Rock Hard Boss: A Single Dad, Boss Chef Romance Read online

  It didn’t hurt that tussling with her was an excuse for us to be physically close together. My hands roved all over. A pinch here. A squeeze there. It had her gasping and laughing so hard she could barely breathe.

  “No horseplay in the kitchen!” Emery’s little voice cut through our wrestling.

  We spun around. I felt like a little kid getting caught doing something wrong. I grinned sheepishly at her chastising. It was something I said to her often, now she turned it back on me.

  “You’re right, Emery,” I said. “Amber and I were just debating what ingredients to use.”

  “Is this what you do at work?” Emery asked.

  The image of messing around like this in the restaurant made me laugh. Amber joined in.

  “No, Emery,” she said. “We behave a lot better at work.”

  “Speaking of which, let me get breakfast ready.” I got the eggs and the hollandaise sauce going.

  Amber sat down at the kitchen table with Emery talking about bowling later. It was nice to have some chatter in the kitchen while I cooked. I hadn’t experienced it in a long time.

  It didn’t take long to plate everything. I set their dishes in front of them and joined them at the table.

  Amber looked over my shoulder with a concerned look on her face. “Did you leave the stove on?”

  I got up to check, but all the knobs were set to the off position. Amber had a mischievous smile on her face when I sat back down. I didn’t understand why until I looked down at my plate and saw a light sprinkling of green over my eggs. Fresh dill.

  “You just couldn’t resist,” I said and gave her a stern look, or I tried to.

  She wore an overly innocent expression on her face. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Uh huh.”

  Emery took a bite of her eggs. I noticed Amber had added the herbs to her plate, too. Emery began chewing, and a bright smile lit her face. “These are so good.”

  “Well, I know they’re your favorite,” I said.

  “No, these are the best eggs you ever made me.”

  Amber shot me a proud look. I shook my head and sighed. No fighting it, I guess. I took a forkful of eggs and tasted them.

  Son of a bitch. She was right. They were better this way.

  ***

  I was a little worried about going to the bowling alley with Amber and Emery. It was the first time we would all be out together. It was a big step. A step that might be coming too soon.

  Emery had already become attached to Amber, that was obvious. And the more time Emery spent around Amber, the deeper that attachment would go. If things didn’t work out with Amber, it wasn’t just me that would get hurt. Emery would be devastated.

  The smart thing to do would be to keep Amber and Emery separate until I knew where things were going. The problem was that I hadn’t seen Emery this happy in a long time. The kid deserved every bit of happiness I could give her. If it meant risking heart break in the future, so be it.

  At the bowling alley, Emery and Amber were thick as thieves. Amber helped her pick out a pink six-pound ball, and she figured out how to configure the lane so that the bumpers came up every time it was Emery’s turn to bowl. By the end of the trip, Emery was convinced she was a better bowler than Amber and me put together.

  It was one of the most enjoyable days in recent memory, and it was all thanks to Amber.

  ***

  Emery fell asleep in the car on the way home. The excitement of the day had worn her out. By contrast, the day had energized me. Part of it was that I was happy. Simple stupid happiness that brought a smile to my face and a spring to my step. But there was something else, too.

  Today was like a glimpse into another world, a world where I had a partner and Emery had a mother. A world where we were a family. My heart quaked at the thought of it being within my reach. No one would ever know just how broken I was by Jen’s rejection, as a spouse, as a lover, as a man.

  I’d spent the last six years building walls around my heart, rejecting the idea that I would ever get serious with someone again. After what happened with Jen, I vowed I would never open either of us up to that kind of betrayal.

  But now, I couldn’t help but imagine what things could be like with Amber in our lives. Could there be a chance to be a happy family ? Did I dare to let myself hope for such a thing?

  These thoughts rattled around in my brain as I tucked Emery into bed, still fast asleep. I kissed her on the forehead and left, hoping she had pleasant dreams. I walked into my bedroom and froze in the doorway.

  Amber emerged from the restroom, wearing nothing but her tank top and a pair of white silk panties. As I watched, she slid the tank top over her head. I hardened instantly at the sight of her luscious curves. All worries about the future evaporated. The only thing that mattered was pleasing her with any and every part of me.

  “Damn, kitten. You look good enough to eat.” I licked my lips and moved toward her.

  CHAPTER TWELVE - AMBER

  The expression on Luke’s face told me that he liked what he saw. Ever since we’d wrestled in the kitchen that morning, I’d been looking forward to this moment. He closed the distance between us and pressed his mouth to mine in a hot, passionate kiss.

  The touch of his lips kindled the smoldering fires in my belly and turned them into a roaring blaze.

  Today had been amazing. Luke was so different when we were out of the restaurant. In the kitchen, there was no doubt he was a great man. But spending time with him like this revealed he was a good man, too.

  “Touch me everywhere,” I murmured softly as I reached for him, running my hands over his thick biceps.

  “I won’t leave a place untouched.” He nipped at my lips as his eyes darkened.

  I moaned at the feelings he ignited inside me. His hard cock nestled against my stomach, which only made me hotter.

