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“You didn’t have to do that,” I say, though I’m already stepping aside to let him in.
“I wanted to,” he replies simply, walking into the building and setting the bag down on the nearest table. “Besides, I haven’t seen you in a few days. Thought maybe you forgot about me.”
I laugh, but there’s a twinge of guilt beneath it. “I could never forget about you, Wade. It’s just… everything’s been so crazy around here.”
“I know,” he says, his tone gentle. “That’s why I’m here. To make sure you’re taking care of yourself.”
He pulls out two containers from the bag, the delicious smell of takeout filling the room. My stomach growls in response, reminding me that I haven’t eaten since lunch. Wade catches the sound and grins, handing me one of the containers.
“Come on,” he says, nodding toward a stack of chairs in the corner. “Let’s sit down and eat before you pass out from hunger.”
I can’t help but smile as I follow him, grabbing a couple of chairs and pulling them over to the table. We sit down, and for a moment, it’s like we’re the only two people in the world. The dim lighting, the quiet hum of the building around us. It’s almost cozy, in a strange sort of way.
As we dig into our food, the conversation flows easily, like it always does with Wade. We talk about the project, about the challenges I’ve been facing, and he listens with that attentive, thoughtful look that always makes me feel like what I’m saying matters.
“I’m sorry I’ve been so caught up in all of this,” I say after a while, setting down my fork and looking across the table at him. “I feel like I’ve been neglecting you.”
He shakes his head, reaching across the table to take my hand in his. “You don’t have to apologize, Auden. I get it. Work’s important.”:
“It’s just… I miss you, you know? I miss us. I hate that we haven’t had much time together lately.”
“We’ll make time,” he says, his voice steady and reassuring.
I smile at him, feeling a little lighter than I have in days.
“You’re too good to me, Wade.”
“I’m just trying to keep up with you,” he teases, and I laugh, the sound echoing in the empty building.
We finish our meal in comfortable silence, the stress of the day melting away with each passing minute. It feels good, being here with him, just talking and sharing a meal like this. It’s a reminder of why I fell for him in the first place, his steadiness, his kindness, the way he makes everything feel just a little bit easier.
After we’re done, Wade helps me clean up, tossing the empty containers into the trash before turning back to me with a smile. “You ready to head home?”
“Yeah,” I say, nodding. “Let me just grab my stuff.”
I collect my things, the familiar routine of shutting down for the night somehow made sweeter by his presence. He watches me, a patient smile on his face as I finish up, and I can’t help but think about how lucky I am to have him in my life.
As we walk to my car, the night air is cool and refreshing, a gentle breeze ruffling my hair. Wade stays close by my side, his presence a comforting warmth against the chill of the evening.
When we reach my car, I turn to him, not quite ready to say goodnight. “Thanks for bringing me dinner,” I say, my voice soft. “You didn’t have to, but I’m really glad you did.”
“Anytime,” he replies, his hand finding mine again. “I’ll always bring you dinner if it means I get to see you.” His words are simple, but there’s something in the way he says them that makes my heart flutter. It’s the kind of thing that reminds me just how much he cares, and how much I care about him in return.
We stand there for a moment, the night settling around us like a comfortable blanket. The silence between us isn’t awkward; it’s filled with the kind of contentment that comesfrom being with someone who justgetsyou. I don’t want this moment to end, but I know I need to get home and get some rest before another busy day tomorrow.
“I guess I should head home,” I say, though I don’t make any move to open my car door just yet.
“I’ll follow you,” Wade says, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Make sure you get home safe.”
I smile, nodding in agreement. “I’d like that.”
We both climb into our cars, and as I start the engine, I glance in the rearview mirror to see Wade’s truck right behind me. It’s a small thing, but knowing he’s there, watching out for me, makes me feel a little more secure. The drive home is quiet, the streets nearly empty this late at night, and I let the calm wash over me, my mind wandering back to the evening we’ve just shared.
By the time I pull into my driveway, I feel a sense of peace that I haven’t felt in days. Wade parks right behind me, and I can’t help but feel a little thrill at the thought of him coming inside, of spending just a little more time together before the day ends.
I get out of the car and wait for him to join me, and when he does, he places a gentle hand on the small of my back as we walk up to the front door. There’s something so natural about the way he does it, like it’s the most normal thing in the world, and it sends a pleasant shiver down my spine.
“Do you want to come in?” I ask, my voice quieter now, more intimate.
