Recipe for Love

by Carol Lynne

  A Total-E-Bound Publication

  www.total-e-bound.com

  Recipe for Love

  ISBN # 978-0-85715-033-2

  ©Copyright Carol Lynne 2010

  Cover Art by April Martinez ©Copyright February 2010

  Edited by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

  Total-E-Bound Publishing

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

  Published in 2010 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way

  , Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom

  .

  Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning..

  Cattle Valley

  RECIPE FOR LOVE

  Carol Lynne

  Dedication

  When I initially ran across the picture of Jay, I knew I had to write a character to go along with it. The photo absolutely fascinates me. I hope you all fall in love with him as much as I did while writing this book.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Can I Have This Dance: sung by Anne Murray

  Maybelline: L'Oreal USA Creative, Inc.

  Chapter One

  Erico set down his knife and braced his hands on his prep table. He closed his eyes and took slow, even breaths until the wave of dizziness passed. Opening his eyes, he glanced around to make sure no one had noticed the episode.

  They were becoming more and more frequent. A continual reminder that he needed to find a qualified sous-chef quickly or be forced to shut down the restaurant he’d put his heart and soul into.

  Turning his attention back to the radish-roses he’d been creating, his thoughts went to Jay. He knew the man had the skills to become a damn fine sous-chef, and more importantly, he trusted Jay to watch over The Canoe in his absence.

  Mario’s warning to Jay to stay away from Erico had gutted him. When had he become the kind of person people were warned away from? He finished off the garnishes and put them in an airtight container before slipping them in the cooler.

  A large part of him was happy there was a fucked up blizzard raging outside. At least it meant he could work as slow as he needed to. With only a few customers braving the cold and blowing snow, Erico had managed to keep up quite nicely.

  With the majority of prep work completed, he cleaned his work area and washed his hands before wandering into the bar area. He sat on his usual stool at the end of the bar. “Would you mind making me a glass of ice water, Troy?”

  “Sure thing.” Troy rose from the stool he’d been resting on behind the bar and made Erico his drink. “I hope it picks up. I’m bored out of my skull.”

  Normally Erico would have suggested Troy start cleaning, but from the shine to the glasses hanging over the bar, he’d already done it. “Anything good on TV?”

  Troy shook his head. “Reruns. That’s all that’s on between Christmas and New Year.” Troy grinned. “Unless you wanna watch one of those Christmas cartoons. I’m sure I can find one.”

  “I’ll pass.” Erico took a big gulp of his water. A glance at the clock proved just how long a day it had been. Although it felt like it should be near quitting time, it wasn’t even six o’clock. “Have you caught a recent weather report?”

  “This is it for the next three days. Snow, snow and more snow. Next week we’re supposed to warm up fifteen degrees. Does that help?”

  Erico thrummed his fingers on the bar. “Maybe we should go on home. Guess I should’ve shut down like everyone else in town.”

  “I’m all for that,” Troy agreed.

  Erico took another look around the empty restaurant. “Before you leave, go tell Ellen and Chip to call it a night. I’m going to start closing up the kitchen.”

  “You want us to stick around until you’re done?” Troy asked.

  “No need. I’ll probably just sleep on the foldout couch in my office.” It was something he usually did when the weather was bad. His house wasn’t far away, but Erico liked to be close enough to switch on the generators if there was a power failure.

  Erico reached for the remote and turned off the TV. “Give me a call before you come in tomorrow. If the weather keeps up, no sense in coming in. If we do happen to get a customer, I can tend the bar.”

  Troy pulled on his big down parka. “Thanks. Have a good one.”

  Erico headed to the kitchen. There wasn’t much to do but turn the pots of soup off. He’d need to put them in the cooler, but he’d do that before bed. After a last check of the kitchen, he turned the main light off and headed to the front to lock up.

  At the front door, he reached for the deadbolt when movement outside caught his attention. He saw a woman hurrying across the street towards the restaurant. “Damn.”

  The bundled shape stepped onto the sidewalk. Erico was prepared to open the door and welcome the customer when the woman’s feet flew out from under her. As if in slow motion, the customer fell backward, striking her head on the sidewalk.

  Erico flung open the door and raced as fast as he dared down the steps. He heard a moan as he knelt beside the downed woman. “Are you okay?”

  The injured woman reached up and pulled the scarf away from her face. “I’m okay, I think.”

  Erico was shocked to see Jay’s beautiful face staring up at him. “Can you stand?”

  Jay nodded, and Erico helped him to his feet.

  “Let’s get you inside where it’s warm.” Erico wrapped an arm around Jay’s tiny waist and helped him up the steps.

  Erico felt incredibly guilty. He knew if he were in the city, he’d be sued for everything he had over such an accident. Although they’d taken turns throughout the day clearing the steps and sidewalk, it was almost impossible to keep up with the blowing snow.

