Professional Restraint

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Ella

For the first time that I can remember, cooking isn't giving me my therapeutic release. I've loved it ever since I was a little girl and mom would pull a chair up to the counter so I could cook and bake with her.

There's always been something so satisfying about cooking and baking. You can follow a recipe or your gut and have a good time, then have something delicious in the end.

My current situation, however, disagrees. Pizza dough is the simplest thing to make; a couple of ingredients: mix, knead, rise, repeat, yet I can't keep my mind focused on the task at hand.

Emilio works alongside me, flirting; I mean teaching Tim as he goes, while Sophia, Declan and Liam sit on the opposite side of the island. They're busy chatting amongst themselves, but every time I look up from my dough, Liam's gaze holds me captive.

Never have I struggled to focus like I am right now!

The smug look on his face just eats at me. He thinks he's already won.

I force my attention back to the dough I'm working on, having combined the ingredients in the bowl, and flip it onto the counter. The poor dough takes my frustrations as I knead it, folding it back in on itself until it's a smooth, bouncy ball.

Once I'm satisfied, I split it into individual portions and set them on the baking sheet to rise. Flour coats my hands and every other surface, thanks in no small part to Tim's klutzy nature.

"So what did that poor dough do to you?" Liam asks with mischief twinkling in his green gaze. He holds out a blue drink for me like a peace offering.

I catch myself mid eye roll and sigh. "You've got to be a bit rough with it. That's how you get the best crust."

Liam inches closer as a predatory grin slips on his lips. "Careful, kitten, the night's still young."

With a frown, I take the drink and lean against the counter. He doesn't shrink back from my side eye. In fact, he seems to enjoy the challenge.

"You're in a strangely upbeat mood," I mumble. The blue glass holds some fruity mixture based on the scent, no doubt spiked if Soph had any input.

Liam practically puffs up like a peacock. "What's not to like? It's been a great day, and I don't know how you do it, but even that dough smells good, promising a great dinner."

I smile to myself, having to admit he's right. This has been an amazing day, everything from waking up wrapped up in his embrace, to the bath, breakfast, pool, the dolphins... I don't know that I could have thought of a better day.

If I win, that would be the perfect end to a perfect day...

Liam leans in closer. "Of course, a victory would just be the cherry on top." He winks, thinking his charm will save him.

"You're far too confident," I grumble.

"Why so serious over here?" Tim asks, leaning forward to see past Emilio. The man is covered in flour from head to toe.

"Someone has to be serious while you bathe in flour." I laugh, but he shrugs it off.

"I'm charming, not handy, but I'm giving it my all." Tim stands tall, committed to his path.

"Well, make sure you give it your all when you clean up too... jeezus Tim, look at the floor!" Sophia motions to the pool of flour under his feet in stark contrast to the dark floor.

"Yes, mom," he replies in a huff. "Did you come over here for a reason, or just to bother me?"

She pats him on the cheek then cringes at her flour covered hand. "You know I can't miss a chance to pick on you. I came over to see if El needed any help with ingredient prep."