Layla had realised she was home alone when she came back downstairs for some water.
It was quiet and dark now, she looked around the huge kitchen and an idea popped up in her head.
Grabbing an apron, she started moving around the kitchen, getting different items to make a meal.
Leoric returned home and heard music playing mixed with the sound of metal. Quietly he walked into the kitchen.
She was humming moving around happily as she cooked. The kitchen was a mess but the smile on her face was more captivating than anything else.
He stood there watching her until she turned to grab something, and she was startled by his presence.
"Your back " she breathed.
He nodded.
"I am sorry it's a mess, but I will clean up after," she said, looking around.
"What are you making ?" He asked moving to where she was cooking.
She chuckled pointing out the three dishes she was making.
"Can I join you for dinner ?"
She blinked and nodded.
"Go ahead, I will take a shower and join you," he said.
"Okay ".
He left and she went back to cooking.
When he got back, she had set the food on the kitchen counter.
He sat down, watching her as she placed a plate in front of him.
"I am not a good cook, but I hope you enjoy it ", she said.
He took a share and tasted it; her eyes were excitedly waiting for his comment.
"So ?" She asked.
"It's different," he said.
"Ahhh....different in a good way or bad way ?" She asked.
"Good way "
She giggled sitting back.
Layla tasted it, too, and smiled.
"Not bad," she said.
He nodded in agreement.
"Are you okay ?" He asked.
She smiled, nodding, her mouth stuffed with food.
"He has been released," he said.
"AHH" she swallowed her food.
"He must be home now " he added.
She knew what he was talking about.
"Thank you," she said.
After dinner, he offered to help her clean; she had protested, but he insisted.
She washed the utensils while he cleaned after which he invited her out on the terrace.
"You're a good cook," he said.
"Am not that good, but I'm tired " She gazed up at the starry sky. "Mom was the best when it came to cooking; I tried to learn but never matched her ".
"I believe if you practice more, you will", he said.
"If you let me do it in your kitchen " she laughed. "And be ready to come back to mess everywhere ".
He nodded.
"You can, I have no objection," he said.
"Huh?"
"Yes," he replied.
"But ...?".
"But what Layla ?"
She breathed.
"But why are you being this nice to me ?" She asked.
He turned her way and Lalya met his gaze.
"Cause you special to me "
"Special, how ?. I have never been special to anyone apart from my mother . They all treat me like ....".
She didn't finish before he took her hands into his.
"You're the only woman who has stopped my heart,", he said.
"Huh?"
Slowly he took her hand placing it on his chest.
"Only with you, it stops beating," he said.