“I’m very honored to work with Chef Stevens. He’s one of the greatest talents of our generation.”
“So, I’ve heard. But, just between you and me…” he says, leaning in all conspiratorial, “… he’s way more fun when he decides to play.” He winks at me, and I go weak at the knees.
“Flex,” Chef Stevens interjects in warning.
“Fine. Let’s do a tour.”
“Of the entire club?” I ask, my pulse racing.
“If you’d like. You signed the NDA before Ry brought you up here, didn’t you?”
“Yes, sir, I did.”
He puts his hands together as if in prayer, mischief dancing in his emerald-green eyes. “Ry, I see your dilemma.”
Chef Stevens ignores his friend, guiding me over to a table with architectural drawings sprawled out, his hand grazing my lower back, sending a thrill coursing through me. I already love it here. The glass walls and roof make for a beautiful space with the backdrop of Manhattan.
“I know it doesn’t look like much now, but this is what I have planned.” He runs his hand over the plans in a tender caress. “There will be a grand piano over in that corner. A canopy of twinkle lights across the dining area.”
“That will be stunning.”
He turns to me, his eyes on mine, as if he could see right through me. “Yes. Stunning.”
“You two need to get a room,” Mr. Navarro quips. “Oh wait, you already have one, Ry.”
My cheeks flush, my entire body on fire. I step away, walking around the space as Chef Stevens berates his friend for all but confirming my suspicion. Ryder Stevens is a member of this club. This isn’t just a business venture for him.
The view from up here is breathtaking. I look out over the city, excitement taking root at the prospect of being a chef for such a beautiful location. I could stand here all night, basking in the moonlit vista of Manhattan.
There’s a chill in the air this high up, and as I wonder how I ended up here, Chef Stevens shirks off his jacket and wraps it around my shoulders.
“What are you thinking?” His voice is low, raspy, and so serious.
“That it’s a beautiful backdrop for a restaurant, and I would love to work here.” My eyes find his. “If you still want me.”
“Really?”
“Truly. So, am I going to get a tour of the rest of the club?” I see a wry smile on Flex’s face, but Chef Stevens is quick to shut me down.
“Baby steps. I don’t think you’re prepared for what’s on the other levels of this building.”
“Will I ever get to see it?”
“If you’re still interested when construction is finished, I’ll think about it.”
“But…”
“One thing at a time. Flex is all the kink you’re going to see tonight.”
“Is he a Dominant or a submissive?”
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” Flex grunts from across the room.
“Dominant. And when did you learn the terms?”
“Oh.Fifty Shades, like the rest of America. Is it offensive to call a man a submissive?”
“Not at all. There are many male subs and female Dommes. The only rules here are that everyone engages in safe, consensual sex, relationships, and appropriate training.”
