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Amyra's POV...

After confessing how we both felt for each other, Luca became more expressive and open to me. We sat for hours just talking and poking fun at each other, it was so relaxing.

And the next day, he was able to take some time off work and stay with me until the Doctors have the all clear.

Once they did, he insisted he wheeled me to his car before going to a drive-through to get some chicken nuggets.

***

" How do you feel? ", he asks for the tenth time today, making me giggle.

" I'll get sick watching you walk around like that. ", he chuckles, then sits beside me in our bed.

" Sorry. I just feel like it's my fault you got sick again. "

" How so? "

" Well, for one, I didn't make sure you were out of the tub in time PLUS I was the one who insisted that we have coffee in the cold. "

" If you didn't insist on us having coffee, then I wouldn't have found out about my infection. ", I state to which he smiles.

" So, what does my wife want to eat right now? "

" I'm not sure. I'll just ask Evelyn to make anything she feels like. "

" No. I want to cook for you. ", he insists.

" You know how to cook? ", I ask, clearly surprised.

" No, I don't. ", he says sheepishly before continuing, " But I'm amazing at following recipes in cook books. ", he grins.

" So? What would you like?

" Uhm.. anything you'd like. Surprise me. ", I say.

He kisses my forehead, brushing his nose against mine. " As you wish, princess. Be right back. ", he grins.

***

I'm mid-sleep when I suddenly sense some movement around me. I open my eyes and Luca is about to leave the room.

" Hey, where are you going? ", I ask,

my voice still groggy from sleep.

" Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. I already made your meal but I didn't have the heart to wake you. ", he smiles sheepishly.

" It's okay. I feel stronger now. What'd you make? ", I sit up and he brings the tray closer to me.

" Well, I made you Pasta Carbonara since you really like pasta and I'm gonna be honest here, Evelyn helped me. ", he chuckles, all the while setting out the cutlery for me.

" Taste it and tell me what you think. "

I bite my lip as I pick up the fork, inhaling the faint scent of rosemary.

I can't help but moan at the amazing blend of different tastes in my mouth. Taking another bite, I can't help but grin at Luca.

" This is amazing, Luca. You're sure you don't cook? ", I ask as I keep eating.

" This is probably the best pasta I've had in forever. Thanks for this. "

He only chuckles and watches as I stuff my face.

" I'm glad you like it. I just had Evelyn direct me cos I did say that I'd cook for you so.. yeah. "

" You should really cook for me more. Don't you want some? ", I ask, bringing the fork up to his lips.

He holds my hand, wraps his lips around the fork and slowly takes the pasta into his mouth, all the while, staring at me.

" Delicious. ", he says.

I have to clear my throat, looking anywhere but at him as I pack up the dirty dishes to the side afterwards.

He acts like nothing happened while I in the other hand keep blushing like a raspberry. After making sure I've had my meds, he takes the tray back to the kitchen.

It's hot in here.

***

" So, I was thinking.. if you'd like to go out to dinner with me. ", he casually throws in, in between our conversation.

" Uhm.. like a date? ", I blush.

" Yup, like a date. ", he confirms while tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear.

" So.. what'd you say? Date? "

" I'd love to. Where do you have in mind? "

He flops beside me, arms beneath his head as he stares at the ceiling.

" How about you decide that? Where have you always wanted to have dinner? "

Oh, wow.

Where have I always wanted to have dinner?

Hmm...

" I've actually always wanted to try out a pizza place. I've never had one of those before. "

He gives me the strangest look and sits up.

" Really? You're kidding. "

I'm not actually. My parents strictly forbade junk food in the house and in our bodies and I was always the compliant daughter.

Pizza was on the top 10 list.

" Actually, I'm not kidding. I've never tried it. ", I smile and punch his forearm when he laughs at me.

" Hey! It's not funny so don't laugh at me. "

" I'm sorry, I'm sorry, really. You know I don't mean to make fun of you. You know what? We're having a pizza date tonight. I'll call at the pizza place and order as many as I can. "

" No way, that's too much cheese. I don't wanna be fat. ", I frown, making him chuckle.

" Being fat isn't such a bad thing. It just means that there's more of you to cuddle. "

" You're so weird. ", I frown even more before getting out of bed to use the restroom.

In there, I take a good look at myself in the mirror, smiling at my reflection.

Everything just seems so perfect at the moment that I'm terrified of ruining it in the long run.

I'll end up screwing it up, one way or another.

I'm certain.

***

Days Later...

" Who are you here to see? "

" Uhm.. Mr Dawson. "

" Do you have an appointment? If no, you can't see him. ", the lady says, obviously displeased as she stares at me.

" My name is Amyra Dawson. His wife, so I don't think I'd need an appointment. And besides, I'm trying to surprise him. ", I try to reason but everything I say falls on deaf ears.

" What's going on here? ", a familiar voice asks.

" Hey, princess. What are you doing here? ", Luca asks as I walk up to him. He hugs me before looking at the lady in confusion.

" Emilie, why would you make my wife wait to see me? You of all people should know that she's welcome here, anytime. Go to your station, we'll talk about this later. ", he says sternly.

She mumbles an apology before leaving in the opposite direction.

" So sorry about that, princess. ", he murmurs as he hugs me again.

I bite my lip, blushing as we walk hand in hand to his office.

" It's okay. I wanted to surprise you though. ", I say, making him grin.

" Thank you. I just had a very stressful meeting so it's a huge relief to see you. What's that? ", he asks as he lets me into his office.

" Oh yeah. ", I say as I place the bag I've been carrying on his desk.

" I made some pie for my mom and decided to bring you a slice. Your company is actually on the way to their house. ", I say, bringing out the plastic container.

" It's blueberry pie. ", I say, walking over to his fridge to get a glass and a bottle of juice.

" Can't wait to taste this. ", he smiles, sitting and grabbing the spoon.

" It's actually your mom's recipe. But I added some twists of my own. "

He takes a bite of the pie, sighing in content as he eats some more.

" This is so good, princess. Why don't you become a chef or something? You're an amazing cook. Come here. ", he signals at me and once I'm close enough, he secures me on his legs, wrapping his arms around me.

" I don't want it to seem like I'm dimming your light here. ", he says as he tucks some stray strands away from my face.

" I've been thinking about it too but I wasn't sure how you'd take it. ", I murmur.

" If you haven't noticed, I want us BOTH to have a say in this marriage. So, do what makes you happy, hm? ", I nod and he sneakily plants a quick kiss on my lips.

" Who is that girl though? Emilie? "

" Oh her? She's my secretary. "

" She doesn't like me. ", I chuckle as I adjust his necktie.

She seemed so rude earlier and trust me, I'd know if it was an attitude problem.

I've spent years studying my sister.

" Don't worry about her. ", Luca says, reassuringly.

" Okay. I won't. "

•••

August 1st, 2022

9:58 pm