The familiar sound of the click, swish, and thud of the door opening and closing alerts Nicole to Benedict's arrival at the house. Her soft footsteps took him to the kitchen where she was finishing preparing that evening's dinner. “Hello Mr. Ben!” greeted him. "HI." he smiled widely. “How was your first day?” He sat down in one of the chairs at the table, leaning back and kicking his legs out in front of him. "It was nice. No big hiccups. Everyone got along." "Good. Did you actually shoot or did you just try?" "We had already rehearsed before we started shooting." “Of course,” she nodded. “Well, how about dinner?” she looked at him smiling. "Sounds good." Nicole grabbed his seat that she had pulled earlier and placed it in front of him as he walked back into the kitchen. He looked at the plate, and then at her: "Have you eaten yet?" No. Not yet. I'll eat later." she smiled. "Are you going to make me ask you every night to join me?" Nicole smiled and laughed to herself. "Yeah, probably." "Why?" "Maybe a girl wants to feel desired." she blinked his eyelashes, jokingly. “You're ridiculous.” “You're not the first person to point that out.” Would you like to join me for dinner?" "Sure." he chuckled. "In fact, why don't we make it a standard arrangement?" "We'll see."****After dinner***"That was great, thanks," he said Benedict. “You are welcome.” Benedict took the glass and leaned back in his chair, taking a sip. “So,” he said. “Single to an embarrassing extent,” Nicole groaned, leaning forward his head in. with his hands. He listened to Benedict chuckle across the table. “Well, this will definitely be… middle of the paper…” I know,” he said finally, “It's okay.” she nodded a little too frantically. She expected him to let go of her hand, but when he didn't, panic began to set in. She couldn't stand there like this, holding his hand, looking into his eyes. in the middle of his kitchen with a sturdy, freshly cleaned table right there. He couldn't do it. It took all her will and strength, but she summoned a few ounces of common sense and recovered. astonishment She gave his hand a little squeeze and let go, but not before seeing a flash of recognition of his affection on her. She quickly walked through the kitchen and into the formal dining room where she had left the cupcakes she had made earlier in the day. She thanks whatever deity told her to put them in the other room so she could collapse on that table and catch her breath.