Page 15 of Wandering Closer

Jake :

It was nice knowing ya, Lily.

Thoren :

*middle finger picture with flowers in the background*

River :

You fucking called it Jake.

Their little faith in me hurts a little, but they aren’t wrong. I’m a relationship guy, and I want to make others happy. I know what I want and I go for it and will not apologize for it. So I’ll put the candles away, but the flowers are staying on the table.

I change into a clean pair of jeans and a red tee, before giving the counters one more wipe down and ensuring the wine is in the fridge. I know she’s bringing beer, but what if she doesn’t like it? Shadow knows something is happening, so she’s been dragging her favorite little purple dragon all over the house, her tail never stopping.

By five, I have the house clean and the food ready to grill. Shadow runs for the front door a moment before the doorbell rings. I smooth my shirt as I approach the front door, nudging Shadow aside to open it. Lily’s smile greets me, bright as ever. She has on a little red jumper that clings to her like a second skin, her hair is in a high ponytail and there’s the smallest bit of makeup on her face. My heart pounds in my chest as she holds up a 12-pack of beer.

“I bought a variety pack,” she states proudly. “The kid at the store said it has all the local favorites in it. He didn’t look twenty-one, so I didn’t ask how he knew.” Her eyes gradually peruse down my body, feeling like a heated touch at every inch they drop and rise again. “Hey look, we’re matching.”

My wide smile mirrors hers. “That sounds perfect,” I say, taking it from her and stepping to the side so she can come in. Shadow’s nose stays glued to the tote she is carrying as she walksthrough the house. It’s the same tote I gave her two weeks ago which makes me smile. “I know you’ve been inside to pick up Shadow, but if you haven’t snooped yet, this is my home.”

She peers into the living room before heading to the kitchen, setting her tote down. “I take offense to that. I have self-control and only peeked at your kitchen. Which is perfection, by the way.”

“Would you like a quick tour?”

Her eyes light up. “If you don’t mind. I know you said you did it all yourself and I’m dying to see what else you did if this is what your kitchen looks like.”

My chest puffs up, the pride seeping through my pores. Before I turn to lead her down the hall, I catch Shadow with her nose in the tote at Lily’s feet. “Shadow, knock it off. I’m sorry, I don’t know why she’s doing that.”

“Oh,” Lily laughs, reaching in there. “I almost forgot. I found a recipe for homemade dog treats and made some today.” She pulls out a small container with biscuits in misshapen hearts. “Is it okay if I give her one? The main ingredient is peanut butter, and it said it’s healthy for dogs.”

“You made her dog treats?” I look at Shadow, sitting patiently at her feet, tail wagging with a longing look aimed at the container.

“Yeah, is that okay? You can say no. I printed out the recipe in case you wanted to see the ingredient list but I researched first to make sure it was safe.” The hopeful look on her face is too cute, and I don’t doubt she did extensive research. It’s the fact that she did this selfless thing and included Shadow in our night that adds a pressure to my chest.

“That’s amazing, I’m sure she will love them.”

Lily bounces on her toes as she opens the container and holds one out to Shadow. We watch as my dog devours it, licking herchops and the floor in case of crumbs, before looking back up for another.

“Maybe for dessert,” Lily boops her nose, “We don’t want to spoil your dinner. Now I have to get a tour of this gorgeous house.”

My throat is dry, and I have to fight the urge to take her in my arms again. Some people see dogs as pets, but Shadow is my best friend. She was by my side the day Jen left, and has been my rock every day since. Seeing her being cherished by Lily means more to me than I can comprehend. “Let’s start down here. You’ve seen the kitchen, dining and living room, and down this hall I have an office, and half bath.” I show her the small bathroom I painted a deep moody blue with gold fixtures. We move to my office, which is nothing more than a desk, two half empty bookshelves and an old chair shoved in the corner. Tote bins packed with search and rescue items fill the other half of the room.

“Upstairs, I have three bedrooms and two full baths,” I explain as we make our way up. “This is the primary. You can check out the bathroom if you’d like, I did all the tiling and pipes myself.” She casually walks in my room that has slate gray walls. Jake made the walnut bed frame as a move-in present, and it’s covered with a light blue comforter. My dresser and nightstands are white and plain. As she heads to the bathroom, my heart rate kicks up. I want her to like it so she will let me help with hers.

“Oh my god,” she whispers as she walks further in.

I went a little moodier with the colors in here. In the corner is a freestanding tub directly below a large skylight. The shower is large and has white marble tiles with thick black and gray veining. Those same tiles cover the floor and match the marble counter on the double vanity. There is white wainscotting on the bottom of the walls and the same deep blue on top from the bathroom downstairs.

Lily turns her wide eyes to me. “You did all of this yourself?”

“I did.”

“It’s incredible. The large tiles are beautiful, and cohesive, and I am dreaming of sitting in that tub with the lights off at night to watch the stars.”

My mind starts conjuring up images of her soaking in my bath, her long hair draped over the edge, nipples sitting right below the water line. My cock twitches and hardens in my jeans. Turning around, I head back toward the room so I can discreetly adjust myself. “You can come kick me out and use it anytime you want. I know you don’t have a big tub at your place.”

Her laugh is light as she follows me back to the hall toward the guest room. “I might just take you up on that.”

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