Twenty Two Hours

His hand felt warm over hers as she felt him move behind her. She could feel him inhaling slowly, breathing in the scent of her hair. Setting the spoon down on the counter, she threaded her fingers through his. Tilting her head for him, he laid a soft kiss on her neck. His arms wove around the woman's slender waist and she couldn't help but relax into him. He nuzzled her gently and her grin grew with a soft laugh. He rested his chin on her shoulder.1

The smell through the kitchen was intoxicating – the scent of heavy Italian spices drifted from the oven vents to fill the house. A table was set with a duet of china plates, the good silverware and elegant glasses. The cream-colored table cloth was accented with red votive candles in small mirror holders so the soft flickers of light danced across the table in an array of rainbows.2

For several minutes they stood there in silence. He rocked from side to side gently, his arms squeezing her waist ever-so-lightly. 3

A buzzer sounded from the oven. With a soft sigh, she pulled away from him and picked up a mitt. From it she pulled a foil-covered glass dish. It was set on a pot-holder on the table next to a steaming plate of vegetable melody.4

“Ez? Can you get the rolls from the bottom rack?”5

Producing the tray of rolls, he dumped them into the bread basket and carried it to the table. As he looked up to her end of the table he saw he pull the pin from her hair, a cascade of dark brown hair falling down her back just past her shoulders. She pulled off her apron, tossing it over a stool and dusting off her skirt. Her hair fell over one shoulder, tucked behind her ear. He nearly faltered in his steps at the sight of her in her nice dinner attire.6

He pulled her chair out for her and she accepted the seat, smiling as he rolled up his sleeves to pour the wine. First her glass, then his and took his to his chair.7

“This smells delicious, Adie.”8

“It does,” she agreed softly, lifting her glass. “A toast to our first meal. And first meeting.” Her eyes glittered at him from the candlelight. He lifted his glass to hers and she saw his lips curve into a soft smirk. His eyes showed sincerity and peace. Taking a sip of the wine, she set her glass down and stood, stepping to the side of the table to prepare his plate.9

He was at her side the moment she reached for the spatula. Giving him a curious look, his hand covered hers. Before she could question his action, the other hand was warm on the side and back of her neck, his thumb tilting her head and bringing her soft lips to his.10

She tensed for fleeting moment but became lost in the embrace. The spatula fell to the table, her hand on his arm as it snaked around her, holding her tightly. His strong physique held her while she melted into his welcoming arms.