Page 23 of Stroked
I ran back to the bathroom and was gargling some mouthwash when I heard a knock on the door. I spat the mouthwash out and wiped my face. My chest was tightening, and flutters were floating in my stomach. Another knock rapped on the door, so I shook it off and went to open it.
She was in jeans, a purple tank, and sandals. Her hair was just as silky as I remembered. She held a reusable shopping bag up as she smiled.
“I have something special for you, but I may need to warm it,” she said as she pushed past me and headed straight to the kitchen.
“Hey, that’s fine. I have pots and pans under the counter.” I walked into the kitchen and went to grab something from under the counter for her as she pulled things from the bag.
A savory aroma filled the air as she pulled containers from the bag.
“That smells amazing. What is it?” I asked.
She stepped over to me and grabbed my waist firmly, planting her mouth hard against mine.
“Mmm, I have thought of that all day. This,” she said as she pulled away and waved her hands over the bag, “is my favorite comfort food. You were not well this morning, so I thought some Feijoada would help.”
She opened one of the containers. It looked like soup with black beans and meat and it smelled amazing. She then opened another container with white rice.
“You pour this over rice. It will fix everything. It is like your chicken noodle soup, only better.”
I couldn’t help but to grab her and pull her back in for another kiss. Her lips were warm and soft, and she tasted like cinnamon when my tongue entered her mouth.
“I’m already starting to feel better.”Did that just come out of my mouth?
“Good. Now, you go sit. I will take care of this.”
I went to the stool at the island in the kitchen and sat as I watched her find her way around my tiny kitchen.
“How was your day?” I asked. I was trying to take Lucy’s advice and make small talk. Which was horribly awkward. I hardly ever asked Lucy how her day was, and she was my best friend.
“It was good. Busy, but good. The band is very popular but still not getting the offers we need, or they deserve. But in due time. And you?”
“It wasn’t terrible. This whole week will be busy, but I’ve been working on it for a while, so it’s fine.”
She found bowls in the cabinets and put rice in first, then poured the other concoction over it. She found a fork and pushed the bowl across to me. I took a bite, and it was savory and amazing.
“This is delicious. Where did you get it from?” I asked.
She looked offended as she whipped her head around. “I made this today. I did notbuythis.”
“I’m sorry. You said you were busy, so I assumed. It’s wonderful. I can’t believe you went through all that trouble.”What a way to ruin the vibe, Amy.
“Well, I enjoy cooking, and this is a cure-all.” She finished making her bowl and stood in the kitchen as she ate.
I finished the bowl, then retrieved two glasses from the cabinet and filled them with water. I put my bowl into the dishwasher and stood sipping my water as she finished eating. Once she was done, I grabbed her bowl and put it away. I put my hand out to her and led her to the sofa.
“Seriously, I can’t believe you cooked that for me. I really appreciate that,” I said as she got settled.
“I had a good time last night, and I think we both are nursing a hangover. How is your head?” she asked.
“Better. But today was rough, if I’m being honest. I’m glad you came, though.” I stared over into her nearly arctic blue eyes. She was grinning slightly as she ran her fingers through her own hair. “Do you have to be up early tomorrow?”
“That depends.”
“On what?” I asked.
“On where I sleep.” She stared back at me, still playing with her own hair. Did I want her to stay over again? Something in me didn’t want her to leave. I might not get to see her again until the weekend.But what was I doing?
“Well, if you don’t mind waking early, I wouldn’t mind you staying here.”Damn body, taking over again.
