Page 63 of A Not So Merry Rescue
Perhaps I’m still on a roller coaster, this one being my life. There sure have been a lot of peaks and valleys, ups and downs, some spirals and twists thrown in for good measure. Life has been a lot, especially these last two years. Being here with Beckett is giving me some semblance of reality back, even if this week doesn’t resemble real life in the slightest. Not even a little.
While he showers, I clean the kitchen. Like it’s my job.
Wiping down the table and counters.
Washing the dishes and loading the dishwasher.
Mopping the floor.
I make it shine. Because if I can do one nice thing in exchange for all the things Beckett’s done for me, I’m doing it.
Beckett emerges from his room with wet hair, sweats, and bare feet. His eyes scan the kitchen, his teeth whistling in appreciation.
“Damn, Bundy. How long was I in the shower?”
“Long enough for me to do this.” I hold my arm out, twirling around to show off my progress.
The timer buzzes, signaling the cake is ready. It smells delicious, and my mouth waters. Beckett made it clear it would have to cool, but he confirmed it’s worth the wait. He hasn’t led me astray yet, especially with food, so I’m trusting him.
Damn, how much I trust this man.
A puzzled look breaches his face. “What?”
“I’ll be sad when I have to leave.”Oops.So not the words Imeant to say. I slap my hand over my mouth. “Goodness, I don’t mean that.”
“So you won’t be sad to leave?” A smirk claims his mouth, the action jarring to my libido and every other part of me that wants more of him.
“I will be. I wasn’t supposed to say those words out loud. Internal thoughts should stay inside.” Now I’m babbling.
“I disagree. Tell me more of these internal thoughts.” Bending down, his sweatpants showcase the ass hidden beneath. With oven mitts on each hand, he carefully removes the cake from the oven, setting it on top of the stove. “Did you decide on a movie?”
“I want your thoughts on another Hallmark one. I don’t care which one. Non-seasonal, of course.” Something makes me add the qualifier, even though I don’t think he’d do that to me.
“Got it. I have just the one.”
“Why am I not surprised?”
“Hot cocoa or spiked coffee?”
As if that’s even a question. “Spiked coffee, duh.” I don’t let my eyes roll.
“Pull up the Hallmark app. I’ll make the drinks. Once the cake cools a bit, I’ll cut pieces.”
His proposition is so natural, so Beckett. How he’s such a great host when he doesn’t entertain people is beyond me. I’m not knocking it. It’s been one of the best parts of this unexpected detour.
The other is the sex.
I tamp down those thoughts immediately. I’m not opposed to more sex, but not tonight. After last night’s marathon and today’s breakdown, my body needs a rest.
However, I sure wish it didn’t. No matter how sad I’ll be, my time here will end. Everything with Beckett will be boxed up and become a memory.
Surely one of the best.
18
beckett
As the credits roll,my eyes train to the beauty beside me. She put up a good fight, but sleep claimed her about twenty minutes ago, which is a lot later than I thought it would. I figured she’d conk out as soon as it started.
