“I just need to put clothes on,” she said, putting on a silk robe, hiding her goodies. She walked over to where he stood rooted to the spot. “Did I turn into Medusa?” she teased, shaking him out of his daze.

“How am I supposed to eat food when you look like a snack?” Even the scent of her skin and the soft glow of light reflecting on it would drive him insane. He might have finished composing a song for her, but it seemed that he would soon be inspired to play more.

“You only get a snack a few hours after a meal.” Before she could say anything further, he bent her and kissed her lips, stroking his hands down the sleeve of her silk robe. She pulled away all too soon, taking his hand in hers and leading him down the stairs. She stopped short when she saw the delicately decorated table.

“You…” she remained speechless.

“I wanted to give you this. You deserve it.”

She turned around immediately, wrapping her arms around him. Her robe opened in the front and it rode up her thighs, revealing more skin than he could handle.

But he controlled himself. He had slipped up once, he couldn’t do it again. He was a fan of ceremony and romance. Damn it if his sex-crazed brain ruined his plans.

He pulled out the chair for her and guided her to the seat. She gave him a bedazzled look and sat patiently as he went to the other side and took his seat. He reiterated the menu for the night and put some salad in bowls for each of them.

Conversation flowed but it was nothing beyond their usual ones. The air of romance was banal. No proclamations of love were made, they simply spoke about the food they liked and places they want to visit.

When they finished, Cage put the dishes into the sink and stopped Katherine from helping. “I’ve got it,” he said quickly, trying to shoo her away. “Take the wine to the living room and I’ll join you shortly.”

Katherine smiled and nodded. She did as he asked, letting him clean up. Cage hurriedly led everything dry and scurried off to join her.

In the living room, she was on the couch. She had taken off her robe and draped it over the couch so that she was lying in just her lingerie. He prayed that he would be able to speak when he opened his mouth because his throat was beyond dry.

She smiled when she saw him, holding out a hand and beckoning him forward. He walked forward and took it, sinking into the couch next to her and pulling her into his arm. Katherine snuggled close to him as he stroked her hair and they just relaxed.

Cage wanted every day to pass by like this. He would come back from shooting and she would be done with work. They would take showers and have dinner before snuggling into each other and relaxing. Sometimes it would lead to sex, others would just result in them falling asleep. He didn’t mind either.

Breaking out of his thoughts, Cage turned her to the side so that she was facing him. Katherine grinned, sliding her leg over his hips to make him lose focus. He glared at her but didn’t say anything.

He put his hand on her thigh but didn’t let himself move it. “Kitty,” he breathed, making her curiosity bloom. “I love you,” he said softly.

She smiled, her face was bright and delighted. “I love you, too.”

Cage touched her cheek and smiled back. “I love you so much more than I thought was possible.” He shook his head. “I almost believe the quirky family tradition my father told me about.” He wanted to chuckle.

She tilted her head to the side, listening with interest. “Apparently, every man in our family finds their soulmate at one point in their life and they know immediately. It’s…” he was at a loss for words.

“Like love at first sight?” she said with a small smile.

“It sounds stupid, I know,” he groaned. “And maybe I didn’t fall in love with you the minute you slid into my messages, but I fell in love with your words. I fell in love with you. And I know that you are the person for me. I don’t know if I should call you my soulmate, but I want to grow old with you and love you forever.” He waited for her response. He could see that she was visibly moved, almost choking.

“Me?” she said in a small voice as if she dared not believe. He nodded, wiping the stray tear that rolled down her cheek with his thumb. “I don’t believe in such stories, but I believe you. If you feel like I am the person, I will hold on to you and never let you go. Stories be damned.”

He laughed as he cradled her face in his hands. Happy tears, he reminded himself. “I love you,” he said again.

“Ah, so you think we are fated to be together,” she said with a small giggle, finally recovering. Cage felt relief wash over him. At least she wasn’t scared.

“Destiny. Fate. Coincidence. Who cares? I just love you.” He had fallen so hard and fast. It must have been permanent or he was a teenager in a grown man’s body.

“I don’t want anybody except for you either.” She paused and looked at him with a gleam. “Did all of the marriages in your family last?” she asked slyly.

“Ohho! Marriage. You think too quickly. Did I propose?” he said, playing along. “Yes, each one of them has had happy and long marriages,” he assured her.

“Must be the water you drink,” she waved it off. He nodded in acknowledgment.

The kiss began slowly and grew more passionate. The skimming of fingers over bare skin turned to the unbuttoning of his shirt. And we all know what happens after that.