As Lucien stepped into the kitchen, the rich aroma of the meal enveloped him, instantly making him feel at home. Ella stood at the counter, her back turned to him as she arranged the plates. His heart raced at the sight of her, the way her hair cascaded over her shoulders, the gentle sway of her hips as she moved.
“Hey, you,” Ella said over her shoulder, a bright smile breaking across her face as she turned to greet him. “I hope you’re hungry. I made dinner, and I want to see if you enjoy it.”
Lucien’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he stepped closer, taking in the feast before him: perfectly seasoned fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and vibrant rice and peas. “It smells incredible,” he replied, leaning against the counter, his gaze fixed on her. “You really outdid yourself.”
“Just a little something I whipped up,” Ella said, her cheeks flushing slightly at his compliment. “I already ate with Blake, but I saved some for you. I really want to know what you think.”
He picked up a piece of chicken and took a bite, the flavors exploding in his mouth. The crunch of the fried skin gave way to tender, juicy meat, and he couldn’t help but moan softly at the taste. “Holy hell, Ella,” he exclaimed, his eyes widening in delight. “This is amazing! The spices are perfect.”
Ella laughed, her heart swelling with pride at his reaction. “Really? You like it?”
“Like it? I love it,” he said, taking another generous bite. “This is better than anything I’ve had in a long time.”
“Good,” she replied, her smile wide. “I’m glad you think so. I was a little nervous.”
Lucien watched her, the way her eyes sparkled with excitement. “You have nothing to worry about. You’re an incredible cook. I’d be happy to eat this every night.”
“Careful, or I might take that seriously,” she teased, leaning against the counter next to him.
As he finished the chicken, Lucien couldn’t help but admire her. “You really did this for me?”
“Of course,” Ella said, her expression earnest. “I wanted to show you I care. I know your world is… complicated, and I wanted to bring some normalcy into it.”
Lucien nodded, the weight of her words settling on him. He appreciated her effort more than she realized. “You have no idea how much this means to me, Ella. It’s moments like this that remind me there’s more to life than just my reality.”
Ella reached out, gently touching his arm. “I’m glad. We can create our own moments, you know? No matter what’s happening around us.”
He smiled softly at her words, feeling a warmth spreading through him. “I’d like that.”
As they continued to talk and laugh, the atmosphere felt light and inviting. The complexities of their worlds faded into the background, replaced by a sense of comfort and connection.
After finishing the meal, Lucien looked around the kitchen, feeling content. “What’s for dessert?” he asked, raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk.
Ella chuckled, her heart racing at the thought of him sticking around longer. “How about some ice cream? I have a few flavors in the freezer.”
“Sounds perfect,” Lucien replied, his eyes glinting with mischief. “But only if you promise to share.”
“Deal,” she said, her heart fluttering at the playful banter.
As she moved to the freezer, Lucien couldn’t help but admire her once more. In this moment, with the delicious food and her laughter filling the air, he felt a sense of peace. It was a fleeting escape from the chaos of his life, and he was grateful for every second.
Ella scooped generous portions of pistachio ice cream into two bowls, the creamy green treat contrasting beautifully with the vibrant kitchen. She handed one to Lucien, who accepted it with a grateful smile, their fingers brushing lightly.
“Pistachio, huh? Bold choice,” he teased, his playful tone making her laugh.
“Hey, it’s a classic,” she shot back, settling on the counter beside him. “Besides, it’s one of my favorites. You’ll see why.”
They took their first bites simultaneously, the cool sweetness melting in their mouths. Ella watched Lucien’s expression as he savored the flavor, his eyes closing momentarily in bliss. “Okay, I see what you mean,” he admitted, grinning at her. “This is delicious. Who knew you had such great taste?”
“Only the best for you,” Ella replied, her heart racing at the underlying meaning in her words. She hoped he felt the same spark between them.
As they continued to eat, the atmosphere around them felt warm and intimate. Ella could hear the soft sounds of their spoons clinking against the bowls and their light laughter filling the space. “So, what’s next for you?” she asked, genuinely curious as she took another spoonful.
Lucien paused, his gaze drifting away as if pondering the complexities of his life. “Honestly? I’m not sure. With everything going on, it’s hard to think about anything other than the immediate problems. But I want to change that,” he said, looking back at her. “I want to focus on things that matter—like this,” he added, gesturing between them.
Ella’s heart swelled at his words. “I’m glad to hear that. You deserve some happiness, Lucien. We both do.”
His expression softened, and he reached out, placing his hand over hers. “You make me feel like I can have that happiness, Ella. It’s hard to explain, but I’m grateful for you.”
She met his gaze, feeling the sincerity in his eyes. “You don’t have to explain. I get it. Just promise me you won’t shut me out, no matter how complicated things get.”
“Promise,” he said, his thumb gently brushing over her knuckles. “I won’t shut you out.”
As they finished their ice cream, Ella couldn’t shake the feeling of how right this moment felt. Surrounded by the remnants of their meal and the echoes of their laughter, she realized she wanted to hold onto this connection, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
“Want to go for a walk?” she suggested, her excitement bubbling over. “It’s a beautiful evening, and I think it’d be nice to enjoy the fresh air.”
Lucien’s eyes sparkled at her suggestion. “That sounds perfect. I’d love to.”
They both got up, and Ella grabbed her jacket while Lucien slipped on his. As they headed for the door, a sense of anticipation filled the air. This evening was only just beginning, and Ella felt ready to embrace whatever came next, with Lucien by her side.
YOU ARE READING
Whispers in Secret
Romance*** A Steamy Romance *** Ella Montgomery is a fiercely determined law student at Oxford University, juggling her ambitious studies while harboring an undeniable secret crush on Lucien Storm, her father's charismatic best friend. From the moment she...
