Edible Espionage

by Shaunna Owens

  Gavin stood in the kitchen, recipes in hand. He should take them, after all, these recipes were what Mr. Lexington was paying him for. Securing Sarah’s competitive edge was the entire point of him arriving before the competition. Being a skilled operator, he could have easily sabotaged her station from afar. The point of him infiltrating Crazy for Cake ahead of time was for this type of information. Secret ingredients, recipes…exactly what Mr. Lexington wanted. So, why the hesitation? She’s not even into you. Take the damn recipes.

  ****

  The next morning, Gavin arrived right on time.

  Sarah had beaten him by twenty minutes to check her suspicions. Sure enough…the red jar and recipes had been tampered with. He’d taken half of the Zagic. Her blood boiled as she stared into the box. Somehow, she’d managed to convince a small part of herself Gavin actually liked her and would give up on his task. Sadly, she’d been wrong.

  He is getting what he deserves.

  With quick moves, she retrieved the correct mixture of Zagic from her purse and dumped the contents of the red jar in the trash. She refilled the jar with the real Zagic and returned it to the box. The recipe cards she left alone. I want to see your face when I tell you those aren’t the real ones.

  “All packed?” Gavin stood by her and the boxes.

  “Yep.” Sarah smiled. Her plan worked. She could be cordial. His fate and that of Pies, Oh My! was already sealed. Relieved she didn’t have to worry about him messing up the competition, she took a deep breath. Now success or failure was in her hands…her very capable hands. Her short respite was interrupted by overwhelming disappointment. A part of her really hoped he might not go through with his deception.

  “Let’s get loaded up and hit the road.” He lifted the box marked kitchen equipment and headed for the door.

  They loaded everything and Sarah counted all of the boxes. Six. Perfect. She wanted to make sure Gavin didn’t leave anything behind as part of his plan.

  “This is a lot of boxes for three cookies.” He stood beside her.

  She shrugged. “I need my things.” And, I may have packed double ingredients in case you made boxes disappear.

  “Want me to drive?” He headed for the driver’s side.

  “No!” She shouted. Her night had been sleepless, pondering all the ways Gavin could sabotage her—him driving and taking a long detour had made the list. “I mean…it’s okay, I’ll drive.”

  Sarah slid behind the wheel and resigned herself to the ongoing game, reminding herself none of it was real.

  Chapter Seven: There Should Be Two

  “Crazy for Cake.” Sarah spoke to the petite redhead behind the table labeled “check-in.” Gavin stood behind her. They spent the two-hour trip to Seattle in silence broken only by the radio.

  “Sarah!” The girl’s round face beamed. “I’m Marley.” She stuck out her hand. “How nice to see you again.”

  “Hi, Marley.” Sarah smiled and shook Marley’s hand. Finally, a friendly face.

  “I hope the list helped you.”

  Sarah froze. Please don’t say any more. Her eyes widened, and she tilted her head, willing Marley to stop talking. “What station are we at this year?” She prayed Marley would get the hint.

  “You’re at station five.” Marley looked Gavin up and down. “Same one as last year.”

  “Wonderful.”

  “You can unload your supplies today.” She handed Sarah a packet. “This is your itinerary, tickets for the events, and contest rules. Tonight is the meet and greet. Tomorrow, the competition starts at nine a.m. sharp. You need to be here by eight.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Oh, and here is your room key. The hotel is letting us check in people.”

  Sarah glanced back at Gavin. He stood with his hands in his pockets. “There should be two rooms.” Her heart pounded and she swallowed hard.

  Marley looked at her clipboard, her red hair surrounded her face. “Nope. One room was checked on your registration form.”

  Fiona Leslie Blue. Sarah could only roll her eyes at what Fi had been imagining when she checked the box for one room. Think you’re pretty sly, do ya? Well, you certainly made your point, Fi.

  “The hotel also said they are booked due to the conference. I’ve had some other people come through and try to get rooms elsewhere and everything is taken.” Marley’s eye lashes nearly touched her bangs. “Apparently, it’s a big weekend for events.”

