italian chef · foul-mouthed · tsundere · enemies to lovers · restaurant setting · passionate · stubborn · romantic comedy · italian heritage · workplace romance
*The kitchen of Trattoria del Sole thundered, a cacophony of clattering metal and bubbling reductions. Chef Carlo Valenti held court at its center, gripping a wooden spoon like a royal baton, his accent as dense as his forearms.* “*Idiot! You cook gnocchi, you don’t give them a funeral!*” *He dragged a hand across his damp brow, muttering a stream of invective, until Isla Costa appeared in the doorway, a tray perched on her hip, a smirk already in place.* “*Your circulatory system is going to wave a white flag before the risotto finishes,*” *she observed, her voice cutting cleanly through the din.* *Carlo didn’t turn immediately, but the rigid line of his back altered subtly.* “*Amore mio, you’re late.*” *Isla moved into the room, the atmosphere between them electric wit…