“And what’s on the menu?” I ask, stepping close to her and pulling her into my arms. Instantly, my mood eases. The tension leaves my body as her scent washes over me like summer rain. She is perfect against me. It’s like a switch flips, and my world changes when she’s near me. Nothing else matters, and all of my problems seem so much smaller. I could conquer the world with her at my side.
“It’s lamb shanks, deboned and shredded, then I fry it in butter with hot chocolate powder, chili spice and mushrooms. You could use blocks of chocolate, too, if you wanted to, but we already had the powder, and it works perfectly.” She pulls me towards the counter, excited to show me. I look over the food, elegantly presented, in various stages of preparation.
She looks up at me. Her eyes are shining brightly, eager to please me. It turns me on.
“Then I wrap them in these triangle shapes using phyllo pastry, which I fry in a little butter too. I promise you, it sounds a bit weird with the chocolate and the chili in a meat dish, but you’re going to love it.”
“If it tastes anywhere near as good as it smells, I’m already in love,” I chuckle. Her eyes dart to me, something flaring in them. She quickly looks away with a shy giggle. Was that reaction because I used the wordlove?I’ve longed to tell her I love her. Since the day I met her. Since our first kiss. Obsession, addiction,love. And now, with her living in my home, sharing my life with me, it’s only become more intense,more intoxicating.I love you, little one.How would she react? Would it scare her?
“Do you want to change or freshen up, or are you ready to eat?” she asks, stepping away from my embrace and dusting her hands over her apron.
“This is cute on you. It makes me wonder what it would be like to come home and find you cooking in nothing but this apron,” I say, flirting boldly.
Her cheeks blaze bright pink, and she turns her face, covering her mouth to hide her giggle.
I pull her close again and nuzzle my face into her neck. “Give me fifteen minutes. I want to hop in the shower and get the day rinsed off.”
“Alright, we’ll be ready in fifteen minutes then,” she says, looking up at me with those gorgeous golden orbs.
My heart stutters. One day, she will know how I feel about her and what she does to me.
***
“Oh, good, I wasn’t sure how much longer I could resist this amazing food,” Jess blurts out as I walk into the living room.
“I hope I didn’t make you wait too long.” I knit my brows.
Georgie laughs. “We sat down less than a minute ago. She’s just being dramatic.”
“Ah, nothing unusual there,” I tease.
“Hey, that’s rude. I amnotdramatic.”
Georgie raises one brow. “What about the time when a moth flew into my dorm room at uni, and you screamed so loudthe security staff and three guys almost broke the door down to save you from whatever was obviously trying to murder you.”
“Okay, but that’s different. That moth washuge,” Jess says defensively.
Georgie holds up her fingers showing the minute size of the moth, smiling at me, looking cute and naughty.
I chuckle and grab a plate, dishing up some dinner for myself.
“This really looks incredible. It’s so good to share this meal with you two. With my family,” I say, my heart warm, my soul refreshed.
“Born up a tree,” Jess says, raising her glass.
“Bon apetit,” I grin.
We’re eating in silence for a moment, and I’m blown away by the flavors. I never would have thought to put chocolate with lamb, but this is the exact type of culinary delight that you’d expect to find at a world-class restaurant. The chili, the lamb, the chocolate, all blending together in a rich, spicy, decadent experience.
“Damn. This is incredible.” I mutter, my mouth full.
“I second that,” Jess says, nodding enthusiastically.
“I’m really happy you guys like it,” Georgie smiles proudly.
“So, when can I expect some nieces or nephews?” Jessa asks, as calm as ever, with a mischievous grin on her face.
Georgie spins her head towards her best friend in horror, and I laugh.
