Burn (Heat #1)(19)

"We'll talk about seasonings after work one day next week." He tilts his head as he studies me. "I can help you prepare the halibut the way it should be prepared. You have the basic foundation down. You need to work on finessing."

I hear the compassion in the words. He's offering to help. "I appreciate that, Chef."

"You're better than I was at your age." He's on his feet now. "Don’t be afraid of the food. Explore and experiment. If you don't, you'll never shine the way you're meant to."

My head cants to the side as I study his expression. He seems sincere. "Thank you."

"What happened today had nothing to do with the fact that we're involved." His hands reach for my shoulders, settling there, squeezing the stress away. "I made a decision based on what was best for my restaurant. That's all it was."

I nod, closing my eyes to relish in the feeling of the motion of his hands. "I'm going to go to my place tonight."

"I want you to stay."

I look at him under heavy lids. "You want to f*ck me."

"Very much." He leans forward to kiss my cheek.

"Not tonight," I whisper as he embraces me. "I need time tonight. Time just for me."





CHAPTER 19


I walk down Broadway in search of just the right spot to have lunch on my day off. It's Friday and although I could have easily called Sophia to meet her for a bite, I wanted this time all to myself.

Work has been busy, so busy that Tyler and I haven't had more than a minute alone. On Wednesday morning he reiterated what he'd said to me on Tuesday night. He choose Maribel's dish because it was the best. He wanted me to understand that our relationship won't impact my work at Nova. I believe him, especially now that he's promised to work with me tomorrow night to perfect the seasonings on the halibut dish I created.

I stop at a bistro to read the outdoor menu. It's simple, which is often a sign of food prepared with care and love. I motion to the hostess that I'm going to settle in next to one of the small circular tables outside. It's summer in New York which typically means full patios but today is chilly so most who are dining here have opted for a table inside.

I pull up the video of Tyler and Maribel on the morning show from earlier today on my smartphone. I'd slept right past my alarm, tucking my head under the covers when the sunlight started to invade the space through the curtains that cover my window.

I laugh as I watch Pamela greet Tyler with a full-on bear hug. To the casual observer, they'd see a seasoned co-host happy to see a returning guest. I know better and when he finally disengages from her, her tight nipples are visible through the thin material of her cream colored dress.

Maribel handles herself well, speaking clearly and succinctly about her dish. She panics briefly when Percy tells her that they only have thirty seconds left.

He tries the dish and raves about it. It's not insincere. I had a bite yesterday after lunch service was over. It's delicious and not only that, it's seasoned to utter perfection.

"Would you like a glass of wine to start?"

I smile up at the male server, shielding my eyes from the sun so I can make out his face. "What do you recommend?"

He asks what I'm in the mood to eat, and I ask for the specials. I settle on a braised leg of lamb and he insists on a glass of Cabernet.

My phone rings then and I glance down at the unfamiliar number. It's a 212 area code which means it's New York based. I swipe my finger over the screen, bring it to my ear and answer.

***

"It's like that in this city." Maribel laughs, but the sound isn't joyous. It's strained, or forced. "When you first graduate culinary school the offers fly at you. You have to pick the right one, or you'll end up stuck for the rest of your career."

I know she's not talking about my decision to turn down the job offer I received this afternoon when I was having lunch. She's speaking more from personal experience. Her passion is food, but her future isn't limitless anymore. She's told me that herself. She's going to work at Nova, in the junior chef position she has now, until she retires.

"I think Nova is the best choice for me." I look into the crowded restaurant through the glass windows. I do think it's the best choice for me. The offer I received earlier today is for a well-known restaurant that is a staple at one of the city's premier hotels. They have a sudden opening and as they ran through the resumes they have on file, mine jumped out at them. I politely turned their offer down on the spot. "At least it is for right now."

"Because of you and Chef?"

"What?" My gaze drifts back to her face. She's finished her cigarette now but she's still leaning against the window, taking her time before she steps back into the buzz of the kitchen.

"You're sleeping with the boss," she mutters. "Your friend told me."

"Sophia?" I ask even though there's no reason to. It's not as though Tyler and I are a secret. Everyone knows. Drea even made fun of it during the meeting the other day with her threesome remark.

She touches the top of my hand, softly. "He brought a woman with him when the restaurant opened. She's a brilliant chef. They were very close."

My gaze falls back through the window to a couple enjoying a glass of wine and the salmon dish that Maribel created. "I was involved with someone in the industry too before I worked here."