The last light of the day slipped behind the hills, and they had arrived back at Eve's farmhouse. The air was still warm, carrying the lingering scent of pine from the nearby forest. They were both tired from horse riding but neither wanted the day to end.
"Why don't we watch a movie?" Vincent suggested, while they entered the cozy hall. He was already thinking ahead. "How about a horror movie?"
Eve stopped in her tracks. Her wide-eyed expression made Vincent chuckle. "Horror? You really want to scare me, don't you?"
"I promise, I'll be right here. Besides, I've heard facing fears together builds trust," he teased, a playful smirk forming on his lips.
She knew he was doing this on purpose, enjoying the prospect of watching her squirm during the scary moments. But despite this, the idea of spending more time with him outweighed her reluctance.
"Fine," Eve sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes with a smile. "But don't blame me if I grab onto you."
"Count on it," Vincent said, eyes twinkling with amusement.
They both changed into their comfiest clothes—Eve in a soft, oversized sweater, while Vincent changed in a tight-fitting black t-shirt that accentuated every muscle on his toned body.
Eve couldn't help but admire the way the fabric hugged his broad shoulders and the way his veins stood out against his skin, giving him an almost otherworldly aura. He looked like a Greek god.
She grabbed a blanket and some popcorn, settling in beside him on the plush couch. The dim lighting and the crackling fire in the corner made the atmosphere even more intimate.
As the movie started, the haunting music immediately sent chills down her spine. Eve felt a nervous flutter in her stomach. Horror wasn't her thing, but she wasn't about to back out now.
Throughout the film, Eve oscillated between braving the terrifying scenes and instinctively hiding under the blanket. Every jump scare sent her heartbeat racing, and every time the eerie music picked up, her breath hitched.
At one particularly terrifying scene, she let out a small scream, her hand immediately grabbing Vincent's arm for comfort. She wasn't prepared for how firm and solid he felt beneath her touch. His muscles tensed slightly at her grip, and as a response, he patted her hand reassuringly.
"You're okay," Vincent whispered softly, his deep voice grounding her.
At first, Eve laughed at herself, embarrassed by her fear, but she couldn't deny how safe she felt with him so close. She found herself glancing at him during quieter moments in the film—how the light from the TV flickered across his sharp features, how focused he was, completely at ease. She felt something stir inside her, something deeper than she was willing to admit.
Vincent, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying the movie. Every now and then, he'd glance at Eve. He found her reactions adorable—the way she'd cover her face when the tension built, the way she'd gasp or jump at the sudden frights.
But as the movie progressed, Vincent noticed her responses slowing. Her gasps became quieter, her breathing more even. When he looked over at her toward the end of the film, he realized Eve had fallen asleep.
She looked so peaceful, curled up beside him with her face resting against his shoulder. Her breathing was soft, and her expression was serene. He couldn't help but stare at her for a moment longer than he should have. His heart ached with something he hadn't expected to feel—something protective, something tender.
"Beautiful," Vincent murmured to himself, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. He lingered for a second, taking in the way her lips parted slightly in her sleep, the way her eyelashes cast shadows over her cheeks. She must have been exhausted after such a long day.
Quietly, Vincent shifted, careful not to wake her. In one smooth motion, he slipped his arms underneath her, lifting her effortlessly.
Eve stirred slightly, her head resting against his chest, but she didn't wake. Carrying her to her room, he felt her body relax into his hold. Her warmth seeping into him.
Reaching the room, Vincent laid her gently on the bed. "See you tomorrow, Eve," he whispered, brushing his lips against her forehead—a gesture so soft.
For a moment, he stood there, watching her sleep peacefully, feeling something he couldn't quite put into words.
With one last glance, Vincent turned and quietly left her farmhouse. The cool night air hitting him as he made his way to his car.