  “We’ll be fine.” Gavin reached for the tiny packet containing the room key cards with the room number. He smiled wryly at Sarah. “Just fine.”

  Heat rose through her body. Oh, what a tangled web we weave. She did a mental check of the pajamas she’d packed—midnight blue Victoria Secret silky tank top and shorty shorts. On a whim, she’d also included her white cabana robe. Let’s face it, part of her knew being in close confines, if only for the contest, with Gavin may lead to something…and she didn’t want to be caught unprepared. Talking or not, friendly or not, she couldn’t deny their chemistry.

  Gavin brought in the boxes, and Sarah worked on setting up the station just as she liked. The sturdy mixer went on her right along with the cooling racks and parchment paper. On her left, she preferred to deal with the ingredients. She lined up the measuring cups and spoons, smallest to biggest. Then she set out plastic pink bowls to line the counter, again small to large. Her special metal spoons used to fold cream and sugar into her confections sat to the right of the measuring spoons. Wooden spoons were positioned by the stove and her spatulas were set next to the mixer. Gavin stocked the fridge with the cream and flavors she’d specifically need for her sweet treats. When she was satisfied she could find items in their area blindfolded, she left the competition area. They brought their suitcases, or in Gavin’s case a military issued duffle bag, to their hotel room.

  One bed? Sarah walked past and rolled her eyes. Just perfect. I will get you for this, Fiona. The round table between the rectangle windows barely held her suitcase. It would do, though, the other option was the floor and that wasn’t happening. The multi-colored satchel holding her make-up, toiletries, and hair products fit neatly on the chair.

  Gavin dropped his bag on a matching chair on the other side of the bed. The room was nothing special but big enough to not be cramped with the king-sized bed.

  “I’m freshening up for the meet and greet.” She unzipped the suitcase and grabbed the black pants and bright pink blouse she’d packed for the night of exchanging small talk. She needed a shower. She’d been tense the entire drive and wanted to feel someone else’s hot steam on her.

  ****

  Gavin waited for Sarah to close the bathroom door. He retrieved his cell phone and dialed. “Are you here?”

  Mr. Lexington didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Just checked in.”

  “Excellent.”

  “I have the Zagic…I mean, secret ingredient.” Gavin spoke in hushed tones, even though he could hear the water whirring in the bathroom. He stared at the door and pictured Sarah naked behind it. His body responded to the image. Down, boy. Nothing is happening now…or ever again.

  “Excellent. Meet me by Conference Room C.”

  “If you want me to mess with the station, now’s the time.” Gavin paced at the foot of the bed, avoiding the bathroom door. If he continued to consider what was happening behind the door, he might break it down.

  “No, we have this now and the recipes you sent yesterday. I’ve decided our win will be better if no one can talk about her station misbehaving.”

  Gavin let out a slight breath of relief, grabbed the brown paper bag containing the secret ingredient, and headed to meet Lexington.

  ****

  Sarah stepped off the elevator and fumbled with her key card. Wine. She blinked to focus. I really need to break up with you, Vino. She’d attended the meet and greet alone. Gavin had been MIA since they checked into the room and she’d taken a shower. She figured for sure he’d at least show up at the event for appearances.
Wrong. Again. I am so sick and tired of being wrong. Her body couldn’t take much more, waiting and wanting his touch one moment, and being sick with disappointment the next. Worse yet? She wasn’t totally sure she would ever see him again. Standing her up at the competition had made its way on to the list of ways he could mess with her win.

  In grown-up response to Gavin’s actions, or lack thereof, she’d knocked back one too many glasses of wine. Not too many to get sloppy, but enough to not care. After an hour, she’d switched herself to water, recognizing the numbness in her jaw, but the new fluids hadn’t kicked in yet.

