OFFSIDE

74

❝ When Emma falls in love, I know. ❞
« ♫ ♡ ♫ »

Pedri's POV
When I get home from training, I notice something is different as soon as I step through the door. The smell of something delicious cooking wafts through the air, and I can hear soft music playing in the background. I set my bag down and make my way further into the house, curious and a bit confused.

As I enter the living room, I'm greeted by an array of rose petals scattered across the floor, leading to the dining area. There are candles everywhere, their gentle glow casting a warm, romantic light over the room. It's clear that a lot of effort has been put into this.

"Emma?" I call out, a mix of surprise and anticipation in my voice.

She appears from the kitchen, a bright smile on her face. "Hi babe! I wanted to surprise you," she says, coming over to give me a kiss on the cheek.

"Wow, this is amazing," I say, genuinely impressed.

She has gone all out, and it is evident in every detail. The centerpiece of the meal is a beautifully arranged charcuterie board. It is an array of cured meats, including prosciutto, salami, and chorizo, accompanied by an assortment of cheeses—brie, gouda, and a sharp blue cheese. Grapes, figs, and slices of apple are nestled among the meats and cheeses, adding a fresh, sweet contrast. A small dish of honey and a few sprigs of rosemary complete the board.

Next to the charcuterie board is a large salad bowl, filled with a vibrant mix of baby spinach, arugula, and mixed greens. Juicy cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and crunchy walnuts are tossed with the greens, and a light balsamic vinaigrette is drizzled over the top, adding a tangy brightness to the dish.

Emma has also made a light pasta dish, a simple yet flavorful aglio e olio. The spaghetti is cooked to perfection, tossed with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, and garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. The aroma of garlic and olive oil fills the room, making my mouth water.

To accompany the meal, she has baked fresh bread, a crusty baguette that is still warm from the oven. It is sliced and arranged in a basket, ready to be paired with a dish of creamy butter that has been whipped and sprinkled with sea salt.

For dessert, she has prepared a small, delicate fruit tart. The buttery crust is filled with a light pastry cream and topped with a beautiful arrangement of fresh berries—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The tart sits on the counter, waiting to be enjoyed after the main meal.

Emma has thought of everything. There are even two glasses of sparkling water with lemon slices, and a bottle of chilled white wine, its label hinting at a crisp and refreshing flavor.

As I take it all in, I can't help but feel a pang of guilt. Emma's love and effort are evident in every dish, every detail. She is so deeply invested in us, in me. I can see it in the way her eyes sparkle with anticipation, waiting for my reaction.

I walk over to her, wrapping my arms around her and kissing her softly. "This is amazing, Emma," I say, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble."

Her smile widens, and she shrugs playfully. "I wanted to. You deserve it."

As we eat, I can't help but notice the way she looks at me. Her eyes are filled with adoration, and she hangs on to every word I say. It's clear she's deeply in love, and while I care about her a lot, I can't shake the feeling that my emotions don't match hers.

She's fallen hard, and I can see it in everything she does, from the way she cooks for me to the way she decorates my house. But am I in love with her? Or am I just swept up in her affection?