Griffen's Point of ViewI move through the kitchen, my feet bare on the cool floor, and my jeans still a little wet after the swim in the lake. I am already halfway through prepping my favorite meal. The ribeyes are out on the counter, thick cuts, marbled just right, resting and coming to room temperature, because a good steak never hits a pan cold.The mashed potatoes are nearly done. I have boiled them and they are now soft enough to fall apart with just a little nudge. Now I am adding in all the good stuff, like real butter, heavy cream, and plenty of minced garlic. The scent hits me instantly, warm and rich. I mix until they are creamy but still have just a little texture. Comfort in a bowl.On the stovetop, the green beans are already sizzling in a pan with a healthy slab of butter, a pinch of sea salt, and a generous amount of cracked black pepper. I stir them gently, letting the butter coat everything as the beans soften just enough to keep their bite.The kitchen smells like h
Aria's Point of ViewWarm light washes over the tiled floor, soft and golden, a gentle contrast to the cool air brushing against my skin. I cross to the shower and turn the taps, the old pipes groaning before the water begins to flow. I hold my hand under the stream, waiting, watching the temperature rise as steam starts to curl and dance through the air.When the water is just right, hot enough to chase away the lake chill but not so hot that it burns, I step under the spray. It hits me in a wave, and I close my eyes as warmth spills over my shoulders, trailing down my back, wrapping around me like a blanket. I let out a quiet breath that I did not know I was holding in.For a moment, I just stand there, letting the water pour over me, washing away the long day, the laughter, the nerves, the anticipation that is still humming somewhere deep in my chest.I reach for the shampoo, working it into my hair until it’s thick with suds, the scent soft and familiar. I tilt my head back to rin
Aria's Point of ViewI run my fingers gently over the delicate fairy lights strung along the low branches above the picnic blanket. The tiny bulbs feel warm beneath my touch, glowing like fireflies caught in a dream. The whole setup is soft, warm, thoughtful and completely unexpected.When Griffen said he was planning a surprise for me, I didn’t imagine this.I lower myself onto the blanket, tucking my dress beneath my legs. The sunlight dances across the surface of the lake just beyond us, and a soft breeze stirs the trees. I glance over the spread of food, fresh bread, cheeses, fruit, and bite sized things arranged so neatly I wonder if he practiced.It’s… perfect.Griffen lowers himself next to me and reaches for a bottle of champagne chilling in a small bucket. Without a word, he pops the cork and pours the golden liquid into two flutes. He hands me mine, his fingers brushing mine, and offers a crooked smile.“To our future,” he says, voice lower than usual, like the words mean mo
Griffen's Point of ViewI step into the kitchen and stop cold at the sight in front of me.Aria is already awake, and busy in the kitchen. Barefoot, with her back to me as she hums quietly and wipes down the counter. Her hair is still a little wild from sleep, half tamed in a messy ponytail, and she is wearing the pajama shorts I picked out for her during that ridiculous clothing game at the shop. The tank top that she’s paired with them leaves her shoulders bare, her soft skin catching the morning light.I lean against the doorway silently, coffee forgotten for the moment, as I stand there, just watching her. There’s something about this, her here in my kitchen, moving like she belongs here. The thought catches me slightly off guard. The scene in front of me is domestic, simple… real. A version of life I never imagined that I’d want, and now I can’t stop wanting it.She must feel my eyes on her, because she turns suddenly, and when she spots me, her face brightens with a smile that h
Griffen's Point of ViewSteam rises gently from the lasagna as I take my first bite. The melted cheese stretches a little from the fork before I manage to catch it, and the moment it hits my tongue, everything else fades away for a few seconds.Rich. Savory. Perfectly seasoned. It’s warm and comforting in a way that catches me off guard.I look across the table at Aria, her eyes watching me intensely with a mix of curiosity and quiet nerves. I don’t even try to hide my reaction.“Okay,” I say, shaking my head with a grin. “This is honestly the best lasagna that I have ever tasted.”She ducks her head slightly, that small, shy smile of hers tugging at the corner of her lips. “Thank you,” she murmurs softly, her cheeks flushed with a soft pink hue.We keep eating, and I’m already reaching for a second helping before I’ve finished the first. Aria laughs at that, teasing me about not even waiting for her to offer seconds. I counter with a dramatic defense about how good it is, and it just
Aria's Point of View The cabin is quiet except for the low murmur of the television playing across from us. I’m curled into one corner of the couch, legs tucked under me, a throw blanket draped over my lap. The movie on the screen flickers with movement and sound, but I’m barely following the plot. My attention keeps drifting, out the window, where the golden light of late afternoon fades into the long shadows of dusk… and to the space between me and Griffen. We’re close, so close that I can feel the warmth radiating from his side, but we aren’t touching. There’s an odd tension in that little gap. Not uncomfortable exactly… just aware. My fingers fidget with the blanket, and I steal glances at him from the corner of my eye. He’s watching the screen, jaw relaxed, one arm resting along the back of the couch. It would take almost nothing to lean into him. Then he shifts, clears his throat, and says, “I should probably start making us some dinner.” Before he can rise, I reach out