Killer Cuisine

by Velvet Vaughn

  Dan threw back his head and laughed. Kai’s little arms would never reach from one ball to the other and they both knew it. He didn’t know how the kid did it…a sixth sense or something. But anytime he needed a pick-me-up, Kai was there doing the picking up. He was a freaking psychic or something.

  #

  “You didn’t have any trouble finding my house?”

  “Non,” François answered. “Your directions were as easy to follow as a beginner’s cookbook.”

  Kaitlyn smiled. “Good. Make yourself at home.”

  “Oh, I plan to. I just wish you were here.”

  “Me, too. I can’t believe you came all this way and didn’t tell me,” she chided.

  “I wanted to surprise you, mon chéri.”

  “Well you did…in a good way. I can’t wait to see you in a couple of days at the taping.”

  “I will be the one waving the big sign that says I heart Kaitlyn.”

  She smiled and gulped at the same time. He was crazy enough to do it. After she clicked off, she checked the clock. It was almost time for the city finals. Dan was competing to become the top US Ninja Warrior. He hadn’t told her, of course. He said he had a commitment in Indianapolis but didn’t tell her what it was. She assumed it was job-related. Why he didn’t want her to know, she couldn’t guess. It stung. Several of the COBRA Securities agents were competing. She wanted to be there, giving them her support, but she couldn’t leave unless it was an emergency. She didn’t think the higher-ups at CuisineTV would think watching Dan’s chiseled muscles swing through the air would count as an acceptable crisis.

  She’d wanted him sitting next to her as the first episode of Killer Cuisine aired. It would’ve been so much easier to watch herself on the screen with him at her side. Instead, she had Ronald and the rest of the cast. It’d been both exciting and excruciating to watch, knowing how it ended. The editors did a fabulous job of splicing together footage of the judges’ comments. Instead of showing all three as they sampled the food, they just chose one for each contestant. Since they hadn’t gotten around to Keisei or Shandee’s dishes before Cora’s incident, they taped Lucretia and Grady’s comments later. Darrin and Joy complained that they made them look bad since they used the negative comments for their reviews.

  She pushed thoughts of the show aside and focused again on Dan. Why hadn’t he told her? Did he think she wouldn’t find out? She knew everyone who worked for her brother, was good friends with several of them. She knew Maggie and Kayla had been training for the event. Her brother Ben wanted to try out but he and his old FBI and current partner Jake Kincaid had worked on a case out of state and couldn’t practice like they needed to in order to run the course. And she knew Dante had trained everyone and he was competing as well. It wasn’t until Dan disappeared that she put two and two together. He had a commitment in Indy, where they were holding try-outs. One call to Taylor Hudson had confirmed her suspicions.

  She was heartbroken he hadn’t told her. Taylor told her it was because he wanted her to concentrate on her competition and he didn’t want to take away from her moment. Well, that was nice and all, but this was his moment, too. Just because the timing overlapped didn’t mean hers took precedence. She knew he always felt like he dwelled in his brother’s impressive shadow. Logan was his hero, always had been. When they were younger, it’d been Dan’s dream to become a SEAL like Logan but his brother wouldn’t let him. He didn’t want him putting his life at risk. It was okay for Logan, but not his baby brother. Logan took protective to a whole new level—just like Luke. They were much alike.

  She should’ve realized he was in training earlier, but she made a point not to ask his co-workers about him. She was afraid of what she might hear—like who he was dating. And to think he’d almost been hit by a car saving her. She was so thankful the injury wasn’t serious. When she’d pulled his shirt up to examine the spot, she’d been shocked at the muscles. Dan had always been fit, but now he was absolutely ripped. His six pack sported a six pack. You didn’t get a body like that without putting in some serious training. This meant something to him. And she wasn’t there to cheer him on. Sure, he’d have Logan and Jade and Isabella and Trudy, and the rest of the COBRA Securities family, but she wanted to be there, too.

