Page 72 of Passions Ignite

Zoey’s breath caught as Lux’s hand tightened around hers, and for a moment, the world outside their little corner of the restaurant ceased to exist.

“That sounded so sweet,” Lux said. “You’re a keeper.”

Zoey backed off somewhat. Lux squinted.

“I shouldn’t have said that,” Lux said. I?—”

“It’s not that,” Zoey replied. “It’s just the last person who said that to me was…well, my ex.”

Lux’s expression softened. “You don’t have to if you’re not ready.”

“No, I want to,” Zoey said. “We were together for a few years. It started great, but I got so consumed with firefighting. I thought I could balance it all, but I couldn’t. And then after theaccident—the one I told you about, with the child—I just…shut down.”

Lux squeezed her hand gently. “That’s a lot to carry.”

Zoey nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. “I tried to make it work, but I wasn’t present anymore, not for her or anyone. The guilt, the grief—it was all too much. She deserved better than that, better than me.”

Lux leaned in closer, her voice soft but firm. “You’re not that person anymore, Zoey. What happened wasn’t your fault, and you’ve done everything possible to move forward. You deserve happiness too.”

As the evening wore on, the conversation grew quieter and more intimate.

“I guess we should probably focus on enjoying tonight, huh?” Zoey said.

Lux chuckled. “Yeah, I think we’ve earned a little fun.”

Just then, the waiter approached with their meals, setting the plates down with a flourish. The delicious aroma filled the air, making Zoey’s stomach growl in anticipation.

“Looks amazing,” Zoey said, her eyes widening as she took in the beautifully plated dishes.

Lux grinned, picking up her fork. “I think it’s time to dig in.”

They both began to eat, the conversation shifting to lighter topics: favorite foods, funny stories from their childhoods, and plans for the future.

“My place?” Zoey suggested that the second they were done eating.

Lux’s eyes met Zoey’s, and for a moment, neither spoke. Then Lux nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “I’d like that.”

27

LUX

Lux sat on the edge of Zoey’s couch, the soft fabric brushing against her fingers as she ran them along the seam. The room was dimly lit, with only the warm glow of a single lamp casting shadows that danced on the walls.

It was almost too quiet, and the silence seemed to amplify the thudding of Lux’s heart in her chest.

Zoey was in the kitchen, her back turned to Lux as she poured two glasses of water. Lux watched her, taking in the way Zoey moved with a calm grace that she had come to admire. There was something comforting about being in Zoey’s space surrounded by the little pieces of her life, yet Lux couldn’t shake the nervous energy coursing through her.

Tonight had been perfect. Dinner had been filled with easy conversation, laughter, and a connection that had grown stronger with each passing moment. And now, here they were, alone in Zoey’s apartment, the air between them thick with unspoken emotions.

Zoey returned with the glasses, offering one to Lux as she sat beside her on the couch. Their knees brushed as Zoey settled in.

“Thank you,” Lux said.

Zoey smiled, her eyes soft as she looked at Lux. “No problem.”

“You have a beautiful place here,” Lux said.

Zoey chuckled playfully. “Now you’re just teasing. I barely got settled in before we got our compulsory forest trip.”

---