[BL] CRAVING HIM: Addicted to His Voice-Chapter 250: The Handsome and the Chef

~Zayn’s POV~

Evric smiled and kissed my hair, clearly thrilled by the small admission of jealousy. The car ride ended quickly, and we arrived at my restaurant.

As Evric stepped inside, my staff, who were usually busy and professional, stopped dead in their tracks. Every eye in the dining room, from the kitchen staff peeking through the swinging door to the hostess, was glued to Evric.

I nudged him as we walked past the reception area and toward my small, back office. "I own this place, Evric. I sign the paychecks. But you’re the one stealing all the shine."

Evric laughed softly, his hand resting on my waist as we slipped into the quiet sanctuary of the office. He leaned back against the door, closing it behind us. "I know I’m a well-known businessman," he said, his voice warm with amusement, "but I’ve never experienced anything like today. It felt different, because people didn’t just recognize me, baby. They recognized us."

I shook my head and sat on the edge of my desk. "The reason you didn’t realize how famous you are, babe, is because you live in a bubble! You go from work to home, then to my place, or maybe a private bar, restaurant, or hotel. It’s always the same places, the same people. How would you know you’re famous when you never go anywhere public?"

Evric chuckled, admitting the truth easily. "You’re right. I never did. And I was too busy being a possessive idiot to worry about public appearances."

He walked over and pulled me into a light kiss. "But I like this. I like being recognized with you. It feels good to finally show you off."

I smiled, tapping his cheek gently. "Yeah, it felt good."

He pulled me flush against his chest, his eyes shining with puppy-dog excitement. "Do you like being seen with me?"

I decided to take the opportunity to tease him. I pretended to consider it deeply, tapping my chin. "Hmm... no."

Evric’s face fell instantly into a magnificent pout. "What? Why?"

I laughed, wrapping my arms loosely around his neck. "Because you don’t praise me enough to tell me if I’m cute enough to be beside you."

Evric’s pout immediately melted into a blinding smile of pure adoration. He hugged me tight, burying his face in my neck. "Are you serious? Zayn, you are the most beautiful man in the world. You are ridiculously handsome, you are cute enough to melt concrete, and you make me look good just by standing next to me. You are pure perfection, my love."

The sheer volume of unexpected compliments made my face heat up. I tried to look stern, but the joy was impossible to hide. "Evric, stop. Be real."

He pulled back, holding my face in his hands. "I am saying the fact!"

I finally relented, giving him a shy, happy smile. "Okay. Thank you, babe."

Evric pointed a dramatic finger at his cheek. "Where’s my kiss for those undeniable facts?"

I giggled and pressed a quick, sweet kiss to his designated cheek.

He closed his eyes dramatically, savoring the moment. Then he opened them and asked, his voice low and hopeful, "And am I handsome, too?"

I pretended to think about it for a painfully long second. Evric started to shake my shoulders gently in playful mock-anger. "Tell me, Zayn!"

"Okay, fine!" I laughed, reaching up to frame his magnificent face. "You are handsome. Too handsome, actually. Tall, perfectly built, amazing, and annoyingly charming. You’re... you’re my Evric."

He rewarded me with a genuine, heartfelt kiss, one that deepened instantly, erasing the world outside my office door. We finally broke apart, both slightly breathless and rosy-cheeked.

I pointed to my watch. "Okay, enough cute, distracting trouble. What can I serve you, handsome? Chef’s choice?"

Evric beamed, pulling me closer by my waist. "I will eat anything you give to me, baby. I want something as delicious as the chef."

I laughed, a warm, bright sound. "Okay, you got it." I stepped to the door, opened it just enough, and quietly instructed one of the staff members what to bring. After closing the door, I turned back to Evric, mimicking a formal host. "Mr. Draeven, your food is on its way."

Evric played along, bowing slightly. "Thank you, sweetheart." He pulled me close again, kissing my hair. "You know, Zayn, you should start getting used to that surname. Because soon, you’ll be taking it."

I smiled shyly, but immediately teased him back. "Oh, really? And who told you I was going to take your surname?"

Evric shrugged with that effortless confidence of his. "Come on, babe, you can’t even deny it—you’re going to marry me. So it’s fine. I already know you’ll be mine. And if you don’t want my name... after, that’s okay."

I poked him gently in the chest. "You’re still on trial, Evric. Try to pass that stage first, then any other stage will come after."

He smiled, his eyes full of deep, determined love. "I’m already trying to make you proud, baby. Soon, I’ll be the man you deserve and you’ll be taking my name."

I just shook my head, unable to stop smiling at his ridiculous confidence. I didn’t say anything, letting the promise hang sweetly in the air.

Evric was about to say something else, probably another over-the-top compliment, when a gentle knock sounded on the door.

"Please come in," I said.

The door opened, and one of my staff members set a beautifully plated dish on the small table in my office. The smell of the food immediately filled the room.

"Your food is here," I announced, the aroma making my stomach rumble.

Evric’s focus immediately shifted from marriage prospects to the plate. "Babe, let’s eat together," he said, pulling up a chair for me right next to him.

I agreed, and we started eating. Evric was being overly playful, trying to sneak bites from my plate and making exaggerated faces of ecstasy over the simple meal.

"Evric, stop," I scolded lightly, trying not to laugh. "Focus on the food, Mr. Draeven."

He gave me a mock salute. "Okay, baby."

We settled into a comfortable, easy silence as we finished the delicious meal. After setting down his fork, Evric turned to me, his eyes wide and theatrical.

"Baby, do you know you can’t make a good parent?" he said, his tone utterly serious.

I frowned, immediately defensive. "Why? What are you talking about?"

Evric crossed his arms, feigning disappointment. "Since you left home, you haven’t even bothered to ask about Miso and Milo."

My eyes went wide. I clapped a hand over my mouth, utterly aghast. "Babe!" I whispered, horrified that I had forgotten to check on our two beloved babies.

"Don’t tell me you forgot about them totally," Evric asked.