"This reminds me of that hole-in-the-wall place we found on the other side of the island," Angel says. "With the little Italian chef yelling at us the whole time."
I chuckle at the memory. "You thought he was gonna kick us out."
"I didn't know asking for hot sauce with pasta was such a sin!" Angel laughs. The sound wraps around me like a warm blanket.
"Speaking of which, don't burn anything this time," I warn gruffly, giving her a pointed look and gesturing at the pasta on the stove. Angel just sticks her tongue out at me in response. I have to fight to keep a straight face.
We trade stories as we cook, laughter filling the space between us.
"Who do you think is having more fun right now? Us, or Aidan on his little 'leadership outing?" I smirk, and Angel sticks out her tongue and grins, pointing at her, me and the mess we're making in the kitchen.
In Angel’s company, I find it possible to drop my prickly armor. My thoughts drift to many good memories together, her steady presence through my storms.
The sauce simmers, rich and fragrant. Angel dips her finger in for a taste, closing her eyes in bliss. Pride swells in my chest. Normally meals are my gift to her, my way of showing what I’m really shit at telling. That she’s my family, and I am hopelessly in love with her. But now it’s her time to spoil me.
As we plate the pasta, Angel squeezes my arm, a wordless thank you. I duck my head to hide my smile.
My Angel. Her smile as bright as the summer sun. Her laughter as melodic as wind chimes. She sees through my thorns to find the man within. The only one who truly understands me.
We work in syncopation, an effortless duet. The sizzle of oil in the pan, the thunk of the knife on wood. Our movements weave together like music.
As we cook, we continue to chat and joke, the conversation flowing as smoothly as our teamwork. No one makes me smile like Angel does. With her, I can be myself, thorns and all.
The kitchen comes alive with our combined passion. The rich aromas of simmering sauces mingle with the sound of our laughter.
When we finally sit to eat, I'm filled with contentment. The meal we created together nourishes so much more than just my stomach. Here with Angel, I've found the missing piece I've long searched for. My friend. My heart. My home.
"Angel, pass me the salt," I grumble, glancing over at her with a hint of affection in my tone. Though I come across as perpetually grumpy to most, Angel knows it's just a front. She's seen the real me, and she likes me for who I am.
"Here you go, chef grouchy pants," Angel says with a smirk, passing me the salt shaker. Her eyes dance with mischief, always ready with a witty response.
I shake my head, biting back a grin. Only Angel can get away with teasing me so mercilessly. With her, my prickly exterior softens. My grumpy soul has found its home.
"I think this is our best one yet," she declares after a few bites.
I nod, a smile creeping onto my face. "Not bad for an amateur chef like you."
Angel swats me with the dish towel again, but her eyes shine. We both know this meal is special.
In the kitchen, I found more than great food. I found the missing piece of myself.
Chapter fourteen
Afew days later
The sun's rays glint off the restaurant's glass storefront as I stand outside, hands on hips, pride swelling in my chest. This will be my haven, my palace of culinary creativity. The traffic's roar and pedestrians' chatter fade away as I envision white linens, gleaming cutlery, the sizzle of meat on the grill.
I push open the door, my pulse racing. The empty space echoes my footsteps as possibilities swirl through my mind. I trail my fingers along the bare walls, imagining cozy booths, an elegant bar. This blank canvas is mine to transform. The responsibility weighs heavy, but so does the thrill.
I'm grateful that we were able to find this space. Dimitri's business comes with a network of contacts in high places, as most discreet and exclusive sexy ventures do, and one of his most frequent clients just happened to have an empty commercial space right in the area we were looking. It's everything I'd hoped for and more, with an indoor-outdoor flow that brings the exquisite beauty of the outside in.
I stop in the middle and turn slowly, picturing the magic to come. "We'll put the kitchen there," I say, pointing. "An open concept, so diners can see the action."
My partners nod, their faces alight. "I can see it now, my queen," Dimitri rumbles. "This place will be incredible."
"With the right decor, it'll be stunning," Josef adds, squeezing my shoulder.
I lean into him,craving his strength. We have so much to do, so far to go. But together we'll create something extraordinary. I know it in the depths of my soul.