Page 13 of Wandering Closer

She’s skittish and there’s a haunted look in her eyes that I hate seeing. There’s nothing I want more than to uncover her layers and see the real her. This polished version intrigues me, and I’m beyond attracted to her, but it’s the hidden version I really want to see. She’s been drawing me in since the moment I met her, a tether I can’t shake, not that I want to. Just thethought of her wanting to come to my home lights up parts of me that have been pushed to the side.

“Sounds perfect,” I say around bites of dinner. “Speaking of perfection, this steak is incredible. The entire meal is, but I am a sucker for a juicy steak. Do you like cooking?”

“My mom ensured I knew how to cook, you know, because the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” she chuckles nervously. “Luckily, I really love it. It’s hard cooking for one, but cooking helps me relax from the day and focus on the task at hand.”

I don’t think she has a boyfriend, but I have been dying to ask anyway. “Have you been cooking for one for long?”

She stares at me, unblinking for a moment, before throwing her head back in laughter. “Was that your way of asking if I’m single? Jesus, Thoren, that was bad.” She picks up her wine glass, chuckling to herself as she takes a sip. “Yes, I’ve been only cooking for myself for a while.” Her features drop, a look of hurt crossing her face. “Even in my last relationship, I mostly ate alone. What about you? Do you like cooking, and are you cooking for only one?”

“Very single. The only time I cook for others is when Jake shows up demanding dinner. I do enjoy cooking, but it’s not the same when you’re alone. There’s something special about cooking with someone. For someone. I miss that.”

She’s contemplative as she takes a sip of her wine. Her quiet voice finally breaks through, “I’ve never had someone cook for me.”

I want to ask more, because at our age, any decent boyfriend has cooked a meal for his girlfriend. Has she only dated wealthy men that only go out to eat, or have private chefs? She mentioned that’s the type of man her parents want for her. If that’s what she’s looking for, she won’t find that in this town,and certainly not in me. I am a decent cook and it’s fulfilling watching people enjoy something I have made.

“Well that’s a damn shame, and getting rectified Saturday evening. My salmon recipe is unmatched and just happens to pair well with beer and baseball.” We continue our dinner, and I help her clean up and wash the dishes when we are done. It feels natural spending time with her, like we’ve been doing this for years and didn’t just meet last week.

“I should probably head home and feed Shadow. Thanks again for spending time with her today, and for making me that incredible dinner.” I have the urge to wrap her in my arms, bury my head in her neck, and place a soft kiss there. I could just lean in, place a gentle kiss on her cheek. But I don’t. She’s warm, and kind, and although I have seen the lingering looks she’s given me, I’ve also noticed she’s kept a distance between us.

“Of course, I’m excited to see her again Thursday. Thank you for helping with the deck, that was such a huge task and you made it so easy.” She shuffles on her feet.

“You’re welcome. Have a good night, Lily.” I walk out her door, and down her driveway, the dim glow of the moon lighting my way.

“Goodnight, Thoren,” she says from the doorway. It isn’t until I’m rounding the small bend in her driveway that I see her front door shut in my rearview.

Thursday

Lily:

*picture of Shadow in the woods*

Lily:

We are going on an adventure before I sit down to write.

Thoren:

She is the best adventure buddy.

Lily:

*picture of Shadow on her back passed out*

Lily:

And the best writing buddy.

Thoren:

At least her snores aren’t disrupting you.

Friday

Thoren:

Shadow went right back to sleep after breakfast, you wore her out yesterday.

Lily:

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