The Gathering Table by Kathryn Springer
Author:Kathryn Springer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-07-22T15:21:54+00:00
* * *
Nickâs words barely registered as Jess scraped away some rust on the handle.
She couldnât believe someone had actually tossed the skillet into the trash. Orâshe resisted the urge to cast a dark look at Nickâused it to collect the flotsam and jetsam from a construction zone.
âDo you see how smooth the surface is? The iron is thinner than other brands, which makes it lighter. But thatâs also why it cooks so evenly. And this ridge on the bottom? Itâs a smoke ringââ
âJess.â
She looked up. Nick was staring at her with a strange expression on his face. Because he thought she was strange.
Of course Nick wouldnât be interested in cookware.
âSorry. I got a little carried away.â Jess patted the bottom of the skillet. âWhat did you say?â
âI said itâs yours. You can have it.â
Jess laughed. And then realized he was serious. âNick. Collectors pay two or three thousand dollars, minimum, for skillets like this. You could put the money back into building materials for the house.â
âI could. But I also think things should be used, not displayed.â Nick held her gaze. âAnd Iâm guessing youâd be using it, right?â
Jess didnât know why she hesitated telling him that she was a chef. It wasnât like she was revealing a superpower. But admitting it would lead to more questions. Like how sheâd ended up as a glorified housekeeper in Winsome Lake.
A question even Jess didnât know the answer to.
âYes. But I canât accept it as a gift.â The words tumbled out in a rush. âYou have to let me pay for it.â
âFine,â Nick said without hesitation. âThe cost is dinner.â
âDinner?â Jessâs heart broke free from its moorings and bumped against her rib cage.
âIâll be in charge of the main entrée and the sides, and youâre in charge of dessert.â
âYou want to cook...together?â One hundred percent, undiluted panic rushed through Jessâs veins.
She didnât share her kitchen with anyone. Well, Christopher. But heâd been an exception to the rule and Jess had taken on the role of teacher. Something told her that Nick wouldnât be shouting âyes, Chefâ when Jess gave out an instruction.
âThatâs right.â Laughter danced in Nickâs eyes. âOne authentic northern Wisconsin fish fry.â
âWhat kind of fish are we talking about?â Jess asked cautiously. âCod? Haddock?â
âWhatever I catch that morning.â The laughter in Nickâs blue eyes spilled over and lit up his face with a full-blown grin. âRemember when I said that I know how to make two things really well? One is Grandma Jennyâs chocolate cake. The other is panfish.
âIâll keep the skillet safe until tomorrow night so you donât have to lug the thing home. After dinner youâll be granted full custody. It makes sense to meet here because this kitchen has more room than mine and Elaineâs. And there will be less to explain if anything goes wrong.â
Spending an entire evening trapped with Nick in a kitchen that made Elaine Havilandâs look modern. Making a dessert instead of the entrée.
Jess couldnât begin to count how many things could go wrong.
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