“I don’t. Anymore. I’m a reformed manwhore.”
“We work together.” I offer up to diffuse the daggers Ryder is staring at Flex right now. “I’m just a waitress. Aspiring chef. Chef Stevens is going to train me as his sous chef here. I am so grateful. And I never knew kink clubs were real. I signed the NDA.”
They’re both silent, staring at me like I just grew a second head, and I realize I’m rambling.
“Sorry. I talk when I get nervous.”
“And now that you knowkinkis real…” Flex whispers with a chuckle, “… are you curious?”
“I… I’m not… I don’t…”
“Ignore him, Aspen. Flex is just messing with you.”
“She wanted a tour!” he says with a panty-melting grin.
“No. She’s here to work. Nothing else.”
Flex holds up his hands. “I’m just messing with you. Fuck me, Ry, you’re a bit touchy tonight.”
“Can you grab a copy of the NDA for employees while I finish up with Aspen?” His question is a command, and the firm set of his brow says there’s no room for discussion.
“Sure.” Flex turns to me. “It was nice meeting you, Aspen. Welcome to the team. When Ry gets his panties out of a wad, you’ll find a good crowd here. Next time, I’ll introduce you to the bar manager. He’s a great guy, and he’ll be able to answer any questions you may have about this place.”
“Thank you. I look forward to it.”
He gives me a sly wink before clapping Ryder on the back. “I like her. Don’t fuck it up.”
It’s strange to see Ryder outside of the kitchen. Seeing someone mess around with him. That doesn’t happen at Dulip. Ryder is an amazing boss, but he commands a level of respect that doesn’t lend itself to joking around.
“Sorry about him. Don’t worry, you won’t have Doms accosting you at every turn. Flex just likes to get a rise out of me.”
“It’s nice that you work with friends. I thought he was funny. I never for a second thought he was trying to flirt with me or anything. Besides, didn’t you say he’s married?”
“Yeah. Helena. She’s great. They have a little girl, Gracie. She’s got every last one of us wrapped around her little finger.”
“Wow. I wouldn’t have guessed that someone living…” My words trail off as I realize how judgmental they were going to sound.
“The people who frequent this place are just like anyone else, Aspen. They live, work, laugh, love, and have families. Having a kink doesn’t negate everything else.”
“I’m sorry. I never meant to upset you. I am a curious person by nature. I’m just interested in learning something new.”
“Let’s just focus on the restaurant. Come. I’ll show you the kitchen. It’s really taking shape.” I fall in step with him, keeping my mouth shut. Everything seems to be coming out wrong. I don’t want to talk myself out of this opportunity.
When the double doors swing open, I catch a glimpse of paradise. Pristine white walls, glimmering stainless steel, and beautiful spider burners. It’s a chef’s wet dream come to life.
“What do you think?” His voice snaps me out of my daze.
“It’s stunning. Incredible. Can you pinch me?”
“What?” He frowns
“I can’t believe this is real. You really want me to come and work here?”
“Yes. I think you’ve got a lot of potential, and working with me will only make you better.”
“Yes, sir.” His jaw twitches. “Ryder. Sorry.”
My cheeks flush at the knowledge of what that means here. I really need to remember not to call him that.
