Page 72 of Until August

“Thank you,” I said sincerely.

“For what?”

“For always saying the right thing. For talking me down from the ledge. And for just….”Being you. “Keeping your cool when I lose my head.”

When the words were out, it dawned on me, not for the first time, how quickly I’d come to depend on him. Too much, maybe. But the thought was fleeting and slipped away before I could fully grasp it because he was standing so close, and his nearness distracted me.

His starched white chef’s jacket contrasted with his tan skin and the dark stubble on his jaw. Deep-set green eyes framed by thick, long lashes. And lips so sensuous it was no wonder I couldn’t stop thinking about kissing him again.

Our eyes locked and held, and I forgot that we weren’t alone. All the noise around us ceased. The clanking of pots and utensils. The sizzle of oil in the hot pan. The hum of the extractor fan and the cooks’ chatter faded into the background.

All I could hear was the sound of my pulse beating a staccato rhythm in my ears and the sound of my own ragged breaths.

I wanted to touch him. Feel his arms around me. Press my lips against his and breathe him in. I wanted to kiss his throat and run my tongue over his Adam’s apple.

Why did I find his throat so sexy? It was right up there with his squared jawline and broad shoulders.

“Behind!” Hannah shouted.

August cleared his throat and stepped aside when Hannah came through with two citrus salads balanced in her hands.

The moment was severed.

But now I had sex on the brain.

Again.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX

Nicola

“He wantsto talk to the chef,” Ari said as I set two chocolate tarts on the pass for the couple at table five, who were celebrating their wedding anniversary.

As I wiped my sweaty palms on my apron, I searched her face for clues. Her expression gave nothing away. “Does he seem happy? Did he say anything about the food?” So much for not letting his opinion rattle me.

Ari shook her head. “He didn’t say anything. But I’m sure it will be fine. You have nothing to worry about.” But her smile was tight, and the crease between her brows led me to believe differently.

Before I could pump her for more information, she walked away, and August appeared at my side.

I turned to him. “Can you cover the pass?”

“Service has stopped. It’s ten o’clock.”

“Oh, right.” I tossed my apron on the shelf under the counter, smoothed my hands over my chef’s jacket, and headed for the door with all the confidence I could muster. But, for all my bravado, I was shaking with nerves. Before I pushed through the door, August grabbed my elbow and steered me away.

“What are you doing?”

“This will only take a minute.”

He didn’t slow his pace until we reached the walk-in.

He ushered me inside, and no sooner had the door closed behind him when he wrapped his hands around my waist, pressed me against the door, and his mouth claimed mine. The kiss was so sudden and unexpected that I was momentarily stunned and breathless. But then my instincts kicked in, and I kissed him back.Hard.

When he pulled away, I was panting.

I swiped my tongue over my lips, tasting him. “What was that for?”

He grabbed my face and tilted it so our eyes met. “Don’t let anyone make you think you’re not the best. You”—his hands glided down my arms, and he clasped my hands— “are fucking amazing, Nicola.” He squeezed my hands before releasing me and opening the door. On my way out, he smacked my ass, and I let out a little squeal. “Go out there and do what you do best.”