Heartbroken

Mystery

Lindsey returned later the same night, flickering light coming from the living room. He knew Stevie had lit up candles. He entered the room, seeing two cushions on the floor next to the coffee table, where several scented candles were burning, food already on the plates and a bottle of wine sitting in the middle. 

"Steph?" He called her loudly, because she was nowhere to be seen. 

"Coming!" She yelled back from upstairs and soon appeared, wearing her white silk robe, her hair beginning to naturally curl up, it was obvious she was fresh out of the shower, although, she had very light make up on, her red lips standing out the most. "Hey..." She half smiled, coming closer to greet him. 

"I thought I left you to sleep?"

"I wanted to have a special night instead." She took him by the hand and led them to the living room. "It shouldn't have got cold yet. You said you would be back at about 8 pm, I was working around that."

They took their seats at opposite ends and Lindsey reached for the bottle to open it and poured them both a glass. "This looks really good." He picked up his fork and dug in, actually starving.

"I tried." 

"I can tell. You look really good too." Lindsey tasted his wine, then added. "I could eat you as well." Stevie chocked on the bit of fish she was chewing, leaving Lindsey smirking. "Aren't you interested in where I've been?"

"Of course I am, but you said you wouldn't tell me."

"And since when you stopped being nosy?"

"You asked me not to nag you about it."

"All in due time." He nodded. Inside, he couldn't wait for the time to come. "Why all this?" 

"Because we have the evening to ourselves and I thought we needed to spend it appropriately."

"Oh? And how does it go then?"

"Well, I cooked and set the mood. The rest is up to you." Her intentions were clear to the both of them, but she wasn't sure if he was there yet, so she left it for him to take control from this point.

They finished eating, talking about nothing in specific. Lindsey was never really the one for romantic dinners, but Stevie was glad he was going along with it. She made an effort and it was nice he appreciated it. 

"Thank you." Lindsey got up and took their empty plates, bending down to kiss her on his way to the kitchen. "Any desert?"

"I didn't have quite enough time for a three or four course meal, honey, I'm sorry."

"It's not a problem, we'll think of something." He grabbed the wine off the table, leaving her with her mouth slightly agape. Lindsey sat down on the floor, closer to Stevie, refilling her glass. "Your birthday is coming."

"I know, no need to remind me." 

"Don't make plans, I've made them for you."

"You did? Was it why you were gone tonight?"

"Partly."

"What are you up to, Buckingham?"

"A few short weeks and you'll find out, baby." He took a gulp before continuing. "You don't have to wear makeup for me."

"I wanted to look beautiful to myself as well, you're just biased." 

"Why is it so hard for you to believe that despite your age, despite the fact you've had three kids, you're still in great shape and you're breathtaking."

"Stop..." She looked away, but he didn't.

"It's not just what's on the outside, Stevie. The person you are makes you a thousand times prettier in my eyes. I thought we've been over this. We've made so much progress that I had you naked by the pool and here we are again."