Page 105 of Accidental Doctor Daddy

The posture…something about the tilt of her head, the way she studied a sauce pot. The resemblance clawed at me.

But the memory of being maced came back in full force. The last time Ijust had to see, I ended up not being able to see much for about twenty minutes. It was a full hour before my eyes stopped tearing down my cheeks.

There was no reason to think Ella was in Chicago, much less in this restaurant. This place did not have a Michelin star. It wasn’t as high-end as her last job. She wouldn’t move here to step down a notch in her career.

But even as every reasonable voice in my head demanded I stay put, my heart was loud and clear.

I couldn’t help it. I set my fork down, heart thumping. The woman moved to a station, rummaging for utensils. Her hair was pinned back in a low bun—dark, thick, with stray curls at the nape.It’s just another cook.My mind insisted, but my body disobeyed, standing abruptly. A few customers glanced up at me, confusion on their faces.

What am I doing?

Feet propelled me forward, weaving around tables. The server blinked at me, alarmed. “Sir? Is something wrong with your?—”

“I’m fine,” I muttered, my gaze glued to that silhouette in the kitchen. I pushed open the half door that read “Staff Only”,ignoring a startled busboy. Inside, the heat of stoves and the clang of metal pans rushed me, line cooks throwing me confused looks. One started to protest, telling me to leave. I didn’t hear them.

All I saw was her.

She was leaning over a simmering pot, writing notes in a small spiral notebook. As she turned slightly, I caught sight of her profile.That jawline, those lashes…oh God.My heart thundered, knees threatening to buckle.

Ella.

A line cook shouted, “Hey, you can’t be in here!” But I was already stepping closer, breath locked in my lungs. The closer I became, the slower my steps, as though some primal fear said this had to be an illusion.

But it wasn’t.

Finally noticing the commotion, she snapped upright, frustration in her tone. “What’s going on? We can’t just have—” She turned, eyes landing on me.

In an instant, all the noise vanished into a muted roar. Our eyes locked, and my entire universe stopped.

Ella.

Her hazel green eyes widened in disbelief, the spoon in her hand trembling until it clattered onto the metal counter. My chest felt like it would explode.

She’s here…she’s really here.

What the fuck do I do now?

Chapter 41

Ella

He’s here.

The entire kitchen felt like it was spinning. My brain hollowed out with one thought rattling around in it.The universe has a sense of humor.

Marcus took a step toward me. “Chef, need me to get him out of here?” A cleaver gleamed in his hand.

Still staring at Dom, I whispered, “No.”

He glanced between the both of us, seeming to understand. “Go on break. We’ve got this. Take the rest of the day off if?—”

I barely heard him. My lungs burned as if I’d forgotten to breathe, locked in a stare with the man I’d torn myself away from. Dom’s hair was a bit longer, with a few more strands of gray at the temples. His jacket hung open, revealing a rumpled shirt beneath. He looked as disoriented as I felt, his eyes flicking from me to the door as if he couldn’t decide whether to bolt or close the distance between us.

“Marcus, take over the line. Tony, watch the pass.” My heart hammered, and I felt sure they could see it pounding beneath my chef’s coat.

Dom took a half-step closer, swallowing hard. “Ella?—”

Without a word, I grabbed his sleeve, leading him away from prying eyes. The only place that made sense was the side door leading to the stairwell. He followed silently, tension radiating off him in waves.

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