Perfection isn’t everything, although it’s everything Leo wants. His desire to become the perfect chef may keep him at the top of his class, but it drives his friends and family crazy while keeping love and passion on the back burner.<br><br>Then Leo meets Dock, owner and chef of the new and popular restaurant, The Birches.<br><br>Although Dock isn’t a trained chef, Leo finds the food he cooks delectable and the man behind the food irresistible. The lessons taught at the hands of an untrained cook may be just what this uptight chef needs to let go.

The Birches

“I was fine, Dad,” he said, voice low.


“Ah, I know, kid, but why not let me impress the lady here with my prowess over an open flame?” He looked back at The Widow and winked.


She laughed lightly, then immediately tried to help Leo, who was still rubbing his knee.


“You want me to get you some ice?” she asked, a kind smile on her commonly pretty face.


“No, thanks,” Leo answered, but pressed his bottle of beer against his leg at the thought of the ice pack. She wasn’t bad looking. She had kept her looks but they weren’t anything special, common was the perfect way to describe her. Leo’s mother had been ethereally beautiful, as if she wasn’t here, but visiting from some other realm. His father often called her his “beautiful creature,” and now, looking at the widow, Leo wondered how one could fall for common after extraordinary.


Chapter 9