Page 71 of Fair Play
“Oh, it’s beautiful in here,” she breathes as she leaves the kitchen and takes in the scenario I set up for us tonight. “Is this all for me?”
“Of course not. I invited my mom and the girls over.” I deadpan, waiting for her reaction.
She arches her brows and grimaces. “Then I’m taking a shower and going to bed. I am way too tired forthatnonsense tonight.”
We both laugh. “Yeah, like that’s ever going to happen.”
She spies the bouquet of wildflowers on the table and walks in that direction. “Did you buy me flowers?”
“I did. I realized I don’t know what kind you like, so I opted for a variety.”
“Tulips are my favorite,” she says, running a finger along the petals of one of the flowers. “But these are gorgeous. Thank you. You didn’t have to do all of…this.” She motions to the candles.
“I wanted to. You’re working hard right now and I’m basically not doing anything.” I walk up behind her and wrapmy arms around her, resting my head on hers. “Besides, you’re always cooking for me, washing the sheets after we make a mess…”
“The sheet-washing is purely hygiene-related,” she says, leaning into me. “But I like cooking for you. I like to cook, period. So even if you weren’t here I’d cook for Bodi and me. Or just for myself because I also like to eat.”
“Same.” I stroke my hand down her arm. “Food or a glass of wine or did you truly want to shower first?”
She hesitates. “This looks and smells amazing, but could I shower first?”
“Absolutely. Go.” I motion toward the stairs.
She disappears and I start bringing the food out of the kitchen. I ordered from an Italian place I know she likes. They sent garlic knots that smell like heaven, so I stick them in the oven to re-warm them and the timer has just gone off when she comes back downstairs.
I’m momentarily breathless as I take in the sight she makes in a short, silky pink robe, tied around her waist, her damp hair falling around her shoulders. Even with bare feet and no makeup, she is truly the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
And this smart, gorgeous, hard-working creature wantsme?
Is she blind?
I don’t fucking get it.
I have nothing to offer her.
No money to speak of, no future, no nothing.
Yet she came home to me tonight like there was nowhere she would rather be.
Fuck, if that doesn’t make my dick hard.
Dinner first, horn dog.
“Sit down,” I say.
“What smells so good?”
“I warmed up the garlic knots,” I say.
“They smell amazing.” She plucks one from the foil tray they came in and pops it in her mouth. “Oh, man…these are so good.”
“I wasn’t sure what you liked so I got three different meals. We can share some of each or freeze one for another day or whatever.”
Her eyes meet mine in the dim light, and I swear she’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Her pleasure is almost palpable, the way she looks at me with a gaze filled with desire. Heat. But also simple joy.
Has no one ever spoiled her before?
“This is so…wonderful,” she whispers. “You didn’t have to do all this.”
