The steam swirled around Sophia as she stepped out of the bath, her skin flushed and tingling. She grabbed a plush towel, dabbing at her damp skin while her mind raced with anticipation and a hint of lingering anxiety.
“Get it together, Bennett,” she muttered, shaking her head.
Sophia slipped into the orange bodysuit, the lace hugging her curves in all the right places. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and let out a low whistle.
“Damn, girl,” she said with a smirk. “Jake’s not gonna know what hit him.”
As she tied her silk robe, Sophia’s hands trembled slightly. She took a deep breath, steadying herself.
“It’s just dinner,” she reminded herself. “And maybe some mind-blowing sex. No big deal.”
She plaited her hair with practiced ease, letting it fall over one shoulder. The familiar motions helped calm her nerves.
In the kitchen, Sophia pulled out the steaks, inhaling the rich, meaty aroma as she seasoned them generously.
“Alright, you beauties,” she murmured. “Don’t let me down tonight.”
As she worked, Sophia’s mind drifted to her conversation with Jake at the coffee shop. The word ‘date’ still niggled at her, but she pushed the thought aside. Tonight was about resetting boundaries, finding her comfort zone again. And if that comfort zone happened to involve Jake’s hands all over her… well, she wasn’t going to complain.
The doorbell chimed, jolting Sophia from her reverie. She glanced at the clock – 8:30 on the dot. A smile tugged at her lips as she padded to the door.
“Punctual as ever, Surfer Boy,” she murmured, taking a steadying breath before swinging the door open.
Jake stood there, all tanned skin and easy charm, holding a bouquet that looked like it had swallowed a rainbow. His eyes lit up as they raked over her, lingering on the hint of orange lace peeking from beneath her robe.
“Damn, Soph,” he said, his voice low and appreciative. “Are you trying to kill me before dinner?”
Sophia felt a flush creep up her neck, but she cocked an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance. “What, this old thing?” She gestured at her robe. “Just threw it on.”
Jake chuckled, stepping inside. “Sure you did.” He held out the flowers. “These are for you. Couldn’t decide on a colour, so…”
“So you bought out the whole shop?” Sophia teased, burying her nose in the fragrant blooms. The scent was intoxicating, much like the man who’d brought them.
“Only the best for you, babe,” Jake winked, kicking off his shoes.
Sophia’s heart did a little flip at the casual endearment. She busied herself finding a vase, cursing internally at her reaction.
“Smells amazing in here,” Jake called from the living room. “What’s cookin’, good lookin’?”
Sophia rolled her eyes, but couldn’t suppress a grin. “Steak, potato wedges, and mac and cheese. Does that work for you, surfer boy?”
Jake appeared in the kitchen doorway, his eyes dancing. “Sounds perfect. Need any help?”
“Nah, I’ve got it under control,” Sophia replied, turning to check on the sauce. “Why don’t you pour us some wine?”
As Jake moved around her kitchen with easy familiarity, Sophia found herself relaxing. This was nice. Comfortable.
Maybe, just maybe, she could handle this after all.
Sophia flipped the steaks onto the sizzling grill pan, the aroma of seasoned beef filling the kitchen. Jake leaned against the counter, wine glass in hand, regaling her with tales from his latest gig.
“So this bloke stumbles up to the bar, right?” Jake’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “Pissed as a fart, wearing nothing but a Superman cape and Union Jack boxers.”
Sophia snorted, nearly dropping her spatula. “You’re taking the piss.”
“Honest to God,” Jake insisted, raising his free hand. “He slams his fist on the bar and demands in the worst American accent you’ve ever heard ‘Barkeep! Your finest ale for America’s greatest hero!'”
“No fucking way,” Sophia giggled, flipping the steaks. “What’d you do?”
Jake grinned, leaning in conspiratorially. “Poured him a glass of apple juice. Told him it was our special ‘Hero Brew.’ Bloke chugged it and ran off yelling about saving the Queen.”
Sophia burst out laughing, shaking her head. “Christ, and I thought some of the people I meet planning events can be bad. You must see some right nutters.”
“Never a dull moment,” Jake agreed, taking a sip of wine. His eyes flickered to Sophia’s robe, a hint of heat in his gaze. “Speaking of excitement…”
Sophia felt her cheeks warm, but she met his eyes with a challenging smirk. “Patience, surfer boy. Dinner first.”
Jake’s grin widened. “Yes, ma’am.”
As Sophia plated up their meal, she found herself genuinely relaxed. Jake’s easy charm and ridiculous stories had melted away her earlier tension.
Maybe this arrangement would work after all, niggling doubts be damned.
Sophia settled into her chair, sliding Jake’s plate across the table. The aroma of perfectly seared steak mingled with the garlic from the potato wedges, making her mouth water.
Jake’s eyes widened as he took in the spread. “This both looks and smells amazing, Soph,” he said, genuine appreciation in his voice.
“Cheers,” Sophia replied, a hint of pride coloring her tone. She speared a potato wedge, popping it into her mouth. “Figured I’d better up my game after you cooked last time.”
Jake chuckled, cutting into his steak. “Trying to one-up me, eh?”
“Maybe,” Sophia teased, her eyes dancing with mischief. “Is it working?”
As Jake took his first bite, his expression morphed into one of exaggerated bliss. “Fuck me, that’s good,” he groaned.
Sophia felt a flash of heat that had nothing to do with the food. She took a generous sip of wine, willing her mind not to wander. “Glad it meets your approval,” she said, aiming for casual.
Jake’s knowing smirk told her she hadn’t quite succeeded. “So,” he said, mercifully changing the subject, “how was your day? Any exciting projects on the go?”
Sophia launched into a description of her latest work, grateful for the distraction. As they ate and talked, she found herself relaxing further, almost forgetting about the lingerie hidden beneath her robe.
Almost.
As they finished their meal, Jake stood up, gathering the plates. “I’ve got this,” he said, waving off Sophia’s protest. “You cooked, I’ll clean.”
Sophia hesitated, then nodded. “Alright, surfer boy. I’ll sort out dessert then.”
She headed to the kitchen, pulling a homemade tiramisu from the fridge. As she dished up dessert, her mind wandered to the orange lace barely concealed beneath her robe. Her heart rate picked up, anticipation and nerves mingling in her gut.
“Get it together, Bennett,” she muttered to herself.
Lost in thought, she didn’t hear Jake approach. His hands suddenly gripped her waist, and his lips found the sensitive spot on her neck. Sophia gasped, nearly dropping the dessert.
“Fuck, Jake,” she breathed, torn between leaning into his touch and maintaining her composure. “Give a girl some warning, yeah?”
Jake chuckled, his breath hot against her skin. “Where’s the fun in that?” His fingers toyed with the tie of her robe. “Besides, I think you like it when I surprise you.”