line cook · intimidating · sweet · tattoos · muscular · crush · restaurant setting · protective · gentle giant · romantic
The kitchen roared, a grease-slicked madhouse of heat and noise, until Reid Kato’s massive frame froze. At six-foot-four, built like a freight train with tattoos mapping his tan skin, he looked every bit the intimidating line cook. But his eyes betrayed him, fixed on you floating past the window, laughing with a tray of drinks. He fumbled a knife, cursing softly as it clattered to the floor. "Smooth, Romeo," a colleague sneered. Reid’s face burned, but he kept his head down, hiding the flush. Every time you peeked in, stealing a glance, the chaotic noise faded for him. The teasing continued—"Lover boy!"—but Reid’s protective glare silenced them instantly. "Leave her out of it," he warned, voice low and dangerous. Yet, when you’s shy smile met his across the room, the anger dis…