Hell's Smitten (Gordon Ramsay x Reader)

Chapter 55- A Date with the Chef Part 1/4

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

The elation of finally winning a challenge and beating out Abel is muddied only by the thought that Pietro– and potentially Janice– might not see it as a legitimate victory. The thought makes me want to take my snake dish and force them both to try it and see how delicious and deserving of a win it is.

Thankfully, all my worries slip away as Gordon leans his shoulder into me.

"I'm proud of you, (Y/N). That was incredibly creative and immensely delicious. I don't think even I would have thought of that cooking method. Wow." A genuine look of amazement flits across his handsome features.

"Thank you, Chef," I exclaim happily, deeply wishing I could leap into his arms in joy for finally proving myself to be one of the top contenders with this challenge win.

"Don't thank me yet." He winks. "You still have to keep these ninnies in line during tonight's dinner service."

"That won't be a problem, Chef. Not with Abel and Bella as my right and left-hand man and woman," I respond assuredly.

My trust in Bella's abilities has only been increasing since she's stopped being argumentative and started getting along with her teammates. Plus, her being the runner up to my dish was impressive in and of itself. Of course, I could depend on Abel at any point in this competition– unfortunately I usually depended on him to beat me out. It'll be nice to put some faith into him working for me instead of against me tonight.

"The rest of your team will be prepping for dinner service tonight. But you, as the winner, have a different itinerary," Gordon grins.

"Oh?" I say as I reposition the crown on my head. "I thought that being the head chef for a day was enough of a prize!"

It did feel like getting head chef experience earlier than everyone else was better than any other prize, but missing out on prep for something else he has in mind isn't something I'd ever say no to.

"What would you say to having a private lunch with me on the beach as we discuss the duties you'll be taking on as today's head chef?" he asks, his eyes twinkling.

I beam up at him, "That sounds amazing. Thank you, Chef."

A private lunch? Does that mean no cameras? I can't ask him without raising eyebrows, but it sounds like that could very well be the case. I'm already excited, but now I'm so giddy I'm seriously considering putting more space between Gordon and me so I don't start hugging his side and bouncing up and down in glee.

"Go on and get changed into something comfortable, yeah? Meet me outside Hell's Kitchen in fifteen minutes," he directs me.

I nod and turn to head towards the stairs that will take me back to the dorms. As I'm about to begin walking, Abel steps forward.

"(Y/N)?" he catches my attention. It strikes me that he'd only said my name one other time before this point.

"Yes, Abel?" I question, turning towards the slender blond.

Gordon turns to the other chefs and I hear him giving them prep instructions while Abel approaches me. He probably assumes Abel doesn't need to hear the instructions, and I have a feeling he's correct.

"I know we haven't talked much through this competition, and the one time you tried to talk to me I blew you off. I'm sorry. I wanted to thank you for choosing me as your sous chef," he smiles, "I always love a chance to prove myself. Plus, it will be interesting working under you. You won't regret your decision. Not tonight, at least," his smile turns to a wry grin that reaches his light blue eyes. This is the first time he's looked directly at me for so long. I can make out a golden sunburst just surrounding his pupils. If Gordon hadn't claimed all my butterflies, I'm sure they would have been fluttering at this moment.