Page 106 of Absolution

Twenty-Six

Christian

I feel like a fumbling, sweaty teenager when I stand with my hand raised to push her doorbell. A new person has awoken in me that I never knew was there. Inside is a man with hope, with a sliver of light and dreams for the future. I clutch a pot with fresh herbs, noticing yet again how she never seems to have that at home. This is essential for good cooking, everyone knows that. Hanging on a finger on the same hand is a bag with a gift for Cece, a stuffed unicorn, because right now they are apparently the best there is.

Pushing the button, listening to the soft chiming, I hold my breath. From inside comes sounds of everyday life, someone’s muffled talking, music, rapid steps approaching.

I take in Kerry as if I see her for the first time. She’s got on a white blouse with embroidery that shows hints of skin on her shoulders. It’s tucked into skinny jeans that hang low on her hips. Her flaming auburn-red hair hangs loose, reaching her shoulders. Her heart-shaped pale face, and her hazel-green eyes are filled with a shadow of still-there trepidation every time I see her. It disappears after a few minutes, but it’s still as if she always expects the worst. It’s been a little over three years since that fateful week when we met and everything went to hell. I can’t imagine those wounds are still so deep, but she did live in fear for two whole years after that, and maybe that will take some time to heal.

I have nothing but time. When I want something, I get it. I didn’t know I could be so patient, though, but maybe I have changed?

Her eyes dart to mine, slide across my chest, then land on the pot. “This feels familiar.”

“I come in peace,” I say and hold the pot up between us, well aware of the last time I brought her herbs, and when my intentions weren’t so pretty. If they ever are.

Kerry bursts out in a laugh. “Come in.”

Cecilia comes rushing. “Daddy!”

I hand Kerry the pot and scoop Cecilia up on my arm. “Little one!”

“Present! For me?”

I show her the contents and her eyes go wide. “Unicorn!” She slithers out of my arms, grabs the bag and runs back to her play corner, pulling the stuffed animal out of the bag and begins to introduce it to her other toys.

“Cecilia!” half-shouts Kerry. “What do you say?”

“Thank you!”

“Good girl.” Kerry turns to me. “That was a hit. Totally. You know her well.”

I trail after Kerry to the kitchen, and can’t help taking in her mouthwatering butt, snugly fit in the jeans, embroidered red roses on the back pockets. They look a little like that rose tattoo on her belly and my cock suddenly twitches to life, thinking of her naked under me. She seems so innocent, but when I tie her up and spank her to tears, there’s a sinful heat in her that even she can’t deny.

“You want a glass of wine?”

I pull myself out of the images of her naked. “Sure. What’ve you got?”

“Red.” Kerry holds up a bottle. “I’m… no wine person. I mean, I like it, but brands… grapes. It’s—it’s Italian at least. I don’t know...”

“It’s perfect, and yes please.”

Kerry smiles, an expression of relief crossing her face, and pours us half a glass each, handing me one. “I’m only half done. I’m making pasta Bolognese. I was thinking it’d be all right with an Italian.” Kerry suddenly looks aghast. “Or maybe that was super stupid. Damn. You’re probably used to your mom’s amazing cooking.”

“Bianca?” I sputter, “she never cooked. Dad did, and then us kids.”

Her face falls a little and her mouth forms into the cutest O. Fuck I want to catch those lips and just take her.

“Is that why you’re good at cooking?”

I shrug. “I like good food. Can’t always eat out. I like it. It makes me think of something else for a while. Makes me focus.”

“Something other than…? Never mind,” she adds quickly. “Know what? I’ll put out plates. You be in charge of the sauce.”

“And the pasta,” I add.

“You don’t trust me?”

“I’ll do it better.” I poke the packet of dried spaghetti. “And at my place I’d have made this fresh.”

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