Dirty Chef Read online

  “Lucien, you dirty fucker,” came a voice as a man reached our table and slapped Lucien’s back. I recognised him from his photos. Messy chestnut hair and dark eyes. Dave Vox.

  “Vox.”

  Dave looked over at me, eyes widening slightly.

  “Is this your Riley?”

  “Mmm, yes.”

  He stuck his hand out and I shook it.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you. This one didn’t hold back when he gushed about you on the phone a few days ago.”

  Lucien’s ears went a little red and he scowled at Dave.

  “It’s nice to meet you too. I’m looking forward to trying your food.”

  Dave grinned.

  “Well I hope it’s up to your standards, after all, Lucien’s are sky high and if he’s mentoring you, then I imagine yours are too.”

  I bit my lip. Lucien had rubbed off on me when it came to food. We’d actually been creating a new dish together which he told me he planned to put on the spring menu. Knowing I had a hand in helping him design it had given me confidence in spades. Lucien had meant it when he told me I was talented. And whilst it’d taken me a while to believe him, I was getting there now. He was so patient with me. With each passing week, he became more and more receptive to me taking care of him, especially when he’d had a long day.

  “Leave off, Dave,” Lucien grunted, shaking his head.

  Dave grinned, shoved Lucien’s shoulder and winked at me.

  “Best get back, wouldn’t want to disappoint you now, would I?”

  He strolled away before either of us had a chance to reply. I looked at Lucien who was watching me with a raised eyebrow.

  “So he’s a little…”

  “Brash?”

  “I was going to say forward.”

  He laughed and I couldn’t help joining in. Lucien knew I wasn’t one for saying a bad word about most people. Only he had any inclination of my dirty mouth, although I only graced him with it in the bedroom. And hell if his dirty thoughts weren’t the biggest turn on for me. Hearing his deep voice in my ear, whispering how much he loved fucking me gave me such a high.

  “Dave doesn’t have a subtle bone in his body, but I think you’ll enjoy his food.”

  I smiled, my hand tightening in his. The fact that Lucien had brought me here left me in no doubt he was very serious about me, not that I’d had doubts before. He made me feel secure and wanted on a daily basis.

