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2023-08-24 08:05:00Related chapters
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella I'm resuming my position as a chef
GustafI watched Izzy eat her cereal, looking relaxed. In my mind I was still going over everything that had happened. I'd spent the night fighting the urge to go to her and accept her invitation, and only showed up after deciding what to say to her and making sure I'd controlled myself.And at that moment I could say that I felt lighter after clarifying everything with her. Izzy handled my situation better than I expected, and I confess that I was even more excited about spending the next three weeks by her side.Isabella surprised me in every way, and something told me that by the end of those weeks she wouldn't stop surprising me."Do I have cereal in my nose? "She frowned, bringing her hand up to her face."What? "The question snapped me out of my contemplation."When people stare at me like that in the kitchen, I either have sauce on my forehead or I'm on fire, neither of which is possible at the moment," she explained, rubbing the tip of her nose.That statement made me laugh, a
Last Updated : 2023-08-26Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella A frank conversation with Zachary
Gustaf That's when a scratchy throat surprised us, and Izzy and I hurried away, finding Gwen and Zachary standing in the corridor that would lead to the hotel.I turned my back, going back to taking care of the rest of the cookies, feeling a little embarrassed to have been caught in that situation, especially after what had happened with Amber. Izzy recovered more quickly, running towards her friends and hugging them both effusively."You've arrived, we're both preparing brunch for you! "she explained, while I just waved to my friends."So, you two are cooking together? "Gwen looked suspicious.I saw Zachary whisper something to his friend, who quickly rolled her eyes and went back into the kitchen, lighting the pot of water on fire."We're trying to be nice and do something to welcome you, so if you could just stay out of the way, I'd be happy," Izzy muttered."Is that really what you're trying, Izzy? "Zachary teased.I felt uncomfortable in front of that interaction, exposing my re
Last Updated : 2023-08-26Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Zachary's advice
Isabella "Izzy, that was delicious, I'll get the cookies "Gwen stood up, not seeming to notice anything strange about what had just happened.Zachary and I watched her walk away before turning our attention to each other."What was that all about? "I whispered."I ask you, were you making out in our kitchen? "he returned with amusement.If I hadn't been so good at disguising myself, I'm sure my face would have turned red at having been discovered."I don't know what you're talking about. Why did Gustaf run away from here? "He didn't run away, he was tired."Zach, the only time I saw him run away faster than today was last night when I... you know..." I said back, still whispering.We heard Gwen's footsteps approaching, then fell silent again."He made my favorite, coconut cookies with lemon and almonds, you have to try them, Izzy "Gwen sat down, placing a platter of chocolate and coconut cookies on the table, completely oblivious to our conversation."Gwen, where's the honey? Don't
Last Updated : 2023-08-28Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella 18 - I don't want people to think I'm an asshole
IsabellaThe next day, I stayed in bed late, getting up after nine o'clock. I was surprised to go into the kitchen and find it empty. I'd gotten used to Gustaf's presence more than I'd like to admit.I poured myself a cup of coffee and leaned on the windowsill, watching the light from Gustaf's hut illuminate the darkness outside.Will I see him today? I wonder what caused his change of mood yesterday. "Your absence was noticeable today "Zachary came down the hallway."Today I didn't have to get up early like the other days "I shrugged, moving away from the window.He watched me for a few seconds before giving up on the subject and heading towards the lodge lobby.""The first guests of the Santa's Cabin season will be arriving any minute, Gwen always gets anxious, so I'll let you have your coffee in peace," he commented.""Thanks," I mumbled, reaching for some of the cookies left over from the day before.I leaned over the counter and nibbled on a coconut-almond cookie, feeling it me
Last Updated : 2023-09-04Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella 19 - My story with Kate
IsabellaI felt anxious about the conversation, every minute my curiosity grew more and more, and I thought that this time I couldn't leave the subject aside without satisfying it completely.It took us very little time to reach the cafeteria, the place was quiet, Gustaf accompanied me to a reserved table in a corner, ordering waffles and coffee, without even looking at the menu."The waffles here are the best, you'll like them "he assured me as soon as the waitress left."If you say so, I trust your judgment," I replied, not knowing how to bring up the previous subject.For a moment, we remained trapped in an awkward silence, until Gustaf began to speak."Yesterday, I told you that my last relapse was almost two years ago, and it happened because I didn't tell the person I was involved with about my condition.I nodded, feeling my heart race with anticipation."That person was Kate Monaghan, and it didn't end well," he admitted, to my surprise.""Ohhhh," was the only thing I managed
