The Chef's Kiss

Welcome to Superiore Bay, Maine, your little slice of heaven on the coast. Come visit us for the best small-town gossip, all the wine you can drink, and wild horses. Once you’re here, you’ll never want to leave.

He’s her boss… …nothing more.

Jorgina Ashford was once the princess of Superiore Bay. As the daughter of the man who controlled, well, everything—including her—she had an image to uphold, one that threatened to choke the life out of her.

So, she left.

Four years later and she’s back. A beloved daughter returned with a secret that’ll turn her from prodigal to fallen princess.

As the son of famed celebrity chefs, Hudson Silverman was the toast of New York City. Everyone dreamed of dining at his Michelin starred restaurants. Restaurants he didn’t own. Businesses that could fire him at will.

And they did.

A scandal sends him in search of a job. Any job as long as it’s out of town. A terror in the kitchen, Hudson is desperate for employees at the new restaurant he’s been hired to open. No one wants to work for him until he hires the one girl who can open all the doors barred to him in this strange small town.

A girl he can’t seem to intimidate.

Jorgina and Hudson are opposites who shouldn’t work. Not in their partnership or their budding frenemy relationship.

When Jorgina’s secret comes to light, she might just learn the toughest door to open is the one to Hudson’s heart.

Come to Superiore Bay for an escape into this heartwarming and sweet, small town romance with beautiful sunrises, protective brothers, lovable town-gossips, a complicated enemies to lovers relationship, and a family that will steal your heart.

The Chef’s Kiss is the fourth book in the Maine Mornings series. It’s a standalone novel with a guaranteed HEA.

Had I just made the biggest mistake of my life?

Probably. 

Did I care? 

No one could know just how much I cared. That wasn’t me. Jorgina Ashford was impenetrable, unflappable. I owned the world. It didn’t own me. And yet, here I stood on a lonely ferry, the only soul in sight other than a burly captain, who probably wished I wasn’t here. If I hadn’t shown up, maybe he could have skipped at least one of his stops.

It was Saturday, after all. Amelia wouldn’t be working, and Conrad rarely took the ferry, opting for one of his own boats instead. Because he was an adult who owned things. And me? Still just a child in comparison. 

Twenty-two, and it seemed I hadn’t learned a thing. Hence my mistake. 

It wasn’t leaving Harvard weeks before graduation without so much as a goodbye to the people I’d spent four years with. And it wasn’t even my last-minute decision to come home. 

This was bigger than that. 

I pushed a hand through my dark auburn curls, letting them fall into my face as I leaned over the rail. The ocean was as lifeless as I felt. I searched for signs of whales—which would have been a rarity this time of year—but it seemed I was all out of spring miracles. 

And I definitely wasn’t ready for this. The last time I was here was for Leyla’s gallery opening just a few weeks ago. And I’d left on good terms without having to see my father, but there’d be no avoiding that now. Or my three brothers. Not to mention all the cousins I’d grown up keeping my distance from, who Conrad now claimed we were supposed to get along with. 

Superiore Bay, Maine was overrun with Ashfords. At that thought, I straightened. What was I doing? Why had I come back? 

The Corolla Horse Sanctuary loomed closer, and I couldn’t breathe. What would Conrad think of me? Of the decisions I’d made? 

I couldn’t do this. Striding across the deck, I took the stairs to the bridge two at a time and burst through the door. “Captain?”

“What is it?” He turned to glare at me in annoyance. 

“Unless you’re expecting passengers at the sanctuary, you don’t need to stop. I’ve decided to keep going all the way to Hidden Cove.” 

He nodded with a grunt, and I backed out of the room. Decision made; I couldn’t take it back now. As the ferry passed the island my oldest brother called home, breathing came a little easier. My insides unclenched. 

I’d have to face Conrad. Soon. Most likely tonight if I could hitch a ride back to the island. But a few more hours of blissful anonymity sounded nice right about now.

As the only Ashford who spent any amount of time in our rival town of Hidden Cove, its familiar shores brought a calm to the storm inside me. Most of the people in Superiore Bay refused to even set foot within town limits, but I'd always thought that was just stupid. Hidden Cove was the chocolate town, and there was nothing wrong with chocolate. 

Plus, I’d always done whatever I could to rebel against my small town. That included staying away all four years while in college. I didn’t come home until this last year, barely ever phoning. There were expectations of me, and I’d wanted, needed, a break. 

The ferry docked, and I wasted no time jumping onto the boardwalk and hurrying up the wooden planks past a row of shops catering to tourists of all kinds. Hidden Cove was a beach town. In a few short weeks, these streets would teem with people, mostly New Englanders and Canadians who knew how beautiful it was. 

“Jorgina Ashford?” someone called out in surprise. 

