Chapter 1: The Executive and the Waiter
Ethan didn’t believe in luck, only hard work. As the vice president of a luxury hotel chain, his life was a carefully curated schedule of business meetings, late-night emails, and power moves that left no room for distractions.
At least, that’s what he thought—until the night he met Julian.
The evening had started like any other: Ethan, exhausted from a long day of negotiations, found himself at his hotel’s rooftop restaurant, craving nothing but a quiet meal and a drink.
Then came Julian.
With sharp green eyes, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and an effortless smile, Julian placed a glass of whiskey in front of him. “Rough day?”
Ethan glanced up, surprised by the directness. “Something like that.”
Julian grinned. “Well, I recommend the steak if you need comfort food. And if you need something stronger, I make a mean Old Fashioned.”
Ethan arched an eyebrow. “You’re quite forward for a waiter.”
Julian smirked. “You’re quite tense for a customer.”
Ethan should have been annoyed. Instead, he found himself intrigued.
Chapter 2: Out of Line, In His Head
Julian had worked at Celeste, the five-star restaurant at the top of the hotel, for two years. He’d served celebrities, politicians, even royalty. But none of them fascinated him like Ethan Winters did.
Maybe it was the way Ethan always sat alone, never looking up from his phone. Or how he ordered expensive wine but barely drank it.
Or maybe it was the way his blue-gray eyes softened—just a little—when Julian spoke to him.
“I never see you with company,” Julian said one evening, refilling Ethan’s glass.
Ethan exhaled, rubbing his temple. “That’s because business isn’t great company.”
Julian chuckled. “Sounds lonely.”
Ethan looked up then, and for the first time, his gaze lingered. “And what about you? You’re always surrounded by people. Does it ever feel… empty?”
Julian hesitated before answering, “Only when I meet someone interesting and they leave before dessert.”
Ethan’s lips quirked into the faintest smile.
For the first time in a long time, he stayed for dessert.
Chapter 3: The Breaking Point
It became a habit.
Late-night dinners where Julian always found time to linger. Small conversations that turned into deeper ones. A connection Ethan didn’t quite know how to categorize.
But then came the moment that changed everything.
One evening, as Julian was finishing his shift, he found Ethan at the bar—two buttons undone on his usual crisp dress shirt, drink barely touched.
Julian leaned against the counter. “You look like you could use something stronger.”
Ethan sighed. “I lost a deal today.”
Julian tilted his head. “Does losing bother you?”
Ethan’s jaw tightened. “I don’t lose.”
Julian smirked. “You just did.”
Ethan blinked. “What?”
Julian leaned in slightly, voice lower. “You were going to ask me something. You didn’t. That’s losing, Mr. Vice President.”
A slow realization crossed Ethan’s face, followed by something unreadable. Then, in a move that surprised them both, he murmured, “What if I ask now?”
Julian’s breath hitched, but his grin never wavered. “Then I might say yes.”
And that was how Ethan Winters—untouchable, unreadable—ended up asking a waiter out for a drink.
Chapter 4: Off the Clock
Outside of the restaurant, Ethan was different.
Less polished, more real. Still guarded, but Julian was patient.
They walked through the city after hours, shared midnight conversations over late-night takeout, and somewhere between teasing and stolen glances, something deeper formed.
But reality wasn’t a fairy tale.
One evening, as they stood by the waterfront, Ethan sighed. “This… whatever this is—it won’t be easy.”
Julian studied him. “Because you’re rich and powerful, and I serve overpriced steak?”
Ethan gave him a sharp look. “Because I don’t do relationships.”
Julian raised an eyebrow. “Good thing I didn’t ask for one.”
That made Ethan pause.
Julian smirked. “What if we just… see where it goes?”
Ethan exhaled. “And if it doesn’t go anywhere?”
Julian shrugged. “Then at least I got to make you smile a few times.”
Ethan stared at him, then, against all odds, laughed.
“Fine,” he murmured. “Let’s see where it goes.”
Chapter 5: Love, Served Unexpectedly
Weeks turned into months.
Ethan still worked late, but now, Julian was there with a warm meal when he finally looked up from his laptop.
Julian still spent his nights at the restaurant, but now, there was always a reserved table, just in case Ethan showed up.
And one evening, as Julian placed a plate in front of Ethan, he said, “This one’s on the house.”
Ethan smirked. “Because you like me?”
Julian winked. “Because you love me.”
Ethan didn’t deny it.
And when he kissed Julian that night, it tasted like expensive wine and something far sweeter—home.
Epilogue: A Reserved Table for Two
There was always a table at Celeste, tucked away in the corner, always set for two.
Sometimes, it stayed empty.
But more often than not, a certain vice president sat there, sipping wine, waiting for a certain waiter to finish his shift.
Because love, like a fine meal, was best served slowly.
And this? This was just the beginning.
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