“Uh… yeah…” She looked frazzled with her hair in disarray and exhaustion etched into her face. “Just a little stressed. There’s a lot coming at me right now…” Her voice cracked just a little. If I wasn’t a keen observer of all things Ava, I would have missed it.
I sighed. “Babe, don’t take this the wrong way. You know I fully support you, but maybe… take a break…?”
Her troubled expression had me by her side in a second. I helped her stand and placed my hands on her shoulders. “I know you want to get this done, but you can’t work yourself to death, Ava. I won’t allow it.”
She made a little sound of amusement. “So you’re the boss of me now?”
“Only when I see you doing something that’s not good for you.” I looked around the room, taking in the chaos of information. “You are not doing another damn thing on that exposé tonight. You’re going to unwind.”
“I am?” she asked with skepticism.
“You are… starting with a glass of wine or two while I get started on dinner. I’m making something special tonight.”
“You don’t have?—”
My finger landed on her lips. “While I’m setting things up, you’re going to take a nice long bath.”
She sighed. “That sounds good. Your jacuzzi tub is the shit.”
I grinned. “After that, we’ll have a nice romantic dinner.”
“But—”
“No buts.”
“Lincoln, there’s something…”
I waited, wondering why she looked so fucking distressed. Yeah, what she’d dived into was tedious work, but she wasn’t working on a deadline for a paper or anything. She was independent now.
“Okay,” she said. “A hot soak and dinner sound good. The wine too.”
“That’s my girl.” I tilted her chin up and planted a kiss on her mouth. Once our lips touched, taking things further was like a compulsion. She opened for me willingly, and I explored her mouth thoroughly, savoring her. Ava moaned softly, pressing herself against me. The longer I explored her mouth, the more she relaxed. I practically felt her deflate.
Mission accomplished.
Only then did I pull back. Her smile as she gazed at me was warmer this time. However, her eyes were still cloudy with concern. I was sure my surprise engagement would get her to stop thinking about work for the rest of the night.
After a quick shower, I set out on a mission to prepare a romantic dinner. By the time Ava reappeared after her luxurious soak, I had the table on the terrace set and was taking a dish out of the oven.
“There you are.” I put the dish down and rounded the counter. “You look much more relaxed.”
Ava eyed the iron skillet on the counter. Inside was a perfectly roasted chicken—perfect for my skill level, anyway.Surrounding it was a bed of rosemary and garlic. She then looked through the open terrace door at the other dishes, and the ice bucket with a bottle of champagne.
“Lincoln, not that I don’t appreciate you making me these meals. It’s very thoughtful and attractive.”
I grinned at the latter.
“But don’t you think you went overboard?”
“Not at all. Come on.” I pressed a hand to her back and urged her to the table so she’d stop asking questions. I pulled out her chair and gestured for her to sit. She watched me with a hint of suspicion as I fetched the chicken.
I pulled my chair closer to her and sat. “Everything looks good?”
“Yeah…” Her eyebrows puckered. “Are we celebrating something? Did I forget?”
I chuckled. “No. I just wanted to do something special for you tonight.”
“Okay…” After her suspicion seemed to diminish, she leaned over to give me a peck on the lips. “You’re too sweet. Thank you.”
