Ian (Unbreakable Bonds 4.5)

Looking at his watch, he realized he needed to get back into the kitchen. “Five? I’d like to have time to show you the ropes, then let you warm up to the job before it goes nuts around nine.”

“See you then.”

Ian didn’t have time to worry as he threw himself into preparations for the night. The special tonight was a prosciutto-stuffed fagottini pasta that Hollis had called little bundles of heaven. And he hadn’t even realized fagottini literally translated to little bundles. When Hollis arrived—looking fantastic in the designer slacks and a crisp, white shirt—Ian only had time to give him pointers before he was pulled back into the kitchen.

Hours flew by. He only saw Hollis the few times he came out to make his usual rounds. He stopped to chat with regulars and check on new customers. Satisfaction warmed him as he gazed over the crowd of people enjoying their meals. Candlelight cast a warm glow from every table and the sounds of utensils on plates, the low murmur of voices, and occasional laughter were music to his ears. The special had been a huge hit, and the wine and champagne profits were more than double the usual weekend night.

Ten years ago, he would never have seen himself owning and running a place like this. His gaze landed on Hollis again, who was warmly greeting a couple at the door. He would never have imagined having someone as kind, funny, and hot either.

Around eleven, the patrons started thinning out and Ian sought out Hollis to see if he wanted to share a meal and split a bottle of wine. He found him by the bar, shaking hands with Wade, who blushed more than usual but didn’t seem to have any trouble keeping his attention on Hollis.

Smirking, Ian wove around the tables and chairs, stopping every now and then to check and make sure people were still enjoying their meals. When he got caught by a woman with a request for more gluten-free options, he caught a glimpse of another of his employees with Hollis out of the corner of his eye. One of his sous chefs, whispering and grinning.

When he finally reached him, he threaded their fingers together and stood close enough to smell his light cologne.

Hollis pulled him closer and leaned down to whisper in his ear. “You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now.”

“It is Valentine’s Day, so kisses shouldn’t be surprising. You can. Just keep it PG.”

Hollis grunted and winked. “Never mind then.” He glanced over Ian’s shoulder and nodded.

Ian turned to see Wade’s eyes go wide before he ducked back into the kitchen. “What is going on with him tonight?” he murmured, letting go of Hollis to follow.

But he was tugged back into a wide chest. “I understand most everything is prepared for those still coming in and you might have some free time?”

He nodded and had to make himself resist the urge to lean and nuzzle into Hollis. It had been a long day. “I came over here to see if you wanted to share a meal.”

“I do. Come on.” Hollis nodded toward the kitchen doors. “I want to have a moment alone, away from curious eyes first.”

He could be up for that. Anticipation stirred in his gut as he followed Hollis, hoping his glance at that fine backside was discreet. They passed through the still busy kitchen, full of noise as his employees cleaned and prepared food for the next day. Everything looked under control, though he noted a few of them looked like they were holding back smiles. Was it that obvious he was sneaking his boyfriend into his office for a little making out?

At the closed door, Hollis stopped him. He cleared his throat.

Ian frowned as he eyed the faint red flush creeping up Hollis’s neck. It wasn’t that hot in the here…

“I have never celebrated Valentine’s Day,” Hollis said, his voice low. “Never even wanted to. The only time I enjoyed it was as a kid when we’d get bags of cards that occasionally had candy attached. It’s different now. I’ve been looking forward to this for a week.”

“Sorry I had to work.”

“I’m not. I like it here. And I love seeing you in your element. It’s hot as hell.”

Some of the racket had lessened. He glanced around, noticing they had quite a bit of attention. “How about we take this into my office?”

“After you.”

It only took one step into the small room to understand what Hollis had done. He peeked back out and sure enough, most of his staff had stopped to watch. “You guys were in on this?”

Enthusiastic nods were his answer.

“It wasn’t easy because you hardly left the kitchen.” Hollis pointed at Wade. “He managed to sneak most of this in for me whenever you did.”