As Bella finished mixing the cookie dough, the rich aroma of the shrimp Alfredo wafted through the kitchen, making everyone's mouth water. Elizabeth, eager to dive into the meal, started dishing out the creamy pasta onto plates.
“Here, let me help with the table,” she said, carrying the plates over to the dining area. She set them down carefully, arranging everything with a flourish. “I can’t wait to see Lucas’s face when he tries your Alfredo. It’s legendary!”
Bella followed with the garlic bread, the golden crust glistening with butter and garlic. “Just wait until you taste it, Lucas. I promise you’ll want to come back for seconds... or thirds,” she said with a wink.
Lucas chuckled, taking a seat at the table as Elizabeth finished placing the utensils and napkins. “I’m already sold. The way you both are talking, I feel like I’m about to experience a culinary masterpiece.”
With everything set, Elizabeth clapped her hands together, excitement radiating from her. “Okay, let’s eat! I’m starving!”
They all took their seats, and Bella served up the pasta with a flourish, making sure everyone had a generous portion. The three of them gathered around the table, the atmosphere lively and warm.
“Here’s to a great meal and an even better friendship,” Elizabeth declared, raising her fork.
Lucas laughed, lifting his fork in response. “I’ll drink to that!”
Bella smiled at her friends, feeling a swell of gratitude. “Thanks for being here, you two. It’s nice to share this with you.”
As they began to eat, the conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and lighthearted banter. Bella watched as Lucas and Elizabeth joked back and forth, her heart feeling full. It was moments like these that made all the chaos worth it, reminding her of the bonds they had forged through thick and thin.
After they finished their meal, Elizabeth jumped up to grab the cookie dough from the counter. “Alright, time for dessert!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Bella smiled, feeling content as the kitchen transformed into a lively hub of energy. The evening was shaping up to be perfect, and she couldn’t wait to see what Lucas thought of her cookies.
As Bella rinsed off the last dish, she felt the warmth of Lucas's body against hers. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close, and she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her back. The soft hum of the kitchen was a comforting backdrop to their intimate moment.
"I have a one-week getaway booked for us," he murmured against her lips, his breath sending shivers down her spine. "Just a simple getaway. I need more time with you."
Excitement bubbled inside her as she turned to face him, her heart racing at the thought of escaping their busy lives together. "Really? Where are we going?" she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.
Lucas smiled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "It's a surprise, but I promise you'll love it. Just you and me, no distractions."
Before she could respond, he leaned in, capturing her lips with his. The kiss was filled with passion, a perfect blend of longing and affection. Bella melted into him, her hands moving to his shoulders as she kissed him back with equal fervor.
When they finally pulled apart, both breathless, Bella couldn't help but smile up at him. "I can’t wait. This sounds perfect," she said, feeling a sense of giddiness at the prospect of their getaway.
Lucas brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his gaze softening. "I want to make more memories with you, Bella. You mean so much to me."
Her heart swelled at his words, feeling cherished and loved. “You mean a lot to me too, Lucas. I’m looking forward to this.”
YOU ARE READING
An Unforgiving Love
Roman d'amourCaptain Lucas Morani has just returned home after five grueling years of military service in Iraq, his mind constantly occupied by thoughts of the woman he left behind. But when he arrives to find his girlfriend has moved on with his own brother, th...