  He’d looked fierce and intense and unbeatable on his qualifying run. Taylor, sweetheart that she was, streamed it live to her via her phone. She’d been screaming and cheering him on, even if he couldn’t hear her. Ronald had come running, thinking she was in trouble. When she was finally able to explain after all of the excitement, he’d marveled at Dan’s shirtless body and done some serious ogling. They’d watched Dante’s run…or tried to. Taylor was screaming and jumping up and down so much, she forgot Kaitlyn was there. Even though she wanted Dante to do well, she hoped he came in second to Dan.

  Ronald even suggested they sneak out and drive up for the finals tonight. She seriously considered it, but she didn’t want Mason getting in trouble. He was the only one around. She’d barely seen Abby. That couldn’t bode well for their marriage.

  A rap sounded on her door and Ronald stuck his head in. “Is it time?”

  “Almost.”

  He breezed in and lifted a large bowl in the air. “Great! I brought popcorn sprinkled with some of my famous Cajun seasoning.”

  “Yum, bring it over here.”

  Mason walked by her door and then did a double-take. “Who made popcorn and didn’t offer to share?”

  “Dan’s competing in the Ninja Warrior City Finals tonight.”

  “Yeah, I just talked to him.”

  “You did?”

  “He called to check in on you, has about fifty times since he left.”

  Warmth spread throughout her body. He was worried about her. She’d have to chide him later. He should be focusing on the course. A thought struck. “You didn’t happen to mention the little incident with François, did you?”

  “Yeah, and he wasn’t too happy about that.”

  She cringed. Dan hated François. She prayed it didn’t distract him. Her phone buzzed and Taylor’s face popped up on the screen.

  “We’re five for five so far,” Taylor said excitedly into the phone. “Dan’s getting ready to go.”

  Kait wanted to watch all of their runs but that wasn’t fair to Taylor. It was hard to both watch and film. She’d just have to wait until it aired on television.

  “Hold it so we can see it,” Mason instructed Kait, munching on some of Ronald’s popcorn. The two men had crowded around her. She heard the announcer call Dan’s name and then he was off, flying across the course, attacking the first obstacle like it wasn’t even there. All three of them were cheering and the further along he went, the more nervous she got. She wanted this for him so much. She covered her eyes. “I don’t think I can watch.” How could she not? She pulled her hands away just as the display went blank. Ronald and Mason stopped cheering abruptly. They all gaped at the screen. “No!”

  “What happened?” Ronald grabbed the phone and tried punching some buttons.

  Kait felt like bursting into tears. A few minutes later, the phone buzzed again and she punched the button.

  “Where did I lose you?” Taylor asked.

  “Just past the log run.”

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know the call dropped until after. I must’ve hit something in my excitement. He did it, Kaitlyn! He’s got the fastest time of the night so far.”

  “So he’s going to Las Vegas?”

  “They all are…well, Dante hasn’t run yet.”

  “Go, watch him,” Kait insisted, not wanting to impose on her friend any longer. “Thank you for keeping me posted.”

  “I’ll text with Dante’s results.”

  They hung up and she typed up a quick text of congratulations to Dan. He wouldn’t have his phone with him, but he’d see it later.

  Mason’s phone beeped and he pulled it out. “Someone’s at the gate.”

  François wouldn’t try again…would
he?

  Mason activated the speaker. “Yes?”

  “Hey, it’s Dion McArthur. Kendall said it was okay if I brought some left-over desserts from one of my restaurants. This is going to sound funny but, she said to tell you that the only easy day was yesterday.”

  “That’s the code phrase she picked. Damn frogmen,” Mason grumbled. “I’ll beep you in.” He punched the code to open the gate.

  “What did that mean?” Ronald asked.

  “Kendall thought she was being cute. It’s the Navy SEAL motto,” Mason told him. “Kendall’s fiancé was one. They’re tough, I’ll give them that, but nothing like Force Recon.” He flexed his impressive muscles. “Ooh-rah.”

  Ronald mock-shuddered. “I just got all tingly.”

  Mason’s eyes widened and he cleared his throat. Pointing a thumb over his shoulder, he sputtered, “I’ll, uh, just go let him in.”

  Kait bit back a smile. “He’s my boss, Mason. I’ll let him in.”

  “I’ve got it, really.”

  “Wait. I’ll go with.” Ronald sat the bowl of popcorn down and jogged after them. The front door was standing open when they reached the bottom of the stairs. Feminine laughter sounded and drew closer as Dion appeared with Abby.

