I stare at the coffee in front of me. Steam rising up and transporting the scent of the bitter, dark roast.
Was it only eight months ago that I sat at my parents' kitchen table, holding a similar cup of coffee and feeling so lost and broken?
How can so much change in such a short time?
Sky leans against the kitchen doorframe, wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.
I sit back in the chair and take a sip of my coffee.
"You know better than to put yourself between a man and his need for caffeine," I say.
He does this thing where he lowers his head and then looks up, making those sexy ripples on his forehead appear. The man is evil.
I shake my head.
"You know I love you, right?" he says.
"I think I got the message earlier when you were balls deep inside me shouting your release into my ear. I may need to see a doctor."
I take another sip of the coffee. This new roast we're sampling for the restaurant is amazing.
"Are you going to stand there looking gorgeous all day? In case you haven't noticed, today is a pretty big deal," I say.
"How big?" he asks.
I look down and see his dick straining against the towel.
"Huge."
He snorts and turns around to go back to the bedroom.
I put the coffee down and chase after him.
He already knows me so well because, when I turn into the bedroom, I run straight into his chest.
His arms come around my waist.
"I knew you couldn't resist me," he says, kissing the tip of my nose.
"You are pretty irresistible…but as irresistible as you are, we need to leave shortly." I cup his erection. "Save this for later."
We arrive at the restaurant somewhat later than I would have liked, thanks to Mister Washboard Abs making a show of getting dressed.
The final episode of the show is being aired tonight, and tomorrow, the boards that went up again after filming will be removed to show the plaque above the window that says Maple Sky.
We will also start welcoming diners tomorrow. But tonight is special because we were allowed to tell our close friends and family that we won, and they're coming to the restaurant for a special dinner and to watch the finale.
It's been a busy few months recruiting the right people to work in my kitchen and up front. We've also fully redecorated the restaurant, so there's a display of maple-related foodstuff available for sale.
Sky's maple syrup and cream are, of course, the stars of the show.
Yesterday, we collected the menus and recipe cards from Imprescott Designs, who is giving us a special rate because we're changing our menus every six weeks. They'll be getting regular orders from us. Plus, they're a local business, which makes it even better.
With Sky's help and knowledge of the local farmers, we're able to offer one hundred percent local fare. Even our pasta is made using flour from a local mill.
“How’s everything backstage?” Sky asks through the open window into the kitchen. That was another addition from us. I always like to see the action from the kitchen when I dine out, so I wanted to offer the same experience.
"All good. The team is ready to serve. Wanna go upstairs with me to help me wash my hands?"
