grabbed my shoulder, "This is Paul, Trent's friend," he said to the beautiful redheaded woman tending bar.

"No way!" she said, as she hurried out from behind the bar and gave me a big hug. I was stunned as she said, "I'm Rachael. Trent has told us so much about you. You're such lucky guys to have each other."

"Aw, thanks," I said, blushing. "It's great to meet you, Rachael."

"I'll catch up with you later. I gotta get back to work," she explained, as another server approached the bar and smiled.

"Wow, this is a friendly group," I thought.

"Come on," Greg said. Let's find Trent for you.

I nodded, and we proceeded toward the kitchen. As we passed through the kitchen door, I realized I had never been in a working kitchen before. I had only seen them on TV and in the movies. It was just what I expected. Lots of people scurrying around calling out instructions and confirmations, looking way too busy for visitors."

"TRENT!" yelled Greg, "Someone here to see you. The INFAMOUS Paul!"

"HEEEEEY!!!!!" yelled the kitchen staff in unison. I was stunned. I kind of thought I'd slink into the kitchen and probably be brushed off as a nuisance. Instead, there was an incredibly warm welcome, as though I were a long lost friend!

I saw Trent guarding some type of fish on the grill. He looked around with a big smile, and nodded with his head for me to come to him.

"I gotta get back out front. It was nice meeting you," Greg said.

"You too. Thanks!" I replied, as I started walking cautiously toward Trent.

I felt like a spare part moving around in a well-oiled machine, ready to be ejected at any moment. It was clear I didn't belong there, but everyone was smiling at me, and introducing themselves as I passed them. As I finally approached Trent, he had a huge smile on his face and said, "Hi."

"Hi," I said.

"Why aren't your lips on mine?" he asked.

"Here? Are you sure?" I asked, enthralled by the big smile on his face and his bright eyes.

"Kiss me," he ordered.

I hesitated, as I looked around the room, and realized all eyes were on us.

"Go ahead!" One of the kitchen staff prompted.

I leaned in and kissed him quickly on the lips, but I was surprised by the boos from the kitchen staff. I expect to turn and find them holding up score cards to rate my kiss! "Now, I know for a fact you can do better. So, unless you want to spend the rest of the evening smelling like this fish, you better try it again," everyone was hooting and hollering, as he leaned in and kissed me, and this time it was a long passionate kiss. In the background I heard people clapping and carrying on, but Trent had a way of making me focus on him, and his lips felt so good.

As he pulled away, he said, "I love you."

"I love you, Trent," I replied with a big grin on my face.

Looking over my shoulder, Trent said, "Paul, this is Cassie. She's our head Chef."

I turned to find a woman, probably in her early 50s, with a healthy figure, dark hair, and a big smile. If I had to guess, I would guess she was probably from Texas, judging from her accent.

"Well,