Chasing Alana

20 | Be Selfish

"I can feel you staring, princess."

Her cheeks reddened, knowing she was caught.

Damn it, of course, he noticed.

There was a small smirk on his face, as he continued to stir fry the veggies, voice laced with amusement. Asher didn't even have to turn around to figure that she was staring at him. He could practically feel her eyes glued onto his back.

Alana quickly turned away, instead, choosing to focus on the large pristine kitchen and the decor. Like the rest of the apartment, the kitchen was modern with its white marble countertops in contrast with the sleek dark wooded shelving. She could tell he cooked often as it seemed like the kitchen was fully stocked.

"I didn't say you had to stop," The tone of his voice came out playful as he turned around to plate the veggies. He walked over to where the conjoined dining room was and placed the dish onto the table. The delicious smell automatically drew her in, as she followed after him, making her mouth water as she stared down at the delicious meal set out in front of her.

Alana took a seat, not before throwing him a glare with a slight pout on her face, making him chuckle. "Stop teasing me."

Asher swiftly moved through the kitchen grabbing utensils and setting them up for Alana, wanting to do everything for her like the gentleman that he was.

"I can't help it— you're just too cute when you blush," He said, finally taking a seat across from her at the dining table.

Alana shook her head as Asher grabbed her plate and began to serve her. Similar to when they were younger, he always seemed to put her first. She was thankful for his attentiveness and mannerism— it seemed like Helen had raised her children right.

"Thank you," she murmured, once he set the plate in front of her before going on to serve himself.

Excitedly, she took a bite, closing her eyes to savor the flavor explosion in her mouth. The salmon was baked to perfection, with its signature sauce that Alana loved so much.

"How is it?" Based on her expression, he would assume that Alana was enjoying his cooking, but wanted to ask anyway.

"So good," she groaned, making him smile. Alana had always been a foodie. "It tastes just like your mom's cooking."

"As I said earlier, I learned from the best."

Alana continued to eat and she was sure she was practically stuffing her face, not that Asher minded at all. She remembered being completely enamored with Helen's cooking every time she was over at the Pierces' for dinner. And this, by far, was one of her favorite dishes and it tasted just like she remembered.

"God, if I eat like this every day, I'd gain like 20 pounds," Alana leaned back on the seat as she groaned, feeling completely full after finishing the entire plate.

"I think you'd still look beautiful," Asher smoothly responded, taking in the sight of Alana. Her cheeks were slightly flushed with the alcohol in her system and the smile seemed to never leave her face. The soft lighting in his dining room only enhanced her features and the large floor-to-ceiling window with the downtown night lights as a backdrop made for the most beautiful picture.

Perfection.

That's what she was to him.

Uttermost perfection.

"Since when did you get so good with your words?" Alana asked with a raised brow, bringing her glass of wine to her lips.

Asher paused before slightly shrugging. "Practice."