“When were you here? What are your keys doing on my bed?” asked a clueless Eva. Was he there with her when she was sleeping? Was that why his fragrance lingered around when she woke up? Alexander looked a little uncomfortable with her direct question, but he smiled suddenly and with a wink, he walked out of her bedroom, leaving her gaping after him. Did he wink at her? What did that mean? Was he really here on her bed with her while she was fast asleep? It was so creepy! What was he doing here?
Her cheeks flushed with colour as she went out. She saw him at the dining table, helping himself to the food he brought. “Are you going to just stand there and watch me eat?” he asked with a smirk pasted on his face. Eva rolled her eyes, wondering what improved his mood so suddenly.
“I don’t have the habit of watching people while they eat or sleep.” She couldn’t curb the cheerful smile at her thoughtful jab. Alexander laughed out loud this time, knowing that she had caught his act. It didn’t embarrass or bother him at all. Instead, a strange excitement filled his heart and mind with a crazy wish to continue the kiss where he had left off. He had wanted her to kiss him back so desperately that night, but she hadn’t. Now that wish again erupted in his head, driving him wild as he watched her with hooded eyes. Clad in a pair of shorts and a top, she looked more delicious than the breakfast laid out in front of him. She didn’t have to make any effort to seduce him like Beatrix used to. He already was hungry for her!
She sat down opposite him, conscious of his hungry gaze upon her. “This is too good! Thank you for the treat!” she said, biting into the crispy hash browns paired with perfectly poached eggs and bacon.
“You could thank me differently!” he said with a sly smile on his face, without even looking at her as he chewed his food with utmost concentration. Eva gaped at him, wondering what he meant this time.
“I don’t think I want to.” Eva’s cheeks coloured profusely, but it was necessary to correct him. She wouldn’t encourage him in any way. She knew her place.
“Why? All I’m asking you is to treat me to dinner. Can’t you even make a sandwich or two for me?” he asked, feigning hurt, but Eva could see the sparks of amusement gleaming in his eyes. So he was toying with her feelings, knowing fully well how he affected her. Nothing had changed even after so many years. It was always this way between them. She hadn’t been able to get over him.
“I’ll make dinner tonight. It’s my day off.”
Alexander looked up at her with interest. “Don’t you have night duty tonight?”
Eva shook her head, wondering why he was so excited about such a trivial thing as this. “No, I have duty tomorrow morning. No more night duty as of now.”
“Good, will you go out to dinner with me then?” he asked hopefully. Shocked, Eva looked at him with disbelief while the fork clattered to the plate from her hands. Eva composed herself and looked up to see him watching her closely, waiting for her reply. He looked a little hesitant, worried, stressed, and a little vulnerable as well. Was Alexander Van Every nervous?
“Tonight? But you wanted me to cook for you.”
“Not tonight. I want to take you out tomorrow.” Eva nodded shyly, her heart forcing her to agree. She was helpless, having dreamed of this moment for so long. Her heart sang with joy while her cheeks glowed with the warmth and exuberance she felt deep inside her. Could she hope? Did he really ask her out?
“Why me?” she asked at last, unable to stop the curiosity deep inside her. Alexander gazed at her for a few seconds, thinking of a suitable reply, when the door clicked open and Alyssa trudged inside carrying an armful of groceries and more lying outside on the doorstep.
“Help me, bro,” she yelled as she staggered into the living room. Eva rushed forward to help her while Alexander got up reluctantly to bring the rest of the stuff inside.
“Are you guys enjoying breakfast without me?” gasped Alyssa, dumping the stuff and rushing to the table to check if there was any food left for her.
“You said you’d be late. Anyway, there’s a lot to feed a dozen. Enjoy yourselves. I’m off to work.” Alexander walked away towards the door while Alyssa helped herself to the food.
“Remember our dinner, Eva.” He was gone by the time Alyssa realized what he said.
“What dinner? Are you having dinner with him?” she asked, confused by everything happening around her.
“No, he’s coming over for dinner tonight. Don’t jump to conclusions yet. It’s a compensation for this breakfast treat.”
“I see. But why does he want you to cook for him when we can easily order something?” Eva considered her question but couldn’t come up with any reply.
“I really do not know!”
“But I do. He loves your food. I think he likes you.” Eva shook her head vigorously, totally disagreeing with her friend.
“No, you’re wrong. Maybe he didn’t want me to spend much.” She knew it was a lame reason, but she had to stop her friend from speculating so much. Obviously, she didn’t tell her that Alexander had asked her out already, as it would make Alyssa go crazy with her deductions. She herself did not know the reason behind his sudden interest in her. Was she a rebound for him after his break-up with his fiancee? Yes, that was the only probable reason behind all this. They finished their breakfast and sorted all the groceries together. After a long time, the two friends were free to spend time with one another. They went mall-hopping later, as Alyssa needed to buy a dress from a birthday bash she was going to the next day. Afterwards, they watched a movie together and returned home to prepare dinner.
“I’m too tired to help, Eva. Let’s order, please,” begged Alyssa, flopping onto the sofa.
“I don’t need any help. I’ll make something simple and easy,” said Eva, donning an apron and getting to work. She didn’t want to disappoint Alexander when he expressed his desire to eat her food. Did he really love what she made? It wasn’t the first time he mentioned the wish to eat what she had made.
After an hour, the aroma of freshly cooked meatloaf brought Alyssa out of the bedroom towards the kitchen. “This looks delicious. Can I taste it, please?” she begged, but Eva pushed her away.
“Not at all. I’ll just freshen up quickly and we will wait for Alexander,” she said strictly, making Alyssa salute at her with a chuckle.
“Now I know why Alex loves your cooking so much!” exclaimed Alyssa. Eva blushed and for the next ten minutes, as she freshened up for dinner, Alyssa’s words rang in her ears. Did he like her? Did he really love her cooking? Her heart sang with hope and she stared at her reflection in the mirror.
She knew she didn’t look as gorgeous as his fiancee and her ordinary brown hair and eyes weren’t anything to fall for, but still she couldn’t stop herself from craving his love. Maybe Alexander would forget her after he gets over his breakup. She sighed, shooing the thoughts away. Tonight she wanted to please him, impress him, not with her looks, but with her cooking.
The sound of the doorbell, she her heart somersault with happiness. He was here!
Quickly brushing her hair up into a bun, she walked out of her room. She could see Alexander looking relaxed in a pair of figure-hugging jeans and a white tee shirt, his damp freshly showered look making her tingle all over. He looked up on seeing her, his glance sweeping all over her body.
Alexander stared at Eva, watching her walk into the room shyly. She looked curvier and se*ier in the white crepe top that clung to her curves, drawing his attention towards them. The urge to kiss her increased manifold as he watched her sit down beside his sister.
“When did you buy this top? I’ll borrow it for my friend’s housewarming party,” said Alyssa and Eva agreed. With Alexander’s eyes following her around, it was difficult to concentrate on anything else.
“So, what have you made for me, Eva.” Eva gave him his full attention now, but he held her gaze, making her unable to look away. Under the spell of his hypnotic eyes, her brain refused to function.
“Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.”
“Sounds delicious, but then everything you cook is my favorite, even plain toast.” Eva’s eyes widened with surprise while Alyssa chuckled, throwing her a ‘I-told-you-so’ look. His admission puzzled Eva more. What should she think of it? Did he like her or not?
“Oh,” she just could gasp breathlessly, her mind going into a state of euphoria.
“Why don’t you make just toast for dinner tomorrow? We can see how true his claim is,” suggested Alyssa with a chuckle.
“Not possible. Eva and I are going out on a dinner date tomorrow,” said Alexander.