Page 31 of Saving Me
“You’re not going to take a bite until I eat with you, are you?” She raises her eyebrow at me.
“Nope,” I grin, crossing my arms across my chest.
“Fine,” she sighs. “I’m done for the night anyway. I don’t have a lot of things that need packing.”
She props me up in a tiny kitchen that has seen better days. Some of the paint from the cabinets is peeling, and I notice the countertops are chipped and yellowed from age. I’m hit with sadness as I watch her get her food ready. She deserves so much more in life than what she’s been given.
I plaster on a smile for her, trying not to let the sadness show, as she sits cross-legged on a worn-out couch with a bowl in her hand.
“You can eat now,” she says, gesturing toward my food and taking a bite.
Satisfied that she’s eating, I take my first bite and moan as the flavors hit my tongue.
“So you like it?” I see the excitement in her eyes that I notice she gets whenever someone enjoys one of her dishes.
“Don’t tell my mom, but you just put her chicken pot pie to shame.” I take another bite and savor the taste. She blushes at my compliment, and it goes straight into my heart.
“Your secret is safe with me,” she giggles. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Like is an understatement. It’s the best damn pot pie I’ve ever tasted.”
“Thank you,” she beams and eats another spoonful. “So, is there anything I should be aware of that you don’t like the taste of? I want to meal plan tomorrow and need to know.”
“I’m pretty sure I’ve made it quite known that I already love the taste of anything that involves you or your cooking,” I hide my grin when her face turns beet red, as I knew it would. She remembers me tasting her earlier, and it’s nice to see that it still affects her.
“There’s got to be something. Everyone has that one thing they can’t stand.”
“Cottage cheese,” I say without any doubt. “Just the thought of that lumpy wet cheese…” I shudder, causing her to laugh.
“You can actually make a lot of things with cottage cheese, and you won’t even notice it’s in there.”
“I doubt that.” I finish my last bite and push my bowl away. “What’s yours?”
“Peeps. It should be illegal to do that to a marshmallow.” She sets her empty dish on the cushion beside her.
“Peeps?” I chuckle. “I’m actually with you on that one. They are disgusting, and in second grade, I made the mistake of swapping my fruit snacks for a peep out of curiosity. Worst mistake of my life.”
“If that was the worst mistake you’ve ever made,” she laughs, “then you’re winning in life.”
“I feel like I’m winning pretty big right now. I just had dinner with the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid eyes on,” I say softly. I hold her gaze, but she nervously breaks away too soon and heads back to the kitchen to wash her dish.
I do the same before turning off the lights and walking with my phone to my bedroom. I’m not ready to let her go, so I prop her up on my bathroom vanity and turn on the shower.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
LYLA
“What are you doing?” I grip the phone in my hand as I watch him turn on the shower. Surely, he won’t shower while I’m on the phone with him.
“I’m going to take a quick shower before bed.” He removes his shoes before lifting his shirt over his head. I stare at his broad chest, unable to look away. He’s even more beautiful than I remember as I trace the black ink with my eyes. His hands move to the buckle of his pants, and my eyes widen.
“I should let you go so you can have your privacy,” I stutter in disbelief as his zipper lowers.
“I’m not ready to say goodbye yet, so I thought I would keep you on the line. I don’t need the privacy, but if you feel uncomfortable, I can turn the phone.” His lips turn up in a smirk, almost as if he’s daring me to keep watching.
Curiosity could very well be my downfall as I meet the dare head-on and shake my head. “I’m good. Do what you need to do. I’ll wash my face and get ready for bed, too.” I enter the bathroom and prop him up on the sink.
“Perfect,” he grins, stepping out of his pants, leaving him in a pair of black boxer briefs.
