Chapter 155

Hannah

Noah stepped forward and placed a necktie over my eyes. I held it in place while he tied it behind me, the cool touch of his fingers brushing my nape. “Thanks for complying,” he said, finishing the knot. I heard his footsteps and his breath on my shoulder as he circled me. “I promise it’ll be worth it.”

“I hope so,” I said with a nervous chuckle. My heart pounded; the anticipation was thrilling. Noah… Why this surprise? I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but it was hard not to. He hadn’t been this spontaneous and romantic in years. A hopeful part of me—the young romantic—wanted to be swept off my feet. Perhaps this was a beginning, a way to rekindle what we’d lost. But that was wishful thinking, right?

Finally, our room’s door creaked open. I took a shaky step forward, my hands outstretched, only to meet his cool, steady fingers. “Here,” Noah said softly, placing his other hand on my lower back and guiding me.

A shiver of anticipation ran down my spine. It was like ice water through my dress—shocking and exhilarating. I didn't pull away, letting him lead me into the room. Then…

“Voilà.”

Noah dramatically removed the necktie. A gasp escaped me. My hand flew to my mouth, my eyes widening at the sight before me. I whirled around to face Noah, incredulous.

“Noah, did you…?”

Uncharacteristically, the usually stern Alpha grinned and nodded. He gently guided me to a chair. “You like it?” he asked, gesturing to the array before us.

“Like it?” I echoed. My eyes scanned the long white tablecloth, laden with a dizzying array of small dishes—shrimp, scallops, fine cuts of beef, saucy pasta, spanakopita, vibrant vegetables, and slices of cake. It was a feast, though each dish offered only a bite-sized sample.

“I love it,” I breathed.

Noah exhaled, a breath of relief, and pulled out my chair. “Good,” he said, pushing it in after I sat. “I called the chef and asked him to prepare samples of everything on the menu.”

He paused, eyeing plates of mussels, clams, and other fragrant seafood I couldn't identify. “Although, he also made a few things not on the menu.”

I blinked, taking it all in. Noah sat opposite me, his gaze patiently on me.

“But… why?” I murmured. “Why all this trouble?”

Noah shrugged. “I felt bad for not being the first to offer trying new foods with you,” he said, his voice surprisingly soft. “So I thought a surprise would be nice. And…” He pushed a plate of pasta toward me. “If there’s anything you really like, I’ve hired the chef part-time to cook for you at home.”

“At home?”

He nodded. “Yep. Mondays and Wednesdays, he’ll cook dinner. Whatever you like, and however much you like.”