p, remembering what had taken place the night before. Her ankle was aching softly; it was a reminder of how the date wit

or made her curious. Still in her pajamas, she padded over. A glance through the peeph

eart race as she

at are you

ming in. "I wanted to check up on you

f him. The bouquet was exquisite, comprising lilies, roses, and da

said, extending the flowers to her. "I figured

e blooms, a run of happiness coursing t

ns so mu

t mind me bargi

it, Clara replied, gidd

Donal

, her voice barel

said as he strode toward the kitch

art fluttering at the sigh

les, some chicken, and a few spices. "Hope you li

d. She watched as he moved with ease, chopping vegetables and seasoning th

said, looking around. "You

I can find the time," Clara said

so special about sharing this intimate moment with him. The air was filled with the del

Donald asked, glancing

"I'll be okay. You really didn't have to come over, but I'm so glad you did." "I wanted to make s

it before Clara. "Bon appétit," he said, and she co

," she said, taking a b

They sat down to eat together; the conversation flowed easily as they dis

in the sink. "Let me take care of your ankle," he said to her, turning b

at the tender touc

though more than anything, she wanted

, pulling out a small tube fro

self onto it and propped her ankle onto a cushion. Donald

nodded, holding her breath as he carefully applied it to her ankle. His touch was

ter a minute or so, peering into

ed, a wave of gratitude washing over

he said, his voice low and a little bashful. Clara's heart flutter

seness grow. Donald was comfortingly present, and their ear

to close the space, but

ally broke the spell by clearing his throat. "So, wha

w, glad the sub

tlet for me, where I can exp

he said, his eyes shining with interes

ra said, the excitement bubbling

to it," he said, his face

Donald helped C

bit around here

concern yourself about

ou really do not

ed. "Just point me in

eanup was needed, and Donald went about tidying up l

en amusement and admiration. There was something so

d joked over little things; she felt so at ease with him. It was very e

ograph tucked between a few books. Immediately curious, he pi

aired, bright-smiled. They were truly happy; they stood in fr

ns. The color drained from his face as he stared at the picture, confu

e strain in his voice

relaxed enjoyment to confusion when she s

out, Donald's face had hardened. "Y

med, her heart racing as she hurriedl

. "You should have told me, Clara. I t

peration creeping into her voice. "It's in the past

," he said tersely. He turned and exited the apartment, lea

he window as he walked away; her chest constricted in fear. What had started out as a beautiful mo

wonder whether this was the end of something special or just the beginning of a deeper u

ut behind Donald, but she knew she had to find a way to open it again.Edit Help