I awoketo the sound of the shower running the next morning. As someone that lived alone, I was confused at first. Then the night before came back to me, and I found myself sitting up in bed with a goofy smile on my face.
I stretched, mildly enjoying the slight soreness between my legs. It was evidence of the mind-blowing sex I’d enjoyed the night before.
I got out of bed, pulling on my robe as I went. The idea of joining Blade in the shower was appealing, but I decided against it. I needed to pee, and we weren’t at a point in our relationship that I was comfortable doing so in the same room as him, even if he was enclosed in the shower stall. So, I went down the hall to the bathroom attached to the master suite, formerly my mom’s. After relieving myself, I looked in the mirror while washing my hands and cringed. I didn’t usually wear much make-up, but I’d dolled myself up a bit yesterday for the date. Now I looked like a raccoon where the eyeliner and mascara had smeared while I slept.
Yikes.
I took my time cleaning off every trace of make-up, splashing cold water on my face and enjoying the refreshing feeling. By the time I was done in there, the shower was off in my bathroom. I headed to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee.
When Blade walked into the room with just a towel around his waist, I felt my mouth go dry. I had gotten an idea of how well-built he was last night when we were in bed, but it was different to see his bare chest and abs in the light of day. Sinewy muscle covered his upper body, and the deep grooves of his six-pack were drool-worthy.
There were also dozens of tattoos. There were black tribal style tattoos banded around each of his biceps, a skull, a motorcycle, and a word written in another language. That was just what I could see on the front of his body.
My fingers itched with the urge to trace the lines of ink, to explore closer and discover what was hidden under, but I figured that would lead to more sex, and we should probably have breakfast first. Blade came to my side and pressed a chaste kiss against my cheek.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said. Stepping around me, he went for the coffee, and I was struck by how domestic it all was. When was the last time I’d had a man stay the night?
I couldn’t even remember.
But this felt natural in a way that was unnerving. I liked Blade, and he was hotter than a lightning strike in bed, but I didn’t expect to feel this comfortable with him in my space so quickly. It sort of freaked me out.
“Got any cereal?” he asked, sipping his black coffee.
At least he didn’t expect me to cook him breakfast. I wasn’t exactly a Susie Homemaker.
“In the cabinet behind you,” I said, pointing.
When he turned to open the cabinet, I caught sight of a tattoo on his shoulder that was an unmistakable memorial. There were two hands reaching for a white dove that was just out of reach. Underneath it, the wordsuntil we meet againwere scrawled as well as the name and date. The date was twelve years ago, probably from when Blade was a teenager. I wanted to ask him who Mark was, but when he turned around, I noticed how relaxed he was. He seemed happy in this moment, and I didn’t want to bring up a subject that was undoubtedly painful.
I decided to stop being stupid about my feelings for him, though. I liked the guy, and I just wasn’t used to that.
We sat at my kitchen island together, each with a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch in front of us. Not exactly the healthiest breakfast in the world, but it got the job done.
“Do you live here alone?” he asked, and I knew it was silly to be surprised by the question. The house was really too big for one person, so it made sense that he’d want to know. Still, I didn’t like to talk about it.
“Yeah. My mom used to live here too, but she…uh, she doesn’t anymore.” I didn’t say she was dead and gone forever, but Blade must have read the expression on my face because he reached out and took my hand in his.
“How long ago did it happen?”
I swallowed hard. Damn it. I hadn’t intended to have a heavy conversation over breakfast.
“A little more than six months ago.”
“I’m sorry.” He gave my fingers a squeeze, and I allowed myself to have one moment where I accepted the comfort he was providing. Then, I pulled my hand away.
“I better get in the shower,” I explained, but that wasn’t the whole truth.
I was afraid to talk too much about it, scared of the reality of the situation becoming unavoidable. I wasn’t having the easiest time accepting it, even though I knew full well that she was gone. It was just easier on my heart to avoid the topic.
“That’s okay. I have to go change my oil in the bike today and meet up with some friends later.” He stood, rinsing his bowl in the sink. “I’ll get dressed.”
He walked to my bedroom while I stayed at the kitchen island, but after a moment, I got up and followed him. He’d already put his jeans on and was pulling his shirt over his head when I walked in.
“I miss her,” I blurted. Blade paused, looking at me in confusion. I clarified, “My mom. I miss her every day. Haven’t even been able to clean out her room yet.”
Blade closed the distance between us until we were close enough to touch. “You don’t have to talk about it. I get it. Trust me.”
Leaning forward, I rested my cheek against his chest, and he wrapped his arms around me. Neither of us spoke for a moment.
