The Life I Want To Live With You

Honesty Chapter 3

Since their last meeting, five months had passed. Lisa and Michael had grown close, meeting almost every day, spending countless hours together, and uncovering more about themselves. Today, they arranged to spend their evening at his house after work.

As Michael arrived at Luke's company just as Lisa was finishing her work, he clutched a bouquet of flowers, concealing them from view as he noticed someone approaching. He offered a subtle smile as he walked past the passerby and approached Lisa's office door, knocking.

"Come in," came the response. Lisa was in the midst of a conversation with a co-worker, so Michael continued to hide the flowers behind his back as he entered, closing the door behind him.

"Lillie, you really need to wrap up this project this week, or Luke will be on my case again," Lisa said, displaying something on her screen for her co-worker. Lillie glanced at Michael with an expression that Lisa found irritating. "Could you please pay attention?" Michael, oblivious to Lillie's gaze, continued to focus on Lisa, gently biting his lip.

"Of course, I hear you! I'll hand it over to Luke tomorrow, so he won't be any more of a pain than usual. Thanks for the help," Lillie said as she left, giving Michael a once-over and offering Lisa a thumbs-up along with a sly whisper, "He's hot." Lisa glared at Lillie, her patience wearing thin, and sighed, running her hand through her hair before turning her attention to Michael.

He revealed the bouquet of flowers he had brought for her with a wide grin. Lisa closed her computer, stood up, and approached him with a smile of her own. "I got these for you. Are you ready for tonight?" Michael took the flowers and helped her into her coat.

"Yes, I am. What have you planned for us today?" Lisa asked, her eyes sparkling as she admired the flowers.

Michael looked at her. "Just as we discussed. We'll head to my place, spend quality time together, and maybe watch something. I can whip up something to eat if you're hungry."

"Sounds perfect. Can't wait," Lisa replied. They left the company hand in hand, unaware of Luke's disgusted expression as he watched them walk away.

*50 minutes later*

They found themselves at Michael's place, sipping wine as he took charge of dinner preparations. Lisa reclined on the couch, savoring her wine. His focused demeanor intrigued her; he was perfect in his element. She set her glass on the table and approached him, gently encircling her arms around his waist.

Michael set down his cooking utensils, turning to her and lifting her to sit on the kitchen counter. He gazed deep into her eyes. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you, and I couldn't wait any longer. You know I'm not very expressive about my feelings," he began.

Lisa simply watched him, not wanting to disrupt his thoughts. "You also know that I've never been one for relationships, but when I met you, I realized that you, and only you, could make me feel something more profound than infatuation. I've been contemplating it all day, how to express what I'm about to say. I've fallen deeply in love with you. I can't stop thinking about you, even at work. I want you with me, just with me. I love making you smile and laugh, bringing happiness into your life. I love you so much, Lisa, that I can't find the words to fully express it, but I want you to know I'm taking our future seriously." He paused, his hands resting on either side of her waist.

Lisa remained silent, her eyes locked onto his for a few moments before she gently brushed her lips against his, planting a tender kiss. He drew closer, gazing at her with a slight smirk. "So, does that mean 'I love you too'?"

"Yes," she replied, smiling, and kissed him once more with confidence, her fingers sliding into his hair. He turned off the stove and carried her to the couch. They became engrossed in each other, which led to Michael shirtless and Lisa with tousled hair.