONG on the spot prawns, Chef Kiara?” Robbs asks me with mock reverence from across the kitchen. Two months have passed since I was awarded the apprentice position at Fission. Paul Weston stayed out of the decision. No one was able to outright accuse him of being biased and giving the job to his girlfriend, but the rumors are swirling. The rumors about how I landed my job are the least of my problems, though. Paul and Jenny's upcoming arrival is what really has everyone talking around here.

Every time I think of that fateful morning at Paul's appointment, I'm overwhelmed with the same sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. When Paul called me out of the hallway that morning, Jenny bawled and apologized over and over again. She even offered to get rid of the baby, but Paul and I were against it. Paul had immediately insisted an abortion wasn't an option. I agreed with him, but I still can't wrap my head around the idea that in roughly six months, my boyfriend will have a child with another woman. This wasn't supposed to happen, and I'm helpless to do anything about it.

When the apprenticeship contest ended, Jenny left Fission. It's easier for me to deal with her now that I don't see her every day. Paul spent a lot of time reassuring me that I'm the woman he loves, but a part of me doesn't trust him. Family is important to Paul... he'll want to be a hands-on type of dad, and being with Jenny would make that possible.

A year ago, I'd have never been in this position. The situation unfolding before me is a perfect example of why I never let anyone through my walls. But there is something about Paul that made me drop my guard. I am in love with him, and if this baby is going to be a part of his life then I guess it'll be a part of mine, too. I just hope Jenny keeps a lid on all of the 'baby mama drama.'

“Chef?” Robbs calls loudly and brings my focus back to the present.

“Prawns will be up in three,” I tell him.

Never having to put up with Robbs Martin again was what I'd been most looking forward to at the end of the apprenticeship competition. But two days before the contest was over, Paul's prep cook Ernesto gave his notice. Ernesto and his wife had just given birth, and he'd been offered a better paying job that would allow him more time off with his family. Paul was overwhelmed and had no time or patience to interview for a new hire. Before the results of the competition were announced, he opened the prep cook position for one of the runners up. Jenny had already decided to leave Fission and take some time to decide what she really wants to do. Robbs was awarded the job by default. I'd expected the bitchy attitude he'd had during the contest to carry over into his new job, but so far he's actually been pleasant to work with. He shows up on time, he helps the other chefs once his tasks are finished, and he makes friendly conversation while doing so. I'm enjoying his new work attitude, but I still don't trust him any farther than I can throw him. Robbs already showed me his true colors, and I don't give people second chances... except for Paul, that is.

I pull the prawns from the grill, plate them, and carry them to Robbs' station. He sets them next to the vegetables he's already prepped for tonight's seafood chowder.

“Did you toss the shells and tails into the stock pot?” Robbs asks me, as if I don't know what I'm doing.

“Of course I did,” I answer politely. I can't stand the guy, but I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of letting him get to me.

“Thanks, Chef,” he says with a fake smile.

I nod at him and return to my station. I'm doing an appetizer special tonight, and I need to get everything prepped. I prefer to do my own knife work, instead of relying on Robbs. I have plenty of time for prep work. It's kind of hard to be a chef's apprentice when the chef is never here...

The toll Jenny's pregnancy took on my job was even harder than the toll it was taking on my personal life. Paul is constantly leaving work to go to doctor's appointments or to shop for cribs. Once he left just because Jenny was craving cheese soup from Mamma's Kettle and was too tired to leave her apartment to pick it up. I had a lot of freedom in the kitchen, but I fought for the job to learn from Paul, not to cover for him.

I can't let myself drown in frustration. Not when a lot of work needs to be done. I fill three stock pots with water and set them to boil on the stove. To one I add cumin, cinnamon, and chili powder. The second gets saffron and kefir limes, while the third is seasoned with basil and rosemary. The pots begin to boil, so I toss a handful of salt into each, add my rice, and carefully replace the lids. I turn off the burners and turn my attention to my proteins. I'm making a sushi trio inspired by different areas of the world. I want to do a marinated beef tartar for the Latin roll, but I'm still torn between a couple of different fish for the Indian and the Mediterranean. I need to consider our stock of each of the fish, so I set off for the walk-in cooler.

“Chef Kiara?” a voice calls from behind me. I turn and see Megan, one of the hostesses, standing in the kitchen doorway.

“What is it now?” I groan.

“Two things.” Megan blushes. “First, Lancing's called, and our order is going to be late by at least three days... their distribution truck is in the shop waiting for a part to arrive.”

