Yes, Chef (Sizzle & Burn Book 1)

by Linda Verji

  He reached her apartment to find a chubby man in blue overalls kneeling outside the door, fiddling with the locks. Snow was standing inside the apartment watching the locksmith. She’d taken him at his word when he’d said dress casual. Her hair was styled in a double French-braid and the sky-blue dress she was wearing was made of a light t-shirt-like fabric. The dress was meant to be loose-fitting but with Snow’s figure nothing could stay loose-fitting. The fabric skimmed over her body, hugging every delicious curve sexily.

  The moment she saw Greyson, her face lit up. “Hey you.”

  Her dimpled smile, lucent and warm, held him frozen in place for what felt like several long seconds before he found his voice and greeted, “Hey.”

  “Come on in.” She beckoned him into the house. “I hope we’re not doing something that’s on a clock. I assumed that he’d be done by now but apparently changing locks is a lot trickier than I thought.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Greyson reassured her as he skirted past the locksmith to enter the house. “It’s not a reservation type thing. We can leave when you’re ready.”

  “Have a seat.” She welcomed him. “Would you like something to drink?”

  “Just water please,” he responded, mentally noting that even her bare feet were sexy. She turned and headed to the kitchen, leaving him with a delicious view of her bubble ass that had him itching to follow her. If she was already this tempting in a dress, he dreaded to think of what it would be like to see her in a swimsuit – or naked. Holy Hell!

  Sucking in a deep breath to calm his excited senses, Greyson settled on the couch. A crime show was playing on the TV and for a while it distracted him. However, when Snow came back, carrying a glass of water, his attention settled back firmly on her.

  Handing him the water, she asked, “Do you think the restaurant will be okay with both of us gone?”

  “Of course. It’s a Monday so there won’t be too much traffic.” He added, “Besides, you’re supposed to be off anyway so they’re only one person short. They can handle it.”

  She sat down beside him then asked, “So what excuse did you use to get out of work?”

  “I didn’t need one. I’m the boss.”

  She chuckled. “When I grow up I’m going to be just as cocky as you are.”

  “It’s not cockiness. It’s just fact,” he countered with a grin. His gaze moved from hers to quickly skim the rest of her body. “You look really nice today.”

  “This old thing?” She looked down at her dress then wrinkled her nose. “I bet if I wore a sack you’d still say that I look good.”

  “That’s because you would,” he flirted.

  “Oh! Be still my heart.” She slapped a hand over her chest and gasped in faux shock. Her eyes glittering with amusement, she said, “What’s with all the flattery, Mr. Teller? Are you trying to earn points?”

  “Is it working?”

  “Hmm. A little.” She indicated how much with her thumb and index finger. “But if you want to earn mega points, tell me what we’re doing today.”

  The throb of anticipation in her voice made him smile. “It’s a surprise.”

  “Come on tell me, tell me, tell me.” She grabbed his arm and pulled at it.

  “No.” He shook his head.

  “If you tell me, I’ll make it worth your while,” she coaxed.

  His curiosity was piqued. “How?”

  “I’ll do whatever you want,” she offered.

  The offer was probably innocent, but it immediately sent images of all the wicked things he could make her do to him crushing through his thoughts. His breath caught in his lungs and he stared at her for a long moment before sighing. “Wow! You almost got me with that one.”

  “Greyson!” she whined and pulled on his arm again. “Tell me.”

  “Nope. Sorry.” He loved flirting with her, loved the way she grinned mischievously, loved the way she wrinkled her nose when she wasn’t getting her way. Unfortunately, their conversation was cut short by the ringing of her phone.

  It was April.

  “Sorry, I can’t today,” Snow said to her friend. “I’ve got plans.” A short pause later, she chuckled into the phone. “None of your business. You’ll just have to find someone else to be your purse today.”

  Judging from their conversation, Greyson deduced that she hadn’t told her friends that they were going on a date today either. That now familiar pang of disappointment swept through him. Sure, he wanted to keep their personal lives and work lives separate, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. It felt like he was being hidden – and he didn’t like it.