I smiled, knowing I’d recognize that voice anywhere. Turning, I narrowed my eyes. “Well, if it isn’t my least favorite Hillson.” They were to Hidden Cove what the Ashfords were to Superiore Bay. Royalty. Except, instead of wine, they made their bones in chocolate. 

“How long has it been?” He walked toward me with that confidence I’d always hidden my love for. Colin and I knew each other in high school, something neither of our families would have approved of. But we were friends, and I’d refused to let petty rivalries ruin that. 

“I haven’t seen you since right after high school graduation.” I’d left early for Harvard, thinking it would change my fortunes, make people think of me as more than the socialite daughter of a wealthy man. If I was smart enough, capable enough, they’d let me be my own person. 

If only that had been true. 

Colin pulled me into a hug. “I’ve missed you.” 

“You mean your harem isn’t enough to keep you warm at night?” I laughed against his shoulder, sinking into his embrace. How long had it been since I’d had a friend who truly cared about me other than my roommate? I thought I had plenty of them, but then Jeffrey happened and most of them dropped like the dead flies they were. And said roommate? I’d left her.

Colin pulled back with a carefree chuckle. “Not as warm as you could make me.”

I pinched his side. “Don’t flirt with me. I’m not in the mood.”

He slid his arm around my shoulders. “Well, then, I know just what you need. I was heading to work. Come on.” 

I eyed him curiously as we walked toward the market district, wondering what kind of work his mother had him doing in the family business. 

When he led me to one of the many chocolate shops in town, I stopped. “What—”

He released me and stuck his hands in his pockets. “I… okay, long story short. I was trying to strike out on my own, still am, but the first investment opportunity I tried didn’t really pan out.”

“What was it?” 

He looked away. “Uh, a certain business your brother stole for Superiore Bay.” 

That brought a laugh out of me. “You mean Selena’s business? Don’t feel bad, Cols. Working with her made Conner fall in love, and you’re definitely not the type for that.” 

One corner of his mouth tipped up. “Absolutely not. So, Mom was tired of me trying to get away from the company and made me do penance ringing up tourists here.” 

“Surrounded by chocolate? Doesn’t sound so bad.” I pushed open the door and inhaled the scent of candy. They made certain things like taffy and some of their baked goods right here in the shop. It was a draw for the tourists. 

A girl behind the counter looked up. “Finally, you’re here. I’m going on break.” She left without another glance. It was just as well. I wasn’t exactly in the mood for lots of company. 

Colin wasn’t usual company though. He was uncomplicated and would never judge. 

Rounding the counter, he grabbed an apron off the hook and tied it around his waist. 

“Oh, that’s a good look.” I mimed taking a picture. “Pose for me.”

“You’re cruel.”

“I’m hilarious.” 

He rolled his eyes. “So, how goes the life of the mysterious Jorgie Ashford?” 

“Still mysterious.” I paused. “Complicated.”

“Wasn’t it always?”

“I used to think so. Now, I know how much worse it could get.” I reached into a case on the counter and pulled out a round chocolate.

“Want to talk about it?” He passed me a napkin. 

“No.”

“Fair enough. Want to pay for that truffle you’re stealing?”

I laughed. “Have I ever?” 

“I’ll put it on your tab.” 

It was his rebellion when we were teenagers. Supplying the Ashford daughter with their delicious chocolates. I’d just never told my dad how good I thought they were. I bit into it and moaned. “What heaven is this?”

“Oreos and cream cheese covered in chocolate.” 

I sighed as I finished it. It was just what I needed. Chocolate had always been my go-to whenever I needed to feel better. Some of the girls I surrounded myself with in college were aghast at the amount I ate. They were from other wealthy New England families, the kind of friends I was expected to have. If things had been different, I’d have married a Harvard man by now and spent my days organizing charity events. 

Thank the great chocolate overlords that never happened. 

Though, my current situation wasn’t exactly ideal. 

“I’m taking more of these to Conrad.” I rounded the counter for a small cardboard box and piled them in. “Maybe that’ll soften the brotherly concern,” I used air quotes for that, “when I arrive at his doorstep without even a change of clothes.” 

Colin froze. “You’re just getting home?” 

I lifted one shoulder in a shrug. 

“And you didn’t bring your stuff? Please tell me you just dropped it off at your dad’s place.”

Another shrug. 

The truth was, after I’d learned the full extent of how bad my actions were, I couldn’t face anyone, let alone my roommate. She’d no doubt have everything sent to my dad’s address when she figured out I wasn’t coming back. I couldn’t. 

Colin didn’t ask more questions. He’d always been good like that. We weren’t as close as my brother Carter had been to Selena growing up—something Carter thought he’d hidden from us. But Colin and I understood each other. He was the black sheep son always under his mother’s thumb, and I was the golden daughter who could do no wrong in my father’s eyes. 

