Darryl opened the refrigerator door, revealing the colorful array of fruits and vegetables inside. He reached for some lettuce, a few plumps of fresh tomatoes, onions, a bunch of fresh carrots, and a few plump bell peppers. As he began to rinse them under the sink, Vanessa moved alongside him, her eyes remained on him as she observed what he was doing.
“What can I do to help?” she asked, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she rinsed her hands after him.
Darryl had promised her that they would prepare a meal together, and she had been looking forward to that day. The day was finally here, and she was ready to enjoy every moment they would spend together in the kitchen.
“Can you grab the chopping board and knife?” Darryl replied, handing her a towel to dry her hands.
Vanessa retrieved the chopping board and knife, setting them on the countertop. Contemplating on the easier task, she grabbed the carrots, and began to chop them on the chopping board.
“Have you heard anything about Tania?” Vanessa asked, glancing at Darryl.
“No,” Darryl answered, as he turned on the tap to fill water into the pot. “She hadn’t been to her office when she got back from Oakwood,” he added as he waited for the pot to fill.
“I’m kind of worried about her. I don’t want her to do something stupid to herself,” Vanessa said as she struggled to chop the carrots.
“Tania would never hurt herself, she is too selfish to do that. Stop worrying about her and worry more about yourself.” Darryl said as he noticed how Vanessa was struggling to chop the carrots into a nice shape.
“I just hope that she is doing well wherever she was.” Vanessa said, oblivious of Darryl’s mocking gaze on her.
“That’s fair, but I hope those carrots are okay,” he said as a smirk played on his lips.
“Pardon?” Vanessa asked, confusion etched on her face as she glanced at him.
“The carrots,” he said, pointing his fingers to the chopping board on the counter. “I’m worried about the shapes you are giving to them.” Darryl teased her.
“I’m sorry to inform you that your wife is not a great chef,” Vanessa said as she stopped chopping the carrots. Pouting her lips, she dropped the knife with a soft thud on the counter.
“Call the police, I think someone swapped my wife.” Darryl said playfully as he took over the task of chopping the carrots.
“Wow!” Vanessa said, clapping her hands. “So your love for me has been reduced because I can’t cook.” Her lips curled up as she said.
“How smart of you to know exactly what I’m thinking,” Darryl replied, his tone humorous.
Vanessa raised her hands in the air, “I’m done here, enjoy your time preparing the meal alone.” she said as she took a step away from him.
Carefully, Darryl halted the chopping of the carrots, his hands wrapped around her waist, stopping her before she could take any more steps. He pulled her up on the other side of the counter, making her sit comfortably on it while he positioned himself between her legs.
“Where do you think you are going when I didn’t give you the permission to leave if” he said, peppering kisses on her face.
“If you are trying to bribe me to stay, you have to do better than that.” Vanessa said, causing a smile to spread on his face.
His hand moved from her waist to the side of her head as he put the strands of her hair behind her ears. He nipped the side of her neck, placing gentle kisses on it, trailing it down to her exposed shoulder.
“What are you doing?” Vanessa whispered, her voice barely audible as she felt the spark burning through her.
“Doing more as you requested,” he said as he continued to tease her while his other hand moved under her dress.
“Stop it, I’m still mad at you. So let go of me.” She said, stopping his hands from going further into her dress.
Darryl stopped, collecting himself, but his hands went back to being wrapped around her waist. “How long will you stay mad at me sweetheart?”
“A day or more. Maybe a week more…”
Darryl seized her lips with his before she could continue her rants. She gave in to the kiss as her hands moved to his head, combing through his curls. His hands traveled around her body, squeezing and caressing every part of her body.
A moan escaped Vanessa’s lips as they stopped. “My love for you can never be reduced, but it will soar higher and higher and the sky will be it’s limit.” Darryl whispered to her, his eyes sparkling with his love for her.
“I love you, sweetheart, and I will always love you.” He said, his eyes filled with his affection for her.
“I love you, Darryl. I always have and will always do.” Vanessa replied, her voice and eyes radiating her love for him.
“I’m starving already,” Darryl said out of the blue, leaving Vanessa to wonder why he changed the topic.
“Let’s finish with the cooking so you can get something to eat.” Vanessa suggested. She tried to get down from the counter, but her attempt was futile as Darryl’s hand tightened around her.
“My food is always prepared, waiting for me to enjoy it.” Darryl whispered, causing Vanessa to wonder what he was referring to.
Her eyes squirted around the house, trying to find out what he was referring to as food, but she found nothing aside from the uncooked vegetables on the counter.
“What food are you talking about?” She asked as her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
“You, my love.” He winked at her.
Without warning, Darryl swept Vanessa off the counter, his hands grasping her hips as he lifted her up.
“What are you doing?” She asked, letting out a surprised laugh. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. Her arms circled his neck, holding them tight as she gazed into his eyes.
“Taking you to the perfect place to eat you.” Darryl answered as his hands balanced on her buttocks, supporting her weight.
Vanessa’s face was level with his, their lips inches apart. She saw how Darryl’s eyes burned with desire, and Vanessa’s lips curled into a smile.
“What about the food we planned to make?” Vanessa asked as she wiggled in his arms. Her intention was to tease him before she gave in to him.
“The food can wait, but I can’t wait.” He answered, squeezing her butt as he carried her out of the kitchen.