The Subtle Art of Love and War

Chapter 37: Taste Test

I think one of the small moments I enjoy the most with Hero is during our drives. When it's just him and I as my cruising playlist gently plays on the background and Hero's hand would grasp mine, entwining our fingers together-his long and strong, mine small and dainty. It's peaceful and relaxing.

Right now, Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud is currently playing and I hum along to the song as I draw imaginary circles on the palm of his hand while we make our way to Restaurant Gordon. I'm actually looking forward to this day. Aside from the idea of tasting food and cake with Hero for our wedding, I also want to introduce him to Gordon as my fiancé.

"What are you smiling about?" Hero asks, pulling me out from my thoughts.

"Just excited for the day," I smile as I turn to look at him. He has his eyes on the road, one hand expertly maneuvering us through the busy London traffic.

"You're excited to taste different foods and cakes," he says knowingly which makes me laugh.

"Well, there's that," I agree with a grin. "But I'm also just happy you took the day off from the office for this," I sincerely add.

"It is our wedding. You aren't going to like it if I complain about not liking any of the food on our reception," he says in a teasing tone, smirking sideways at me.

"Excuse me? My taste in food is quite sophisticated, Hero," I playfully scoff and earning a chuckle from him.

"No really, I want to spend today with you, baby," he softly tells me before bringing my hand to his lips and pecking its back. My heart melts at the sweet gesture and a strong urge to tackle him with kisses overwhelms me.

"Aren't you just the sweetest?" I coo, my eyes sparkling as I stare adoringly at him.

"You know I am," the smugness in his tone should be annoying but it only makes me giggle.

For the rest of the drive, we banter back and forth and it absolutely feels amazing and light and easy. He's such a tease and can be a little gruff at times-okay, who the fuck am I kidding? He's always gruff but also the sweetest creature if he wants to be and I couldn't find anything to complain about. Before I know it, he is already parking his car and we are getting off to enter the restaurant.

"Miss Langford and Mr. Tiffin, good morning,"the maitre'd greets us with a smile, immediately recognizing us.

"Hi, we have an appointment with Gordon..." I trail off, smiling.

"Yes, this way please," she nods before leading the way to the same private dining room where Hero and I met the Greysons a month ago. It reminds me of how annoyed I was with Willa's attitude and how stupid I was to fall into Janus' charm. "Chef Gordon would like to extend his apologies Miss Langford. He won't be able to meet you for your food tasting due to a family emergency," she says over her shoulder.

"Family emergency? What happened?" I instantly ask. Gordon and his family are almost like family to us and I couldn't help but be worried about them.

"He was called in at his daughter's school. Nothing major, I suppose," she chuckles, an air of amusement in her tone and I sigh in relief.

"Okay, so who will be assisting us for the tasting?" Hero interjects as we are seated on one end of the long dining table. There are a few forms in front of us, a checklist for the five-course meal and another one for the two-tiered wedding cake.

"Chef Bernard will be accommodating you for your food tasting, Mr. Tiffin. He's one of the best chefs under Chef Gordon's army, so you are in good hands," she assures both of us. "Chef Bernard will be with you shortly and I will leave you to it," she says before turning on her heels and disappearing through the door.