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Tears streamed down my cheeks as I realized how much I felt for Axel, “I love you too,” I said.
“Good,” Axel smiled, before placing his forehead against mine and closing his eyes. “If you didn’t feel the same, I’d be devastated.”
Chapter 25
Layla
We were sprawled out together on his huge sectional in the living room watching an action flick. The last few weeks had been blissful. I got to know Axel on a whole other level, and I loved every minute of it. We had so much in common in the kitchen, our way of seeing food, the process of preparing food, and the importance of bringing a full and well-rounded experience to the customer.
Everyone on campus learned of our budding relationship, and their attitude toward me completely changed. It was as close to being treated like a princess as I would ever get.
It was great being with Axel, even when we weren’t doing anything special. Even though we spent a lot of time in the kitchen, working and sharing ideas, the truth was that just being wrapped up in his arms was enough to leave me feeling complete.
“Think of all the headache I could have saved myself if I’d just given in to falling for you,” he said when we took a break from the movie and got up to stretch our legs and make a fresh batch of popcorn.
“That’s what happens when you’re stubborn,” I said with a teasing grin. “You miss out on the good things.”
“Speaking of missing out on a good thing, my father doesn’t want to miss out on your talent. He wants you in his elegant Belair restaurant.”
“Well, I know that he’s supposed to be taking one of my recipes into his kitchen. Is that what you mean?”
“No, Layla. I mean you. He wants you. We all want you to become a part of the team. But with all the offers you’re sure to get now that you’ve won the competition... well you’ve got choices, Princess. My father is worried he might lose out.”
I leaned back and looked at him. “You want me as part of the King team? Like a real, integral part of the team?”
“We want you, Layla. You’d have just as much input as we all do... your recipes, your ideas.” He looked thoughtfully at me. “So. What do you say?”
“I say, I couldn’t imagine working for anyone else,” I said, thrilled at the prospect of working with Errol King and his sons.
Kobe suddenly burst into the house and ran up the stairs.
“Well... hello,” Axel called up after him.
“Yeah!” Kobe shouted just before he slammed his bedroom door.
“What’s with him?” I said, glancing at the staircase. “He’s been so...” I looked at Axel as I searched for an appropriate word. Kobe had been acting strange, preoccupied and increasingly secretive.