Last Updated : 2023-09-04Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella the story of everything
IsabellaWe finished eating in a lighter mood, but curiosity about his past still consumed me, and it was only when we were already in the car that I plucked up the courage to return to the subject."I know you don't like to talk about it, but... Gustaf let out a sigh, seeming to expect something of the sort."I owe you, you told your story "he gave a weak smile."Zachary and I have a way of dealing with uncomfortable subjects, we can try "I decided to propose."Which way?"A frank, objective conversation, and then we change the subject and put a stone on it, never touching it again "I encouraged him, receiving an amused look."You've found many unique ways of living."It's worked out so far," I smiled in response.Gustaf focused on the road for a few seconds, seeming to think about how to begin his story."I always drank. I could make up stories, blame my parents, say that they were bad to me, or that I had no friends, or anything like that, but it would be a lie. I always had every
Last Updated : 2023-09-04Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Breakfast with friends
Isabella"You have no idea, I spent days taking theory classes on all sorts of subjects, and then the day finally came for our first practical class, so imagine my excitement and frustration when I got into the kitchen "I told my friends during a little brunch we prepared on Sunday."Frustration? "Quinn asked confused.We were gathered around the kitchen table, listening first-hand to all the excitement of Danny and Declan playing together in the living room."It sucked to hear her complain the next day "Zachary rolled his eyes, helping himself to a muffin.This time, both Gustaf and I had stayed out of the kitchen; Gwen and Quinn had bought everything from a coffee shop on Santa Klaus Lane."I broke down, I was cooking inside that dolman, I went into the kitchen certain that I would make an incredible dish, and I came across a cutting class where I spent hours learning how to make millimetrically perfect cubes "I pouted. "She complains for nothing, in her first practical class, I th
Last Updated : 2023-09-08Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella The North Pole lights
Isabella The afternoon we all spent together was delightful, Danny dragging me into a snowball fight as soon as we arrived at the resort while Gwen and Quinn reserved a private pool for us to enjoy later.The day wasn't as cold as the previous ones, the temperature didn't reach minus ten degrees and the sky was very clear, making it perfect for an afternoon outdoors."No, Uncle! You can't hit Aunt Izzy "Danny squawked when he saw Gustaf about to throw a snowball at me."We're at war, Danny."But she's from Miami "he explained, before lowering his voice to a whisper "they don't have snow there.Danny had made it his personal mission to protect me from any attack ever since he asked me about winter in Miami and discovered that it wasn't as cold there as in Alaska.And I took advantage of this protection to concentrate my attacks on Gustaf, who couldn't hit back."That's the privilege of being the favorite aunt, Bergqvist "I teased him, before hitting him with another ball."You're taki
Last Updated : 2023-09-10
Latest chapter
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Epilogue
IsabelleThe ringing of the doorbell caught my attention, I rushed over, reading the order before putting it in the queue, and unlike any other time in my life, I didn't mark the order. "Anything for me, Zazie? "Gustaf asked from the other side of the kitchen we'd set up together a few months ago."No, it seems that everyone has opted for quail today "I replied, returning to the edge of the stove, concentrating on finishing the dishes I was preparing.We were in the middle of August, it had been a little over two months since Gustaf and I had managed to open our bistro together and we hadn't imagined such a movement in such a short space of time."I'm finishing my orders and I'll help you," he said, finishing a plate of salmon.Putting our financial resources together, it wasn't difficult to set up the restaurant, the physical part at least. Because when it came to the menu, we argued a lot until we managed to perfectly blend all my love of classic cuisine with the local cuisine and
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella A rolling pin?
IsabelleI leaned my head against the seat of the cab, breathing a sigh of relief that I was finally in Fairbanks. I couldn't believe the mess that had taken over my life in the last few days, as soon as I left the restaurant I felt lost, I didn't know what to do or what to do next, the only person I could count on in that city was my sous chef, and in a way he was involved in everything. I was alone.That's when I saw the ticket Gustaf had given me, and it wasn't hard to make that decision, especially when I started receiving countless messages telling me that someone had filmed the whole mess and the video had gone viral. I needed my family, it was the only place I knew I'd find support and I also wanted to keep a close eye on Gwen's new pregnancy.At least that was the lie I told myself when I convinced myself that this was the best way to go, but it was still Gustaf's address that I gave to the taxi driver. I loved my friends, and I would certainly talk to them next, but at tha
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Can you close the door?
