The smell of garlic and onions filled the kitchen, blending with the lingering scent of the open road from your road trip earlier that day. You had unpacked, swapped out your travel clothes for something comfy, and started prepping dinner. Jaxson Dart leaned casually against the counter, watching with a grin that made your cheeks warm.

“Need a hand?” he asked, voice teasing as he stepped closer. You handed him a knife to chop vegetables, but it quickly became clear his help was more about stealing little moments than actually cooking. While you focused on slicing and stirring, Jaxson leaned in for a quick kiss on your cheek, then another, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face.

“Hey!” you laughed, swatting at him with a wooden spoon, but his grin only widened. “I’m helping!” he protested, even as he reached to taste a bit of sauce, then leaned down again, pressing a soft kiss to your lips before you could respond.

The two of you moved around the kitchen in easy rhythm—him “helping” by carrying ingredients and sneaking up behind you to wrap his arms around your waist, you laughing and mock-scolding him while secretly loving every second. Even the smallest tasks became intimate: tasting spices together, feeding each other little bites, brushing against one another while reaching for pans.