BILLIONAIRE'S UNINTENDED BRIDE

Chapter 65: Melting Barriers

Chapter 65: Melting Barriers

The tension between Luke and me had been thawing, slowly transforming into something resembling warmth. Our conversations, once sparse and icy, now flowed more freely, like a stream breaking free from winter's grip. We shared rides to work, our meals became joint affairs - both at the office and back at our once silent home. There was a noticeable shift in Luke's demeanor; his smiles came easier, his laughter more genuine. Yet, we hadn't fully reconciled; an invisible line still demarcated the space between us.

Luke's efforts, though, were undeniable. He ventured into territories far removed from his comfort zone, adopting my interests with an earnestness that was both touching and endearing. His latest feat? trailing behind me in boutique after boutique. And the salon, that was something else. He sat there, the lone man in a sea of gossiping women, his only company a buzzing phone and the ticking clock. The women there couldn't peel their eyes off him; he was like a rare exhibit in a museum of femininity. Yet, his gaze never wavered from the door I disappeared behind, his loyalty unwavering even in the face of their model-esque allure. I couldn't help but admire his patience, his unwavering focus on me amidst the allure of attention.

Returning home, a surprise awaited me. The scent of seared steak and herbs wafted through the apartment as I emerged from the shower. Luke stood in the kitchen, an apron tied around his waist, a look of concentration etched on his face.

"I didn't know you could cook," I remarked, admiring the perfectly plated meal before us.

Luke shrugged, a subtle hint of pride lighting up his smile. "I can't, really. I just took some cooking classes recently. Wanted to surprise you."

That was incredibly sweet. He had done this for me. The thought of him cooking for me, something no one except my parents had ever done, sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. He had prepared a meal of steak, grilled zucchini salad, and mashed potatoes, a combination .

The steak melted in my mouth, its flavors a testament to his newfound culinary skills. The grilled zucchini salad was refreshing, and the mashed potatoes were perfectly creamy. "It's delicious," I complimented, genuinely impressed by the effort and care he had put into the meal.

His grin widened, a sparkle in his eyes. "I'm glad you like it. I hope to do this more often."

A fluttering sensation danced in my stomach, his words igniting a myriad of emotions within me. I got up to clear the table, but he gestured for me to sit back down. "Go pick a movie," he said with gentle authority, "I've got this."

I settled onto the couch, my gaze lingering on him as he moved around the kitchen. The transformation was striking. Gone was the man who once relied heavily on chefs and takeouts, replaced by someone who moved with an unexpected grace in the kitchen, looking sexy as hell.

Moments later, he joined me on the couch. I was sitting under a blanket, and he sat next to me, maintaining a respectful distance. Sensing his desire to be closer, I extended the blanket over us both. As the movie played, serving as a mere backdrop, I found myself gradually cuddling closer to him. His body was warm next to mine, and I became attuned to the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest. It felt incredibly right, like slipping back into a familiar, cherished melody.

His hand found mine, our fingers intertwining with a familiarity that sent a thrill through me. I glanced up at him, the soft glow of the television casting shadows across his face, accentuating his features.

I could sense the effort he was putting in to bridge the gap between us, the depth of his care for me tangible in the air. Perhaps he truly did care for me, maybe all his confessions about his feelings, our undeniable pull towards each other, were indeed genuine.