Page 121 of The Dark Obsession

Tomato soup with vegan grilled cheese.

I top it off with a few leaves of basil from the plant sitting on the windowsill, looking upon my creation with pride.

Who would have thought that a simple dish could make me this happy.

Feeling accomplished, I turn around just as Tyson descends the stairs, his hair ruffled from whatever he was doing.

When he comes to stand before me, I can’t resist running my fingers through the thick strands, smoothing back the pieces that have fallen over his forehead.

“What are you up to?” I ask as he cages me in against the counter.

“You’ll see.” The corner of his mouth tips up as he nudges his nose with mine, the brief touch sending a jolt through my body.

I thought I’d get used to his closeness with time, but now I doubt that will ever happen.

Taking out a tray from under the sink, Tyson starts loading our dinner onto it. My heart skipping a beat when he holds the whole thing up with one hand while the other reaches for mine.

Fingers laced together, we walk towards his bedroom. Just as I think that we’re about to have a comfy meal in bed, I realize that the bedding is missing. Along with the mattress.

Confused, I look at Tyson just for him to nod towards the open window, letting go of my hand as I take a hesitant step forward.

Looking back over my shoulder, I cock an eyebrow in question. Yet his face reveals nothing.

So, I lean outside. Blinking in awe at what I’m seeing.

I’ve totally forgotten that this room is right above the porch, the roof of which is accessible through here.

And in the middle of it sits our mattress under a nest of pillows and blankets, a single candle casting dim light into the night.

“What is this?” I breathe.

“If I remember correctly, stargazing was next on your list of dreams.”

His body presses against my back but I can’t bring myself to turn away from the scene as my eyes start to water.

Tilting my head up, Tyson’s gaze bores into mine.

“I said no more crying, little one.” He runs his thumb under my eyes. “Now get your pretty ass out there.”

Before he can pull away from my face, I catch his wrist, kissing the pad of his finger, his palm and lastly the inside of his wrist in gratitude.

A little, choked sound slips from his throat.

Carefully stepping over the window frame, I settle on my usual side of the makeshift bed, watching as he balances the tray between us.

“I thought this might be better than sleeping on the ground since there’s quite a bit of wildlife surrounding us.”

Looking up at the open sky, hundreds of stars shine brightly above our heads.

Far from the city there’s nothing to obstruct our view, the vastness of it extraordinary.

“It’s beautiful.” I whisper, overcome with wonder.

Cradling the bowls of soup in our laps, we enjoy the silent ambiance of the woods beneath the cover of darkness.

“This is great, baby.” Tyson mumbles with a full mouth, finishing off his second piece of bread while I’ve barely nibbled on the first one.

Sometimes, I feel like he’s inhaling his food instead of chewing it.

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