Chereads / Vancouver Whispers of Love / Chapter 19 - CEO in the Kitchen

Chapter 19 - CEO in the Kitchen

As the stars adorned the night sky, Alex found himself in the luxurious embrace of Ryan's penthouse. Ryan, usually composed, had revealed a more vulnerable side, and Alex had reciprocated, allowing their hearts to intertwine in the dance of newfound intimacy. The night reached its pinnacle as they shared a tender kiss, sealing a promise of togetherness. 

The next morning, bathed in the soft hues of dawn, Ryan's sleek car glided through the city streets as he drove Alex to UBC. The morning air carried a serene ambiance, and the promise of a beautiful day unfolded. They reached the university campus, where the buzz of students preparing for their day resonated in the air.

As Ryan smoothly parked his fancy car at UBC, Alex spotted Daniel and Lily waiting near the entrance. With a friendly smile, he stepped out, and Ryan joined him.

Daniel: "Look who's here!"

Ryan: "Gotta make an entrance, right?"

Lily: "I almost thought you're studying in UBC now, I saw you everyday. "

Ryan: "Just making sure Alex arrives safely. Oh, Cam's party in North Vancouver tomorrow night. You guys still want to go?"

Lily: "Yes, I forgot about it…" Lily nudged Daniel.

Daniel: "Ouch. That guy said there are lots of girls from UBC too. Maybe I can find a girlfriend, right, Ryan?"

Ryan laughed: "Don't look at me. You decided to go. Anyways, I will pick up you guys tomorrow."

Before Ryan left, he leaned in for a quick kiss, prompting playful reactions from Daniel and Lily.

Lily: "Look at these lovebirds."

Ryan: "See you all tomorrow. Alex, Text me when you finish class."

Alex: "Ok. Safe back. Baby."

With a wave, Ryan departed, leaving Daniel and Lily with curious grins.

Lily: "Baby?!!!"

Alex: "Shut up!"

Daniel: "Love brain suits you well, bro."

Alex: "Shut up!! You two!!!"

As Alex and his friends made their way through the bustling corridors of the university, he couldn't resist sending a quick text to Ryan, his fingers tapping away on his phone screen.

"What we do tonight?" he typed, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Also, thinking of heading back to work at the family restaurant. Fully recovered now."

Ryan's response came swiftly, and Alex's lips curled into a smile as he read the message.

"How about I join you at the restaurant?" Ryan suggested, his words sparking a playful image in Alex's mind. "Imagine the headline tomorrow: 'Famous CEO spotted working in a family restaurant.'"

A chuckle escaped Alex's lips at the thought. "Breaking news! Gotta check with the parents first," he replied, his thumbs dancing across the screen.

"Guess what?" Alex grinned, excitement evident in his voice. "Ryan wants to work with me at the family restaurant tonight."

Daniel raised an eyebrow teasingly. "The big-shot CEO getting his hands dirty in a family restaurant? Now, that's a headline!"

Lily joined in with a playful smirk. "Well, you know what they say, love makes people do crazy things—like coming clean with dirty dishes."

Amid the banter, Alex couldn't help but laugh. "My parents will be so mad, but it's so funny. I want to see what they say."

As the trio approached their next class, Alex decided to give his mother, Mrs. Chen, a call. He stepped aside, phone in hand, and dialed her number.

"Hello, Mom," Alex greeted with a mischievous smile evident in his voice.

"Alex, dear! How's your day going?" Mrs. Chen's warm voice came through the phone.

"It's good, Mom, but I have something to tell you," Alex began, a hint of excitement in his tone.

"Ryan wants to work with me at the restaurant tonight."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Mrs. Chen responded "Ryan? Your rich CEO boyfriend, Ryan? What does he want to do in our restaurant? Planning to buy it soon?"

"He wants to help out, Mom. Thought it could be fun," Alex explained, trying to sound casual.

Mrs. Chen chuckled. "Help out, you say? Well, I suppose we could use an extra pair of hands. It's a busy night, after all. "

Alex couldn't hide his surprise. "Really, Mom? You're okay with it?"

"Of course, dear! I'm always happy to get help, especially if it's free," Mrs. Chen added with a laugh.

Alex grinned, realizing that his mother was taking it in good humor. "Thanks, Mom! You're the best."

With the plan set, Alex rejoined Daniel and Lily, excitement bubbling within him.

After a hectic and exhilarating day at the university, filled with lectures, assignments, and research, Alex and his friends found themselves exhausted yet strangely satisfied. The camaraderie and shared laughter had made the workload bearable, turning it into a memorable experience.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the day, Alex managed to steal a moment to text Ryan. The words flowed effortlessly from his fingertips, conveying a mix of weariness and anticipation. "Hey, finished classes. Are you still up for the restaurant adventure tonight?"

Almost instantly, a reply popped up on Alex's screen, bringing a grin to his face. "Absolutely! Be there in 20 mins." Ryan's affirmative response added a spark of excitement to the prospect of an unconventional evening, blending work and companionship.

As the familiar chime of a text message echoed through the quiet apartment, Alex glanced at his phone. A smile spread across his face as he read Ryan's message, "I'm here." Excitement mingled with curiosity as Alex headed downstairs to meet him.

As he reached the building's entrance, he spotted Ryan waiting inside his sleek, black car. The city lights reflected off the polished exterior, adding a touch of glamour to the unconventional plan they were about to unfold. Alex approached, the anticipation of the evening building within him.

The car door opened, and Alex slid into the passenger seat. Before exchanging words, he leaned in, capturing Ryan's lips in a brief yet meaningful kiss. "Ready for a night of restaurant adventures, Mr. CEO?" Alex teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Ryan chuckled, the warmth of the moment enveloping them. "Absolutely," he replied, his eyes reflecting both determination and a hint of mischief.

