“Yes, it’s all set. All I want you to do is enjoy yourself.”
“I can’t help a little?” She puckered out her bottom lip.
His mouth twitched into a grin. “Fine, I’ll find something for you to help with.” He kissed her cheek. “I think you’re using me as a pushover.”
She touched a hand to her chest. “I would never.” She inched closer. “Besides, I love you.”
He ran his forefinger along her jawline. “I love you too. I’ll see you tonight.” He planted one last kiss to her lips, and then he exited the building.
Leah stood in place for a moment. Would it always be this way between her and Cole? She blinked as she inhaled deeply to get her bearings.
****
Cole rubbed his hands together as his doorbell rang. He already finished the smothered steaks, and his mashed potatoes he seasoned to perfection. He hurried to the door to find Leah holding Chip in her arms.
“You brought our guest,” he said.
She entered the living room and set Chip down on the hardwood floors. Her eyes widened at the space. “Cole…”
His home was a mixture of traditional and modern design. A TV mounted the wall and end tables held lamps and coasters, compliments of his mother. Cole followed behind her as she admired his new place. A brick fireplace with a mantel, an area rug on the mahogany floor, and his own pictures decorated the walls.
Curtains framed his windows, while built-in bookshelves held a few of his classic reads. Next Leah explored the kitchen which didn’t need much updating. A hanging rack with pots and pans dangled from the ceiling and tiled flooring stressed the stainless-steel appliances.
“What do you think?” he asked.
She beamed as they made eye contact. “I love it. It suits you.”
He inched closer. “Did I give you a proper hello?”
A low pleasant hum slipped from her lips. “What do you mean by proper?”
He bracketed her waist in his arms. “Well, people usually say ‘Hi, how are you?’”
“No, you didn’t say that.” Leah stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I guess something distracted you.”
“But see it goes deeper if the person is your significant other.”
“How so?” She licked her lips.
“Well, a proper greeting for a person in that category would be a hug or…”
“Or what?”
He brought their mouths within the same breathing space. “Guess.” Then he covered her lips with his. He listened as she sighed and only cradled her closer. When he pulled away, he pressed his forehead against hers.
“I guess you didn’t give me a proper greeting,” she said.
“Should I try again?”
“I think so.”
He kissed her again, but Chip’s barks disturbed them. The couple smiled against each other’s lips.
Epilogue
Two years later…
“You look beautiful.” Cole cradled Leah’s face in his hands, softly kissing her lips.