Chapter 23 Max becomes Chef
Veronica's POV:
“Okay… so I know that you have a thing for Max.”
For a second, I forgot how to breathe. My entire body went still, and the cool evening air from the sea waves in front of me suddenly felt too thin to even inhale.
We were sitting side by side on the sand, with the sky painted in melting shades of gold and crimson, the waves gently lapping near our feet... it had been perfect, and peaceful. And then he said that, which shook my entire foundation.
I turned to look at him, my lips parting, but no words came out. My mind was literally spinning.
“I—what?” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.
Theo smiled faintly, his pretty green eyes focused on the horizon. “You heard me... I’ve known it for a while, Veronica.”
I froze again.
I wanted to disappear, to bury myself under the sand between us.
I dropped my gaze to the sand below. “I—” I didn’t even know where to begin.
How could I explain something I didn’t even fully understand myself?
Theo turned to look at me then, and the compassion in his green eyes almost hurt to see. “Don’t worry,” he added quickly. “I’m not upset. I just… I sense these things.” He chuckled under his breath, trying to ease the tension. “Perks of being an intuitive person, I guess. Yoga and meditation do that for you. I kinda sense things that others might miss out on."
I swallowed, forcing myself to look up at him. There was no anger in his expression, no jealousy — just understanding, which somehow made the guilt inside me heavier.
“Theo…” I finally said, uneven. “I didn’t mean to—”
But he shook his head gently, cutting me off. “I know,” he said. “You don’t have to explain anything. I can see how confusing this is for you.”
He sighed, leaning back in his palms as the orange sunlight brushed against his golden-blonde hair, making him look like something out of a dream. “But I also know something else,” he continued. “I know that you like me too. Maybe you haven’t said it yet, maybe you don’t even realize it fully, but… I can feel it.”
My heart clenched at that.
He looked so sincere, so open, and there was nothing I could do except nod — slowly, and helplessly. “Yes, we do… we share something real, Theo,” I admitted. “I have always wanted someone like you in my life" I feel so much joy and peace with you."
“But…?”
I hesitated, searching for the right words, but he stopped me before I could finish.
“You don’t have to say it,” he said gently, lifting a hand. “I know what’s coming. You’re confused... I don’t blame you.”
The way he said it — without accusation, without bitterness — made my throat tighten.
“I know Max bothers you. He’s reckless, unpredictable… and he probably confuses you even more. But it’s alright, Veronica. You don’t have to decide anything right now.” His hand brushed mine lightly, like a tender reassurance. “Take your time. Figure out what you really want. We don’t have to rush this... whatever this is.”
And just like that, my heart melted.
Who was I to deserve this kind of gentleness?
The way he spoke... patient, selfless, so full of grace... it broke me in ways I couldn’t explain.
I blinked away the sudden sting in my eyes and smiled faintly. “You’re too good to me, Theo.”
He only chuckled, his green eyes glinting warmly as the wind swept through his hair. “Maybe. Or maybe I just know that things worth keeping shouldn’t be forced.”
I looked at him again... really looked... and realized that he was everything I’d prayed for in a partner: kind, wise, and so impossibly good.
And yet, deep down, I knew something that terrified me.
Because no matter how much I wanted this sweet love from Theo… there was another side of me that craved something... wild, fierce, and dangerous.
When Theo and I returned to the beach house, the entire place smelled like heaven... too warm, buttery, and just a little too perfect to be casual.
On the dining table sat a full spread of food: seared salmon with herbs, roasted vegetables, and even a chocolate mousse that looked straight out of a Michelin-star kitchen.
I blinked in surprise. “Wow… the staff really outdid themselves tonight.”
Theo, however, didn’t look convinced. He tilted his head, sniffed the air like a detective. “No,” he said after a pause, his lips twitching. “This isn’t the staff. Max made this."
“What?” I blurted out. “How could you possibly know that?”
“Because,” Theo gave a resigned sigh, “this smells like something Max would make.”
Before I could ask what he meant, a voice came from behind us... which was deep, teasing, and just a little too proud.
“Correct as always, little brother.”
I turned — and nearly burst out laughing.
Max stood there, wearing a white apron and a ridiculously tall chef’s hat, a wooden spoon in one hand like it was a sword. “Welcome,” he declared with mock grandeur, “ to Chef Max’s Kitchen! I hope you’re ready to taste the kind of recipes that make you forget that every other man exists in this world—except for me.”
Theo groaned, running a hand down his face. “God help me.”
Max only smirked and winked at me. “I even washed my hands for this. That’s commitment.”
“Seriously?” Theo said. “You’re putting on a show now? Cooking to impress girls again?”
Then Theo turned to me, lowering his voice like he was telling me a secret. “Careful, Veronica. These ‘culinary skills’ are the only feminine thing about him. He learned them from our mother... and now uses them to charm women.”
Max grinned like the devil himself. “What can I say? I make girls… melt.”
I couldn’t help but laugh as I looked at Theo and then at Max.
God, these two were impossible... but they made my world feel alive with joy.