  She wobbled to the hotel room and steadied herself on the door frame. When the green light flashed, she pushed open the door. Sarah didn’t bother turning on one light. The glimmer from the full moon shone through the sheer curtains. The room smelled like Gavin’s spice scent. Whatever, Gavin. You can take your perfect smile and piercing eyes and go to hell. I don’t need you. I’ve never needed a man before, and I certainly don’t now. Sarah simmered on her anger as she shuffled around the clothes in her suitcase until she felt the silky material of her pajamas. Maybe she didn’t need him, but she sure as hell wanted him. Even with this asinine game they were playing—well the game she was winning because the poor schmuck had no idea she knew—she still wanted him. She craved him. Good thing I can separate business and pleasure. Her lie gave her resilience steam.

  She stripped and replaced her clothes with the only light nightwear she’d packed. She laughed out loud as she turned to head toward the bathroom to brush her teeth before climbing into bed because that was probably the biggest lie she’d ever told herself.

  ****

  Gavin stared and sipped his scotch as Sarah undressed. He really should’ve said something. Anything. But, just like in the van when he opened his mouth, nothing came out. He caught the whiff of sweet berries as she walked by him. She was drunk and he wasn’t feeling much pain himself.

  After handing Mr. Lexington the secret ingredient, he couldn’t bear to see Sarah. He couldn’t look into her blue eyes, knowing he’d just betrayed her. She appeared at the schmooze fest, and he’d disappeared to numb his life with scotch. He lifted his glass to drain the liquid. Take her in your arms and don’t let her go. She never has to know what you did.

  “Holy hell!” Sarah screamed and jumped.

  He set down his glass. Desire stirred in him…desire for her to be his. He took in her sexy silhouette…hair in a curly pony tail…her long legs. He stood and quickly moved toward her.

  “Is this where you’ve been all night?”

  The anger in her voice didn’t slow his steps. He knew she wanted him….knew she couldn’t resist him. His confidence might’ve been the scotch talking, but he went with it anyway.

  She put her hands on her hips. “You could’ve at least made an appearance, ya know.”

  Her words only beckoned him closer. Gavin cradled her face in his hands. He kissed her…deeply, longingly, holding nothing back. I need you, Sarah.

  She didn’t hesitate…the passion between them sparked with fury.

  He held her tight, wanting to be closer, and inhaled her flower scent mixed with the berries of the wine. Laying her down on the bed, he didn’t let them separate. A soft moan followed each warm kiss he placed on her skin, and he paid close attention to where she melted. He needed to hear her moan.

  ****

  Sarah’s head spun…the wine and Gavin consumed her. Gavin pushed every button of hers…he knew what she liked. Excitement flared deep inside at the unexpected turn of her night. He’s here…he’s mine. She wanted to compose herself, but all of her senses were tuned to him…they yelled for him. A small shudder ran down her spine as he kissed his way up her neck and met her mouth. She had to have all of him now…right now.

  Chapter Eight: Your Cookies Suck

  “Pastry chefs ready?” The host shouted into the microphone.

  Sarah felt her body tense and she tried to relax, unsuccessfully. All of her practice was for this very moment. She bit into her lower lip as she gazed to her side where Gavin stood.

  “Ready?” Gavin grabbed her hand.

  Sensations from the night before washed over her like waves. Calm yourself. Focus on baking. I need to win this. She squeezed his hand and released it. Do I trust him to help? Or is he playing games right now?

  She turned to study him. His green gaze focused right back on her. In the background, she could hear Rick announcing the judges’ names and credentials.

  “I’m here to help you,” Gavin said.

  Is he reading my mind now? Sarah successfully avoided a hangover by pounding water since her encounter with wine last night. The idea of explaining to Fi the reason she’d lost was because she got drunk the night before the competition made her shudder.

  I can’t believe I slept with you. Sarah didn’t break eye contact with Gavin. Mind-blowing sex be dammed…take back your control, Sarah.

  The loud buzzer signaled the start of the contest brought her back to reality. She took the recipe cards from her pink apron pocket and found the one marked “pear sea salt.” Just like I practiced. The other cards she returned to her apron for safe keeping.

  Gavin stood beside her and read the card she set down on the table. “Is this what we’re making?” His brows furrowed.

  “Surprised?” She couldn’t pass up the opportunity. She wanted him to know she’d beat him at his own game.