  I just wondered when it would be the right time to tell him I’d fallen for him.

  ~~~

  Our tasting menu had been delicious and by the time we’d finished the last dessert course of this beautiful deconstructed apple crumble, I was stuffed. The whole evening had been so perfect. I’d told him about my niece, Liv, and how she wanted to be an Olympic gymnast. And my heart thumped in my chest when he expressed an interest in meeting my family. Although, I hadn’t exactly told them I was dating someone since I wasn’t sure what they would make of me being with my boss. I hadn’t even told Matt yet which I felt bad about considering he’d helped me come to the conclusion I wanted to be with Lucien.

  We were walking from the tube station towards my flat, hands clasped together tightly and I felt on top of the world.

  “Were you serious about wanting to meet my parents?” I asked.

  “Yes, why wouldn’t I have been?”

  He gave me a funny look as if he couldn’t work out why I’d not believe him.

  “It’s just they don’t know about you yet. I mean they know you’re my boss, but not my boyfriend.”

  “Do you think they wouldn’t approve?”

  I wasn’t sure what my parents would think, but I knew Matt wasn’t going to like that I was still working at Haze whilst dating Lucien. He didn’t get to say anything though. I was happier than I’d ever been in my life. It was all because of Lucien and his eternal patience and encouragement.

  “My brother won’t like that you’re still my boss, but my parents won’t say anything. Maybe I can take you to Sunday lunch… if that’s okay with you obviously.”

  “I’m happy to do whatever you want, Riley. If you’re not ready, that’s fine too.”

  We reached my building. I unlocked the front door and we walked up the two flights of stairs together.

  “I meant to tell you, my mother will be in town next month.”

  His mother lived in France now so wasn’t often in London. I knew he missed her.

  I unlocked my door and walked in, looking up at Lucien.

  “She’d like to have dinner with us.”

  I was just about to say something when movement in the corner of my eye caught my attention. I turned to look and found the very last person I’d ever expected to see standing in the middle of the flat.

  “What… what are you doing here?”

  My ex-boyfriend had his arms folded against his chest as he stared at me before his green eyes fell on Lucien and narrowed.

  Oh shit. Shit. Shit.

  “So, I see you finally got what you wanted, Riley,” he sneered.

  I took a step forward, dropping Lucien’s hand.

  “Excuse me?”

  He looked between us, disgust painted across his features.

  “You and him.”

  He practically spat the word him. I knew Beck hated Lucien, but I hadn’t expected this kind of venom from him. What was he even doing here?

  “I don’t think that’s any of your business. I’ll ask you again, what are you doing here, Beck? You don’t live here anymore.”

  “My name is on the lease.”

  “And? You left, so you don’t just get to come back to the flat like you still live here. Give me the keys.”

  He shook his head slowly.

  “I don’t think so. You see, I want the place back, Riley, considering I still pay half the rent.”

  I stiffened. So I hadn’t exactly explained that part to Lucien. It wasn’t ideal, but I couldn’t afford it by myself. Beck had moved back in with his parents and earnt far more than me so he said he didn’t mind taking care of it. Except it seemed he did. Or maybe it was because I’d come home with Lucien and he was saying this to be spiteful.

  I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up. Lucien’s blue-grey eyes were full of understanding and all I wanted was to curl up in his arms. He made me feel so safe. Having him right there gave me the determination not to allow Beck to be a dick to me.

  “You know what, fine. Whatever. Have at it. I’ll let our landlady know so you can deal with it, shall I? Mum and Dad won’t mind if I move back home.”

  Beck took a step towards us.

  “That’s not what I meant.”

  “Then what do you mean? I didn’t come home to get shit on by you for simply having moved on. You broke up with me in case you’d forgotten.”

  “Did it have to be with him?”

  He waved at Lucien. I was glad he was remaining silent because this was my battle.

  “Yeah. It did. You know why? He’s kind, caring and supportive unlike you. And… and I love him.”

  I think I stunned them both by blurting that out. Beck’s eyes went wide and I daren’t even look at Lucien.

  Oh god, what did I just do?

  “You what?” Lucien whispered from next to me, his hand on my shoulder tightening.

  I didn’t have it in me to respond to him. Not when I wanted Beck to go away or at least allow us to leave.

  “I don’t have time to deal with your shit, Beck. I’ll move out and you can have the place. Just give me a week so I can organise it, okay?”

  Beck nodded slowly, his eyes still wide as if he was seeing me for the first time. Reaching up, I took Lucien’s hand from my shoulder and entwined my fingers with his.

  “Come on, Lucien, we should just go back to yours.”

  He let me pull him out of the flat and onto the street. Only then did he stop me before he tipped my face up to his. His eyes we
re full of emotion and it almost made me choke up.

  “Did you mean that?”

  He cupped my face, holding me gently as if he was afraid he’d break me. I swallowed hard before taking a breath. It was time to be brave.

  “Yeah… I did, I do. I’m in love with you, Lucien. I don’t know when it happened, but it’s how I feel. You’re the best person in my life. You’ve given me so much and I can’t begin to tell you how much you mean to me, so I’ll settle for saying I love you instead. Because I do. I love you.”

  He leant down and pressed his forehead against mine.

  “I love you too, ma petite fleur.”

  Then he kissed me, not letting me say a word and I totally didn’t care because our feelings were out in the open. Lucien loved me. Nothing else mattered as much as those three words did.

  When he released me, he smiled, keeping me close.

  “And there’s no fucking way you’re moving back in with your parents. You’re going to live with me, understood?”

  It was far too soon. I knew that, but nothing in this world could keep me from this man. So I settled for a nod, smiling back at him. And I couldn’t be happier if I tried.

  Chapter Twelve

  Lucien

