09

Haven’s anxiousness was over the bars. She couldn’t contain her mixed emotions. After reaching home, all she did was mess up things. Spilled milk on the shelf and grill meat over the heat and changed curtains upside down.

Haven completed the cooking part around 7:30 PM. She had prepared green chicken, fried rice, and some kebab.

The next thing on her agenda was to get ready. Again, she had messed up by applying excess mascara. And had to redo her makeup. She wore a light pink knee-length dress and light make up which enhanced her already beautiful face.

Haven stood in the middle of the living room and looked at the clock. It was minutes away from the man's alleged arriving time.

*Doorbell*

Haven came back from her thoughts and opened the door for him.

There he stood, with the most charming smile any man could ever have.

Haven smiled back at him, “Please come in.”

He walked in and was surprised by the interior. It was just like the girl in front of him. It was simple, cozy, and beautiful.

“You have a nice home,” he appreciated her efforts.

“Thanks.”

He handed her car key to him.

“Thanks.”

He chuckled and said, “You have a lot of thanks stored in for me.”

“I suppose. Since you have helped me a lot.”

He sat on the couch just when Haven said, “Feel at home.”

They both laughed at the coincidence. Then an uncomfortable silence crept in. The man sat on the couch and looked around the living room. There were Haven’s photos with a girl, who he assumed to be her sister or her friend. And then a family photo with her parents.

Haven just stood there watching him scanning her abode.

“The dinner is ready,” she disturbed his scanning.

“Ah. Right. I have heard that you are a good chef.”

“Oh yes. I have heard that too.”

Their flirting was going on without any prior plans or realization. Not that either of them was bothered by it.

“Lucas Gray,” Haven heard him say it. She turned to him with a confused look spread on her face.

“My name, lady.” He settled on the dining chair.

Haven laughed, “Right. I never asked your name.”

“More like you didn’t get a chance to ask or I forgot to tell you.”

She hummed and walked across the dining table. She opened the lids and the strong aroma of chicken hit Lucas' nose.

“That’s a good start,” Lucas grinned at her, making her giggle. She was nervous and wondered if it would fit his taste all the while she cooked.

Haven filled in Lucas’ plate and got herself a plate too. It was almost half of what she had served for Lucas.

“You sure, you can manage walking, talking, drinking, crying with so much food,” he teased her.

She fake glared at him, making him laugh more. She knew he was simply trying to mess with her.

Lucas took the first bite of the chicken, while Haven watched him eating and expecting a reaction from him. What kind of reaction, she also didn’t know that.

He turned to her and said, “You didn’t disappoint me at all. This is sooooo good,” he said emphasizing the so as much as possible.

Haven giggled and said, “I am glad that I didn’t disappoint you.”

They continued their dinner with small talks in between. Lucas wouldn’t lie, Haven was a really good chef. Whoever said she is, must have been blown out by her cooking skills, just like Lucas is being right now.

Lucas hardly ate at home and this was the meal he craved to eat every time he goes home. Another point Haven is missing to ask about him. She didn’t ask him what he does for a living. She was too much immersed in looking at him eating heartily to ask anything about him. She was just glad that she could cook for his taste.

“I will assume the cooking is up to your taste,” she said softly, placing the spoon on the plate.

Lucas looked at her, “Haven, don’t assume. It is really the tastiest food I have ever eaten in my life.”

“Liar. Everyone’s favorite tastiest food is their mom’s cooking.” She re-filled her glass with water.

“I don’t have parents.”

Haven was shocked to know it. She just didn’t know how to respond.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly, feeling bad for him.

“Don’t be. It’s nothing to worry about. I grew up in an orphanage up until high school and later moved out to make a life for myself.”

Haven was impressed by his courage and determination to make his life. She gave him a small smile and brought the dessert out.

It was the classic vanilla milk gelato. Lucas ate it in the most delicious way, savoring the taste. Haven was satisfied that her gratitude dinner was a success.

They sat in the living room, facing the window.

“Where do you work?” Lucas asked.

“Bluebird publishing.”

“Writer?”

“Editor.”

“Oh, the ones that are similar to teachers. Marking and remaking.”

“Something like that.”

“What genre of stories do you’ll publish?” Lucas was curious to know about Haven and her profession. He was starting to get an interest in her.

“Almost all. Sci-fi, thriller, horror, Romance..”

“What was the last thing you read?” Lucas leaned onto the couch, supporting his head with his elbow.

Haven sighed.

“That bad?”

“The female protagonist was dumped by the male protagonist for another woman.”

“Are you sure, you are not the writer of it?” Lucas asked, slightly laughing.

Haven stared at him. He laughed loudly and asked, “Maybe that asshole or that bitch?”

Haven threw a pillow at him which he dodged successfully. She folded her arms towards her chest, pouting.

Lucas pulled Haven closer to him. He grabbed her legs and placed them on his lap. Haven’s face was very close to Lucas’ face.

“As I said to you today morning, that asshole doesn’t deserve you. And you should move on from him.”

Haven continued to pout, “I know. I will. I will make sure to excite things in bed and be prepared for my next relationship.”

Lucas just stared at her, processing her words. Perhaps this was his chance to get close to her. Lucas knew Haven was his the one when the first time he had seen her. But couldn’t take advantage of her situation. But now it was inevitable. Because if he lets her go and do whatever she wants, then there’ll be consequences to face for both of them.

“How will you excite things?” he asked her. He wanted to know what she was planning to do and probably try to squeeze himself in it.

Haven turned to him. His face was super close and she could feel his breath on her lips.

“I will join the BDSM community and become a Dominatrix.” Haven straightened her shoulders, proudly saying her decision.

“Oh yeah. How about you show me how you will dominate in bed,” Lucas raised his brows.

Haven was tempted to go for it. She didn’t have anything to worry about. They just stared at each other’s eyes.

“I will help you become a Dominatrix.” Now, that was even more tempting.

Lucas leaned in and captured Haven’s lips.