Her eyes were tinged with red, her complexion flushed.
Cecilia caught her breath.
It had been a considerable time since sheâd last blushed, a reaction only Mark could elicit.
Despite the ordeals theyâd 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 wouldnât work.
Her brother had pointed out the undeniable truthâshe hadnât 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.
âDinnerâs ready.
Come, letâs eat,â 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.
âYour flushed complexion⦠itâs enchanting.
â
Ceciliaâs resolve faltered.
She offered a gentle shove, chiding, âFlattery isnât your best tactic.
â
Her eyes, still tinged with red, betrayed her emotions as she added, âI donât want to rush things between us.
â
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, âExtra pounds donât translate well on camera.
â
In response, Mark brewed a cup of fruit tea, offering it with a reassurance, âThis is a one-time indulgence.
Iâll prepare a salad for you tomorrow.
â
âYou understand me well,â 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.