Hell's Smitten (Gordon Ramsay x Reader)

Chapter 78- Promise Me

Sunday, July 14th, 2013

I walk through the kitchens, working to untangle my nerves as I head up the stairs to Gordon's office and knock on the door.

"Who is it?" he asks from inside, sounding much more awake.

"It's (Y/N)," I announce.

A few seconds later, the door to his office swings open. Gordon is wearing his everyday clothes now, a white t-shirt with a grey suede jacket over the top and black pants with a silver square buckle. His eyes light up as he gestures for me to come inside and closes the door behind us.

"How did it go, love?" he inquires, holding out a hand and pulling me into him when I take it.

I wrap my arms around his back and hold him tight. He returns the hug, kissing the top of my head.

"It went... better than I could have imagined, honestly... but..."

"But what?"

"But Abel likes me. LIKE likes me." I bite my lip anxiously.

Gordon pulls back from me and gives me an incredulous look.

"Well of course he does, darling. Anyone could have told you that."

Now it's my turn to look incredulous. Really? Was it that obvious?

"Why did you agree to let me date him if you knew that he liked me?"

Gordon pulls me tighter into him. "It wasn't easy to let my beautiful girlfriend into the arms of another man who is enamored with her, that's for sure. But I trust you, love."

I shake my head. "No, I mean, we shouldn't be using a guy who legitimately likes me to cover up our relationship. Isn't that rude? I don't want to lead him on, Gordon. He's been good to me."

"You explained the situation to him, didn't you?"

"I... yeah, I did."

"Then what is the problem? He knows what he wants, (Y/N)."

A frown spreads across my face.

"I don't want him to get hurt. I almost feel like I've made a terrible mistake in getting involved with him. It is too late to turn back now, though." I pull back from his chest, feeling conflicted.

I take a deep breath, bracing myself for what might come.

"Gordon, I kissed him. I didn't even mean to, it was like I couldn't stop myself. If I'm supposed to be not getting attached, it isn't working..." I trail off as guilt begins to take over.

"(Y/N), look at me," he asks, his voice calm but commanding.

I frown but obey, raising my eyes to lock onto his deep blue gaze.

"I'm a bit surprised you kissed him so soon, but I didn't say you couldn't get attached. I expected it, in fact."

My eyes widen.

"But... Taylor mentioned... what if you want to take me somewhere out of the country? Or what if we have to be gone for a long time? I can't abandon him," I say as I slouch my shoulders.

"Love, if he wants you, he knows that there are certain roadblocks to work around. I'm away from my wife more than I'm with her, but we both have a mutual understanding. We love each other, we spend time together when we can, and we talk to each other over the phone each and every day. If you decide you want to still be with him after the competition, I'm sure we can work something out just as my wife and I have."

Gordon takes my chin in his fingers and rests the palm of his other hand against my cheek.

"But I do need you to promise me one thing."