  His strong hands lifted me in the air and he threw me onto the bed. It was so dominant and powerful, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed, and incredibly turned on. I lay there on my back, watching him. He stripped down in front of me, like he wanted me to watch. I had to admit, it was a hell of a show.

  The shirt came off first, showing off his chiseled torso and the dark eagles wings on his chest. The tattoo enhanced his physique, highlighting the hard lines of him. His muscles flexed and rippled with every movement.

  I licked my lips and tried to breathe. “What’s the tat on your chest for?”

  “Freedom. I wanted to own my own place, my own life.”

  “Your own woman?” I ran my hands down my stomach and he watched my closely.

  “Fuck yes. You like feeling owned?” He titled his head to the side and gave me a wicked smile. “Keep your hands off my pussy. You’re not invited to play with it.”

  “Ouch!” I pulled my hand back and chuckled. “Yes, Sir.”

  “Good girl. ” He winked and slid his pants down his legs, which were just as solid as the rest of him. You wouldn’t think he worked in a kitchen, he looked like he lifted weights for a living. My eyes traced over his body, but they kept coming back to the bulge in his boxer briefs.

  His long erection was outlined exquisitely by the thin material. I could see the hard ridges of him straining against the fabric. The sight of it sent a dull ache through my core, and I bit my lip to stifle the hungry moan that tried to escape.

  I wanted to feel him stretching me open, to lick every inch of his perfect body. But he was in control now. I was forced to wait for him, and the anticipation built inside me until I thought I would go insane.

  He stalked to the bed, his eyes boring into mine. They burned with a passion so intense I thought it would turn me to ashes. His hands snaked out and grabbed my ankles. He jerked me to the edge of the bed and knelt down.

  Luke started planting kisses along my sensitive skin, beginning with my ankle and working his way up slowly. His mouth licked and nipped at my flesh. Pleasure blossomed at every spot he touched, sending sweet se
nsations radiating up between my legs. Liquid heat pooled in my belly. A low, groan rumbled in my chest, and I gritted my teeth at the tension building inside me.

  He slid farther up my leg, skimming his lips along my inner thigh. His hot breath tickled my skin, sending shivers through me. I ran my hands through his hair and tried to urge his head higher. But it was like trying to move stone. It was clear he was setting the pace. All I could do was lay back and wait.

  My thighs trembled as he got closer and closer to my center. His mouth finally brushed against my panties and I thought I would scream it felt so good. Luke nuzzled me through the thin layer of lace. The fabric was silky and sheer, but it scraped against my sensitive spots in a maddening way.

  Almost nothing separated us, but it was still too much. I wanted to feel him flush against me. No more barriers. As if he read my mind, his fingers curled under the waistband at my hips and tugged my underwear down my legs. I was more than happy to speed up the process.

  With my panties gone, Luke leaned back down and took his time consuming the wet center of my body. I arched my back at the feelings exploding there. His lapped at me, teasing my silky folds. I cried out and he groaned, sending vibrations over my clit. The feeling was electric. Pleasure pulsed through me in waves.

  His tongue swirled around my entrance before he put his whole mouth over me, sucking at me like a ripe peach. I cried out again and opened my legs farther. Just when I thought it couldn’t feel any better, he slid a thick finger inside me. The sensation of his rough finger rubbing against the soft channel of my sex had me arching up to meet him.

  He curled his finger upward in a come-hither motion, hitting my g-spot. Pleasure spiraled up inside me, making me dizzy. Luke awoke a symphony of bliss within me. It felt so good I thought I might lose my mind. I couldn’t take it anymore. There was no holding back.

  Hot, white pleasure sizzled through me like a bolt of lightning as I came. My entire body tensed up and trembled. A low, animal moan rushed from me at the feeling of it. I couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move. All I could do was let the intense feeling of satisfaction pulse through me.

  I collapsed back on the bed, trying to catch my breath. Before I could do so, Luke was kissing me. I could taste myself on his lips, and for some reason, it turned me on even more.

  “That was amazing,” I said, still panting.

  He grinned at me. “I’m not done yet, kitten.”

  Luke grabbed me and flipped me over. I yelped in surprise, finding myself face first on the bed. He lifted my hips so I knelt on all fours at the edge of the bed. I looked behind me to see Luke standing there, his underwear gone. His hard cock quivered as it jutted from a nest of neatly trimmed hair, pointing directly at me.

  “Condom,” he mumbled and walked to the bathroom, returning a few minutes later with a wild smile on his face. “You have no clue how inviting you look like this. So sexy. So wet.”

  He’d gone slowly before he went down on me, but he wasn’t taking his time now. He nestled the thick head of his cock at my aching entrance and caressed my ass like he was touching something precious. I moaned at the feeling of it, hungry to feel him inside me. I pressed back a little.

  “More,” I groaned. “Please. More.”

  “So greedy tonight, Amber.” He thrust into me, filling me up completely.

  My face contorted with pleasure as I cried out and gripped the sheets. His sweet touch turned demanding quickly. His strong hands gripped my hips, pulling me against him with every stroke. I lost myself in the pounding rhythm. Every plunge of his cock inside me made me whimper for another one.

