(Lilac's POV)
Tonight was going to be different.
I had planned it all meticulously. It had to be perfect—no room for mistakes. Every detail had been considered. My uncle had invited me to bring Tom some dinner—his favorite meal that I knew he loved—saying he hadn't been eating properly lately. I was more than happy to oblige, but this wasn't just about food. No, this was my chance.
The timing couldn't be better. My uncle had planned to meet some friends and wouldn't be back for hours. I would have Tom all to myself. It was just him and me, and I knew this was the moment to push him further, to break the final barriers between us.
I was dressed carefully, not too provocatively but still undeniably feminine. The dress was light, just the right balance of casual and tempting. It hugged my curves in all the right places without being too obvious. I wanted him to notice me, but I also needed him to see that I had prepared for this, that I was offering something more than just a simple dinner delivery.
When I arrived at Tom's house, I could feel the familiar flutter of nerves in my stomach, but I didn't let it show. I had rehearsed every part of this visit in my mind—how I would act, what I would say, what I would do if he hesitated. I was ready for all of it.
I knocked on the door, my heart racing in anticipation. Tom answered after a moment, looking surprised but not displeased to see me.
"Evening, Tom," I greeted him softly, a smile playing on my lips as I held up the bag of food. "Dinner from Uncle James. He thought you might appreciate a home-cooked meal tonight."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "You brought dinner?"
I nodded. "Of course. I thought it would be nice to spend some time together, just the two of us. He's out for a while, so it's just me tonight."
Tom hesitated for a brief moment, and I saw the flicker of something in his eyes—curiosity, wariness. I could see the conflict in him, the struggle between wanting company and the grief that still lingered. But I didn't let him dwell on it for too long.
"Come in," he finally said, stepping aside to allow me in. "I didn't realize I had company tonight."
I smiled and walked past him into the house, careful not to rush. The silence between us was always thick, but tonight I was determined to change that.
Once inside, I moved toward the kitchen, setting the food down on the counter. Tom followed me but didn't sit down immediately. Instead, he stood near the door, watching me carefully. His gaze was intense, but there was still that wariness in it. I could feel him pulling back, but I knew I had to keep pushing.
"Why don't you sit down, Tom?" I suggested, my voice soft but insistent. "I'll take care of everything."
He looked like he was about to protest, but then he seemed to give in, sinking into a chair at the table with a sigh.
I busied myself with plating the food, taking my time to make sure everything was perfect. I made sure to be close to him, bending slightly over the table as I placed each dish, letting him catch glimpses of my body. It was all about the subtle touches, the little things. The way my hair cascaded over my shoulder, the way my hand brushed against his as I handed him his plate.
I could feel his gaze on me the entire time, and I didn't dare look up. I knew that if I looked at him too soon, I might lose my nerve. So, I focused on the task at hand, serving the food, making the small talk that kept the conversation flowing, all the while feeling the electricity in the air between us.
"Here you go," I finally said, setting his plate down in front of him. "I hope it's good."
He looked at the food, then at me. His eyes softened, but there was still a guarded look to them. "You didn't have to do this, Lilac. I can take care of myself."
I smiled, giving him a warm, gentle look. "I know you can, but I wanted to."
I sat down across from him, watching as he took the first bite. He didn't say much, but the way he ate told me everything. It was a small, intimate moment, the kind that only happens when two people are in each other's presence for long enough to stop being cautious.
I noticed the way he glanced at me between bites, his gaze lingering a little longer than necessary. It was subtle, but I knew what he was thinking. He was aware of me, aware of the way I was sitting across from him, aware of the way the air felt charged between us.
As the evening wore on, I made sure to keep the conversation flowing, to keep the atmosphere light but purposeful. I wanted him to feel comfortable, to let his guard down just enough for me to make my move.
I had to be careful. This wasn't a game of force; this was a game of patience, of subtlety. The more I pushed him, the more he would retreat. I needed to give him space but also show him that I was someone he could trust, someone who could be his companion without any of the emotional baggage.
It was just the two of us, and in that moment, it felt like the world outside didn't exist. There was no grief, no history, no family ties. There was just me and him.
And that was all that mattered.
After we finished eating, I stood up to clear the dishes, moving slowly toward the sink. Tom remained seated, watching me, but I could sense a shift in his posture. He was no longer the man who had lost everything; he was just a man, and I was a woman who wanted him.
"Thank you, Lilac," he said after a long silence. "This… this was nice."
I turned to him, a soft smile curling on my lips. "I'm glad you liked it. But I think we're both done for the night."
I made my way over to him, standing just close enough for him to feel my presence. "I could stay a little longer, if you want. I don't mind."
He looked at me for a moment, the weight of his emotions evident in his eyes. There was something there, something I hadn't seen before. But even as he opened his mouth to speak, I could see the internal struggle in his eyes.
"I think it's time for me to go," I said, my voice low but firm. "But I'll come back. I always will, Tom."
And with that, I left him alone, but I knew that tonight was just the beginning. I was getting closer, and he couldn't fight it forever.