Hell's Smitten (Gordon Ramsay x Reader)

Chapter 9- What a Catch

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

We arrive at the Santa Monica pier in no time at all. The truck helps to lower our fishing boat towards the water. Chef Ramsay takes the helm, steering us backward slowly until the boat is safely into the water.

Red peers carefully over the edge of the boat. "This is my first time being on a boat. Actually, this is my first time seeing the ocean, too," she nervously states to no one in particular, eyes locked onto the endlessly deep blue water.

Dave saunters up to Red and taps her shoulder, breaking her daze.

"You know Red, I'm a really good swimmer. If you fall in, you'll be fine, I've got you!" Dave makes a Superman pose and smiles at her.

She looks even more afraid, however. "I wasn't even thinking about falling in! Is that going to happen? Does that happen often? Oh God..." She starts wringing her hands together.

Dave deflates, then sits down next to her. "Aw Red, I didn't mean to scare you. I thought that's what you were worried about is all," he mumbles.

After that exchange, Red is probably going to be paralyzed for the remainder of however long we are going to be out fishing.

"(Y/N)?" comes Chef Ramsay's voice from the cockpit of the boat. I make my way over to him.

"Yes, Chef?"

"Would you mind being a dear and grabbing the bait and tackle box from the cabin? We need to start getting everyone's lines baited," he requests, his blue eyes still steady on the ocean before him.

"Of course Chef, I'll go get it now," I respond, making my way below deck. The ship isn't that large, and below deck, I can't make out any camera crew. This is my chance!

Hurriedly, I open the note that Ramsay had secretly given me. On it is a single question.

"Are you single?" written in fine penmanship.

My eyes widen and my heart begins to pound. Is this for real? It is such a small gesture and reminds me of being in middle school passing notes. Though, with all the cameras, this is probably the best way for him to ask. But why me? Isn't he married, anyway? I have so many questions and no real way to answer them. Or answer him! How am I going to respond to this without drawing attention? Oh good God, my face is heating up.

Should I even answer him? What would he hope to get out of this anyways?

Pondering my options, I search for the bait and tackle box.

After about a minute, I find the box and take hold of it. My heart is still pounding out of my chest.

I decide that I will respond to him. After all, he wouldn't have asked me if he didn't have a plan...

With new resolve, I make my way back to the cockpit of the ship. This time, Ramsay turns to look at me over his shoulder. When his eyes lock on mine, I slowly and purposefully shake my head 'yes'. Almost immediately, I see a fire behind his eyes ignite. Walking towards him, I hold out the tackle box.

"Thank you, darling," his voice is smooth and soft. He takes the box from my hands and gives me a knowing gaze before brushing past me to the deck of the ship.

"Everyone, please come grab some bait! We'll need to catch as many fish as possible so please don't be wasteful. Does everyone know how to hook a worm?" he asks.

There is a mixture of "Yes" and "No"s.

"Right, for those of you that don't know how to do this, it's really quite easy," Ramsay says as he grabs a worm and threads it through the hook cleanly.