Falling for the Goddess

Very Sweet

Adrian Blake's hands were broad, his fingers long and graceful. The slight calluses on his fingertips, formed from years of holding a pen, added a rough texture to their otherwise smooth surface. His hand wasn't particularly warm—slightly cool to the touch—but the moment his fingers entwined with hers, a tingling sensation shot through Sara Hart, spreading warmth throughout her body.

Adrian pushed the shopping cart with one hand while holding hers. Together, they navigated the bustling supermarket, weaving through the crowd toward the exit.

At the checkout counter, he finally let go, and Sara's senses seemed to linger on the moment. Even after returning home, her mind was stuck on the memory of his touch.

Adrian carried the groceries into the kitchen, neatly placing the fruits and milk into the refrigerator.

"I'll be back in three days. If you don't feel like eating at the cafeteria, ask Auntie Wang to come cook for you," he said as he rolled up his sleeves, preparing to start dinner.

Sara nodded automatically, her ears still flushed from earlier.

Adrian had taken her hand. Voluntarily.

It could have been just to protect her in the crowded supermarket, but regardless of his reasons, the thought was enough to make her giddy for hours.

The sound of the stove turning on brought her back to reality. She quickly walked into the kitchen, eager to help.

"Let me wash the vegetables," she offered, feeling it was only fair to lend a hand since Adrian was cooking.

Adrian glanced at her. "Wash the fruit instead."

"Okay!" Sara grabbed the fruit and began rinsing them.

After finishing, she stood to the side, unsure how else to help. She didn't want to leave him alone in the kitchen, so she stayed nearby, watching him work.

"You can wait outside," he said, his tone soft yet firm.

Sara shook her head. "I'll stay here and keep you company."

She tried to make conversation. "What time is your flight tomorrow?"

"Eight in the morning."

"I'll see you off then!" she offered eagerly.

"There's no need," Adrian replied, a faint smile on his lips. "Someone will pick me up."

Sara nodded reluctantly. "Alright. I'll head to the lab tomorrow, too."

Adrian turned to her briefly. "If anything comes up, call me."

Sara nodded again, not fully catching the deeper meaning in his words.

As she watched him chop and sauté with practiced ease, Sara suddenly felt a little useless just standing there. Spotting the freshly washed grapes nearby, she offered him a snack.

"Want some fruit?" she asked, picking up a grape. She peeled it carefully, holding the translucent orb out to him.

It wasn't until she extended her hand that the gesture seemed... a bit too intimate.

Adrian's gaze landed on her outstretched hand. Without a word, he leaned down and bit into the grape, his lips brushing against her fingertips briefly.

The warmth of his lips and the fleeting touch against her skin sent a jolt through her. Her face turned scarlet as she stood frozen, unsure where to look.

Adrian straightened, the corners of his lips curving slightly. "Very sweet."

Sara fled the kitchen with the fruit plate, her heart pounding.