My Universe (mxm)

Chapter 4. Colliding Suns

   The scent of freshly cooked pasta fills the vast industrial kitchen, tickling my nostrils. I smile, inhaling deeply the wonderful aroma and relax in the comfortable chair. I can definitely get used to that, coming home from work late in the evening to find Adam cooking one of his culinary delights. They are always finger licking good. Watching him fuss around the stove is even better. I'm still in awe of how attractive he is.

   The kitchen is my most favorite place in the house. I created the design myself. It is really cozy because of the natural materials, despite its huge size. I like open spaces and hate cramped rooms, so I made it exactly the way I liked, choosing raw oak sawn timbers for the big dining table and beams of the same material for the ceiling. The concrete counter with the sink and all the chocolate-colored kitchen cabinets are mounted on the maroon background of an exposed brick wall. The twelve chairs around the table and the huge sectional sofa in front of the fireplace are upholstered in soft, rusty brown, faux leather. I am proud of the modern, mountain hut look, but consider my masterpiece the all-glass wall, overlooking the garden. 

   The iridescent autumn colors outside are like a stunning work of art. I would probably be gazing through the window the entire time, if I was alone. The strong wind is tossing the falling leaves into beautiful swirls of red and gold. The soft illumination of the garden lanterns turns everything into a play of light and shadow. Nature is a brilliant artist, even when it is artificially recreated on a spaceship. 

   Although I am so fond of my garden, I have a much more captivating occupation now. I can't take my eyes off the man, skillfully stirring the fragrant Bolognese sauce in a deep skillet. He is a piece of art himself and I dare not take credit for it. His charm is not due to the physical traits I have selected. What makes him remarkable is the whole package of gorgeous looks, combined with unique personality. 

   Adam is half a foot taller than me which is impressive since I am a little over six feet myself. He is a big, strong man with defined muscles. His every movement exudes power and resilience, making him a little intimidating, but it is all balanced by his constant disarming smile. He has the most staggering smile I have ever seen. It makes my heart race every single time he aims it at me. I admire his flawless, dark brow skin, the big, expressive eyes and the lips... Oh, my God! He is handsome, so handsome that I have to look away from time to tome, to stop myself from doing something really stupid, like taking my clothes off and throwing myself in his arms. He would surely love to see me out of control. I think, he even made it his goal...

   "Haru!" His deep voice startles me out of my daze. "Stop staring at me and get moving. The water is already cold. I need thirty more minutes for the pasta, just enough for your bath."

   "You're too good-looking," I mutter. "I can't stop ogling you. Is it annoying?"

   "Yes," he laughs. "You look like a puppy, begging for a treat. I offered to join you, remember? We could be cuddling in the bathtub right now, if you weren't so stubborn. Anyway, I can't leave the sauce once I've started it. It will burn. A cold shower might be a good idea to help you simmer down after all."

   "I'm not touching you until you stop pretending and making me go through that shit every day," I grumble. "You're not a slave and I'm not your master. If you think I'm going to sleep with someone without being a hundred percent sure it's mutual, you're very wrong and you don't know me at all."

   "I know you pretty darn good," Adam smirks. "Besides, you're touching me all the time. You're like a little, groping octopus..."

   "Shut up!" I bite my lip to stop the giggle. I won't give him the pleasure of making me laugh when I'm so hopping mad with him.