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“Tim, this is really good,” Lucy sighed blissfully as she took a mouthful of salmon.
They were seated at Tim's dining table, which he had carefully placed two lit candles and a small vase of flowers. It was their third date, and Tim had offered to cook for her, something he'd been excited yet nervous about all week.
He had made a simple dish of maple glazed salmon, herbed rice and grilled asparagus. In his opinion, the salmon was cooked to perfection, its sweet and savoury glaze glistening with the candle light. The rice was fluffy and fragrant and the asparagus had a slight smokiness from the grill. Still he watched Lucy with a mix of anticipation and pride, his blue eyes reflecting the soft light. He had wanted the evening to be special, and her reaction was exactly what he had hoped for.
“I'm glad you like it,” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “I wanted to do something special for us.”
Lucy reached for her glass of white wine. Taking a small sip before replying, her eyes sparkling with affection. “You definitely succeeded.”
“Easiest thing in the world to do,” said Tim, digging into his own plate, trying to downplay his efforts.
Lucy reached a hand out to squeeze his arm, “Still, thank you. All the years we've worked together, the most you've done is order take out. It's nice to know you can cook.”
Tim's ears tinged red, and he rolled his eyes playfully. “Yeah well, I don't cook for just anyone… don’t let it go to your head.”
“Too late,” Lucy grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She took another bite of the salmon, savouring the delicate flavours. “This is definitely going to my head. I’m going to start expecting gourmet meals every time.”
Tim chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh no, what have I started? Next thing I know, you’ll be demanding breakfast in bed.”
“I wouldn’t say no to that,” she teased.
Tim leaned back in his chair, watching her with a fond smile. “I suppose I could manage that… for you.”
Lucy’s heart fluttered at his words, the sincerity in his eyes making her feel special. “You’re full of surprises, Tim Bradford.”
He shrugged, a modest smile playing on his lips. “I guess you bring out the best in me, Chen.”
They continued their meal, sharing stories of their day, and making small talk.
After finishing their meal, Lucy leaned back in her chair with a contented sigh. “That was amazing, Tim. Thank you.”
She reached for his plate, stacking it on her own before standing.
“What are you doing? Sit back down.” Tim protested.
“No. You cooked, it's only fair I help you clean up.” Lucy insisted, heading toward the kitchen.
Tim shook his head, smiling as he followed her. “Alright, but only because I know better than to argue with you.”
Tim started rinsing the dishes while Lucy grabbed a dish towel and began drying. Tim then began to put away the dishes she had neatly piled on the counter.
Lucy admired the efficiency and ease with which Tim moved around his kitchen, a side of him she rarely got to see at work.
“You're staring,” Tim smirked, turning toward her. He backed her into his island, arms on either side of her.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, tilting her head to look up at him. “Can't help it, my boyfriend is hot, and I get to look all I want now.”
“Hmmm, can't say I really have a problem with that.” He whispered, leaning to capture her lips in a slow kiss.
At that moment, Kojo padded into the kitchen, his tags jangling and tail wagging expectantly.
Lucy pulled away from Tim, her face lighting up. “Hey there, Kojo! Feel like going for a walk?”
Tim chuckled as Kojo’s tail wagged even faster. “I think that’s a yes.”
They grabbed Kojo’s leash and headed out the door, stepping into the cool evening air. The neighbourhood was quiet, with a few stars starting to peek out from the darkening sky.
Tim handed her Kojo’s leash, and she took it with a smile. “He’s such a good boy,” she said, scratching behind Kojo’s ears as they walked.
They returned to the house, and Tim unlocked the door, letting Kojo inside first. As they stepped back into the cozy warmth of the home, Lucy turned to Tim, a soft smile on her lips. “I don't want to leave.”
Tim shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes, “You could stay for a while. We can watch something on TV.” He offered.
Lucy took off her shoes, and made her way to the living room. “That sounds perfect,” she said, settling onto the couch and grabbing one of the throw blankets draped over the back.
Tim joined her, sitting on the opposite end with the remote in his hand. Kojo leapt onto the couch, positioning himself comfortably between them, his tail wagging happily.
“Alright, what do you want to watch?” Tim asked, scrolling through the options.
“True crime documentary?” Lucy suggested, snuggling further into her blanket.
Tim pulled a face, “Like we don't get enough of that at work? Not happening.”
Lucy rolled her eyes. “Okay, how about something light and fun, like…. Oh! How about a romantic comedy?”
Tim didn't say anything, only narrowed his eyes at her before continuing to click the remote.
They continued to scroll through the options, each vetoing the other’s suggestions, until Lucy’s eyes lit up. “How about a cooking competition? It’s fun, light, and we can laugh at the contestants.”
Tim paused, considering. “You know what? That’s actually not a bad idea.”
Lucy grinned triumphantly. “See? Compromise.”
Tim selected the show, and they settled back into the couch, Kojo comfortably nestled between them.
A few minutes passed, and Lucy noticed Tim tapping his fingers on the arm of the couch and bouncing his foot lightly. It wasn't until he sighed heavily that she decided to speak up.
“Do you not like the show?” she asked, glancing at him with concern.
Tim waved his hand dismissively. “No, no. Nothing like that.”
Lucy reached for the remote and paused the show. “Well, what’s wrong then? Out with it.”
Tim sighed heavily again, mumbling something under his breath that Lucy couldn’t quite make out.
“What?”
Tim looked away but spoke louder this time. “It’s just that... You’re all the way over there, and I’m… here.”
Lucy’s eyes crinkled with amusement, and she began to giggle uncontrollably. “Tim Bradford! Are you… pouting?”
Tim’s cheeks tinged slightly pink as he gave her a sheepish look. “I’m not pouting. I just thought we’d be sitting a bit closer, that’s all.”
Lucy’s laughter softened, and she scooted closer, gently nudging Kojo out of the way until she was right next to Tim. She then moved to straddled his lap kissing him softly. “Better?”
Tim’s expression relaxed, a small smile playing on his lips. “Much better.”
Lucy gave him another soft kiss before scooting to sit next to him, her feet draped over his lap and head resting on his shoulder. They resumed the show, and Tim wrapped his arm around Lucy’s shoulders, pulling her even closer. Kojo, content with his new position, rested his head on Lucy’s feet.
As they continued to watch the cooking competition, Lucy couldn’t help but tease him a little. “You know, for a tough guy, you sure can be a softie.”
Tim chuckled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Only for you, Lucy. Only for you.”