  After shutting the door behind them, Erico led Jay to one of the padded benches in the waiting area.

  Jay sat and started shedding his winter clothing. “I think I’m going to have a nice bump on my head, but nothing too serious.”

  Erico took a seat beside Jay. “You mind if I take a look?”

  Jay pulled his hat off and shook his head. Erico stared at the shiny brown hair. How many times had he longed to run his fingers through the long, silky locks? He reached out and felt the back of Jay’s head. It didn’t take long to feel the goose egg.

  “You’ve got a pretty nasty bump. Would you like me to call the paramedics?”

  Jay reached up, and his long, thin fingers brushed across Erico’s. “Here?”

  Erico moved his hand and placed Jay’s over the injury. “Feel it?”

  “Yeah,” Jay answered.

  “Would you like me to call someone?” Erico asked again.

  “No. I’ll be fine.” Jay’s hands moved down to his waist. He twisted his torso several times.

  “Did you hurt your back, too?” Erico asked
. He knew it was wrong, but he couldn’t help but cringe at what a back injury would mean to his insurance premiums.

  Jay’s hands gently began probing his lower back. “I think I just scraped it on the pavement.”

  With his worries over an insurance claim put at ease, the guilt began to sink. What the hell kind of person am I? Erico fisted his hands in an attempt to get himself under control.

  Jay flinched and shut his eyes, evidently seeing Erico’s fisted hands.

  “No. Oh, God, no. I’m not going to hurt you.” Mario’s warning came back to Erico loud and clear. Completely disgusted with himself, Erico balanced his elbows on his knees and covered his face with his hands. “I’m sorry. I was mad at myself, not you.”

  After several moments, Jay rested a hand on Erico’s back. “Why would you be mad at yourself? I’m the one who fell.”

  Erico felt Jay’s touch like a brand on his skin. What had it taken for the timid man to reach out to him? The gesture spoke volumes for the kind of man Jay was. Erico had no choice but to be perfectly honest in return. “I’m a despicable human being. My first thoughts were of losing my business should something be seriously wrong with you.”

  “Oh. Well I think that’s pretty understandable. I mean, you have something here to be really proud of. I think it’s natural you’d be afraid of losing it.”

  Erico turned his head. “You’re the one who’s hurt, so why’re you trying to make me feel better?”

  Jay grinned. “I don’t know. You seemed to need it, I guess.” Jay glanced around, probably for the first time. “Where is everyone?”

  Erico studied the empty restaurant. “I sent ’em home. The weather’s obviously keeping folks at home. Were you coming to eat?”

  Jay glanced away, sucking at his plump bottom lip. “I was going stir-crazy. Sean shut the pub down for two weeks while he visits his parents in Ireland. Ethan gave me a Canoe gift certificate before he left for Christmas. I thought…”

  Jay shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I can come back some other time.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” Erico stood and held out his hand.

  Jay stared at Erico’s hand for several moments before standing on his own. Erico tried not to take the gesture personally. “Would you like to eat out here or in the bar?”

  Jay shrugged.

  Erico noticed he seemed to do that a lot. At least he was speaking more than he did when he’d first arrived in Cattle Valley. “I’ve got a pretty nice table in the kitchen if you want to keep me company while I work?”

  Jay seemed hesitant but eventually nodded. “Okay. I’d like to watch you cook.”

  Erico knew it was the perfect opportunity to see how well the two of them could work together in the kitchen. “Or you could help? I’ll make you a deal. You help me prepare our dinner, and you can keep your gift certificate and use it again later.”

  Jay surprised Erico by shaking his head. “Oh, no, I couldn’t…”

  “You don’t want to cook with me?” Erico knew Jay was uneasy with him, but his refusal hurt.

  “I don’t have the training,” Jay continued. “I’d end up making a fool of myself.”

  Erico stopped in the act of pushing the kitchen door open. “Don’t be silly. I’ve eaten your food. I’ve told you before I think you’re a fantastic cook.”

  “Yeah, but you’re a trained chef. They aren’t the same thing at all.”

  Erico walked into the kitchen. He glanced around at the state-of-the-art facility. He knew it could be intimidating for someone who was used to working at smaller restaurants. The last thing he wanted was to make Jay more uncomfortable. “I’m in the mood for steak and potatoes. How does that sound?”

  Jay smiled. “Good.”

  Erico stepped into the walk-in refrigerator and pulled out two thick fillets. On his way back into the kitchen, he noticed Jay running a hand lightly over his lower back again. It was then Erico noticed the patches of blood drying on the already red button down shirt. Erico set down the meat. “You care if I take a look?”

  “Huh?”

  Erico gestured to Jay’s back. “I think you might be bleeding.”

  Jay looked worried as he twisted his torso, trying to get a glimpse of his back. “Did it get on my shirt?”

  Erico went to stand behind Jay. “Yeah. I’m sorry. Is it new?”