Their exchange was interrupted by the arrival of two familiar faces. Daniel and Lily approached the car, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Alex and Ryan, you can't leave us out of this! We want a front-row seat to the future headline-making event!" Lily declared with a theatrical flourish, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Daniel nodded in agreement, adding, "Yeah, imagine the news: 'The Big CEO takes a Stint in Local Family Restaurant – Unveils Hidden Culinary Talents!' We can't miss this!"

Ryan laughed, charmed by their enthusiasm. "Sure, the more, the merrier. Hop in!" he invited, gesturing for them to join the adventure.

With Daniel and Lily settled in the backseat, the car glided into motion, navigating the city's streets on road to Alex's family restaurant. Laughter and banter filled the air as they exchanged jokes and speculation about the night ahead.

As they approached the family restaurant, the neon sign casting a warm glow, a surge of emotions swept through Alex. This place held countless memories, and tonight promised to add a unique chapter to its history.

Entering the restaurant, Alex's parents greeted them with surprised yet welcoming smiles. Mrs. Chen's eyes twinkled with amusement as she took in the unconventional addition to their team. "Ryan, is this the new recruit?" she teased, a playful glimmer in her eyes.

Ryan, ever composed, grinned and replied, "Just for tonight. I'm here to learn from the experts."

With a wink, Mr. Chen handed aprons to the entire crew, and the impromptu kitchen team gathered around. The evening unfolded in a symphony of laughter, clattering pans, and shared tasks. Ryan, usually immersed in the corporate world, found himself navigating the dynamics of a bustling restaurant kitchen.

As the night progressed, the small restaurant echoed with the sounds of collaboration and camaraderie. Lily snapped photos, capturing candid moments of Ryan in an apron, playfully arguing with Daniel over the proper way to chop vegetables.

Between the tasks, Ryan and Alex stole glances and smiles, their connection transcending the ordinary. It was a night of unexpected joy, a blend of tradition and spontaneity, leaving an indelible mark on their shared story.

As the clock ticked towards midnight, the makeshift kitchen crew paused, surveying their culinary creations. Mrs. Chen, ever the gracious host, insisted they all sit down and enjoy the feast they had prepared together.

Seated around a table filled with laughter, shared stories, and delicious food, the night at the family restaurant became a cherished memory. The headlines of tomorrow might not capture this particular moment, but for Alex, Ryan, Daniel, and Lily, it was a headline-worthy adventure that would forever be etched in their hearts.

Mr. Chen, ever the discerning restaurant owner, eyed Ryan with a nod of approval. "Ryan, you've got some serious skills in the kitchen. Maybe we should hire you as a part-time chef," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Ryan chuckled, acknowledging the jest. "I'll consider it, Mr. Chen. But I have a feeling Alex might outshine me soon with his dedication and passion for learning."

Alex shot a playful glance at Ryan. "Well, I did have an excellent teacher tonight," he admitted, a smile playing on his lips.

Mrs. Chen joined in, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Ryan, you're welcome to work here anytime. We'll pay you in delicious meals," she added, raising her glass in a mock toast.

Ryan, ever humble, responded with a gracious smile. "I appreciate the offer, Mrs. Chen. But I think I'll stick to my day job. Cooking with you all was a pleasure."

Daniel, always quick with a witty remark, chimed in, "Yeah, Ryan, you might have a future as a celebrity chef. Move over, Gordon Ramsay!"

Laughter erupted around the table, the atmosphere filled with warmth and camaraderie. In that shared moment, it wasn't just a family restaurant; it was a place where bonds were strengthened, and memories were crafted.

As the evening wound down, Ryan found himself at ease with Alex's family and friends. It was a testament to his genuine nature and the seamless way he connected with those around him. The genuine affection between Ryan and Alex's loved ones became evident, a silent acknowledgment of the growing place he held in their lives.

Before leaving, Ryan expressed his gratitude. "Thank you all for welcoming me tonight. It was an incredible experience, and I look forward to the next family gathering," he said, his gaze lingering on Alex.

As the group dispersed, each heading home with the lingering taste of shared laughter and culinary delights, Ryan and Alex walked together, hand in hand.

"Thank you for being here tonight. My parents had a great time, and I could tell they really liked you," Alex admitted, his voice carrying a warmth that matched the sentiment.

Ryan, gaze fixed on the end of the street, replied, "I enjoyed every moment, Alex. Your family is incredible. I just want to be with you all the time."

Moved by Ryan's words, Alex stopped in his tracks. He turned to face Ryan, a tender smile playing on his lips. "I feel the same way," he confessed, closing the distance between them. Their lips met in a sweet, lingering kiss, a silent exchange of emotions that spoke louder than words.

Just as they started to lose themselves in the embrace, the distant hum of an approaching car disrupted the quiet night. Headlights cast a gentle glow, revealing Mr. and Mrs. Chen in the driver's seat, both sporting mischievous smiles.

"Alex, my love, don't stay out too late. You need your rest," Mrs. Chen called out with a playful twinkle in her eye.

Caught off guard, Alex blushed, trying to find the right words. Ryan, ever composed, stepped forward with a reassuring smile. "We're just taking a short walk, Mrs. Chen. I promise to take good care of Alex."

Mr. Chen, with a sly grin, teased, "Make sure you two get some rest, Ryan. "

The parents chuckled as they drove off, leaving Alex and Ryan with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. Alex, still blushing, playfully nudged Ryan. "Well, that was unexpected."

Ryan grinned, wrapping an arm around Alex. "Your parents are adorable."

As they continued their walk, the shared laughter and the gentle teasing became a cherished memory.