The way back home was quiet.
Amanda was silent most of the time. There were no provocations, no lingering glances. That change made me even more confused. It was as if all the tension in the market had been saved for later.
In front of her flat, she just smiled.
"See you later, then, Edu."
The way she said my name made my stomach knot up.
"See you," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
I entered my flat, lost in thought. I closed the door and stood still for a few seconds, trying to organise my thoughts.
I took a long shower. The cold water helped calm my racing heart. I thought about dinner, the wine, the conversations... what that night could mean.
When I left the bathroom, I got dressed carefully.
I put on a white tank top that highlighted my arms and simple black shorts. I combed my hair and put on a little perfume — maybe a little more than usual.
I took a deep breath.
So I went to Amanda's flat.
The anticipation almost made me turn back.
I rang the bell and waited.
While I waited, I wondered what she would be wearing. A dress? Something more formal? Or something simple?
I heard the slight sound of the lock.
The door opened slowly.
And there she was.
Wearing light cotton pyjamas, simple... but which emphasised her curves in a natural, effortless way.
She looked comfortable.
Confident.
Beautiful.
For a moment, I forgot what to say.
She rested her hand on the door and smiled sideways.
"Are you going to stand there staring at me or are you going to come in, Edu?"
I noticed her eyes wandering over my body.
Unhurriedly.
Especially my arms.
She didn't hide it. On the contrary... she seemed curious.
Then she bit her lip lightly, as if she had an interesting thought.
My heart raced immediately.
I entered the flat and Luke came growling.
"Come on, man," I complained.
Amanda laughed loudly.
"He doesn't trust you."
"He's overreacting."
She picked Luke up, still smiling.
"Relax, jealous boy."
I rolled my eyes.
"Hey."
As she took the dog to the kitchen, I heard her say from afar:
"You can watch if you want. I'll make dinner."
I thought for a second... but decided to help.
I went over and found Amanda already holding a glass of wine.
"Amanda, I thought wine was part of the recipe," I said playfully.
She smiled right away.
"Edu, it's just one glass," she replied, pouting exaggeratedly before smiling even wider.
I shook my head, laughing.
"When you talk like that, no one can resist."
She set the glass on the counter and moved a little closer.
"I know how to do other things that you can't resist."
I raised my eyebrow, curious.
"Like what, Amanda?"
She pretended to think for a second, holding back a laugh.
"Like a really juicy steak."
And she started laughing.
I exhaled, half relieved, half frustrated.
"What were you expecting, Edu?" she teased, still smiling.
"Nothing..." I replied, trying to maintain my composure. "I just thought something more mysterious was coming."
"Mystery is my thing," she said, turning to the frying pan. "But today you'll have to settle for dinner."
I leaned against the counter, watching.
"Then I hope this steak is as irresistible as you are."
She then bent down to pick up a frying pan, giving me a view of her backside, then looked over her shoulder with a smile.
"I'm more."
I agree with that much more.