Getting to know each other
853 Words
*Ashley*
The fire crackles warmly beside us, its glow flickering against the rustic walls of the cabin. I take a sip of the coffee Lucas made, the rich aroma wrapping around me like a soft blanket. Outside, the storm rages on, snow swirling in every direction, but in here, it feels different. Safe.
I steal a glance at him. Lucas is gazing around the room, a thoughtful look on his face. “You know what would make this even better?” he says suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.
“What?” I ask, intrigued.
“A TV,” he replies with a playful grin. “Imagine curling up here, watching some terrible reality show while the snow piles up outside.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “A TV? Really? You’re such a city boy.”
He shrugs, his smile broadening. “What’s wrong with a little entertainment? But seriously, we could actually talk. I mean, we’ve never really done that, have we?”
I nod, biting my lip as I consider his suggestion. “Yeah, I guess we haven’t. So… what do you want to talk about?”
Lucas leans back, his brow furrowing slightly. “Hmm, good question.”
“Let’s start with you,” I suggest. “If you weren’t the CEO, what would you have wanted to be?”
I watch as he contemplates the question, his expression shifting into one of deep thought. I wonder if he’ll be honest with me, if he’ll share a piece of himself that he usually keeps hidden. Finally, he speaks, his voice steady. “As a kid, I wanted to be a firefighter.”
I blink in surprise. “Really? That’s… unexpected. Why?”
“It seemed a nice thing… to save people,” He shrugs, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. “My dad thought it was silly. He always pushed me towards business, corporate stuff. So, I let it go.”
I can’t help but smile softly at him. “I don’t think it’s silly at all. It’s actually kind of heroic.”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “Heroic? I don’t know about that.”
“Seriously,” I insist. “It takes courage to run into a burning building. That’s something to be proud of.”
Lucas looks at me, and I can see a flicker of appreciation in his eyes. “Thanks, Ashley. Even if I never actually did run into any burning buildings.”
“The thought counts,” i grin.
“Okay, your turn,” he says, leaning in slightly. “What about you? What did you want to do?”
I take a deep breath, the warmth of the fire wrapping around me as I think back. “I always dreamed of working in an art gallery,” I start, my voice softening. “And traveling around Europe… seeing all the museums and galleries in person. That’s what I wanted.”
“Wow,” he says, his tone sincere. “That sounds amazing. And kinda cool that you’re doing one of those things right now, right? I mean, we’re in Austria… so you did go to Europe.”
I can’t help but smile wider at that. “Yeah, that’s kinda right. It’s beautiful here, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.” But there’s a wistful sigh that escapes me. “Still, I hope to actually experience Europe properly someday. I want to wander through the streets of Paris, explore the art scene in Berlin, and sit in the cafés of Florence. There’s so much I want to see.”
Lucas nods, his expression thoughtful. “You will. I have no doubt about it. You’re too passionate about it not to.”
His words warm me in a way the fire can’t. “Thanks, Lucas. That means a lot,” I say, feeling a connection deepen between us as we share our dreams.
He leans back, a comfortable silence settling around us again. The storm outside continues to howl, but I feel a sense of peace here, in this little cabin, with Lucas beside me. The flickering flames cast shadows on his face, highlighting the way his eyes sparkle in the firelight.
“I like talking to you,” I say suddenly, surprising myself with the honesty. “It’s nice to get to know you better.”
Lucas smiles, a genuine, warm smile that makes my heart flutter. “Same here. I didn’t expect to find this cabin or you tonight. Guess it’s a good thing I’m a reckless driver.”
I laugh again, the sound echoing softly in the quiet space. “Maybe sometimes a little recklessness leads to the best moments,” I say, feeling a newfound sense of adventure blooming in my chest.
He raises his mug in a mock toast. “To reckless decisions and unexpected adventures, then.”
“To reckless decisions,” I echo, clinking my mug against his.
As we sit there, sipping our coffee and sharing stories, I realize that this cabin, this snowstorm, and this moment with Lucas might just be good for us.
- Writer
