Page 54 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

“Partly because of that, but mostly just because it was fun… he was really sweet.”

“Sweetseems an odd choice of word to describe Warren.”

“Hewas.”

“Okay, I’m glad you had a good time.”

“I think maybe that’s why I feel suddenly so indifferent about Hayden.”

“How do you mean?”

Anna rolled her eyes. “I mean, I’m not thinking about Hayden because I’m thinking about Warren… IlikeWarren.”

It seemed to take a moment for the words to sink in. “YoulikeWarren?”

“Yes.”

“In the sense that you’d likehim to be your actual boyfriend and not just a pretend one?”

“Exactly.”

For a second, her features remained void of emotion, then she snorted a laugh and slapped a hand over her face.

“What’s so funny?” Anna asked.

“The idea of you and Warren together is funny, that’s what.”

“Why is it?” Anna asked, irritation sharpening her tone. “And why do you seem so surprised – you used to tease me for having a crush on Warren.”

“I teased you because it annoyed you. I didn’t actually think you liked him.”

“Ididn’t.Not really. But I’ve seen a different side of him recently.”

“And now you have a thing for him?” Carla asked, her laughter dissolving into a confused smile.

“Maybe.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“Why is it?”

“Because…” She grimaced and bit down on her lip. “Sorry. You and Warren just seem like a very unlikely couple.”

“Why do we?”

“Because he’s so sure of himself – and grumpy. He growls at people. And you don’t like people who growl. You get nervous around people like Warren.”

“He’s not really grumpy.” She dipped her head towards her shoulder. “Not properly grumpy anyway. Not deep down.”

“So you suddenly know him on a deeper level?” Carla asked.

Anna gritted her teeth. “He’s not grumpy with me. Maybe that’s a side of him you bring out.”

Carla’s smile fell away completely. “Sorry,” she said. “I wasn’ttrying to be negative. I just would never have put you and Warren together.” She rubbed her hands together to warm them. “Areyou together? What’s going on?”

“No, we’re not together. Nothing happened outside of us pretending to be together.”

“What did that entail?”