  I don’t know why I was so damn nervous about this whole thing, but I was. Riley was watching the stove for me whilst I set the table. My bright idea was to get meeting the families over and done with all at once. So we’d invited Riley’s parents and her brother, his girlfriend and her niece around our flat along with my mother who was over from France for a few weeks. Now it came down to it, I was thinking it might not have been my wisest plan.

  Riley had happily moved in with me days after the confrontation with her ex. Having her here all the time made it necessary to tell the rest of the staff we were together. No one had batted an eyelid. In fact, Vito told me he was happy for us and the rest of them had found out one by one without much being said about it. We were still professional in the kitchen, but outside of work, we were almost inseparable. All Riley’s worries about people looking at her differently for being with me were completely unfounded.

  I finished up with the table and walked around the kitchen island, wrapping my arms around her waist and dropping a kiss to her shoulder.

  “It smells good,” she said, looking back at me with a smile on her lips.

  I’d opted not to make some super fancy meal, instead going for comforting. Cottage pie with a ton of greens which Riley was keeping an eye on for me.

  “So it does. You should drain those now.”

  I released her as the doorbell went. She grinned as she took the pot off the stove and I ambled over to the front door. I left it on the latch as I trotted down the steps to the outer door. There stood five people I didn’t recognise, but I knew who they were, anyway. I pulled the door open and smiled.

  “Hello, you must be Riley’s family, please come in.”

  They all followed me inside and upstairs before anyone said anything. Riley came to greet them, giving each person a hug. She stepped back and tucked herself into my side.

  “Lucien, this is Ron and Molly, my parents, Matt, Liv and Amelia. Everyone, this is Lucien.”

  Her father stepped forward first, shaking my hand.

  “It’s lovely to meet you finally, Riley has told us so much about you.”

  Her mother was next followed by her brother who gave me the once over before stepping back. Next came his girlfriend and finally, Riley’s niece, Olivia. She stared up at me with wide eyes, the absolute spitting image of her father.

  “You’re so much taller than Aunt Riley said you were. I didn’t think anyone was taller than my dad.”

  I smiled and looked down at Riley who was blushing. She was a hell of a lot smaller than me, but it didn’t matter. I loved her just the way she was.

  “Oh and what else did Aunt Riley tell you about me?”

  “That you’re hot as hell and it’s okay if I called you Uncle Lucien.”

  “Olivia!” Matt scolded. “We don’t use words like that.”

  “But Dad, that’s what Aunt Riley said.”

  I tried not to laugh. Riley’s whole face was burning now and she half turned it into my chest. I wrapped an arm around her, keeping her pressed to me.

  “Yes, well Aunt Riley knows better than to say those things around you.”

  “Sorry Matt,” Riley mumbled.

  “Well, would everyone like to take a seat? I can get you all something to drink,” I interjected, trying to get this back on track.

  I hustled her family over to the dining table and got them all settled. Riley went into the kitchen to make drinks as the doorbell went again. I made my way down and found my mother on the doorstep.

  “Lucien,” she said as she embraced me, placing two kisses on either side of my cheeks.

  “Mother.”

  “Now, I’m terribly excited to meet Riley. You’ve made her sound wonderful.”

  I almost rolled my eyes. When I first mentioned I had a girlfriend, she told me I better be telling her the truth or she’d fly here and slap me around the head. I assured her Riley was very much real and from then on, she wanted to know everything. Her only son falling in love was apparently a cause for celebration.

  “Just don’t crowd her, okay? She’s nervous about meeting you.”

  My mother patted my arm.

  “Don’t you worry, I’ll take good care of my future daughter-in-law.”

  I scowled.

  “Don’t be getting any ideas. Riley and I aren’t at that stage yet.”

  She gave me a wink.

  “Oh, Lucien, I have missed you.”

  Then I did roll my eyes as we walked into my flat together. My mother could be larger than life. I suppose that’s why my father had fallen so hard for her.

  Riley came out from the kitchen when she saw us, her hands bunching in her t-shirt. My poor girl was scared of meeting her.

  “Riley, this is my mother, Jessica.”

  Riley put her hand out, but my mother stepped forward and took my girlfriend in her arms.

  “It is so nice to finally meet the woman who’s stolen my son’s heart.” I almost groaned. My mother pulled back and patted Riley’s shoulder. “You must be special.”

  “She is,” I said, tugging Riley into my side.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs Dumont.”

  “Come now, Riley, call me Jess… Oh, is this your family? I’m so happy to meet you all.”

  My mother walked over to the table and started introducing herself to everyone. Riley looked up at me with wide eyes.

  “You didn’t tell me she was this… enthusiastic. She’s like the opposite of you.”

  I grinned.

  “Mmm, yes, Jessica Dumont is certainly a character.”

  “Well, at least the conversation will be lively.”

  I leant down and kissed her forehead.

  “My mother never fails to light up a room. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her smile like that. Not since before my father died.”

  Riley rested her hand on my chest.

  “She’s happy because you’re happy.”

  “I have you to thank for that, ma petite fleur.”

  She blushed and smiled.

  “I love you,” she whispered, going up on her tiptoes and kissing me.

  “Mmm, I love you too,” I murmured against her lips.

  That’s when we were interrupted by a loud clap.

  “Oh, just look at my son and your daughter, aren’t they so wonderful together?” my mother said, her blue eyes twinkling.

  I groaned and tugged Riley towards the table, getting her seated.

  “Mother, sit down and stop embarrassing my girlfriend,” I hissed.

  She merely patted my cheek and smiled before taking her own seat.

  I went into the kitchen and pulled out the cottage pie from the oven, bringing it over to the tabl
e before picking up the dish of greens. I told everyone to help themselves as I brought it over. I poured my mother a glass of wine before taking my own seat next to Riley. I grabbed her hand under the table and gave it a squeeze.

  “You okay?” I whispered.

  She looked up at me, a smile on her lips.

  “Yeah. I’m perfect.”

  I turned back to the table, hoping beyond hope this lunch went well.