  He leaned over me and his hand reached beneath me. He slicked a finger in my juices and toyed with my clit, following the same, steady tempo of his thrusts. The combination was electrifying.

  I arched up against him, turning my head just enough so he could kiss me. His lips pressed against mine. Our bodies moved together as one, like we were connecting on more than just a physical level.

  I broke our kiss as the feelings inside me swelled to a raging torrent. The only thing that mattered in that moment was the intense pleasure building up again. Luke plunged into me, deeper and deeper, finding places I didn’t even know existed.

  I buried my face in the bed to stifle my loud moans. Every stroke of his exquisite cock brought me closer and closer to the delicious edge. I felt my control slipping away. My entire consciousness centered on the feelings inside me.

  My orgasm exploded through me like a volcanic eruption. I writhed in ecstasy at the bursts of insane pleasure tearing through my body. Luke thrust one final time inside me, and I felt his body go rigid as he came, too.

  We tumbled into bed together and he gathered me in his arms. I laid my head against his chest, still heaving for breath. Pleasant aftershocks trembled through me. In that moment, everything felt right with the world.

  ***

  I don’t know how long we laid together, but eventually, reality crowded back in. The day had been amazing, from beginning to end. But now it was over. It was time for me to go.

  With a sigh, I slid off the bed and searched for my panties.

  Luke watched me with a look of desire on his face.

  “You don’t have to be shy around me,” he said. “I love how you look without any clothes on. You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

  I shot him a grin. “Right back at you. But I should probably get dressed before I leave. What will your neighbors think?”

  He turned to lay on his side, facing me. “You don’t have to go, Amber. You know that, right?”

  “I know. I just think that for now, it’s better this way. Besides, we’ve got work tomorrow, and my boss is a real slave driver.”

  His lips quirked up into a smile. “I don’t know. I’ve heard he’s getting soft recently. Something about a woman he’s been seeing.”

  I leaned over and kissed him. “There’s nothing soft about you.” I reached down to stroke his cock, which was already springing back to life. “Case in point.”

  He chuckled, deep and low. “Well, now you really can’t leave. That would be cruel.”

  Luke reached out to pull me back into bed. The temptation to stay was almost overwhelming. I could crawl in beside him. Maybe go for another round of intense sex. Then sleep like the dead.

  But something inside me wouldn’t let me stay. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why, but it just felt like a bad idea.

  I pulled away from him with a groan. “I really should go.”

  I got up and found my panties and slid them back on.

  Luke got out of bed and found his jeans. “If you insist. I’ll walk you out.”

  Fully dressed, Luke and I made it to the front door before he pulled me close to him and kissed me again. “Are you sure I can’t convince you to stay?”

  I smiled at him. “Another time, but not tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Maybe I don’t want to wait that long,” he said, his voice low and sexy.

  I stood up on my tiptoes and planted a quick peck on his lips. “I’m worth the wait. I promise.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN - LUKE

  Two weeks later, I gathered the brigade in the kitchen for an announcement. They stood in a semicircle around me, waiting for me to speak. I looked them over, trying my hardest not to stare too much at Amber, or make a goofy face when our eyes met.

  Things between us had been good. Better than good, really. We’d managed to spend some time together after work, when we had the energy to do more than just sleep. Amber still wouldn’t stay all night. It bothered me a little, but everything else between us was so good, I figured it wasn’t the end of the world.

  But even though things were going well, I wasn’t ready to let the rest of the staff know we were dating. Things were still too new and too uncertain. Amber and I hadn’t really put a label on us either. The issue had never come up, and I wasn’t going to force anything. And until then, there was nothing t
o tell really.

  Besides, there was too much baggage with letting the staff know what was going on. It was the same reason I kept us a secret thus far. The other cooks would resent her. They’d judge her. And no matter how well she cooked, they’d assume she was sleeping with the boss to get ahead.

  I wouldn’t put her through that, not unless I knew this relationship was really going somewhere.

  So that was not the announcement I was going to make.

  “Tomorrow is a big day for all of us here at Emery. Some pretty important people will be dining here and we have to make sure everything goes just right.”

  “Like celebrities?” Danny asked.

  “If you consider Tom Maddox, Sheila Grimes, and Kaitlin Owens celebrities, then yes,” I said.

  “Holy shit,” Danny said.

  I nodded. “Exactly. Three of the top food critics in the country will be here. They’re in town for the Food and Wine Festival, and they want to eat here before they leave. It’s a great opportunity for us, as long as we don’t fuck it up.”

  I scanned their faces for their reactions. Some of them nodded, some of them looked nervous. Amber had a look of intense determination on her face.

  “We can do this, Chef,” she said. “We won’t let you down.”

  “I know you won’t,” I said, meaning the statement for her. “I know none of you will. You wouldn’t be here if you couldn’t get the job done. Every day I expect perfection out of you. Tomorrow is no different. Perfect plates, every time. The only reason I’m telling you, at all, is so there are no surprises tomorrow when they show up. All right, start prepping for lunch.”

  The brigade scattered to their various stations to get things ready. They seemed to move with a sense of focus, which was good. I needed all of them trying their very best tomorrow.