Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 100

Dinnertime.

Stephanie had prepared a full meal at home.

Her cooking skills weren't the best, but she had picked up a few things from Monica the other day.

The colors of the dishes were quite appealing. Pleased with her work, she couldn't resist sneaking a couple of bites. Not bad, actually.

The faint scent of tobacco smoke drifted through the air. Stephanie paused. Sensing a pair of eyes on her, she quickly looked up.

It was Jonathan.

He was standing by the French windows, dressed in a black suit with the top two buttons of his shirt unfastened.

Jonathan stared at her, his voice cool. "Sneaking food behind my back?"

"..." Why did that sound so suggestive?

Stephanie replied matter-of-factly, "I made the food. What's wrong with me tasting it?"

She untied the floral apron around her waist and started bringing the dishes to the table. "I don't know your preferences, so even if you don't like it, you're not allowed to say so."

At that, Jonathan raised an eyebrow, his eyes following her, a hint of surprise in them. "You made this specifically for me?"

"Who else?"

The chill around Jonathan seemed to dissipate. He went to wash his hands and returned carrying the filled soup bowls.

Stephanie was pleased that he was proactive. At the very least, he would make a decent dining companion in the future.

Jonathan had a hearty appetite. Stephanie had been worried there would be leftovers, but in the blink of an eye, he had polished off everything, not leaving a single grain of rice.

Watching him devour his food, Stephanie felt a long-forgotten sense of validation. Maybe she had a hidden talent for cooking after all.

After dinner, Stephanie went to the restroom. When she came out, Jonathan was already in the kitchen, cleaning up.

Jonathan scoffed through the phone. "Oh, you're so high and mighty. Tell me, does that get you a home-cooked meal? Is there someone waiting for you at home?"

Jonathan continued, "You're a lonely bachelor whose status is only higher than your dog's, and you're proud of that?"

Tobias had two dogs, and even they were a pair.

The thought made Tobias clutch his chest, a sharp pang of pain shooting through it. "Jonathan, have mercy. We've been friends for years. No personal attacks."

"If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."

"Wait, I have something!"

Tobias asked curiously, "Jonathan, when do we get the honor of meeting your wife?"

Jonathan sat down on the sofa, took a bottle of red wine from the cabinet, and poured a glass, swirling it gently.

Only the wall sconces were on in the living room, casting a soft light that traced the sharp angles of his face, giving them a gentle glow.