Hidden Flames..

Chapter 21

Ethan couldn't shake the thought of a quiet evening with Lily, without any pretense of running into each other or stolen glances in public. After a few days of deliberating, he finally sent her a message.

Ethan: "How about dinner at my place tonight? Just us. No secret looks from across the café."

Lily's heart skipped at the invitation. She quickly typed back, trying to keep her cool.

Lily: "Sounds nice. Are you cooking or should I brace myself for takeout?"

Ethan: "Cooking. I promise it'll be edible."

By evening, Lily found herself standing outside Ethan's apartment door, feeling a bit nervous as she smoothed down her dress and took a steadying breath. It was just dinner, she reminded herself—just a friendly evening between two people who'd known each other for years. But her heart knew better.

When Ethan opened the door, he was in a casual button-down, sleeves rolled up, an apron lightly dusted with flour around his waist. His smile was warm and welcoming. "Right on time," he said, stepping aside to let her in.

The rich aroma of garlic, herbs, and simmering tomatoes greeted her, and she raised an eyebrow, impressed. "So, you actually cook?"

He laughed, leading her toward the kitchen. "I wanted to make it special. I figured you've seen me order takeout enough."

They moved into a comfortable rhythm as Ethan finished cooking, and Lily couldn't help but admire the relaxed, at-home side of him. She watched him from across the counter, marveling at how natural this felt, the quiet intimacy of just being together. Then, with a warm smile, Ethan handed her two plates of pasta.

"Here, hold these," he said, his voice soft but commanding. "Careful—don't drop them."As she looked up, balancing the plates, she noticed a sudden intensity in his gaze. He leaned down, closing the distance, and before she could react, his lips were on hers, capturing her in a kiss that was tender and full of unspoken feelings. Her hands were full, caught between them, but she instinctively leaned into him, her heart racing as the world melted away around them.The kiss lingered, his lips pressing softly against hers, deepening into something more passionate, more certain. It was as though every stolen glance, every unspoken word, and every hidden feeling between them was finally being revealed in that single, breathless moment.

When they finally pulled apart, Lily stared up at him, cheeks flushed, the plates still in her hands. She tried to catch her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. Ethan's eyes were filled with something she'd never seen before—a vulnerability that both thrilled and terrified her.

"You know... you could have waited until my hands were free," she whispered, a teasing smile playing at her lips.

Ethan chuckled, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "Sorry," he murmured, though his expression held no regret. "I just couldn't help myself."

Lily set the plates on the table, her hands finally free as she looked back at him. The air between them was charged, thick with all the things they hadn't said. She took a step closer, emboldened by the kiss they'd just shared.

"So, is this what you meant by a quiet dinner?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Ethan smiled, reaching out to gently take her hand in his. "Dinner's just the start."