“Of course. It’s very you.”
He doesn’t take the bait.
“I set the table out on the terrace. It’s a nice evening, so I thought we’d make the most of the view while we eat.”
“That sounds great.”
He opens the fridge and pulls out a bottle of wine, popping the cork before grabbing two glasses. He pours, handing me a generous glass.
“Go and sit down. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve actually cooked?”
“Of course! I spent all day in the kitchen. It’s all ready, I just need to heat it up before I bring it over.”
He opens one of the three ovens and pulls out a dish. “It’s still hot. I only switched the oven off before I came to pick you up.” He puts something into a bowl, then hands it to me. “You can take this outside, if you want.”
“Don’t tell me you made this, too?” I ask, the smell of garlic bread wafting towards me.
“One of my many hidden talents,” he says suggestively, lowering his voice; and I’m surprised to find that I want to discover all of his talents, before he disappears again.
* * *
Nick joinsme out on the terrace, where I was taking in the view, enjoying the crisp evening air. Inside the apartment, music began to drift outside, accompanying his dark, seductive form as he moved towards me.
Wow, he even has a soundtrack. He must’ve planned tonight down to every tiny detail.
“Put this on,” he says, draping a jacket over my shoulders.
“I’m not cold.”
“Your shoulders are uncovered, and the air will get pretty chilly, soon.”
“So thoughtful of you.”
“I know who I’m dealing with here,” he says accusingly, taking his seat opposite me. “And I know how much you love meat, so… I’ve made a lasagne. There are different types of meat in the Bolognese, and mozzarella, tomato sauce, béchamel…”
“Impressive.”
“Good,” he says, pleased with himself.
“When did you learn to cook?” I ask, shoving the first forkful into my mouth. “Oh my God,” I say, as soon as the meat hits my tongue. “You’re actually pretty good!”
“Thanks. I’m glad you like it.”
“You know that I’d have been happy with a few burgers chucked under the grill, right?”
Nick laughs, shaking his head. “I know, but I wanted to do something different.”
I smile, taking a sip of my wine.
“There’s dessert, too.”
“No way.”
“Yep. Bailey’s cheesecake.”
“Oh, fuck. I could come at the thought of it.”
