Chapter 1: Introduction
Working at The Blue Bay was a special kind of hell. Chef Paul Harris is sweating, his hair now messy and damp, clinging to his forehead. He grits his teeth as he flips a pancake in the frying pan, trying his best to ignore the clamor of hungry customers, the chaos of the staff, and the cacophony of laughter and dinner discussions echoing throughout the restaurant. And that's while avoiding the all-too-persistent Kyra.
Kyra is the devil on his shoulder, a devil who wears a halo of golden curls and a body built for sin. She is the kind of temptation that is impossible to resist, no matter how hard he tries. She is tall, with long blonde hair that cascades down her back in a flow of silk and sunshine. Her green eyes are filled with a mischief that makes him both want to fuck her and run in the opposite direction at the same time.
He doesn't stand a chance, and he knows it.
The cook's clock ticks down, the hands slowing to an agonizing crawl as he watches Kyra walk towards him, her hips swaying deliberately. He casts one last glance at the dishes that need to be plated before moving quickly to the storeroom to gather two glasses and a bottle of scotch.
As he pours the amber liquid into tall glasses, he catches sight of himself in the mirror. His reflection stares back at him, his dark brown eyes trained on the songbird that is about to seal his fate.
Paul's gaze travels over his own body, a map of muscles and taut flesh, a handsome face with high cheekbones, a strong jaw and short, dark hair that's often hidden underneath his chef's hat. His pecs are firm, with the slightest hint of chest hair that disappears into the waistband of his jeans. A thin line of hair starts at his navel, disappearing beneath the denim. He doesn't allow himself to linger there. He is gay—he knows what he is, and what he is not.