He was right. There was no reason to rush into defining or labeling their relationship. There was still so much for them to learn about each other. She didn’t even know his favorite color or food. From what she’d seen, he pretty much ate whatever there was. But that wasn’t enough to decide a future. And he didn’t know hers, either. She came to the city with the intention of leaving when the play finished. It was possible that in eight weeks she might have had her fill of being here, even if she still enjoyed being with him.
“I think it’s a great idea.”
“Good. Then maybe, if it’s okay with you, we can…invite…what are their names again?”
“Peggy and John.”
“Yes, Peggy and John over for dinner this weekend to say thanks for the food. That is, if you’re in the mood for company and for cooking.”
She couldn’t hold back her excitement. “I’d really like that.”
“And I thought maybe a few others. Kind of make it a dinner party.”
“Okay. I know how to cook enough to feed an army.” She really did. Hopefully that wasn’t how many he was inviting. “About how many people?”
“I was thinking the usual. My family. Maybe yours, if you’d like, and even Charlene if you think she’d come.”
Sofia pulled away for a moment and looked at him. This was great, but it didn’t seem right. Something was off. “Dylan, I know I’m agreeing to all this, but now I’m not so sure. Why are you doing this?”
“Because I want you to feel like this isn’t just my place. That you live here too. I know having people around is important to you.”
She could kiss him. Once again, he was doing something to make her happy. Sofia knew she could jump at the chance and invite them all. But the last thing she wanted was either of them changing who they were for the other person. So she reached out and took his hand in hers. “Then I guess I have to say no.”
“To living here?”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to be anywhere else. I’m talking about having the party. You wanting me to feel at home will only work if we both do. So let’s start small. Pick someone and I’ll cook. Make it casual, and then they can go home early.”
He pulled her into his arms. “So we can be alone and really enjoy the place.”
Sofia smiled. “I’ll even make a special dessert for us to share.”
“In bed?” he teased.
“Anywhere you want to eat it,” she said seductively.
“Hmmm. Can I have a sample now?” he asked.
“I haven’t made it?” she replied.
“You’re the only dessert I desire.” Dylan reached between them and tugged the towel. She felt it break loose and drop to the floor. “I don’t believe we’ve done any research in the kitchen yet.”
“Then maybe we should get cooking.” Sofia reached up and loosened his tie as her lips touched his.
Definitely my favorite dessert too.