Time passed quickly, and before Sophia knew it, the workday was over. She made her way home, her thoughts lingering on Lucas's promise to cook dinner. When she arrived, she found him already busy in the kitchen, his sleeves rolled up and a focused expression on his face.
Sophia smiled at the sight, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She greeted him briefly before heading upstairs to freshen up. After a long, hot shower, she wrapped herself in a cozy robe and was just about to settle in front of the TV when something caught her eye.
The dining table, which she had expected to be set for a simple dinner, was adorned with elegant tableware and soft, flickering candles. The soft glow of the candlelight reflected off the polished surfaces, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere. It was clear that this was no ordinary meal—Lucas had prepared a candlelit dinner.
Sophia's heart fluttered with a mix of surprise and delight. She couldn't help but feel a bit giddy at the thoughtfulness Lucas had put into the evening.
As she stepped closer, taking in the beautifully arranged table, Lucas emerged from the kitchen with a warm smile. He was carrying a tray laden with various dishes, all of which looked and smelled incredible.
"Wow, Lucas," Sophia said, her eyes wide with appreciation. "This is... amazing. I wasn't expecting anything like this."
Lucas chuckled softly, setting the tray down and gesturing for her to take a seat. "I wanted to do something special," he said, his tone light but sincere. "It's our first dinner at home together since everything changed, and I thought it deserved something a bit more memorable."
Sophia blushed, touched by his words. She took her seat, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. As Lucas brought out dish after dish, she couldn't help but ask, "Why did you make so many different things? This looks like a feast!"
Lucas smiled, his gaze warm as he looked at her. "I wasn't sure what kind of food you liked," he admitted, "so I figured I'd cook a little bit of everything. That way, there's bound to be something you love."
Sophia laughed softly, shaking her head in disbelief. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble, Lucas."
"It's no trouble," he replied, his voice gentle. "I just want to make sure you're happy."
The sincerity in his words touched her deeply, and for a moment, she was at a loss for how to respond. Instead, she simply smiled and picked up her fork, ready to dive into the meal he had so carefully prepared.
As they ate, the atmosphere between them grew more relaxed and comfortable. Sophia found herself enjoying every bite, surprised by how delicious everything was. She couldn't help but comment on it.
"This is really good, Lucas," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "I didn't know you could cook like this."
Lucas grinned, clearly pleased by her compliment. "I have a few skills up my sleeve," he said playfully. "But I'm glad you're enjoying it."
As the meal went on, Sophia found herself eating with more enthusiasm than she expected. The food was too good to resist, and she was soon eating with a hearty appetite.
Lucas watched her with a contented smile, clearly satisfied by how much she was enjoying the meal. "I'm glad you like it," he said, his tone carrying a hint of pride. "Seeing you eat like this makes all the effort worth it."
Sophia blushed, feeling a bit self-conscious. "I didn't realize I was eating so much," she admitted, laughing softly. "But it's just so good."
"Eat as much as you like," Lucas said warmly. "That's what it's all for."
They continued to enjoy their meal, the conversation flowing naturally between them. The more they talked, the more Sophia felt herself warming up to Lucas, appreciating the effort he was putting into making their time together special. There was a sense of ease between them, a growing connection that she hadn't expected to feel so soon.
After they had finished eating, Lucas leaned back in his chair, looking at Sophia with a satisfied expression. "I'm glad we did this," he said softly. "It's nice to just relax and enjoy each other's company."
Sophia nodded, feeling the same way. "It really is," she agreed, her voice equally soft. "Thank you, Lucas. This was... perfect."
Lucas smiled, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer. "There's more where that came from," he said teasingly. "Just wait until I cook breakfast tomorrow."
Sophia laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her at the thought. She could get used to this, she realized—these quiet, intimate moments with Lucas, where they could just be themselves and enjoy each other's company. It was a side of him she hadn't expected to see, but one she was quickly growing to love.