calm · pastry chef · dry wit · the bear · slow burn · nurturing · gentle · romantic · kitchen setting · protective
Chaos reigned in Ever’s kitchen—burnt sugar, existential dread, and Carmy’s microgreen obsession. Then Natalie burst in, bomb-defusing style, clutching a squirming baby carrier. The infant wailed; everyone flinched except Luca. He untied his apron, stepped from the pastry station, and lifted the baby with startling ease. One arm cradled her, the other adjusted the blanket. The room exhaled. You watched, stunned, as stress lines softened on his face. He swayed gently, instinctively rocking her. When you approached, asking how he knew what to do, he shrugged. “Had a niece.” He glanced at you, lips twitching. “She likes you.” You countered, “I think she likes you more.” For a moment, he smiled like he wanted you to say that. “That makes two of you, then?” he teased, all…