Different circumstances, but the same pressure. 

“Did you hear Lena is opening up a new restaurant at Orchard Hill Farms soon?”

“Yes.” I sat up straighter. “But how on earth did you know that?”

“I have my sources.”

I leveled him with a stare I knew he couldn’t resist. 

“Fine. My mother was complaining about some big-city chef coming into Superiore Bay. Apparently, he’s quite the catch. She’s just upset the Hideaway won’t be the only tourist trap restaurant for city folk in the area.” 

“A city chef?” That wasn’t how things were done in Superiore Bay. We tended to go small, to hire locally. “Are you sure?” Whoever it was wouldn’t have an easy time in town. It could be a difficult place for outsiders. 

“My mother was mad enough that I’m pretty sure it’s a done deal.” 

“Strange.” This should be entertaining at least. And it would be nice to have a restaurant that served something other than our typical small-town fare. 

I spent a few hours at the shop with Colin, watching customers come and go. By the time evening fell, I’d eaten the entire box of chocolates I’d meant to bring to Conrad and Leyla. Their loss. 

“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” Colin asked after I threw out the box. 

“Not anywhere I want to be.”

He lifted a brow. Ugh, he knew me too well. 

“Fine, I was on my way to the sanctuary, but this seemed like a good detour.”

He leaned against the counter. “And how do you expect to get there? Or even Superiore Bay? I saw you arrive on the ferry, so you have no car.” 

I fluttered my lashes. “It would be ever so lovely if my good, handsome, understanding friend took me.” 

“Thought so.” He caught my gaze with his. “Why didn’t we ever date?”

“Wow, that came out of left field. Is my answer the price of a ride?” 

“Maybe.” 

He was insufferable. “Fine. First, our towns would have murdered us. My cousin is the mayor of Superiore Bay and not even he would have blamed anyone.”

“Fair point.”

“Also, you’re not my type.” 

“I’m everyone’s type.” 

A laugh burst out of me. “You, my friend, are too cocky.” Though, recent events showed, apparently, I was attracted to cocky rich boys, who had secret girlfriends they didn’t tell me about. Girlfriends they were now engaged to. 

Colin locked up, and we headed toward the marina. He didn’t ask if I preferred to go to Conrad’s place or my dad’s. He knew. The Hillsons had an entire row of boats at the marina of all different sizes and for all different uses. 

We chose a small speed boat, and Colin procured the keys from the main office. Before I knew it, we were out on the water once again. Only this time, it was dark. We could only see the outline of the island offshore, but Colin knew these waters as well as I did. Every inch of them was familiar. 

By the time we slowed and pulled up to the small dock that was home to a single boat and a ferry slip, I was ready to run again. 

I pictured the disappointment in Conrad’s eyes when he learned why I left school early. Sure, I’d finished everything I needed to graduate, save a paper or two, but he would have questions. Questions I couldn’t answer.

Colin didn’t follow me as I climbed out of the boat. I looked back at him, at his blond hair shining in the starlight. He really was pretty in a refined way, a way many women loved. But to me, he’d always been the boy who let me be whoever I needed to be. A friend. 

“Thanks,” I said. 

His lips stretched into a smile. “Anytime, Princess Ashford.” 

I rolled my eyes as I turned away from him. I’d always hated that nickname, and he knew it. The rumble of his engine faded as he headed back toward Hidden Cove. 

Well, there was no going back now.

Taking the steps quickly, I left the dock behind. When I reached the deck of the visitor’s center, I paused, listening to the silence I’d always loved out here. The sanctuary was a special place, and no matter how scared I was, it felt good to be back. 

It was a short walk to Conrad’s cabin, and when I reached it, I stopped, drawing in a deep breath. I raised my hand to knock, but something hit my leg and I looked down to find a sneaky fiend trying to knock my phone off where I’d hooked it to my pants. 

It hit the ground, and I cringed, thinking of the screen. Red picked it up and took off. “Get back here, you thief,” I yelled, racing after him. 

He circled me, jumping onto the porch and evading my grasp. If I didn’t know better, I would have sworn the fox was taunting me. “I am your aunt. You’re not supposed to steal from me.” 

I almost tripped as he ducked under my legs, sending me stumbling forward against the door. Time to change tactics. “If you give it back, I’ll help you take whatever Conner has on him next time he visits.”

Red cocked his head, as if he understood my bribe and was considering it. Then, he took off again, and I ran after him, my foot catching on a step and sending me pitching forward onto my hands and knees. My hand hit something squishy and foul-smelling, a familiar scent I could have done without for the rest of my life. Horse poop.

Red jumped onto my back, dropping the phone at my side, and I heard the moment the door opened behind me.