Chapter 59

The restaurant we chose was a small, family-run spot just outside of town, nestled near a quiet lake. The atmosphere was peaceful, the tables shaded by large umbrellas, the scent of fresh herbs and grilled seafood filling the air.

We settled into our seats, the sound of birds and distant waves creating a soothing backdrop.

Monique glanced over the menu. “I think I’ll go for the grilled salmon with lemon and herbs.”

I nodded. “Sounds good. I’ll have the same.”

As we waited for our food, Monique reached across the table, her fingers brushing over mine. “Today was amazing. I can’t believe how welcoming everyone was.”

I smiled. “You do know that you’re going to M.I.T. is a big thing; once they heard that, my team was impressed.”

She blushed slightly. “I was so nervous at first, but everyone was so welcoming.”

The food arrived shortly after—perfectly cooked salmon, served with a side of roasted vegetables and a light citrus glaze. We ate slowly, enjoying the quiet moment together.

After a while, Monique leaned in with a teasing smile. She sipped her water, her gaze playful. “If my boyfriend keeps being so wonderful, I might just have to give him another show tonight.”

I chuckled. “And how exactly do I make sure I stay in your good graces?”

She tilted her head, pretending to think. “Oh, you’re doing well so far. Just keep doing as you’re told.”

The drive home from the restaurant was quiet, the kind of comfortable silence that came with being completely at ease with each other. Monique tapped her fingers lightly against the steering wheel, her mind clearly working through something.

As we pulled into the driveway, she glanced over at me. “I think I should get some work done this afternoon,” she said, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “I have a few school assignments I want to finish.”

I nodded, squeezing her fingers in return. “That sounds like a good idea. I think I’ll read for a bit, maybe put on some music.”

She smiled. “Perfect. A quiet afternoon together, but in our own little worlds.”

Inside, Monique set up her laptop at the dining table, slipping on a pair of reading glasses that I hadn’t seen her wear before.

I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been holding out on me.”

She laughed, adjusting them. “What, these? I don’t need them all the time, just when I’m doing a lot of reading or working on detailed designs.”

I smirked. “They make you look even sexier.”

She rolled her eyes, but I saw the slight blush on her cheeks before she focused on her screen.

Settling onto the couch, I propped my feet up and put on some soft jazz, letting the soothing melodies fill the space. I picked up a book from the side table, flipping it open, but my attention kept drifting toward Monique.

Her brows furrowed slightly as she worked, occasionally biting her lip in concentration. Every so often, she would push her glasses up her nose, completely lost in whatever she was reading.

I smiled to myself. She was stunning in every way.

After about an hour, Monique stretched, letting out a soft sigh before pushing her laptop aside.

“I need a break,” she murmured, rubbing her eyes. “Want some tea?”

I set my book down. “That sounds great.”

We moved into the kitchen together, the warmth of the late afternoon sun filtering through the windows. Monique filled the kettle while I pulled out two mugs.

As we waited for the water to boil, she leaned against the counter, watching me. “What are you reading?”

I lifted the book. “Just some historical fiction, Sailing ships on the high seas, fighting during the Napoleonic Wars. Something light but interesting.”

She smirked. “So, no complicated engineering textbooks?”

I chuckled. “Not today. I’m on a break from all that.”

She reached for my hand, lacing our fingers together. “I like this. Just ... spending time together like this.”

I kissed her knuckles. “Me too.”