Chapter 1: The Kitchen and the Floor
The Blue Ember Bistro was one of the busiest restaurants in the city. The kitchen was a battlefield of sizzling pans, shouting chefs, and the endless clatter of dishes.
And in the center of it all was Leo Castillo, the head chef.
Leo was a man of precision. He ruled his kitchen with strict discipline, his dark hair constantly in disarray from stress, his strong hands moving instinctively as he plated dish after dish. He had no time for distractions.
Which made Elliot Rivers a problem.
Elliot was one of the waiters—a charming, easygoing flirt who could talk his way into anything. Unlike Leo, he thrived in the chaos, effortlessly gliding between tables, flashing his disarming smile at customers and coworkers alike.
And for some reason, he had made Leo his favorite target.
One evening, as Leo was plating a perfect steak, Elliot leaned on the counter, smirking.
“You know, Chef,” Elliot said, “for someone who spends all day working with food, you don’t look like you enjoy it.”
Leo didn’t even glance up. “I enjoy my food just fine. Now get back to work before I throw you in the fryer.”
Elliot grinned. “Kinky. Didn’t know you had a wild side.”
Leo exhaled through his nose. “You’re exhausting.”
“And yet, you never tell me to leave.”
Leo hated that Elliot was right.
Chapter 2: A Bet in the Heat
The kitchen had rules. No messing around, no slacking, and absolutely no romance between staff.
So when Elliot made a bet—“If I can guess the secret ingredient in your new dish, you have to go out for a drink with me”—Leo should have said no.
But Leo never backed down from a challenge.
Elliot took one bite of the special pasta Leo had prepared, closed his eyes, and hummed in thought.
Then, after a few seconds, he grinned. “Nutmeg.”
Leo froze. “…How did you—”
Elliot tapped his temple. “I pay attention, Chef.”
Leo scowled, turning away. “Fine. One drink.”
Elliot beamed. “Make it two.”
Leo sighed. He was in trouble.
Chapter 3: After Hours
The bar was quieter than the restaurant.
Without the chaos of the kitchen, Leo felt… exposed. Elliot, on the other hand, was in his element, leaning in close with that teasing smirk of his.
“Tell me, Chef,” Elliot mused, swirling his drink, “why do you never take a break?”
Leo hesitated. “Because if I stop, someone else will take my place.”
Elliot’s playful expression softened. “That’s a terrible way to live.”
Leo looked away. “It’s the only way I know.”
Elliot sighed dramatically. “Then I guess I’ll just have to be your reminder to have fun.”
Leo snorted. “I’d like to see you try.”
Elliot grinned. “Oh, I will.”
And before Leo could protest, Elliot grabbed his hand, pulling him onto the dance floor.
Leo had never danced in his life. But as Elliot spun him around, laughing, he realized something—
For the first time in years, he didn’t care about being perfect.
Chapter 4: Burnt Edges and Soft Hearts
The next few weeks were… different.
Elliot kept invading Leo’s space, sneaking bites of food, teasing him over tiny mistakes. But Leo never stopped him.
One night, as they cleaned up after closing, Elliot stole a spoonful of Leo’s new dessert.
Leo crossed his arms. “You’re unbelievable.”
Elliot licked his lips. “And yet, you keep feeding me.”
Leo sighed, shaking his head. “I don’t know why I put up with you.”
Elliot stepped closer, voice softer. “Because I make your life interesting.”
Leo’s breath hitched.
And then, before he could overthink it, he grabbed Elliot’s apron and pulled him in for a kiss.
The kitchen, usually filled with chaos, was suddenly quiet.
And for once, Leo didn’t mind the distraction.
Epilogue: A Perfect Dish
The Blue Ember Bistro continued to thrive.
Leo still ruled the kitchen. Elliot still charmed the customers. And now, after hours, when the doors were locked and the lights were dim, they shared stolen kisses over midnight snacks.
Because love, much like cooking, wasn’t about perfection.
It was about the right ingredients.
And together, they had found the perfect recipe.
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