  Jay nodded. “Nate gave it to me for Christmas before they left for Nebraska.”

  “If you can’t get it out, I’ll buy you a new one.” He hesitated before lifting the bottom of the untucked shirt. “I’d like to see how bad it is. Are you comfortable with that?”

  Looking over his shoulder, Jay made eye contact with Erico before unbuttoning the bottom-half of his shirt. “Okay.”

  Erico lifted the material and winced at the raw and scraped skin of Jay’s knobby lower spine. “It’s just scraped but it could use some cleaning and probably an antiseptic.”

  Erico couldn’t help but brush the back of his hand over a patch of pale soft skin. He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth as he fought his body’s urge to continue. Pulling his hand back, he stepped away from Jay. “I’ll go get the first aid kit.”

  As he walked to the break room, he rubbed his chest. His heart was starting to flutter which meant he needed to calm the fuck down before he embarrassed himself. The fact that he’d made himself stop at one touch said more than words ever could. Had he ever filtered his actions to that extent with a man he was interested in?

  He opened the first aid cabinet and extracted peroxide, gauze pads, antiseptic gel and bandages. When he returned to the kitchen, Jay was firing up the large gas grill. He’d seasoned the steaks and had them resting on a plate.

  Erico swallowed as he got his first glimpse of Jay’s stomach. The low-rise jeans were so low, Erico had no doubt the man had to wax his groin. He licked his lips as he took in the deep crevices leading from his lower stomach towards the promised land.

  “I hope you don’t mind,” Jay said, gesturing to the grill.

  “Nope. Not at all.” He held up the supplies. “Ready for this?”

  “I should probably put the potatoes in the oven first,” Jay said.

  “How about if we keep it simple and just have steak and salad?”

  “That’s fine.”

  Erico narrowed his eyes as Jay started getting salad fixings out of the fridge. “Are you putting me off?”

  “Huh?”

  Erico held up the first aid supplies. “I promise I won’t hurt you.”

  Jay grinned. “I’ve never been good with stinging stuff.”

  Erico put the supplies on the counter and held up the peroxide. “No stinging stuff, promise.”

  Jay took the indicated seat. “Hang on.” He lifted his shirt and tied it high on his chest.

  Erico had never seen a man wear a shirt in that particular style. What would have made him laugh on any other guy had him practically drooling. He swallowed a groan as he took his position behind Jay and glanced at the inch of ass on display.

  He cleared his throat. “Let me get a warm cloth to wipe the area down first.”

  Erico hurried out of the room like the devil was on his heels. He grabbed a dishrag from the supply closet and retreated to the men’s restroom. Turning on the hot water, he stared at himself in the mirror.

  “Keep yourself in check, or you’ll never get a chance with him,” he told his reflection. He was amazed at the vehemence with which he felt those words. A chance with Jay meant everything to him. He braced his arms on the sink and closed his eyes. Why? Why this particular man? Why now? There were so many other things he should be concentrating on.

  “Is everything okay?” Jay asked from the doorway.

  Erico opened his eyes and stood. “Yes. Sorry. Just taking a moment.”

  “I’m ready to put the steaks on and thought I’d ask how you like yours prepared?” Jay asked.

  Jay’s voice was so soft and unsure Erico wanted to wrap him up and protect him from the wo
rld. “Medium rare, please.”

  Jay nodded and left the room.

  Erico took a deep breath and ran the dishcloth under the hot water. He wondered how long he’d been deep in thought instead of attending to Jay like he’d promised. Erico turned off the faucet and squeezed the excess water from the cloth. Dinner and first aid, he repeated over and over to himself as he headed back to the kitchen.

  * * * *

  Jay tested the filets with a touch of his finger. “Perfect.”

  He had the steaks plated with a small salad by the time Erico arrived back in the kitchen. He wished he knew what was bothering the normally at-ease man. Jay blinked several times as a thought struck him. Erico hadn’t lost his cool exterior until he’d seen Jay’s back. It had been even worse once he’d tied his shirt up which had exposed his entire lower torso.

  Jay carried the plates to the long prep table. It was obvious his thin frame bothered Erico. It wasn’t the first time his bony body had turned a man off. He’d even had older women approach him on the street and offer to fatten him up. His size wasn’t a choice. If the sight of him turned Erico’s stomach, he could do little about it.

  With Erico standing at the end of the table, Jay released the tie on his shirt and rebuttoned it. He wanted more than anything to just get the hell out of there, but one skill he had mastered was not letting someone know when he was hurt. “Are we eating in here?”

  Erico’s head tilted to the side. “Are you okay?”

  “Fine. Where did you want to eat?” Jay worked to get his temper under control. He rarely got angry, so it was a surprise to him that something so minor could affect him in such a major way.

  Erico held out the wet cloth. “What about your back?”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take a shower when I get home.” Jay shrugged. “I’ve had worse.”