  Snow soon disappeared into the interior of the apartment to finish preparing for their date, leaving only the TV to keep him company. By the time she reappeared in the living room, the locksmith was done. Greyson waited until she’d paid the locksmith and closed the door behind the man before he did what he’d been itching to do since he’d stepped into her apartment. He pulled her into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers.

  She met him eagerly, her soft lips melding with his unreservedly. He teased her with closed-mouth kisses before finally deepening the kiss. He explored her with luscious, soft strokes of his tongue and inhaled her deeply. With a whimper, she stepped closer, slung her arms around his waist and pressed her body tightly to his further firing up his already heated senses. Her kisses were indescribably delicious and Greyson kept coming back for more.

  He had no idea how long the kiss lasted, but it felt like it wasn’t enough time. When he finally tore his lips from hers to drag in a deep breath, it felt like he was pulling away from pleasure. It seemed Snow didn’t want it to be over too because she took her sweet time opening her eyes and when she did they were glazed with desire.

  A lazy smile quirked her lips as she murmured a husky, “Well, good morning to you too.”

  He had to laugh at that. With more reluctance than he expected, he pulled apart from her. “Are you ready to leave for our date yet?”

  “Yes, please,” she returned enthusiastically. “Just let me grab my purse and sandals.”

  Minutes later, they were on the way. He didn’t tell her where they were going but after a while, she guessed it on her own. “Are we going to the harbor?”

  “Maybe,” he responded noncommittally.

  “So that’s a definitely.” She grinned cheekily. “Next question, are we going sailing?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Yay! We’re going sailing.” She clapped enthusiastically. “I haven’t been out sailing in such a long time.”

  “I didn’t say we were going sailing,” he denied just to be contrary.

  “No?” Her smile fell and a frown lined her forehead. “Then what are we doing?”

  Minutes later, her smile was back in place as she realized that her guess had been accurate. They were headed to the harbor. When they got there, she didn’t wait for him to open the door for her. In seconds, she was out of the car and sucking in deep gulps of the refreshing sea air.

  “This way.” He guided her towards the harbor and to a private, medium-sized yacht with the name ‘Nemo’ splashed across its hull. “This is us.”

  “Wow.” Snow stared goggle-eyed at the yacht. “Did you rent this?”

  “No, it’s mine.” Greyson led her up the walkway.

  She gasped. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” Greyson’s ego swelled at the compliment and her obvious awe. He’d bought the yacht as a personal escape and rarely ever showed it off, but it was nice to have someone else appreciate it.

  Their arrival on the yacht attracted the attention of his skipper, Andy. The tanned, long-haired, young man was all grins as he emerged from below to welcome them onboard. Greyson had already informed him about today’s trip so as soon as they were aboard he started the yacht. Meanwhile, Greyson gave Snow a tour of the vessel.

  “This is the saloon,” he said as they entered the main cabin. The space was large enough to host a party of twenty people an
d contained plush furniture as well as the latest entertainment system. He led the way to a space sectioned off from the main cabin. “It’s attached to the galley.”

  The galley was furbished with the latest kitchen equipment and was large enough that three to four people could cook comfortably in it. Once Snow was done oohing and aahing over the space, Greyson strode forward to a closed door and opened it to reveal a large space with a circular bed occupying. “And this is the stateroom.”

  “Wow, this place is as big as my apartment if not bigger.” Snow gaped as she went from cabin to cabin taking in the yacht’s sizeable expanse. “Were you planning to live here or something?”

  “Actually, I spend a couple of nights here each month. I like to hear the sound of waves,” he responded. “Speaking of waves – how are you with them?

  “I’m good with waves,” she said. “But why do you ask?”

  He explained, “My plan was for us to go sailing then to have a meal on the water. I was also thinking of doing a little diving but I’m not sure if you’re trained.”

  “I’m trained,” Snow returned quickly. “Though it’s been a while.”

