A thuddy pop signified success, and her lips curved into a smile as she set the cork, still impaled by the corkscrew, aside. Glass of wine in hand, she was ready to knead and slice until she had enough cracked pepper fettuccine for two.
The fettuccine rested in the fridge as she moved onto the sauce. Using her grandmother's family recipe that was committed to memory—the only way Nonna would pass it on—she whipped up a creamy alfredo.
The scent had him immediately headed for the kitchen upon entering the house. Enamored by her love of cooking, he watched as she sprinkled seasonings into a pan of sizzling shrimp. Watching her in her element was one of his favorite things. Arms folded across his chest, leaning in the doorway, he continued to watch her until she removed the shrimp from the stove. They locked eyes and she gave him a soft smile. Fortunately, she was not easily startled. He poured himself a glass of wine, and then sidled up behind her to place soft kisses on her neck as she prepared to plate their meal.
The kisses grew wetter and rougher. His hands desperately roamed her body, hoping an entry point would magically appear in her midi dress. "Jake, don't rip this one," she warned. His smile stamped her skin in response and his teeth nipped her neck. A gasp escaped her lips and her fingers curled around the edge of the counter as Jake flexed his hips into hers. She drew out his name as he trailed kisses up the back of her neck and then nuzzled just the right spot behind her ear.
Her bottom lip rolled between her teeth as she bit back a moan. She pushed her hips into his and felt his growing desire. A gasp fell from her mouth as she felt the back seam of her dress skirt split further than designed. The rush of air was followed by Jake's hands sliding along the curve of her backside. She relaxed into his grip as his hands came to rest on her hips. "No panties?" he asked, his hand searching for fabric to dip his fingers into. His lips grazed her ear, and he continued kissing her neck.
"One less thing for you to rip," she teased. Jake pressed on her hips and, obediently, she turned to face him. In sync, she hopped as he lifted her onto the counter. He stepped between her knees and captured her lips with his.
Her fingers curled into his hair, pulling his head back to curtail his onslaught. "Let's get through dinner first?" He groaned with mixed emotions. "It's the least you could do." He followed her gaze as she looked down at the ripped dress skirt resting between her thighs.
"Sorry." The corners of his eye crinkled and laugh lines carved his face as his signature smile appeared. Capturing his bottom lip between his teeth, he sighed and helped her off the counter. She grabbed his chin with her index finger and thumb, placing a soft kiss on his lips before she turned back to the counter.
While she plated their food, Jake set the table and poured fresh glasses of wine. Still thinking about after dinner activities, he refocused himself to the current moment. He never wanted to take for granted what she brought to their relationship, including her Michelin-level cooking skills and willingness to prepare homemade meals every night.
Jake watched as she delivered their plates to the table. Then, he followed her to her seat, where he pulled out her chair and then pushed it in as she sat. Jake's need to perform chivalrous acts even in the privacy of their home was one of the many things she loved about him. She mouthed "thank you" as he made his way to his own seat.
The minute the first bite hit his tongue he was glad she made him have dinner. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and the sauce was perfect garlicky, buttery cream. Tonight he allowed himself to have a second helping—it wasn't often he allowed himself to, what he called, overindulge.
Their post dinner routine included lounging at the table to finish their wine and talk about their days. "I could use more wine," she said as she rose to clear their plates and collect the bottle from the kitchen island. Jake's gaze followed her every move. She refilled her own, and then came to top off his. "You know," she said while she poured, "we haven't checked this room off the list yet." He looked up at her to see her innocently chewing on her lip awaiting his reply. She glanced at him through her eyelashes. An involuntary groan left his throat and she tried not to smirk.
