Sugar And Spice

Chapter 10

“This has to be the best food I've ever eaten.” Nicholas said seriously, before putting another fork of food into his mouth.

I was embarrassed with all his compliments when I only made us both lasagne and garlic bread, something so cheap I was sure he was just trying to be nice.

“I'm not really that good of a cook...” I look away from his eyes and then reach out to grab my glass of wine.
“It's my mom's recipe, and probably the only thing I know how to cook that's edible.”

“I love it, and I rarely say those words.” He grinned as I looked back at him, his plate now empty.

“I'm going to become addicted to this if you keep spoiling me though, I'm not sure you'd quite like me around all the time.” He joked as I laughed.

“I don't know.” I shrug. “I could use a live-in maid.” I joke, causing him to laugh.

“How's the benefits?” He played alone, resting his chin on his hand. “Do I at least get paid in kisses?”

I almost choked on my drink, as he started laughing and then handed me a paper napkin that was in front of me, whilst moving seats to come and sit next to me.

It took a moment for me to register just how close Nicholas had gotten as he sat next to me, I felt like I could feel his body heat without even touching him.

“I've been thinking, and don't take this the wrong way.” Nicholas talks slowly, making me look at him.

“Why haven't you asked me anything private?”

I looked at him in confusion. “What do you mean ‘private’?”

He hummed out and then smiled at me lazily as his eyes stared into mine.

“I want to know more about you, your life, your dreams, likes and dislikes… and I want to share those with you too, but you haven't asked me, I'm wondering why.”

I just stare at him, and then start to laugh, as his serious face turns to confusion.

“What?” He asks, and I cover my mouth, to hide my grin.

“It's just…” I clear my throat. “Why haven't you asked me?” I ask, as his eyebrows furrow.

“I… didn't think of it.” He said plainly, making me stare at him in utter astonishment.

“I'm used to people asking these things first… now I see how strange that really is.” He ran his fingers through his blonde hair and then smiled at me apologetically.

“Tell me something then, what do you dislike?” He asks as I think about the question.

What did I dislike? Has anybody ever asked me that before?

It was such a simple question, but the more I tried to think of something to say, the more I had nothing to come up with, other than the obvious.

My family.

I didn't want to say that though, not whilst the mood was nice, and he was having a good time with me.

“I guess… surprises.” I said, being the only other thing I didn't enjoy.

“Really…” He hummed. “And your likes?”

“What does Charlie Thornfill like?”

“That one should be quite obvious.” I joke, as he smiles at me, playing ignorant.

“Fine, if I have to say it… baking, I like, if not love baking, ever since I was young enough to read a cookbook.”

“I'd bake with my mom after school every Wednesday and Friday, it became our ritual until my parents split up.” I drink the rest of my wine, avoiding Nicholas's intense eyes looking at me.