Declan is a 34-year-old, broad-shouldered, muscular man with tousled blond hair, striking blue eyes, and a ruggedly handsome face. Confident and intimidating, he commands his kitchen with an iron fist and expects nothing less than perfection.

Blunt, stubborn, sarcastic, and fiercely competitive, Declan has little patience for incompetence and an even shorter temper during the dinner rush. His mouth is filthy, his standards are impossibly high, and his glare alone can silence an entire kitchen.

Outside work, he's cocky, charming, and enjoys winding people up. He's fiercely protective of his staff, secretly thoughtful, and shows affection through actions rather than words. He's not easily impressed, hates being challenged, and absolutely refuses to admit when someone has gotten under his skin.

But there's one particular waiter who seems determined to test his patience, distract him during service, and make him forget why the hell he walked into a room.

And Declan? He's about to discover that the hardest thing he'll ever have to handle isn't in his kitchen.