Page 25 of A Very Grumpy Chef

“Hey,” I say. “Can we talk?”

She swallows hard before meeting my gaze and nodding reluctantly. I wait until everyone has left before I cup her elbow and steer her up front to my table.

Coco seems so sad as she turns to face me, and my mind races with what could possibly have put that look on her face.

“What happened?” I ask gently.

She takes a shuddering breath. “I can’t do this.”

I frown. “Do what?”

“I can’t date you.”

“Why the hell not?” I ask in bewilderment.

“I’ve thought about it, and I’ve realized that this isn’t a good idea.”

“You’re wrong. It’s a great fucking idea. You know we’re good together. I know you can feel it too.”

“No,” she chokes out.

“Why not? You at least owe me an explanation.”

“I… We just don’t fit,” she says weakly.

That’s not good enough. “Coco!” I snap.

“I want a different partner! I want a boyfriend I can fall asleep next to. I want someone I can see for more than a few hours here and there. I want someone to go to parties with. I⁠—”

“I know,” I cut her off, but she’s on a roll.

“Think about if we have kids! What’s going to happen? You’ll never see them? Never be able to spend time with them?”

I smirk. “You’ve thought about us having kids?”

She glares at me. “I’m serious, Alec! I don’t want to basically be a single mom. I don’t want people to think I have an imaginary boyfriend because they never get to meet you. I don’t want to have a boyfriend and still go through life alone!”

“I know. You won’t.”

“I will if I stay with you,” she whispers, finally running out of steam.

“No, you won’t. I’ve been making changes.”

“What changes?”

“I finalized the menu here, thanks to you.”

“Me? What did I do?”

“You’re my muse.”

She blinks up at me.

I grin, stepping closer. “I hired a new chef to run Palmer’s. Actually, I promoted Sarah, my sous chef. I’ll have to help out a day or two a week for a bit, but I won’t be away for six nights of the week anymore.”

Coco raises an eyebrow. “And what are you going to do with all your new free time?”

“Well, I’m going to spend time with my girlfriend,” I tell her. “But I’m also going to open a brunch spot. That way, I’ll be working earlier and be off when you’re off.”