Some Like It Spicy by Robbie Terman Read Free Book Online

won’t,” Jenna predicted.
    “Ashton Grey, you’re next.”
    Ashton turned and saw Sally waving frantically at her, exasperation on her face. “I’ve got to go, Jen. Say hi to Chloe for me, and I’ll call you in a few days with an update.”
    Ashton closed her phone and followed Sally into a small room. A camera was set on a stand, with Clint behind it. Sally pointed to a chair in front of a gray backdrop, and Ashton took a seat.
    “Okay, Ashton,” Sally started. “We’re just going to ask you a few questions about yourself, give the audience a chance to get to know you. Remember, it’s the audience who ultimately votes on the winner. Look at the camera, speak clearly and slowly, and try not to fidget. Got it?”
    As soon as her head stopped spinning, Ashton managed a nod.
    “Let’s start by saying your name, where you’re from, and what you do.”
    Ashton barely heard her over the pounding in her heart. She took a deep breath as Clint counted down. “I’m Ashton Grey, the executive chef and owner of Sweet Home in Chicago.”
    “Once more,” Sally said. “And this time, speak up, dear.”
    She was really starting to dislike Sally Germaine. But the faster she complied with Commandant Producer, the faster she could get to the part of the show she was comfortable with—cooking. She repeated her credentials, following Sally’s instructions.
    “In one sentence—what is your culinary style?”
    This was an easy one. “I bring comfort food to a new level.”
    “So, what do you think of your competition?”
    From past seasons, Ashton knew how catty some of the contestants could be. They would bad-mouth the chefs and judges, usually resulting in getting sent home sooner, rather than later. She wasn’t about to play that game.
    “I’ve had a chance to taste everyone’s food, and they’re all really talented. This is truly the best of the best.”
    “Jolene is a former Miss Texas and has had a lot of experience on camera. Do you think she has an unfair advantage?”
    “Not at all. Like I said, everyone here is equally talented.”
    “As I’m sure you know, there has never been a female winner of The Next Celebrity Chef , ” Sally said. “Do you think gender has anything to do with a chef’s qualifications?”
    Ashton’s shoulders relaxed. This was a subject she felt very passionate about. “Cooking has nothing to do with how well you fill out a blouse. I predict this season there will be a female winner.”
    Sally asked about the rest of the chefs individually, and Ashton successfully dodged her traps. Finally, she was free. She stepped out of the room and smack into a body.
    “I’m sorry,” she said, and looked up. At Ty Cates.
    “I…I…” she stammered.
    “’Sorry’ pretty much said it all.”
    He was laughing at her, clearly entertained by the way her tongue tied into knots around him. Ashton narrowed her eyes. “Fine, I’m not sorry. Technically, you ran into me. You should apologize.”
    He bowed his head in fake contrition. “Ms. Grey, I’m so sorry to have walked by the door while you were walking out. It will never happen again.” He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “Do you forgive me?”
    She shivered. Silly, but she couldn’t help it. Her body was operating separately from her brain. “This time. But you’d better not let it happen again.” God, was that even her voice? It sounded…sultry, like she was trying to seduce him.
    Ty cleared his throat. “Ashton, I—”
    “Everyone to the prep tables!” Sally yelled, cutting off whatever Ty was about to say.
    Ashton didn’t move, just stared at Ty.
    He broke eye contact first. “Good luck.”
    The group gathered around the tables in the center of the kitchen. Besides Sally and Ty, she saw Andrea Cummings and an unknown man. He looked to be in his midforties, and just a little too pretty for Ashton’s taste. His brown hair was shiny and long, flowing down to his shoulders, his eyes green, and his skin the