End Zone (SEU #3)

[ 17 ] TO BE SEEN (PREVIEW)

PREVIEW [ FULL CHAPTER AVAILABLE ON MY PATREON NOW ]

END ZONE

[ 17 ] TO BE SEEN

TOSHA

"Are you sure this is all you want?" Sergio asked me, as he stepped out of the kitchen with a plate with a juicy, tender burger and freshly perfectly cut fries.

The morning was heavy for me and although the press article Lori sent me earlier clouded my mind about my husband, working with Sergio really helped distract me. However, it wasn't the best distraction I thought it was.

One moment he was showing me a new recipe and how he learned to do things that worked best for him, then another moment, he was hovering over me to reach for his favorite knife, helping to tighten my apron or raising a spoon to my mouth to allow me to taste test something he was interested and working on.

I couldn't get his body wash aroma out of my nose, or how sensual his accent sounded whenever he told me a story or the origin of a specific recipe.

I couldn't understand what was going on inside of me. This wasn't who I was, but there was something so different about being around Sergio.

I felt seen around him, as if we had my most loved thing to do in common.

He saw food as I did, as art and the space to be as creative and expand your taste palette.

"Yes, I've been craving it since I woke up this morning honestly." I told him truthfully, moving my laptop to the side of the table where I sat.

This dining section of the restaurant was closed off, as was the private kitchen, so Sergio and I had this half of the restaurant to ourselves as the dinner rush began to pick up.

Sergio sat the plate down in front of me and I quickly grabbed a french fry, not caring if it was still steaming. Sergio laughed at my quickness, taking a seat across from me at the table.

"You really were craving it since the morning." He spoke.

I smiled at him, stuffing my face already. I didn't want to stare at him for too long so I focused my eyes on the burger as I picked up one of the halves he'd cut and brought it to my mouth.

"Yeah, I really appreciate this by the way."

"Never a problem. You know, I actually like to cook for you."

I took a bite of the burger and shut my eyes, enjoying whatever mystery sauce he used instead of the traditional sauces

"Hmm," I enjoyed his food. I enjoyed the way he cooked his food. His technique and style was the reason he was the perfect candidate to assist me in revamping the restaurant's menu.

"There it is," I heard him say.

I chewed my food a bit, reaching for my napkin to wipe the corner of my mouth. I opened my eyes fully and found Sergio staring at me, his eyes scanning my face as I enjoyed the burger.

"What? Is there sauce on my face still?"

Sergio shook his head. "No, not sauce. I meant this..uh," He muttered something in Spanish under his breath that I did not understand. "You don't just eat my dish, but you invest your all in it. You focus on the flavors, textures and presentation." He spoke.

I grabbed another fry, inspecting it. Sergio cut his fries thinner than mine, which I was jealous of. His cuts were amazing and I knew he did a really good job at slicing and always kept his knives sharp.

"I love your work. Always have. I think it has been my desire for months to work alongside you and now that you're here..." I paused, finally looking up into his eyes which almost made me froze.

I wasn't sure what it was about him or what I was perceiving in him, but there was this sparkle in his eyes, this...this look. It was almost as if he could hear my thoughts or sense my strangeness.

PREVIEW [ FULL CHAPTER AVAILABLE ON MY PATREON NOW ]