Chapter 29: Model in an Apron
** Harper **
Harper spent the next hour in an alternating state of awe and shock.
To start, she did end up seeing Eli in an apron. And he looked ... hot. Seriously, it was just an apron — even a well worn one at that, in a generic and plain navy blue — but somehow, the cut attenuated his tall frame in such a way that Harper thought he truly could pose as a fashion model in it.
How was that possible? How could a man look so good in an apron?
Then she watched with big eyes as he laid out a dazzling assortment of ingredients and spices, pulled a pro-looking knife out of a block that held way too many different options, and started moving with impressive efficiency between the cutting board and the stove.
Harper didn't know a thing about cooking, so she stayed out of the way and simply studied him in amazement. The smooth movement of his hands as he sliced and chopped. The practiced ease as he sprinkled seasoning without measuring or even looking at the labels. The effortless way that he kept the entire kitchen orderly and tidy throughout the process. Harper had always thought of cooking as a laborious chore, but watching him do it made it look like an art.
"What got you into culinary arts?" she couldn't help asking in the end. "I mean, I know you said that you cook, but this" — she gestured at the pleasingly butterflied veal ribs that Eli was pounding with a meat tenderizer — "is too far beyond simple home cooking. I can't even imagine it if I'm not seeing it with my own eyes."
Eli gave her another one of those amused smiles over his shoulder. "I actually went with chops for today because they're one the easiest to make. That way, you wouldn't have to keep waiting hours for dinner."
Harper stared at him incredulously. "I think you've only proved my point further."