  ~~~

  By the time we’d hustled our families out of the flat, dusk was falling. Lunch had been great. The conversation was lively with my mother leading it. I think her family liked me. Whilst her brother might have been suspicious at first, I’d had a little chat with him after we’d eaten. I got the impression Matt was protective of his sister and I’d assured him I would take care of her no matter what.

  My mother was the last to leave. She kissed my cheeks at the door, patting my shoulder.

  “She’s absolutely adorable, Lucien. I love her already. Keep her safe, you hear me?”

  “Yes, Mother. I’m glad you approve.”

  “I more than approve.” Her eyes twinkled. “She’s definitely marriage material.”

  I groaned and pushed her out of the door.

  “I told you, we’re not there yet.”

  “One day you will be, Lucien. Mark my words.”

  Before I could say another word, she disappeared down the stairs. I shut the door and felt two arms band around my waist.

  “Was that so bad?” Riley asked.

  “No… I was thinking it went well.”

  “Mum and Dad love you by the way. They told me before they left. Said they’d never seen me smile so much.”

  That made me smile too. I wanted her parents to like me and it lessened my anxiety about today to hear they approved.

  “Oh and Amelia told me I didn’t do you justice. In fact, I think her exact words were… Jesus Christ, Riley, no wonder you had a crush on him. I don’t even think the term sex god does him justice.”

  I turned around and looked down at her. Her cheeks were red which was always so fucking adorable. I bent down slightly and picked her up, my arms under her shoulders and legs.

  “Well, your sex god wants you naked so he can show you exactly how much he appreciates you.”