“Great observation… Claire. You’ve earned yourself a one-way ticket to the unemployment line.”
“What? It was just a joke.” Her voice is shrill. Annoying.
“I hope it was worth it. I don’t joke when it comes to my restaurant. If this is how you’re willing to treat a fellow server, you can’t be trusted to represent my brand. Get your stuff and leave. Now.”
There’s dead silence as she heads to the locker room to get her purse.
“Anyone else have any smart remarks?”
“You didn’t have to fire her. It’s not a big deal,” I offer as I scribble down the vegetable seasoning, my voice barely above a whisper.
“When it’s your restaurant, you can decide who stays and who goes. Last I checked, this is my fucking business.”
“I’m sorry, Chef.”
“Right. The rest of you, take a bite, and do the same with the dessert of the evening, my signature tiramisu. Then, make sure you note them down, and I want seamless service tonight. I have one of the most important food critics in the country coming to dine.”
As all the other servers taste the main dish, Chef Stevens doesn’t take his eyes off me. He takes a spoon and fills it with tiramisu before offering it up to me. I move to take the spoon, but he keeps hold of it, forcing me to let him feed me. It’s the most orgasmic mouthful I’ve ever tasted.
My heart is pounding in my chest as his breath catches at the sight of my lips wrapped around the spoon.
“You will come to my office after closing.”
“Yes, Sir.”
When he finally relinquishes my gaze, he addresses the room. “Get to work.”
He disappears back into the kitchen, and I quickly scratch down my thoughts on the tiramisu before I forget.
Rick is on me in seconds. “Girl… how does it feel to be eye fucked by Ryder Stevens?”
“What? Stop. He was happy that I knew the seasonings. That’s all.”
“He wants to fuck you. Hell, he fired Claire for you.”
“You heard him. He was pissed that I said he didn’t have to. It wasn’t about me. He wants the best in his restaurant. That’s all.”
“I would bet next month’s rent that he is going to fuck you. Maybe not tonight but soon.”
“You’re crazy.” I slip my notepad into my pocket and busy myself getting the dining room set up for dinner service.
Thankfully, my shift goes by quickly because Dulip is at full capacity. It’s unheard of in most restaurants, but this place is special. Chef Stevens is remarkable. I’m just hoping I don’t get fired for trying to save Claire’s job.
The compliments for the specials were plentiful, as were the tips. I made a record high tonight. I don’t need this job to pay my bills, but it’s still great to make hundreds of dollars in tips. When the guests are gone and the dining room is ready for another day, Rick walks by, slipping something in my pocket with a sly wink. “No glove, no love, girl. Don’t let those piercing blue eyes convince you otherwise.”
I reach into my pocket, tracing the telltale foil wrapper. “Rick! No. That’s not going to happen. He is my boss. Besides, he’s way out of my league.”
“I’m telling you, it was uncomfortable the way he was staring at you. Like you were going to be his next mouthwatering meal. He wanted to fuck you.”
“I’ll remind you of this when I’m in the unemployment line with Claire.”
“Bullshit. Goodnight, Aspen.” He presses a kiss to my cheek before leaving me to my fate. My stomach lurches up into my throat as I head for Chef Stevens’ office and rap my knuckles on the door.
“Come in.” The authority in his voice is sexy as hell, and the moment I think it, I chastise myself before blowing out a steadying breath and opening the door.
“Take a seat, Aspen.” He leans back in his chair across the desk, his fingers steepled under his chin as he considers me.
“I’m sorry if I misspoke earlier. I didn’t mean to upset you.” The words come tumbling out of me, and it seems to amuse him.