  He sighed in relief. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there to make sure you’re okay.”

  Soon they were on their way from the harbor. For most of the sail, Greyson and Snow leaned against the railing, soaking in the sun wind and sea while they talked. Since she seemed most enthusiastic about the dive, Greyson told Andy to take them to his favorite diving spot – a reef that was renowned for its vast marine-life.

  The spot was clear of any other boats today. Andy brought them as close to the reef as he was prepared to go and dropped anchor to hold them steady. Though the spot was clear of any other sailors, the skipper tossed out the ‘divers below’ buoy to warn any boats that might arrive after them. While Andy anchored the boat, Greyson brought out the scuba-gear and checked it to make sure nothing was damaged. He handed Snow a wetsuit and she went to the stateroom to change.

  Greyson was testing out the underwater cameras when Snow emerged from below clad in her wetsuit. His heart almost stopped then and blood rushed straight to his groin. He wasn’t a rubber man but damn if she didn’t look good in it. The black rubber suit clung to every inch of her sumptuous curves; from her generous breasts to her thick hips. If he’d known that a diving date would get him this kind of view he would’ve made it their first date.

  Snow brushed her hand over the suit. “I think it’s a little too tight.”

  “No, it’s not.” Greyson gaze followed the movement of her hand and his cock lurched in appreciation. He cleared his throat to rasp, “It’s perfect.”

  Unaware of the things she was doing to him, Snow smiled. “Okay then. Your turn.”

  Reluctantly, Greyson went below to suit up. Minutes later, he reemerged, and they lost themselves in the usual pre-dive rituals; strapping on gear, checking gauges, test breathing, fitting slippers and so forth. Those rituals had always been something mechanical and quick for him - he’d certainly never thought that they could be sensual. Yet he discovered that helping Snow into her gear was an exercise in self-restraint and torture. It involved so much touching and closeness that he was shocked that he didn’t combust while doing it or worse spot a full-on hard-on. It was relief when they finally dropped into the water.

  Once they were in the water, he moved closer to her in case she freaked out. Her smile through the regulator and the thumbs-up she gave him said she was completely fine. Pretty soon they were sinking swiftly and deeper into the water. They paused about ten feet down to do a final check of their equipment before starting towards the reef.

  Greyson loved diving. Though this particular spot was familiar to him, it still felt new. There was something about exploring this hidden, soundless, underwater world of wonder that always got to him. Everything about it was astoundingly beautiful, from the vast marine-life to the water current tugging at him. And Snow’s being here made it feel a thousand times better.

  Even though all he could see were her eyes, it was easy to tell that she was just as excited to be here as he was. Judging from her graceful, sinuous movements as they swam, it was obvious that she was a true child of the sea. He grabbed her hand to lead her closer to the reef. When they got there, he broke an orange which brought in several dozen hungry fish. Snow’s eyes lit up and she clapped her hands. Smiling at her excitement, he handed her a camera.

  * * * * *

  SNOW COULDN’T STOP snapping pictures. If she’d known that diving could be this much fun, she would’ve done it more often. Though she’d been trained, she’d only gone for a non-training diving trip once and it was with Charlie. Unfortunately, his idea of diving was bringing his dad’s yacht to the reef then saying that he preferred to bask in the sun. Since all his friends were bootlickers, no one else was willing to go down with Snow and in the end they’d spent all day baking in the sun. After that she’d decided it just wasn’t worth it. But this… this was the real deal, and she was enjoying it immensely.

  Though the current was a bit strong, the water temperature was great as was the visibility. She paused to snap a picture of a passing sea-turtle then turned towards Greyson and pointed the camera at him. Good sport that he was, he posed for the picture. His pose was so goofy that Snow had to laugh. When he pointed his camera at her, she gave him a pose that was just as goofy then swam closer to him so they could take a selfie. They took their time touring the water before eventually surfacing and swimming towards boat.

  As soon as they’d pulled off their masks, Snow exclaimed, “That was awesome! Can we do it again?”

