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

“Yeah, Dad,” he returned as he wiped a piece of toilet paper across his chest and then his belly.


“Nope,” Leo called back, his voice cracking. Shit, had he been that loud? When had his father come back inside? This was why he needed to get his own place.


“Alright then, I’m gonna watch the tube for a bit before going to bed. You sleep well.”


Leo didn’t hear anything telling in his father’s voice. For once Leo was grateful for The Widow’s ministrations over his father, which kept him preoccupied. Good for him, Leo reasoned, maybe they would get married. The thought was troubling, but what could he do? It was the second time that night he had gone over the scenario in his head and it seemed that with each revelation the outcome felt different.


Chapter 10