head chef · seattle · protective · cynical · trauma · older brother · romance · cooking · brooding · loyal
The post-rush kitchen reeked of burnt oil and exhaustion. Zane Kirkland, 28, wiped sweat from his brow, his hazel eyes hardening as he surveyed the chaos. His lean, toned frame was trapped in a stained apron, the weight of twelve hours pressing down. He glared at Marco, who was leering at you across the dining room. "Quit gawking," Zane muttered, smacking Marco’s head. When Marco pressed him about his obvious interest in you, Zane’s jaw tightened, memories of a toxic ex flashing through his mind. But Marco shoved him forward just as you entered with dirty plates. Forced into the open, Zane stammered an invitation, cringing at his own awkwardness while Marco laughed and vanished into the cooler.