As we continue digging through the boxes, we find a few pieces that Sophia deems salvageable. One is a bright red jacket with gold buttons, and she holds the garment up to her body with a grin. It's clear that she's in her element here, surrounded by treasures that only she knows the value of.
The funny thing is all I can see is her. Even surrounded by fine fabric and strange antiques...she's the treasure here.
I think to myself once again that I'm falling too hard.
That I'm going to lose her if I go all in too fast.
But I'm an honest man, and I won't be able to keep this secret for long.
Chapter fourteen
Sophia
This is all moving too fast. I know that. I know that I'm racing toward something I can't fully control and letting Ryan into the dark corners of my life where I've never let anyone go before.
But I can't stop.
He's something special.
We head back to his place around sunset after a whole day spent meandering around Greenwich. I'm loaded with bags from the vintage store, Ryan holding a couple of his own, and Tex goes nuts sniffing them once we get in the door. Ryan rolls his shoulders and looks from the bags to me, blowing out a breath.
"So... dinner?" he says.
"I'm starving," I nod, putting my hands on my hips. "Actually...how do you feel about me cooking for you?"
He raises his eyebrows. "I didn't know you cooked."
"I do all kinds of things," I tease. "And I bought supplies for spaghetti and meatballs and didn't end up using them. So, what do you think?"
Ryan grins. "I'd love that," he says, then gestures at Tex. "As long as this meatball gets some, too."
"Of course," I say. "I wouldn't leave him out."
I start rummaging through Ryan's kitchen to find the necessary ingredients, feeling comfortable in his space. It's not just the fact that I'm comfortable cooking but that I feel at ease with Ryan. It's like I've known him my whole life, even though we've only been seeing each other for a few days.
I don't know what it is about him, but something just feels right.
As I start boiling the water for the spaghetti, Ryan comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. I lean back into him, feeling his warmth and breath on my neck. I close my eyes and let out a contented sigh.
"I like being here with you," he murmurs, nuzzling his nose against my hair.
"I like being here with you, too," I reply, turning my head to try and catch his lips with mine. He obliges, pressing his mouth to mine in a gentle, lingering kiss that leaves me breathless. I think I could stay in bed with him all day and be satisfied.
This is dangerous—for my job at the White Oak and all my hard work.
Ryan Wright could ruin my life...or change it for good.
And I'm not the type of girl to jump into a relationship, but I'm ready to do that with him.
I get the sauce started from scratch with fresh garlic and butter, adding tomatoes and red peppers. Ryan opens up a bottle of red wine and leans against the counter to watch me, pointing out where I can find different supplies when I get a little lost.
"You've got all these high-end supplies," I say. "I hesitate to ask, but...Amanda's?"
He nods. "Yeah—she left them behind, and I just never got around to using them. Plus, I'm a horrible chef."
"I'm sure you could learn," I say with a soft laugh. "I'll teach you sometime. This is an old recipe...but easy as pie. Well, it's easier than pie, actually. Pie can be hard to make."
He laughs with me. "Who taught you?"