  “Hold up, Little Mermaid.” Greyson grinned as he helped her slough off her tank. “We just came up for air.”

  “But I wanna do it again,” she whined.

  “We will. After lunch.” He unzipped then skinned his wetsuit down to his waist. For a man who spent a lot of time in the kitchen, Greyson had an amazing body – just the right amount of muscles to make a woman drool but not enough to be labeled a muscle-head.

  Suddenly, she felt self-conscious about her own body. She wasn’t slender or svelte like other women. In fact, she had a little too much in many places including her tummy. She could’ve spent the rest of the day picking apart all the things that were wrong with her body, but she decided that there was no point in wallowing in her body-image insecurities.

  This was who she was and how she looked. If Greyson didn’t like her body, it was better for him to say it and end whatever they were doing now rather than later when she was more emotionally – and physically - invested.

  Shaking off her shyness, she peeled her wetsuit down her upper body to reveal the jade swimsuit beneath. Though the suit was a one-piece, the top boasted a low v-neckline and the torso area was covered in four braided ropes of fabric crisscrossing each other. The fabric was certainly not enough to hide the bulge of her breasts or her tummy’s slight bulge.

  However, a glance at Greyson revealed that he wasn’t turned off by her not-so-flat tummy or the rest of her body. In fact, he was practically devouring her with his eyes. He brazenly let his gaze fall from her face to her breasts, stared at them like he was actually caressing them before he brought his gaze back to meet his. The lust simmering in his expression singed her, warm her.

  Snow blushed as an undeniable tingle worked its way from somewhere deep within her to suffuse her whole being. Her breasts swelled and her nipples sharpened into visible bullet points that pushed against her swimsuit aching to be touched. Almost as if he could sense her desire, Greyson stood up. He took a step towards her but before he could close the distance between them, Andy emerged from below.

  “Lunch is ready.” The skipper’s arrival announcement was enough to cool off Snow’s ardor.

  Andy was as good as any of the chefs at Tellers. The shrimp wraps and tempura avocado bites he served them were beyond delicious. Add in the dazzling rays of the sun soaking into her skin, the sound of waves gently lapping at the yacht’s e
dge and the good-looking man beside her - and this was as close to heaven as Snow had ever been.

  Well-fed and content, Snow stretched out on the sun-chair. “I could live here forever.”

  “I know what you mean.” Greyson, who was lying on the sun-chair beside hers with sun-glasses on, stared up at the sky. “There was a time I actually considered it.”

  “Really?” Snow turned her head to stare at him. “You were planning to live at sea?”

  Greyson nodded. “When I was eighteen, I worked on a cruise ship.”

  He explained that being on a cruise ship had allowed him to visit many countries and explore different foods and ways of cooking. Unfortunately, working on a cruise ship meant working under one chef, who often relied on a set menu. The experience was too restrictive and didn’t offer many opportunities for Greyson to learn specialized techniques or test out new recipes. In the end, he’d chosen to leave life on the sea behind so he could become a better chef.

  “At eighteen? Wasn’t that a little early to be on your own out on the sea?” She asked, “What did your parents say when you told them you were leaving home?”

  Greyson was silent for a long moment before he said, “They weren’t there to say anything.”

  There was something about that statement and the way he said it that told Snow that there was a lot more to the story. Were they close enough for her to prod? A bit tentatively, she asked, “What do you mean?”

  “My dad died when I was seven, and my mom skipped town when I was nine.” His dry tone belied the scars that those events must’ve left on him. But before she could prod further, he asked, “What about you? Do you really think you could live at sea – moving from port to port, never setting your roots anywhere?”

  Snow was no fool. She knew he was changing the subject to keep from talking about his parents. She could have called him on it but didn’t – she preferred that he tell her more on his own and not because she’d forced him. Their conversation shifted to their other interests – his was baseball and old movies, hers was arts and crafts. An hour or so later, they sunk back into the sea for another session of playing with the fishes.