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It’s not just about money and childcare and making my life easy. He’s so much more than that. Blake is wonderful in so many ways. He talks to me about anything and everything. We watch silly shows together as we talk on the phone at the end of the day. We send each other stupid messages. I feel like he’s becoming my best friend, though he would never fully take that title from his sister. He’s fantastic with Emma and she loves him to pieces. It’s something I thought I’d never see. I was so sure that I didn’t want a man in my life after Matthew, but this man…I can honestly see this being something special. That once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. I’m probably getting ahead of myself, but that’s how he makes me feel.
After a month or so, Blake finally takes a step back at the jewelry store and I almost swallow my tongue when he announces that I’ll be managing the store. I never expected it but now it makes sense why he’s been so tough on me about getting things right. I’m honored and in disbelief at the same time. I gratefully accept the position. I expect to go back to getting the bus but he’s up and dressed every morning and drops me off. He reminds me of the company car that he offered, but I’m not sure what I want more, my own car or being able to see him so often while he drives me everywhere. I’d miss our drives. I tell him that I’ll think about it.
I’m always waiting for him to stop being so nice, but he doesn’t. He’s kind and thoughtful. I’ve always been aware of his looks, so I also think about that. I love his dark, tousled hair. I fantasize about kissing him and running my hands through it. I notice that his eyes are an intense steel grey when I’d previously thought they were blue. At six foot two, he has a strong, muscular build, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline that exudes a rugged attractiveness. For the first time in years, I start paying attention to how a man looks, and it makes me weak at the knees. Just being around him makes my heart flutter and my palms sweat. I’m not sure how much longer I can resist my attraction to him.
***
As I walk out of the store, ready to head home after a long day of work, I see Blake waiting for me in his car. This time, the kids are strapped securely in their car seats. A smile immediately spreads across my face at the sight of their little faces peering out the window, their excitement palpable.
“Hey, guys!” I greet them, happy to see their excited faces.
“Hey, Lily!” he greets me with a warm smile as I approach the car. “Ready for a little adventure tonight?”
I can’t help but be intrigued by his words.
“Adventure? What do you have planned?” I quickly hop into the passenger seat. As I settle in, he turns toward me, his eyes filled with mischief.
“Well, it seems Olivia has gone out on a date with a new friend tonight. So, I thought, why don’t we have a little dinner party at her place?”
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but I can’t suppress the smile that spreads across my face.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea! I’d love to join you and the kids for dinner.”
The children’s eyes widen with excitement as they hear our plan and they cheer from the backseat. I can see their little minds working, probably wondering what delicious meal we will be preparing together. With everyone in agreement, we make our way to Olivia’s house. The car ride is filled with laughter and playful banter. Emma shares stories from their day while Blake and I exchange jokes.
As we enter the familiar threshold of Olivia’s home, it feels both familiar and foreign at the same time. I have spent countless hours here with Olivia, but now the dynamic has shifted, and I am in the company of her brother and our children.
We set the kids up with a jigsaw puzzle in the living room to preoccupy them, and then Blake and I take charge of making dinner. As we stand side by side in Olivia’s cozy kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of spices filling the air, an easy rapport forms between Blake and me. The clinking of utensils and the sizzling of ingredients provide the perfect background melody to our playful banter.
I glance over at Blake, a mischievous glimmer in my eyes. “So, Blake, tell me, do you think you’re as skilled in the kitchen as you are at flirting?”
We’ve grown closer over the past weeks and we are both feeling more comfortable in our attraction to each other. We haven’t spoken about what it means, but we’re both happy spending time together.
“Oh, Lily, you wound me! But I’ll have you know—my culinary expertise is second only to my charm.” He feigns offense, placing a hand dramatically over his heart.
I playfully roll my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips. “Is that so? Well, I guess I’ll be the judge of that. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
As we continue to chop vegetables and stir sauces, our conversation dances between light-hearted teasing and genuine curiosity. There’s a delightful rhythm to our exchange, a magnetic pull that keeps us engaged in this delicious game of verbal volley.
Blake turns to me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You know, Lily, they say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. I wonder if that applies to you.”
I raise an eyebrow, a playful challenge in my gaze.
“Oh really, Blake? Are you trying to woo me with your culinary creations?”
He smirks, his voice dripping with playful charm.
“Maybe I am. Who can resist the allure of a well-cooked meal and a charming cook?”
He’s charming. I’ll give him that.
I playfully tap a spoon against the side of the pot, my voice filled with mock seriousness. “Well, let’s see if your cooking skills live up to your flirting prowess.”
As we continue to cook, laughter and flirty remarks intertwine effortlessly. Our shared moments of tasting and seasoning become opportunities for stolen glances and lingering touches. The kitchen becomes our playground, where the simmering heat of the stove is matched only by the sizzling chemistry between us.
The sound of the kids’ laughter fills the air as they complete the puzzle, their sense of accomplishment evident in their smiles. They bounce into the kitchen, their energy contagious, and eagerly set the dining table in Olivia’s best cutlery and table pieces, proud of their contribution.
“Come on now guys, it’s ready!” Blake announces.
