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

“Right under here.” Dock reached down and flipped open the top of a massive plastic floor containers that defied size and shape. Leo recognized the container as the kind used in most kitchens to store flour and sugar in mass quantity. “Here’s the sugar.” He retrieved a measuring cup from the container.


“Strange isn’t a bad thing, and who knows, maybe you’re the strange one.” As he spoke, he moved closer until they were almost touching.


Leo felt Dock’s breath on his face. He saw the dark peaks of Dock’s nipples, smelled the woody scent of his body; if he moved just a little closer, they would be kissing.


“You ever have a man’s tongue in your mouth, Leo?” Dock asked, pressing closer. “I bet you’ve never really been kissed the right way before.” He was so close now that their lips were just about touching. If he licked his lips, they’d touch.


Leo began to feel faint. “Stop,” he said.


Chapter 16