ices from the street below heard from Mia's apartment through the old window. The morning light was soft, finding its way through the curtains into

ly mornings. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the sound of smoked turkey. Lucas watched her for a moment, his eyes traci

tting up. He reached for his borrowed T-shirt; the one Mia h

ood morning," she replied, setting down a plate of smoked turkey and eggs on the tab

ess." He stood and stretched, trying to loosen the stiffness in his muscle

her lips. "Don't get too excited. It's just turkey and eggs. You

said, pulling out a chair at the table. "

round herself, and Lucas's presence was starting to chip away at them. She didn't want to get too close, knowing he wou

her dreams for the future. He was amazed by her resilience and strength, traits that were often missing from the people he knew in his social circles. Mia, in turn, listened to

hesitated, but then handed him a dish towel. "Okay, but don't break anyt

hes. "I'll be careful. Wouldn't want to ruin your best pla

ese aren't exactly fine china. Just

refreshing. He realized that he had spent so much of his life pursuing wealth and success that he had forgotten the value of genuine huma

th a great sense of seriousness. "So, what's next for you? Y

ibilities waiting for him. But he wasn't ready to let go of the glorious moment. "I don't know," he sa

ok of doubt in her eyes. "Yeah, well, it's no

his look was steady. "You've made so

ility she saw in his eyes. It scared her, the idea that she might be falling for someone who lived in a completely different world

sitant, "you know you can't stay here f

ned. "But that doesn't mean I can't come bac

to be careful, that letting Lucas get too close could lead to heartache. But she

with a hidden feeling of vulnerability. "Ju

look unshaken. "I