That evening, Ava turned the key and stepped into Gabriel’s apartment. The faint scent of his woody cologne still lingered in the air, mixing with the gentle warmth of the room.

Before she could even close the door, she heard the sound of running water stop in the bathroom. Moments later, Gabriel appeared in the hallway, towel-drying his hair. He wore only dark sweatpants and had another towel draped over his shoulders. The smile that spread across his face as soon as he saw her was effortless and genuine.

“Finally! I was counting the seconds for you to get here,” he said, walking over to kiss her forehead. “How was your day, my favorite rational woman?”

Ava smiled faintly.

“Exhausting, but productive. Yours?” she asked, setting her bag down on a chair.

“It was rough, but I survived. Had a meeting with the research team and had to deal with a supplier who thinks deadlines are a myth.” He made a mock grimace. “But now I’m officially off-duty. Do you want to rest? I was thinking of cook