  He cocked his head and squinted. “Should I be?”

  “You tell me.” This is the control I need. Keep it. This thing isn’t over yet. Dreams could still fall apart if I tell him. He’s not on your side. Close to the vest, Sarah, close to the vest.

  He rubbed his hand over his clean-shaven chin. “Nope. Looks good. Let’s get to it.”

  Confidence filled her as she grabbed her pink mixing bowl and Gavin lined up the ingredients next to the measuring cups. They worked efficiently as a team. Gavin knew what she needed when she needed it.

  She baked three batches of cookies before deciding which ones to put on the pink Crazy for Cake plate for judging. The rules stated each contestant was to submit a baker’s dozen to the judges so the consistency could be rated, as well as the taste, texture, and creativity. Each category was worth five points, making each round worth twenty.

  “Hey there. Crazy for Cake, how’s it going?”

  Sarah looked up to see Marley in a light blue Trio Trifecta polo and silver khakis at her station. The light blue shirt made her big blue irises illuminate. “Hi, Marley. Things are perfect.” Sarah smiled and checked her watch. “Almost done.” And with plenty of time.

  ****

  Gavin overheard Sarah talking with Marley.

  “Oh, I love your hair.” The attractive redhead bounced one of Sarah’s curls in her hand.

  “Thanks. I double bumped it.” The two laughed and kept talking.

  Both women were good-looking. Marley stood shorter, with a nice rear, and was cute in an innocent way. A smile formed on Gavin’s lips as he focused on Sarah talking excitedly with her hands. She radiated passion. Marley’s no Sarah. Sarah was one of a kind and a spitfire guys probably hit on all the time. At the thought, he clenched his jaw and scrubbed the cookie sheet harder. The vision of another guy touching Sarah with his big nasty hands danced in his mind and his stomach started to knot. They weren’t good enough.

  He was. He craved her and not just her touch…no, he craved all of her. He wanted to know about her day. He wanted to see the excitement for life in her eyes when she told him about a new recipe she’d perfected or the painting she’d just completed. He wanted a deeper connection with this woman. Connections of that magnitude don’t lead anywhere good. They never have before. They won’t now. He continued scrubbing the dishes, knowing the flutters he felt for Sarah were unique to anything he’d ever experienced before, even with his ex-wife. Not that Sarah will ever feel the same.

  ****

  Surprisingly, they finished early with fifteen out of s
ixty minutes to spare. Sarah took a moment to survey the area of twenty-five contestants. Bleachers filled with spectators faced the stations. The five judge’s tables sat in the center, but the judges freely roamed from station to station as the time wore down.

  As she scanned the area for the Pies, Oh My! sign, she bit into her bottom lip. During the timed competition, she wasn’t allowed to leave her station and she’d forgotten to find them when they’d arrived that morning.

  Bingo. Her stomach fluttered. Their station sat three down on her left. She didn’t have a great view, but could see a taller, bleached-blonde woman scurrying about with a short, clean-cut man on her heels. Sarah watched as the woman threw her hands in the air and the man looked down and shook his head. That’s right. Your cookies suck.

  Not even trying to hide her satisfaction, she smiled wide. She hoped they used both the secret ingredients and one of the bad recipes.

  “What are you looking at?” Gavin’s arm grazed hers.

  Her mischievous side kicked in. “Pies, Oh My!” She kept her face innocent, pursing her lips to one side and shaking her head. “They are having some troubles.”

  “What?” He followed her gaze over to the station where the two-person team quickly mixed a new batch of ingredients.

  Sarah glanced at her watch. Just enough time to make new ones and not test them. She crossed her arms. Take a good long look, Gavin. Your precious bakery is screwing up royally…thanks to you. “I don’t think their cookies turned out very well.” She snuck a sideways glance. “I wonder what recipe they used.” At the awards banquet, when winners were announced, and points made public, she’d find out.

  Gavin scratched the back of his head. He dropped his hand to his hip and slowly turned to face her.

  Slow down. Close to the vest, woman. Resisting the urge to gloat, she turned back to watch station number eight.