Page 3 of Midnight
I have to keep busy because it seems like she's in there forever, when I know she isn't.I take the other clothes that she pulled out of her bag and put them into the washer.Until she brings out what she was wearing, I’ll wait to start it.
Then I go to the kitchen and get some food going.Not having any idea what she likes, I decide to warm up some soup that will help warm her up.Then I pull out the stuff to make a BLT sandwich.
Hesitantly, she steps into the kitchen with the clothes she took off in her hand and I take them from her.
"Sit down at the table and eat.I made some soup to warm you up and a sandwich that should help fill you up.Let me get these clothes going in the washer and then I'll join you," I tell her.
She nods sitting down at the table in front of the plate of food I made her.
When I join her, I bring my laptop.
"Let's order you some more clothes and some toiletries," I say, opening up my computer.
"Oh, you don't have to do that.What I have is just fine."She brushes it off.
"As long as you're staying here, you're going to let me take care of you and that means getting you a few things so that I know that you have what you need.If you won't tell me your sizes, I will go get them from the clothes that are in the washer."Looking at her, I try to keep my gaze soft.I don't want to scare her again.
Finally, she gives me her sizes and lets me pick out a few clothes.Even though she doesn't want much, I add a few other things that I see and liked as well.She doesn't have a preference for toiletries but she seems to like citrus scents, so I go that route.
I pay extra to have them overnighted and get them here as soon as possible.While I hate the idea that she doesn't have anything, but seeing her in my clothes any longer is more than I can take.
She looks too good and too tempting in my clothes.
Two more days, I remind myself.Just two more days.
Chapter 3
Harper
UntilNatesatfooddown in front of me, I didn't realize how hungry I was.I ate so fast that now my stomach hurts, but I can't find it in me to complain because this is the first time I have been full in over two weeks.
It was so far out of my comfort zone to let Nate buy clothes for me, but he insisted, and I know I don't have to take them with me when I go.Not that I want to.Actually, the longer that I'm here, the more I want to stay, and the more I feel safe for the first time in my life since my mother died.
"All right, let's get you settled in so that you can get some rest.I'm sure it's been a while since you've been able to sleep peacefully."He stands, offering me his hand.I hesitantly take it not expecting the feeling of my hand in his.
The tingles that race across my skin are something I've never felt before.I wonder if he feels them too.Probably not, it's likely me just being a silly girl like my father always says I am.
"Get some rest and we can talk some more tomorrow and get to know each other.This will be your room, but I will be in the room right next door if you need me.I will keep my door open, so do not hesitate if you need anything, okay?"He says in his voice is so soft and carrying.
It's like I would imagine a caretaker or guardian’s voice should be and it's definitely not what I'm used to.Not sure what to say, so I just nod.
"Since I have tomorrow off of work, we can get to know each other a little more.We’ll see how I can help you some," he says, stepping into the room.
Again, I nod and this time I get a good look at the room.Before I was too nervous and too focused on Nate that I saw nothing of the room.
"Wow, I've never had anything as nice as this room," I say looking around.
Though I probably took too long to take my shower because I was in awe of how nice his bathroom was.It was clean and everything looked brand new.Not only did it smell like him, but the hot water felt all too good.
I memorized the bath products so later I can go to the store and find them and have his scent around once I'm gone.For whatever reason, he's comforting and makes me feel safe.So, I'm hoping having his scent there will give me a bit of that when I leave.
The room is nothing extravagant.But it has fresh paint, some neutral off-white color.Light brown carpet that is so soft under my feet.There is a dresser and a bed, on an actual bed frame.I don't think I've had a bed frame in my whole life.It’s always only been a mattress on the floor.
I even have a closet, not that I have anything to hang in it.This is the nicest room I've ever been in, and I will only be here for a few days.When my gaze turns back to Nate, he's watching me, but his gaze says something else.He's studying me, but I'm not sure what he's thinking.
"What?"I ask, wondering if I said something wrong.
"I'm sorry this is the nicest room you've ever had.I feel bad it's not decorated.You deserve so much better," he sighs."All things that can be solved later.Get some sleep, sweetheart."
