After eating and drinking to her satisfaction, Lia belched loudly.

"Oh, there you have it," Derek said as he grabbed a tissue from the tray and used it to wipe a brown soup stain from her cupid's lips.

"Thank you," Lia whispered, sunshine flooding her soul as her smile widened from ear to ear. Derek's heart sank when he saw her beautiful smile.

He was already on cloud nine when she thanked him. Derek put his hand on Lia's hand, he smiled at her as their eyes met. He kept looking into her blue eyes. There was beautiful and meaningful eye contact between them.

Ava coughed, and Derek jumped, letting...