A Taste of You

1: A Pleasure As Always

C'est Fini.

My life. My everything.

An interesting name for a restaurant (translates to "It's Over") that has earned a reputation as one of the most romantic spots in the Seattle area.

I didn't do anything towards this end except create a tantalizingly suggestive menu, provide a well-curated wine list, and deliver on a few perfectly-executed engagements with lots of positive, unsolicited publicity.

This led to a five-year streak of Patron's Choice recognition as a top spot for romance and numerous positive reviews from food critics who always talk about "an ambiance for seduction" in addition to the remarkable menu.

When people find out my connection to the restaurant as it's owner and head chef, they think I'm some big romantic. Truth be told, I think most romantic gestures are hokie, artifical, and built around unrealistic ideals.

Maybe I'm just bitter after my last devastating break-up.

I found my boyfriend of five years, fucking one of my waitresses in the backseat of her car while she was on break. The restaurant was in its first year, struggling like most do. Inspired by my sudden relationship status change, I shut the restaurant down for a concept change, pouring my savings and tears into it, and C'est Fini was born.

That was six years ago. My love life fell apart, but my career took off. That doesn't mean I haven't enjoyed casual affairs. Like with Mateo, my pastry chef.

"So why baking over cooking?" I asked him.

"I have the right hands for it. Always warm and I like using them." He responded seductively.

That was basically the conversation that started it. Next thing I knew his pants were around his ankles and he had me bent over the desk in the back office. We've had a casual thing for almost six months now and I will say, he does live up to the hype he sells about his hands. We enjoy getting each other all worked up during the day until the other can't take it anymore.

Shift has just started for the day, mid-afternoon prep, when I smell his familiar aftershave and feel his breath on my ear. "Good afternoon, boss lady. Anything you need me and my hands to handle immediately?"

His hands run along the curve of my ass as he pulls me against him. He's semi-hard already. I decide today's tactic will be playing hard to get.

"There's some pantry items that need inventoried." I play it off like his touch and words are having no effect on me, although my nipples are hard and I feel that familiar tingle below.

He purrs into my ear and nips at the lobe. "Ah, it's been awhile since I had you in the pantry."

Just then my second in command, Ronnie Wagner walks in caught up in some spreadsheet she's carrying with her. Mateo and I separate quickly.

Another rule of our affair. Don't get caught by other staff.

"Good afternoon, Ali. Oh, hi Teo." She chirps.

"Ronnie, you look cheery today." I notice.

"Yeah, Wags that boyfriend of yours finally figure out how to please your wild ass in bed?" Mateo quips.

I'm about to scold Mateo and remind him of national laws on workplace harassment when Ronnie fires back. "No, but I'm enjoying all the practice he's putting in while trying to figure it out."

She tosses me and Mateo a wink and moves through the prep area.

"Jeez you two. I foresee another round of harrassment training if you keep this banter up." I warn them both.