LOVE'S QUAGMIRE [18+]

Chapter 37: Moments

"How's the food?"Zephyr asked as I chewed a bite of the food he made. He wasn't eating anything himself, just serving me and feeding me first.

I was chewing a piece of garlic bread when he held up the next bite, ready and waiting.

"Come on, this one is waiting for you," he said, sounding like a parent feeding their child. He stuffed another bite into my mouth, this time mac and cheese.

"It's really delicious," I managed to say with my mouth full. He made all the food himself and didn't even ask for my help. I insisted, but he just asked me for one thing: to watch him while he cooked. That made me bite my inner cheek, feeling a bit shy and flattered.

"Seriously?" he scoffed, raising an eyebrow. I looked at him to read his reaction. He seemed kinda serious, which made me immediately nod. Maybe he didn't trust me or something.

He chuckled and spoke while feeding me another bite, "Well, I've never cooked before, so I had no idea it would turn out this great."

I felt a warm flutter in my chest when he spoke. Seeing him so focused on making sure I was well-fed, serving me first, and putting so much effort into cooking, despite never having done it before, showed just how much he cared. This caring side of him was so different from his controlled demeanor, and I loved it.

He always made sure I got the best of everything, from dresses to experiences. His attentiveness made me feel cherished. I wanted time to stop so I could hold onto these moments of him being cute, romantic, and caring. But more than just his care I wanted to be his equal, to share in everything we did together. I wanted to cook with him, laugh with him, and face challenges together.

 His smile was contagious, and I couldn't help but grin back at him. 

 "Thank you for doing all this."

He looked up with his eyes softened, and he leaned in to brush a stray hair from my face. "Anything for you, love," he said softly. "I want you to enjoy every second we're together."

He gave me another bite while I glanced over at Richard, who was eating hay. The sight made me smile.

 "Then how do you know how to make all of this?" I asked him while looking towards Richard.

"It's your favorite, so of course, I had to learn every single thing that makes you happy," he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

 I felt a blush creep up my cheeks and looked at him while licking my lips in shyness.

After I finished eating, Zephyr served himself a glass of wine and a plate of salad.

"Why are you eating that?" I questioned. "There's still so much food left to finish." I glanced over at the bowls of mac and cheese and the plate of garlic bread that remained mostly untouched.

"I don't eat that," he replied simply and continued eating his salad.

 My curious ass pressed me, "Why not?"

He shrugged, "Heavy foods have never been my preference. I tend to lean towards lighter meals."

I couldn't help but bite my lower lip, feeling a mix of emotions wash over me. As I glanced at Zephyr, who was focused on his food, I couldn't help but feel grateful for his care and attention. He had cooked for me and made sure I ate first, but seeing him not eat anything he prepared himself left me feeling sad.

 Zephyr is a good man, but sometimes he's hard to understand. He can be violent over small things and mistakes, hurting others and even me. But then, he shows his gentle side, and it's hard to believe he was ever aggressive.