Adrian's POV
I hadn’t meant for the day to wind down so softly. Not after the chaos of the past few weeks. But the moment Elena stepped into the kitchen barefoot, hair loosely tied back, fingers trailing along the edge of the counter I knew the storm had, at least for tonight, passed us by.
"You said something about dinner, Dr. Cole?" she asked, voice light and teasing. Her fingertips found the bowl of cherry tomatoes, and she plucked one as if she'd been navigating my space for years.
I smiled at the title. "I'm off duty. Just Adrian tonight."
"Adrian, then. What's on the menu?"
"Something edible. Pasta, I think. I’ve got fresh herbs, garlic, cream. Should be a decent start."
"I’ll help."
She was already moving toward the fridge with practiced ease. Not hesitant, but not rushed eit