Gustaf"Speaking of her, have you seen the video? "I recovered quickly, ignoring my mother's questioning look at me."I think everyone saw the video," Gwen sighed.My family exchanged confused glances until my uncle decided to speak up."What are you talking about?"You remember Izzy, right, Dad? "Stefan turned to his father."Ahh the girl who stole your cousin's heart? "Brianna said in a suggestive tone, making me a little uncomfortable in front of my family's gaze.Not that I wanted to hide Izzy from them or anything, I just preferred to say that I was with someone when I had our relationship sorted out, and I hadn't heard from her for days."Do you have a girlfriend? "Greta looked at me."Not exactly," I forced a smile."Anyway, she went viral in a video yesterday "Gwen tried to change the subject."What kind of video? "Blenda wanted to know.But before I could answer, Danny, who was joking with Declan, spoke up."Aunt Izzy set the woman on fire. "He said good-naturedly."What? N
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella A pleasant surprise
GustafGwen got a parking space and then parked, turning to me and looking into my eyes."Izzy knows you're a wonderful guy, Gustaf. And she appreciates that. But there's a lot going on inside her. And you may hate me for stopping you today, but I can't let her feel the blame for your relapse.I felt like the worst person in the universe at that moment for even considering drinking. I had promised her that I would wait for her and accept her as she was. How could I be so weak?I looked away, feeling like a failure. If it hadn't been for my friend's intervention, my regret would have been far greater. A notification arrived on her cell phone, making her frown as she stared at the screen."Everything okay?"Yes, the flight went ahead, the group we came to pick up has already landed "she stammered "Gustaf, I have something urgent to sort out and I thought there would be time, would you mind meeting them?Group? I thought it was just one man. But I soon realized that she had only used t
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella I won't leave your side
Gustaf I staggered through the streets near the inn without knowing exactly where to go, my mind seemed clouded and bewildered, that torment hadn't left me since I left the cabin a few minutes before.I had even considered taking the car and going to Fairbanks in search of my comfort, but I dismissed the possibility of driving afterwards, settling for going to the grocery store to see what I could get there.A week was all I had to endure to complete two years of sobriety, and I felt terrible for not being able to endure it, but I needed that relief. But before I could reach my destination, a mini van pulled up next to me, lowering its window."Gustaf, I'm so glad I found you "Gwen greeted me smiling, seemingly oblivious to everything that was going on in my mind "I need to pick up a guest from the airport, and Zach is busy, can you come with me? I blinked, stunned, and for a moment thought about denying her request. But it wouldn't be safe for her to pick up a guest on her own, Za
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Here's your well-done steak
IsabelleWe left the restaurant and stopped a few meters ahead on the sidewalk, I leaned against the wall watching the blue sky. It was almost 5:30 in the afternoon and the sun was close to setting, making me think that by that time everyone would be in absolute darkness in Alaska."You didn't tell me about your trip," Hugo commented."It was incredible, that place surprised me in so many ways. I didn't expect to like it so much," I admitted, still looking at the sky."I never thought I'd go to Alaska, for me it's nothing but ice, I like the heat.I couldn't help laughing at his comment, which was so similar to my own opinion when I left a month ago. "I've seen the Aurora Borealis," I said, "and I've been husky sledding."That sounds interesting, what's the Aurora like? I remembered the day we spent at the hot spring, and all the explanation Gustaf had given me about the auroras afterwards. That thought made me smile again, because I knew we could do it again at some point and I hop
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella nerves on edge
Isabelle"Izzy, I'm serious, are you okay? "Gwen's voice sounded on the other end of the line.She had called me while I was packing up the groceries I had bought at the market.It had been a few days since I had returned to Miami, and although I wouldn't admit it to anyone, I felt miserable. From the moment I landed in Miami, that loneliness that seemed to haunt me became evident. There was no one for me in that city, not even a single soul to feel my absence.Even Cora seemed to have coped well with my distance, ever since I returned to work I could see how much she had been praising Hugo and his leadership while I was away."I'm fine, I want to know how you've been eating, you had a lot of trouble eating during Danny's pregnancy "I tried to change the subject."I'm fine, and I'm not the subject here, Izzy. Can you stop trying to run away? I've been trying to talk to you properly for days," she complained.It was true, since I'd arrived last week, Gwen had called me every day, she w
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella A tough talk
GustafSilence dominated much of our journey back, the light atmosphere of before gave way to a dark cloud that seemed to grow with every minute we didn't talk about what would happen from then on, and it was only when I parked the car back at the hostel that Izzy decided to speak up."I know I've been avoiding the subject all day, but I didn't want to risk ruining our moment together "she sighed, getting out of the car.That sentence bothered me, even though I'd spent the day doing the same thing for the same reason, it just went to show how well-founded my insecurity was."So this conversation is going to ruin our moment? "I forced a smile, starting to walk towards the cabin."Maybe.Maybe.I put my hands in my jacket pockets, walking in silence beside her, waiting for her to make another statement and put an end to all the hope I had been harboring that day. But as I reached the door of the hut, I realized that wasn't going to happen."You don't have to accept the ticket if you don
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella I'm definitely in love
Gustaf"Are you warm enough? "I asked as I parked the car at the husky farm where I had booked the tour."Yes, I've learned how not to freeze to death, and today I wore a few extra layers "Izzy smiled at me.Her smile had caught my eye from the first moment I saw her at the airport, but now, after the days we'd spent side by side and getting to know her more deeply, her smiles had taken on a new meaning for me, and I loved it when her smile was one of pure happiness and excitement, like at that moment.Izzy straightened her gloves, reaching for the cap in her lap, and I leaned over, taking it from her hand."I think you need help with this," I teased her, arranging the cap on her head so that my face was inches from hers.Izzy kept her gaze fixed on mine as I tidied up the thick scarf Gwen had given her as a present the day before, checking that she was ready to go out, then stole a brief kiss."Are you ready? "I asked with my lips still pressed to hers."No, but I'm looking forward t
