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“That seems dangerous when your brand is ‘What if I took something people love and made it hurt them?’”

“Only one way to find out,” I teased him with a cheeky grin, making him laugh. It gave me hope maybe I wasn’t the only one feeling our intense sexual chemistry. “On that note, thank you so much for joining us today on this special episode ofSweet Heat. Stay sweet, stay spicy, and always bring the heat. Now, if you’ll excuse us, this affogato arsonist is going to try to make his wildest dreams come true with his favorite chef. Wish me luck.” I couldn’t resist a playful wink at the camera to end the video.

Roland gave me the all-clear signal. “And that’s a wrap, guys! Great job. I’m pretty sure you’re going to break the internet with this episode.”

“That’s the goal,” I said before turning my attention to Niccolò again. “Thanks for being such a good sport.”

Roland made himself scarce, giving me time alone with Niccolò. I loved him for it because he knew how much I wanted to make my impossible dreams a reality with my favorite chef. And if I knew him, he left the cameras rolling just for me.

“I appreciate you taking the insults in the spirit they were meant.” He wiped another bead of sweat from his forehead. “Hopefully, the bites were small enough that my ass won’t regret this later when it’s coming out the other end.”

I snickered. “Most people are fine. Based on how you reacted to the first three, I think you should be okay.”

“But seriously, scorpion chili in a lava cake? That’s deranged.”

“Well, I considered waterboarding you with Carolina Reaper caramel, but I resisted since I wanted you to actually like me,” I joked. “Speaking of which, will you let me cook dinner for you tonight as an apology?”

He tilted his head as he studied me with a sly smile. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

There was no sense in being bashful. “I am. Are you interested?”

“You know you’re half my age, right?”

“So? I’m legal and have enough experience to wow you in the bedroom.”

He spluttered with laughter. “You think quite highly of yourself.”

“Did I not just prove I have the talent to back up my ego?” I gestured at the spoons resting on the cutting board where the dessert bites had been.

“Are you planning on burning up what’s left of my taste buds?”

I held my hand up to swear. “I promise I won’t make a spicy dinner or dessert. But it’ll be delicious enough to make you want to know what I’ll cook you for breakfast tomorrow morning.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled delightfully as he laughed. “You certainly have a big enough ego to be a talented chef.”

“Are you saying you’ll give me a chance to wow you tonight?” I held my breath as I waited for his answer.

“Do your best, my darling.”

ChapterFive

Niccolò

Ihad probably lost my mind agreeing to a date with a younger man who had roasted my taste buds off my tongue like marshmallows over a campfire, but my curiosity had gotten the better of me. There was something about Adler that appealed to me, even if I didn’t understand my reaction to him.

His upscale house and luxurious kitchen that made me feel right at home surprised me. “I’m impressed.”

He grinned at me as he turned on his restaurant-grade oven to preheat. “Admit it. You were expecting me to have a shitty little studio apartment, not a fancy house with a kitchen worthy of your talents.”

I gestured around the space. “In my defense, most twenty-four-year-olds don’t live like this unless they’re staying with their parents.”

“Fair. I never expected to afford this kind of place on my own, but once the show took off and we started diversifying our offerings through branded hot sauces, crowdfunding, and paid advertising, I’ve done pretty well for myself.”

“I respect the hustle. That’s not easy.”

He washed his hands before taking out a pan and lining it with aluminum foil. “Thankfully, Roland has been a tremendous help. He’s been my best friend since we were kids. I couldn’t do it without him. He handles all the business side of things so I can focus on the desserts and being the face of the brand. We have a great system.”

“It’s good you have support. That’d be quite an undertaking alone.”