AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We exchange glances, an unspoken acknowledgement of the shift between us. What started as a ruse has evolved, and the lines between pretense and reality seem to blur.
We leave together, the office behind us, the evening ahead full of possibilities. The movie night, a simple plan, feels like a promise, a momentary escape from our assumed roles.
As we make our way home, I can’t help but wonder about our connection, about the genuine affection that seems to have taken root amidst the pretense.
Tonight, we seek solace in each other’s presence, a break from our daily routines.
While the city lights glide past the car window, I find solace in embracing the sheer beauty of this moment, relishing in his company and eagerly awaiting the mystery that the night holds in store for us.
Chapter Fourteen
Damien
The day had been long and taxing, and you feel every second tick by with an almost malicious slowness.
But the thought of spending the evening with Lea had been a bright spot, glimmering at the back of my mind, urging me through each tedious task and meeting.
Lea and I had made plans for a relaxed evening - having dinner and watching a movie at my place.
This low-key and intimate get-together has become our cherished routine ever since she arrived in LA.
After work, we rode home together, and after dropping her off in her driveway, I rushed home, a flurry of anticipation and a bit of nerves making my steps quick and my mind racing.
Cooking was a passion of mine, a way to unwind and express creativity, and tonight, I wanted everything to be perfect for Lea, better than the last time I made us dinner. I opted for one of her favorites - homemade pasta with a rich tomato sauce and garlic bread on the side.
Engrossed in the familiar rhythms of chopping, sautéing, and simmering, I gradually got lost in the process. The day’s stresses seemed to melt away with each stir of the sauce.
The doorbell rings, slicing through the aroma of garlic and herbs, and a jolt of excitement shoots through me.
I wipe my hands on a dish towel and hurry to the door, opening it to find Lea standing there, instantly brightening the dimly lit hallway.
She greets me with a warm and infectious smile that causes any remaining tension from the day to dissipate.
“The aroma from the kitchen is amazing,” she exclaims as she steps inside.
Her ease and familiarity filled my space with warmth beyond the heat emanating from the stove.
“Dinner will be ready soon. Make yourself comfortable,” I tell her, leading the way into the kitchen.
“How can I help?” she asks.
“Everything is done, but you can set the table.” I loved watching her do that the last time she was here—it made it seem like she lived here.
She goes about setting the table while I watch her.
Afterwards, she settles onto the sofa in the living room, kicking off her shoes and curling up with one of the throw pillows.
The pasta turns out exactly as I hope, and as we sit down to eat, I open a bottle of red wine and pour it into our glasses.
“Cheers to love and great friendship,” I say with my glass lifted.
“To love and friendship,” she says as she lifts her glass.
As we eat, I cannot look away from her while we exchange stories about our day and share laughter over minor mishaps.
There’s something about sharing a meal you’ve made with someone as special as Lea; it adds a layer of intimacy to the conversation, a shared experience about more than just the food.
“Thanks for another lovely pasta. It tasted so good. I’m so stuffed. I will grow fat living next to you, Master Chef.” She chuckles.
