Chapter 7 - Another Handsome Crush Is A Sweet Chef
969 Words
Interesting.
“Nice choice, Irie.” I murmured, leaning against the doorframe with a lazy smile. “I was wondering who’d dare to compete with me today.”
She blinked, cheeks coloring instantly, and shifted her weight nervously. “I, uh… my dad said it draws attention to my eyes.... and… uhm....” Her voice trailed off, and she looked anywhere but at me.
I laughed softly. “Well, it works. Perfectly.”
Her ears flushed pink, and she bit her lip, trying to hide the small smile creeping onto her face. My gaze flicked to her lips. And I couldn't help myself but stare, body hardening.
The way the light hit her hair, the curve of her shoulders under the soft fabric of the shirt. I shook my head subtly to refocus and frowned.
“Deshawn’s meant to showing you around, but I’ll be downstairs in a minute.”
Iris nodded quickly, her hands nervously clutching her bag strap as she turned around and left. I could smell her again and it was choking and intoxicating me.
So familiar, soft and irresistible. I inhaled lightly and shook my head, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickened.
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IRIS' POV:
Deshawn showed me around. I saw the other guys. Oh, they were so much and so polite. And, oh, so handsome.
Deshawn was very kind and helped me keep my mind off Armari and his perfume. My eyes widened at the marble floors at the backyard, muscular male bodies, the lush gardens visible through the huge glass walls, and the sleek modern furniture.
Then when I was taken to the kitchen, I smiled with memories.
Then, my smile disappeared when I saw the badboy who had been.... sleeping with a lady yesterday night.
"Why did my heart kick this hard?"
He was seated at the counter, eating cereal as if nothing else mattered.
Then, he looked at me and oh, the smile he flashed at me? My heart constricted.
"Iris, this is Alexander. He’s the one who actually runs the kitchen, so you’re in good hands. I’ve got to check on a few things upstairs. Have fun!” Deshawn said and disappeared.
"Hello, Iris. Welcome to my abode...." Alex started in a very tingling bass voice, spoon in hand. "I mean.... I was the one in charge till a beautiful damsel barged in."
I blushed and stammered, unsure how to respond. “Uhm… hi.”
“Hi? That’s it?” Alex laughed, the sound warm and mischievous. “I was expecting at least some excitement. Don’t worry, I’ll make this fun. First task: make me something I can eat. Impress me. Also, choke me with a smile.”
I couldn't help but flash my teeth, laughing for no exact reasons. “I… I’ve cooked before.”
“Good!” He chimed, eyes twinkling. “I like your confidence. But be warned: I have high standards. And if you burn anything, you owe me a solo choreography.”
I laughed again, already feeling lighter than I had since stepping into the mansion.
"Allow me, Miss Irie." He said and took my bag. He placed it on a seat.
As I started gathering ingredients, Alex stepped close to me, his side brushing against mine slightly. I felt a warm, cozy buzz at the contact and almost dropped the knife.
“You okay?” He asked, noticing my disheveled state.
“N… nothing.” I stammered, cheeks heating.
“Uh-huh.” He said with mock suspicion, leaning slightly closer as I chopped vegetables. “I’m just making sure the chef knows how to handle pressure. Very important.”
He went about bringing things for me.
I tried to focus on the chopping, but every time he moved near, my composure scattered.
“Not bad.” Alex said one time, clapping softly. “I think this deserves a taste test. But I’ll help. You know, for quality control.”
He grabbed a spoon, and before I could protest, he joined me at the counter, practically breathing the same air. My hands shook slightly as I stirred, feeling warm and cozy in a way she hadn’t expected.
“You cook like a natural,” he said softly, leaning close. "I could get used to this.”
I giggled again and soon, we were teasing each other and laughing hard. We made so much burgers we lost count.
And oh, the way he bit into a handful of them, I could only watch mesmerized. He ate his cereal plus about six burgers and finished a glass of milk.
I tried to match him but he was already used to finishing large burgers with just three bites.
It was so funny. He patted my hair once in a while whenever I did something nice.
Then, as of on cue, the guys started trooping in. I even heard one guy with a nosering grunt and clutch his growling tummy.
They all complimented me and grabbed a lot till I was swollen with pride. I made so much I was scared the foodstuffs would get finished.
Alex teased and cussed at many and earned tummy punches that scared me till I realized he was enjoying it. Then, Alex yelled.
"Armari’s got to have some."
"Yes, I have to."
My tummy lurched and my heart jumped to my mouth as I turned to meet Armari's watching eyes. My sparkle dimmed as I feared I had made a bad impression.
But he smiled softly and walked forward.
I had to step back until my back pressed against whatever was behind me. He was so close as he reached behind to grab something. I stiffened and sniffed in his scent but suddenly....
he pulled me to himself and gripped my hair.
Everyone stared in a way that scared me.
- Writer
