The tart came out glistening—golden, delicate, kissed by fire.
Marco set it down in front of her like it was sacred.
No plates this time.
Just a single dessert fork resting on the edge of the cutting board and two glasses of something sweet and sparkling.
"It's meant to be shared," he said softly.
Elena stared at the dessert, then at him.
"You mean... with you?"
"Unless you'd rather eat alone."
She reached for the fork, cutting a bite of pear, syrup, and flaky pastry.
She held it up.
Marco leaned forward and took the bite from her hand.
His eyes didn't leave hers.
Her breath hitched.
The intimacy was subtle, yet it pulsed through her like a second heartbeat.
There was no rush here, no pressure. Just a slow, rich building of something... delicious.
She took her own bite. Sweet. Melting.
Warm from the oven.
But the heat in her belly had little to do with the sugar.
Marco leaned against the table, arms folded, his smile softer now.
"You cook?"
"Used to Before things got complicated. Now it's mostly takeout and lukewarm ambition."
"I could teach you,"
he offered. "If you're staying a while."
Elena raised a brow.
"Is this a normal offer? Or a Rosehill kind of offer?"
His grin deepened.
"There's no normal here Just honest hunger."
That silenced her for a moment.
Because something about the way he said it felt like a challenge—and an invitation.
She glanced down at the half-eaten tart, then back up at him.
"What if I'm hungry for more than food?"
He moved closer, closing the space between them in two lazy steps.
His fingers brushed her wrist, warm and gentle.
"Then I'd say," Marco murmured, "you're in exactly the right kitchen."
The air between them snapped tight.
She didn't move away.
Neither did he.
Outside, laughter floated through the windows.
The night was alive with heat, and possibility.
Elena's past was still there—heavy, unfinished—but right now, it didn't feel so loud.
She didn't know if this was a date, or a lesson, or the start of something deeper.
But she was sure of one thing.
Rosehill had flavor And she wanted more.