  “Where the hell has she been?” Mason muttered under his breath but Kait heard him. She wondered the same thing. She hadn’t seen Abby around all day.

  Mason shook his head at his wife as she cozied up to Dion. He turned away. “I’ll gather everyone and have them meet in the kitchen.”

  Abby looked up and started, obviously startled to see them. Her eyes followed her husband’s retreating back, but she quickly recovered. “Kaitlyn, Donald, this is the famous Dion McArthur.”

  “Ronald,” Ronald mumbled.

  Dion gave her a hug. “Kait’s a dear friend and one of my best executive chefs,” he told Abby. “Good to see you.” She returned the sentiment. He held out his hand. “Donald.”

  “It’s Ronald,” he corrected again.

  “Sorry, Ronald. Where do you work?”

  “Le Banquet.”

  Dion nodded, impressed. “I know Jesper Auclair…good man.”

  The rest of the group funneled downstairs, followed by Mason.

  “There are boxes of decadent desserts in the car,” Dion told them.

  “Donald, why don’t you go fetch them?” Abby said with a negligent wave.

  Mason stalked to his wife. “He’s not your lap dog to order around.” Her mouth dropped open. With a disgusted shake of his head, he added, “And it’s Ronald, not Donald.”

  He brushed around her to storm outside. Abby gaped at him before pursing her lips and focusing her attention back on Dion. Kait didn’t know Abby at all—she was never around to get to know—but Mason didn’t deserve the way she treated him. If she didn’t know better, she’d think Abby acted the way she did to get his attention. Flirting with another man under your husband’s nose was a pretty ballsy thing to do. Maybe Abby wanted Mason to fight for her? But what did she know? She wasn’t a marriage counselor.

  “I’ll help,” Ronald called out to Mason, and then he grabbed Kait’s arm. “He defended me,” he whispered excitedly.

  Kait chuckled and followed to help. She wanted to say something to Mason but didn’t quite know what to say. “Sorry your wife’s a bitch,” didn’t seem appropriate. She thought about mentioning to Kendall that Mason was handling everything. Abby was mysteriously absent most of the time. Now a niggling thought snaked into her brain that maybe she was having an affair with Dion. They’d been huddled together intimately. You didn’t do that with someone you just met. Would Dion have an affair with a married woman? Kaitlyn was placing a box filled with cupcakes on the table, musing over her thoughts, when she heard her name. She looked up. “What was that?”

  “Someone seems distracted,” Dion said. “I know you aren’t drooling over the cupcakes since you don’t eat sweets. Here, your favorite.” He handed her a box wrapped with a red bow. Inside was a chocolate bran and soy muffin. It was low fat but high on taste.

  “Thank you,” she said with a smile. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Abby glaring at her. The others crowded around the boxes and carried their treats to the great room to watch TV. Someone called Mason’s name and he padded to the other room, leaving Kait in the kitchen with Abby, Dion and Ronald.

  “Kait’s not distracted,” Ronald sang. “She’s just mooning over her boyfriend’s accomplishments. Six plus feet of tall, dark and dreamy.” He sighed.

  Kait felt a blush creep up her face but she didn’t correct Ronald’s term of boyfriend. He was a boy and he was a friend. Sort-of.

  “Boyfriend?” Dion asked, one brow raised. “And I haven’t met him?”

  “Actually, you have. He came into Fresh! a few days ago.”

  “Ah, the bodyguard. Dave?”

  “Security specialist. Dan.”

  Abby’s eyes widened. “Dan Bradley? You’re dating him?”

  There was no easy way to explain her and Dan’s relationship and before she could answer, Abby pressed on.

  “I’ve got to say, you could do better.” She glanced coyly at Dion. “He hit on me.”

  Kait blinked at Abby. There was no way on this earth Dan would flirt with her. Yes, she was drop-dead gorgeous, but he would never approach a married woman. Never. She decided not to even dignify that comment with a response. Was this woman so insecure she wanted every man to fight for her?

  Dion glanced at his watch. “I need to get going. I’ll be back tomorrow with some of the staff from Fresh!. We’re catering dinner.”

