Page 58 of Risk

“Just cheese on rye, no mayo.”

“Got it.”

We both get out of the car, and I meet Kaden on the sidewalk.

“Let me grab some money for the sandwich.”

I go to get my wallet, but Kaden stops me.

“My treat. You’re providing the coffee.”

“It’s hardly expensive.”

“Neither are sandwiches.”

I have no comeback for that, so I huff and say, “Fine. I’ll get the next ones.”

Before I go inside, I give Kaden the code to get in my building, saving myself from having to buzz him in. I grab my mail, and I have an Amazon package, which should be the pregnancy book I ordered. I climb the stairs to my apartment and let myself inside, leaving the door unlocked for Kaden.

I kick my sneakers off and get started on the coffee. While it’s brewing, I open the package, and it is the book I ordered. I’m going to need to read this so I at least know what I’m doing. Not like I don’t have enough course reading to do. I glance over at the pile of textbooks on my coffee table.

I’ve really lapsed on my coursework this past week. With everything going on, the last thing I wanted to do was schoolwork. But I’m going to need to catch up.

Coffees made, I tuck the book under my arm, carry them to my living space, and put them down on the table.

I’m flicking through the pregnancy book when Kaden comes in through the door.

“Hey,” he says, taking the seat on the sofa next to me.

He hands me a sandwich bag, and I thank him.

“What are you reading?” he asks, unwrapping his sandwich and taking a bite.

I show him the front cover, and he nods.

“I need to start learning about pregnancy and babies.”

“We,” he says after swallowing his bite of sandwich, and I stare at him. “This is a team effort, Beautiful.”

I can’t help the smile or tingles in my body that I feel at his words and the term of endearment that he’s come to use for me since that night we hooked up. I really hope he doesn’t call other women that. The thought of him calling some other woman Beautiful turns my good feelings sour.

I cover up my feelings by unwrapping my sandwich and taking a bite. This cheese is the most flavorsome thing I’ve had in days. I let out a little moan. I’m just praying the food stays down.

Kaden coughs, then thumps his hand on his chest.

“Okay?” I ask him after I’ve swallowed.

“Yep.” He shoves the last of his sandwich in his mouth. The man can eat fast. “Just gonna use your bathroom.”

“Sure.”

I’ve finished my sandwich by the time he returns and sits down. I grab my coffee and pick up the book. Turning so my back is against the armrest, I bring my legs up so they’re bent at the knee, and I rest the book there and open up to the first page.

“Read it to me,” Kaden says.

I look up at him. “You want me to read the pregnancy book to you?”

“Yeah, so we can learn together. I don’t want to miss out on anything.”

---