Netflix And Chill

When Maddox came out, wearing his own hotel robe, he found Elira in the kitchenette. She'd changed into comfortable clothes—soft pants and an oversized sweater that somehow made her look both casual and elegant.

"I ordered room service," she said without looking up from the stove. "But I thought I'd make us something while we wait."

"You cook?"

She laughed, the sound lighter than he'd heard from her all evening. "I'm a nutritionist, Eric. Of course I cook."

Right. That made sense.

She was making something simple—pasta with what looked like a cream sauce. The smell filled the small kitchen area, warm and comforting.

"Can I help?" he asked.

"Just sit." She nodded toward the small dining table. "You've done enough tonight."

He wasn't sure what she meant by that, but he did as she asked. Watching her move around the kitchen was oddly soothing. She worked with quiet efficiency, tasting the sauce, adjusting seasonings.