  Great. Now she’d have to worry about Amy Warren poisoning her food.

  “I’ll walk you out,” Abby offered. Dion said his goodbyes and she all but hung on him as they walked out.

  “Honey, that woman is a beeoytch,” Ronald murmured. “There is no way your man would hit on her when he has you.”

  Tears sprang to Kait’s eyes at his compliment and his defense of Dan. “Thank you.”

  #

  Dan lifted his frosty mug and toasted with his colleagues. It was the first beer he’d had in over three months. They were celebrating all seven of the COBRA Securities agents making it to the Vegas finals. They’d all gone through rounds of interviews both as a group and individually. The Addisons were making a splash as the first three siblings to make it to Vegas. Kayla was a hit for her stunning beauty. She looked like she should be walking a runway, not swinging from an obstacle course. They fawned all over Dante for having been a Navy SEAL and for having the fastest time on both runs. Dude freaking killed it. He flew through the course, obliterating the competition. When they found out he was Kai Costa’s dad, the boy who rescued a girl from the clutches of a serial killer, they brought Little C in for the interviews as well. Alex had posted the third-fastest time on both runs. They discovered he’d been shot a short time ago and made a big deal about his recovery and how amazing it was that he was able to even be competitive so soon. Dan smiled. He had his share of attention. His time was second fastest on both runs, but it was his Oscar-winning sister-in-law that reeled them in. He didn’t mind.

  As animated chatter sounded around him, he read his iPhone screen again…something he’d been doing regularly for the last hour. Congratulations, DJ! I’m so proud of you! Kaitlyn knew. He felt bad for not telling her but he wanted her to concentrate on her show. He should’ve known one of the others would tell her.

  Logan tapped a fork against his glass to call for attention. “I’m so proud of all of you,” he said, raising the glass in a toast. He elbowed Luke. “Maybe we should change the name to Ninja Warrior Securities.” They all laughed and toasted and celebrated. And while Dan had a great time, he couldn’t ignore the fact that it would have been so much sweeter to have Kaitlyn at his side.

  #

  Dan stood against the wall with his arms crossed and watched the kids gyrate on the dance floor, wondering when he got to be so old. Twerking? What the hell was th
at? Dan was far from a prude, but that shit was obscene. Didn’t they realize how stupid they looked?

  His eyes roamed the floor and he spotted his charge, Lauren Dianetti. He’d been tasked with watching over her while a serial killer targeted her dad. That’s how he found himself chaperoning a high school dance. Thankfully, she was dancing normally…no twerking for her.

  “Mr. Bradley?”

  Dan turned to see a short, brown-haired woman calling his name. He remembered her from when she dropped a file by Matt’s house weeks ago. “You’re Matt’s secretary. Ms. Jones, isn’t it?” She smiled sweetly and nodded. “What are you doing here?”

  “It’s my daughter’s first dance,” she stated proudly. “I volunteered to chaperone.”

  “Which one is your daughter?” he asked.

  “She’s right over there.” Pointing to a shy-looking girl with long brown hair who was chatting with two other girls, she added, “She was nervous. We drove all the way to Indy to buy the dress.”

  “She’s pretty,” Dan complimented. “And I must say, you don’t look old enough to have a daughter in high school.” Flirting was second nature to him. He didn’t even know how to turn it off.

  “That’s a sweet thing to say. Thank you.” A beat passed. “Actually, I’m glad I found you. We just moved here this fall and I don’t know the other parents. I volunteered to keep the paper stocked in the bathrooms but they’re almost out in the ladies’ room. I went to get refills and being vertically challenged,” she joked, “I can’t reach it. I couldn’t find a ladder so I came looking for a tall man to assist me. Do you think you could give me a hand?”

  “Uh…” He cast a look at Lauren, her mega-watt smile sparkling like thousands of tiny diamonds in the overhead lighting. She was surrounded by an adoring crowd, dancing to “Monster Mash” and laughing. What could happen in two minutes with that many people around her? She should be safe. “Sure thing.” He followed Matt’s secretary as she flawlessly navigated the winding hallways to a door marked ‘Janitor.’ She twisted the handle, but it didn’t budge.