I exhale loudly... Lancing's is a small, family-owned organic farm. Paul has an exclusive contract with them for beef, lamb, chicken, eggs, and dairy. “I certainly hope you led with the worst of the two. What's the second issue?”

“Chef Weston called, and he's going to be a couple of hours late tonight. I got the Lansing call first, and I told him about it... but... he asked me to tell you to handle it,” she finishes sheepishly.

I'm infuriated by the news but I do my best not to show it. “Thank you, Megan. I'll figure something else. Did Chef Weston say what's keeping him this afternoon?”

“No, Chef,” Megan replies.

“All right. I'll go over the menu and see what we can cut... though I don't know how we'll get through the weekend without that delivery,” I say.

“I'm sorry, Chef... let me know if I can help with anything,” Megan says before turning away and returning to the dining room.

I continue on to the walk-in and survey our stock. There is plenty of seafood, so my appetizer dish is covered, but we're running dangerously low on eggs, steaks, and lamb. I grab tubs of tuna and sea bass and return to the kitchen.

“Hey, Chef, I couldn't help but overhear your predicament,” Robbs calls out to me as I place the fish on my prep station. “I may have an idea... if you're interested.”

“It's noon on Thursday, and we don't have enough food to get through tonight's dinner service, even if we cut half of the menu,” I tell him. “If you have an idea, I'd love to hear it.”

“Well, it's only a thirty-minute drive to Lansing's,” he begins. “We don't have a refrigerated truck, but I have an SUV... and we have all of the catering coolers.”

The idea is so simple and brilliant. I can't believe I didn't think of it myself. “I don't know if we can do that... it may be against health department codes or the insurance policy or something...”

Robbs shrugs. “Call Lansing's and ask if we can pick up the order. If they say yes, I'll go get it. If someone says something about it later, we can tell them that since the distributor was all right with it, we assumed we weren't breaking any rules...”

I consider the idea a moment. “You really wouldn't mind picking it up? I can get gas money from petty cash.”

“Anything to help,” Robbs assures me. “I finished all of my prep work for the dinner service. I can leave as soon as you want.”

“Hold that thought.” I walk into Paul's office and find the number for Lansing's Farm. I make the call and to my relief, Mr. Lansing has no problem with us picking up the order ourselves. He does caution me that one trip in an SUV might not be enough to haul the entire order. I thank him and return to the kitchen.

“Lansing's has no problem with it, but you won't be able to get everything in one trip. Load half of everything, and Chef Weston can pick up the rest later.” I direct Robbs.

“Are you sure? I don't mind making two trips.”

“Keeping food stocked isn't our job,” I remind him. “We'll do enough to cover for Paul until he gets here, but then it's on him.”

“Whatever you say, Chef.” Robbs smiles. “I'll head that way right now.”

“I think I should go with you,” I suggest. “Half of everything may not be the best approach, and I know what we're running low on. Go make us a couple of to-go drinks. I'll get my proteins marinating and meet you up front.”

“Coke?” he asks.

“Diet.”

Robbs disappears into the dining room while I quickly whisk together three marinades and start soaking my proteins. I'd rather be going to the farm with anyone but Robbs, but he's strong enough to load the order and he has the biggest vehicle. I sigh and silently curse Paul for putting me in this situation.

Chapter Two

“I'm so sorry, Kiara, I couldn't help it,” Paul tells me again. It's eight-thirty at night, the kitchen is slammed, and I'm rolling my sushi to order after losing two and a half hours of prep time to the delivery fiasco.

“Yes, I know you're sorry. But your apologies aren't getting my food plated. Either help me or get out of my way,” I tell him.

Robbs and I had picked up over half of the food order and returned to the kitchen at three o'clock. I'd expected Paul to be there, but he didn't arrive until almost five. We've been snapping at each other ever since.

“I'm sorry, you're right,” Paul mumbles as he takes a rolling mat and spreads it with Indian rice. “You handled the Lancing issue perfectly. You're going to make a great executive chef one day, Kiara. You think on your feet, make quick decisions...”

Robbs clears his throat from his station, to let us know he's listening to our conversation.

“Picking up the order ourselves was Robbs' idea,” I tell Paul. “If it was up to me, I'd have let us run out of everything. Maybe then you'll snap back to reality and remember your responsibilities.”

“Reality?” Paul snaps back. “I've been dealing with reality all day, Kiara—the reality that my child will be here in six months and will have nowhere to sleep. You know I have to get settled in a bigger place, and today was the only time the realtor could meet with me.”

“This kitchen is what's going to pay for your big new place,” I remind him. “Keep running things the way you have been and see what kind of home you'll be able to afford.”