Being woken up by the fresh scent of female shampoo under my nose wasn't exactly my ideal plan—but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Lena was nestled against me, still fast asleep. Watching her like this was one of the most therapeutic things I could ever do for myself. She snored lightly, her limbs draped over me like I was her personal pillow. Her face—calm, innocent, angelic. Her lips parted just slightly. She looked peaceful, untouched by the chaos of the world.
And when she finally did open her eyes in the morning, with that slow, sleepy smile and barely tilted lashes—I could swear time stopped.
She wasn't exactly a morning person, yet she never minded waking me up for my early gym sessions. I guess, in her own way, that was love.
I thought about her more than I thought about myself lately. I'd caught myself listening to her endless playlist—the same one she kept sharing with me over and over. I found her favorite snacks from her brother, exchanged for favors he didn't even know I was fulfilling. All just to see her face light up when I got it right. Or to see that cute little pout when I didn't.
Was this what being in love was about?
I'd even considered keeping her photo on my desk at work—if only we weren't keeping things under wraps.
"Hey Ethan," Christian greeted, stepping into my office.
"What's up?" I replied casually as he adjusted the seat across from me.
He gave me a knowing look. "Okay, don't give me that innocent face. You've been acting weird lately."
"Weird? How?"
He smirked. "You stare at your phone too long. You smile for no reason. That's weird. For you."
Have I been that obvious? I thought.
"Just cut it out," he added with a grin, mimicking a lovesick expression.
I rolled my eyes. "So, have you read the email I sent you?" he asked, switching topics.
"What email?" I asked, distracted.
"The contract resolution," he said. "The client just arrived in the state, and our contact says it would be smart to make a personal impression—meet them before anyone else does."
"Right. I didn't see that. Must've missed it scrolling through."
"You might want to do something about your secretary's updates," he added.
"Speaking of secretaries—how's Lena?" he asked, not-so-subtly.
"She's good. Why?" I adjusted in my seat.
"Do you think she can accompany you to the meet-up?"
"That won't be necessary," he answered before I could. "They only speak Mandarin, and it's just an informal greet before the official meeting. She wouldn't follow much of it anyway."
I nodded, though a part of me felt disappointed. I wanted her there. I wanted to share this world with her. Even the boring business parts.
Christian stood to leave. "I'll text you the address and time."
"Got it."
Once alone, I leaned back in my chair.
Deep down, I knew Lena wanted more than words. She wanted proof that I was serious. That I cared. And what could be more serious than bringing her into my world—my real world?
Maybe Christian was right. But maybe I'd still find a way to squeeze her in.
When I got home, I was ready to dig into paperwork, but the scent of something sweet hit me the moment I walked in.
On the dining table were freshly baked cookies, perfectly shaped stars, moons, and hearts. I picked up a star and took a bite.
Heaven. Absolute heaven.
"You like it?" Lena's voice came from the doorway.
I turned, licking crumbs from my lip. "Yeah. Tastes different. I guess the chef decided to up their game. A raise must be motivating."
She smiled, stepping closer as I gestured for her to sit on my lap.
"What if it wasn't the chef who made them?" she said, settling onto me.
"Then who?" I asked, intrigued.
She leaned in and kissed me softly—sweet, just like the cookie.
"Maybe… me?"
"You're kidding," I said, stunned.
"I'm not," she replied, eyes sparkling. "It's my mom's recipe. I learned it from her."
I stared at her, amazed. "So tell me—what else are you secretly good at?"
I reached for another kiss, but my phone buzzed.
It was Christian—address and time confirmed for the client meet-up.
Lena stood up. "Maybe I should let you get to work."
"About that…" I began, grabbing her hand before she walked off. "How about you accompany me to the meet-up?"
She turned, surprised.
"I know it's short notice," I said, "but I want you there."
Her smile was all the answer I needed.
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