Three Suitors: One Dream Man

Different kind of fire

Ember’s POV

Morning returned to Ember & Thyme like nothing had happened.

The doors opened. Orders came in.

Life moved on.

But something had changed.

Not broken.

Not yet.

Quieter. Dangerous.

“Table five needs their order faster!”

“Where’s the garnish for this?” I snapped.

“In your future if you keep shouting like that.”

I turned, already knowing the voice.

Marcus.

He moved across the kitchen like he owned it controlled, effortless.

I narrowed my eyes. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

“I enjoy everything,”

“Especially when my boss is watching me.”

I bent slightly, pretending to cough.

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Too late,” he replied. “I’m already flattered.”

I stepped closer, crossing my arms as I inspected his plating.

“Hm.”

Marcus raised a brow. “That sounded judgmental.”

“It is,” I said. “Your sauce is off.”

His expression dropped. “Wow.”

“You’re welcome.”

He leaned in slightly, voice lowering.

“You’ve been staring at me,” he murmured. “If this is your way of flirting, I approve.”

My heart skipped.

“I was critiquing your work.”

“Same.”

I rolled my eyes, but a small smile slipped through.

Of course he noticed.

His gaze softened for a second.

Then,“Careful,” he added. “You’re smiling. I might get the wrong idea.”

I stepped back.

“Back to work, Chef.”

“Yes, boss.”

The kitchen roared back to life.

Fast. Normal.

Almost.

Because my mind kept drifting.

To last night.

To Alex.

To that dangerous, look.

To Daniel.

“You’re distracted.”

I looked up.

Daniel nearby.

“When did you get here?”

“Few minutes ago. You didn’t notice.”

I exhaled. “I’ve been busy.”

“Thinking,” he said.

I didn’t answer.

“Still thinking about last night?”

My grip tightened slightly.

“Partly.”

“And the rest?”

I hesitated. “Work.”

He studied me, unconvinced—but didn’t push.

“You need a break.”

“I don’t.”

“You do.”

“I said I don’t.”

“And I said you do.”

I sighed. “You’re stubborn.”

“So are you.”

A pause.

Then I spoke softer.

“I’m going out tonight.”

He looked at me. “Where?”

" concert. Anela is performing.”

His expression shifted.

“You remember?”

“I remember everything about you,” he said quietly.

That made me smile.

I leaned in, playful. “I’m her biggest fan. Come with me.”

His answer came after a pause.

“I won’t.”

My smile faded. “Why?”

“Not my thing.”

My lips pressed together.

“Right.”

The moment the music hit at the arena I disappeared.

Not physically.

But everything else?

Gone.

Lights exploded. The crowd roared.

Anela stepped onto the stage—powerful, radiant.

And I wasn’t Ember the chef.

I wasn’t Ember the responsible one.

I was just…

Free.

“ANELA!”

I screamed with the crowd, jumping, moving with the beat.

Bass shook through my chest. Voices blended. Energy pulsed.

For a few hours

Nothing mattered.

Not Alex.

Not Daniel.

Not expectations.

Just music.

Just escape.

I drank too much.

Didn’t care.

Didn’t think.

Just lived.

By the time the concert ended, reality came rushing back.

“Okay…” I muttered, stumbling outside. “Maybe too much.”

Cool night air hit my face.

Everything spun.

I laughed softly, dropping onto a curb.

“Life is… interesting.”

A shadow appeared beside me.

“You alright?”

I looked up, smiling too wide.

“I’m great.”

He didn’t look convinced. “Can I call someone?”

“My phone…”

I handed it over.

“First two numbers,” I mumbled.

He nodded and stepped aside.

Minutes later

Marcus arrived first.

Of course.

He scanned the street like he was hunting something until his eyes landed on me.

Relief hit instantly.

“Ember…”

He crouched. “What did you do?”

I grinned. “I lived.”

He shook his head, but didn’t look angry.

“Can you stand?”

“Do I have to?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

He sighed. “Of course.”

Headlights cut across the street.

A car stopped.

Daniel stepped out.

His gaze locked onto us.

Something shifted.

Tension.

Unspoken.

He walked toward us—calm.

But his eyes?

Sharp.

“Is she okay?”

“She’s drunk,” Marcus said.

“Obviously.”

Silence.

“She needs to get home,” Daniel added.

“That’s why I’m here,” Marcus replied.

Another pause.

Then

Both spoke at once.

“I’ll carry her.”

Silence.

I tilted my head, amused.

“You two are funny… and cute.”

They both looked at me.

Marcus crouched again.

“Ember,” he said gently. “Who do you want?”

Daniel stayed quiet.

But he waited.

My vision blurred.

Their faces doubled.

I giggled.

“Hmm…”

I pointed at Marcus.

“You… no.”

Then at Daniel.

“You… cute… no.”

A soft laugh escaped me.

Finally

I pointed at Marcus again.

“You.”

Marcus blinked.

Then smiled.

Daniel froze.

Suddenly.

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