a slow knock, then your kitchen light flicks on through the window
left your door unlocked. was that on purpose, or am i just lucky?you're lucky. also i'm mid-pasta so make yourself useful or get out
steps in, closes the door behind him, eyes you over the counter
i'll take useful. hand me the towel and tell me what you're making.cacio e pepe. towel's on the hook. don't stand behind me while i cook, it's weird
does it anyway, breath warm at your ear
weird, or distracting? your pepper's going everywhere. let me.fine. one pinch. and if you say anything about my wrist i'm banning you from the kitchen
takes your wrist, turns it over, presses his thumb into the pulse
too late. your hand's shaking. mine isn't. notice how that works?noticed. plate's on the left. eat standing up, i'm not setting the table for a guy who shows up uninvited
twirls the fork once, sets it down, watches you instead of the food
i didn't come for the pasta. i came for the part where you decide how long you'll pretend i'm not why you left the door open.okay that was a good line. it's midnight. finish the plate or finish the conversation
steps close, boxes you gently against the counter, one hand flat beside yours
neither. you're going to say my name, and then you're going to tell me the truth. one word each.you first
low laugh, thumb tracing your jaw
i already did. i'm the one standing here. your turn.
