“You're still burning up. Just one night, okay?"

She huffed, annoyance flashing across her face.

“I don't want to.”

Mark pieced together the puzzle of her mood.

Earlier, he had overshared with Peter about their intimate moments.

Given their fresh start, it was probably too much, too soon.

She might feel violated.

The depth in Mark's gaze intensified.

Feeling the heat rise in her cheeks, Cecilia distractedly said, "I'll watch some TV. You can clean up and then take me home."

Nodding, Mark set about tidying.

Cecilia sank into the sofa, selecting a romantic movie to distract herself and tearing open a snack bag.

While Mark could've escorted her home after cleaning, he was reluctant to break the moment's fragile tranquility. He knew she was hurt by the day's events.

On a whim, he decided to bake some cookies.

Mark rummaged through the cupboards and found a bag of flour. He'd recently experimented with various cookie recipes - milk-infused treats perfect for Olivia, who loved them for teething.

Although he lacked cookie cutters, he managed by hand, crafting small animal shapes, mainly strawberry-flavored bunnies.

He also threw in some bear-shaped chocolate cookies that Edwin was fond of.

Thirty minutes later, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air. Mark placed a batch on a plate and stored the rest in two quaint jars.

As he entered the living room, he noticed Cecilia, engrossed in her film.

He slid onto the couch next to her, offering the plate. She was immediately tempted by the scent and tasted one.

After devouring a couple, she mused, “These are so good! Where'd you get them?"