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"Eva, you made it! Come on in," she said warmly, stepping back to let Eva enter.
"Thanks for having me over," Eva said shyly as she stepped into Claire's entryway. "And your cat is adorable."
"Her name is Daisy, and I am very glad to have some company in the kitchen tonight," Claire replied. She led the way toward the back of the house, past the living room where she set Daisy down on the couch. Eva eagerly scratched her head before following Claire.
"You have such a lovely home," Eva said sincerely, taking in the charming details that made the space feel well-lived in. She held up the loaf she had brought. "I baked some olive oil honey bread."
"That sounds amazing." Claire took the bread and inhaled deeply. "It smells incredible, I can't wait to try it."
Soon they were side-by-side in the kitchen, Claire sauteing vegetables for the pasta sauce as Eva helped mix up the salad.
Eva found herself captivated by everything about Claire - her melodic laugh, the way she bit her lip while concentrating, how their hands occasionally brushed sending little thrills through Eva. She was entangled in the best possible way. This felt like exactly where she was meant to be.
The meal came together beautifully with both women adding their talents - Claire's savory garlic pasta dish paired perfectly with Eva's fresh garden salad and the crusty olive oil bread.
Soon they were sitting down across from each other, the small dining table intimate. Candlelight flickered over their faces as they ate. Though Claire hadn't said anything about this being a date, it felt like one to Eva. And, if it was a date, it was better than most of the ones she'd ever been on.
"This pasta is incredible, Claire," Eva said after her first bite. "Seriously restaurant-quality."
Claire's cheeks flushed with pride. "You're too kind. But I'm so glad you like it." She took a bite of the bread, closing her eyes blissfully. "And this bread is so delicious! We make a great culinary team."
All too soon they had cleaned their plates. Claire began clearing the empty plates from the intimate table set for two.
"Here, let me help you with those," Eva offered, gathering up used utensils and wine glasses.
Side-by-side at the sink, Claire washed each dish as Eva dried them with a soft towel. Their arms and hands bumped together occasionally in the confined space, sending little thrills through Eva at each subtle contact.
She caught herself stealing admiring glances at Claire's face as they worked. The way she bit her lower lip in concentration, the loose strands of hair that had escaped from her ponytail, the smudge of flour on her freckled cheek from cooking earlier. Everything about her caught and then held Eva's attention. It was all she could do not to reach out and touch Claire's cheek or to hold her hand.
Through the kitchen window, the night outside called out, letting Eva know her time with Claire was almost over.
After the last pan was dried and returned to the rack, they walked slowly to the front door together. Eva turned to Claire, not wanting to say goodbye just yet, but not having an excuse, or an invitation, to stay longer either.
"Thank you for everything, the dinner and the company. I had a great time."
Claire smiled, eyes crinkling. "We should do this again soon," she suggested.
"Of course, I'm so glad you could make it," Claire replied, leaning against the door frame.
"Oh, before I go, have you heard about the meteor shower coming up next weekend?" Eva asked. "It's always a big event here. Everyone heads down to the docks to watch together."
"I haven't but it sounds like fun."
"Would you want to go together?" Eva asked, feeling suddenly shy. "I could show you the best viewing spot on the pier."
"I'd really like that," Claire softly replied.
They lingered in the moment a few more seconds before Claire pushed off from the door frame. "Well, goodnight, Eva. Get home safe."
"Thank you. Sweet dreams," Eva managed.
Claire reached out and squeezed her hand. Eva felt a shiver run through her.
With a final smile, Claire closed the door. Eva stood there a moment longer, her hand tingling, a goofy grin on her face.
As she drove home, a sense of lightness settled over her. Claire was becoming an important part of her life. The thought made her smile.
Chapter Twenty-One
