Her eyes were tinged with red, her complexion flushed.
Cecilia caught her breath.
It had been a considerable time since she’d last blushed, a reaction only Mark could elicit. Despite the ordeals they’d weathered over the years, he alone had the power to stir such profound emotion within her.
She had attempted to move on, to explore relationships with others.
She craved a fresh start.
But it just wouldn’t work. Her brother had pointed out the undeniable truth–she hadn’t moved past Mark because her feelings for him remained deep-seated.
Now, reunited with Mark, her heart seemed to reawaken, pulsating with life once more.
“Dinner’s ready. Come, let’s eat,” Mark invited, his tone tender.
Cecilia responded with a simple affirmation.
As she emerged, she found him poised at the bedroom doorway. She averted her gaze, intending to sidestep him, but he halted her escape.
Backing her against the door, he lowered his voice a husky note evident.
“Your flushed complexion… it’s enchanting.”
Cecilia’s resolve faltered.
She offered a gentle shove, chiding, “Flattery isn’t your best tactic.”
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Her eyes, still tinged with red, betrayed her emotions as she added, “I don’t want to rush things between us.”
Their maturity precluded the need for explicit statements. He understood her hesitation to physically rekindle their relationship prematurely. Respecting her boundaries, he caressed her dark tresses, his smile acknowledging her sentiments.
Mark was a proficient cook, preparing a meal that included her favorites.
Cecilia indulged heartily.
Post-dinner, a twinge of regret surfaced. She patted her slightly protruding belly, lamenting, “Extra pounds don’t translate well on camera.”
In response, Mark brewed a cup of fruit tea, offering it with a reassurance, “This is a one-time indulgence. I’ll prepare a salad for you tomorrow.”
“You understand me well,” Cecilia acknowledged, sipping her tea.
The ambiance was comforting, the warm yellow lighting complementing the cool, air-conditioned interior of the tastefully adorned house.
Contentment seemed a natural consequence, and Cecilia was not immune.
Both harbored desires to bridge the distance between them, to compensate for lost time.