She’s silent for way too long before she finally says, “Oh.”
“I’m sorry.”
She reaches down and pulls up her pants. “I just finished my period. I’m sure it’s okay.”
“If not….”If not, I’ll be there for you.Except I don’t say it.
“No worries.” She shrugs. Turning to face me, she smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I guess you like meatloaf.” Then she giggles and I’m able to breathe again. “I’ll have to remember that.”
Bending down, I kiss her softly. “I’m not going anywhere.” I hope she understands what I mean.
“Okay.”
I’m going to take that as a good sign.
“Dinner will be ready in a few minutes if you need to, um….” She looks down at me. I’m still naked from the waist down.
“I’ll go clean up and change.” I reach down and pull up my pants and boxer briefs. “Back in five.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Daisy
I’m not on birth control. Why would I be? I mean, before Gage Golden knocked on my door, I practically hid from the world. Hell, the night he discovered her… Kara, I barely opened my door.
Now all I want to do is beout. I want to be with people, to see the world, to experience all the things I’ve missed out on. I’m not sure a baby would fit into this revised worldview, but like I told him, my period ended less than a week ago. I’m sure I’m okay.
Even if I’m not, I could live this life. You know, the one where I do my thing all day while he’s at work. Sometimes I could make him dinner, sometimes he would cook, but every day we’d do what we did in the kitchen just now. Because wow-wow-wow, that was sexy and hot and it felt so good. No way can my toys replicate that. Not in a million years. No, Gage and me, we’re in sync when it comes to sex.Veryin sync.
It’s too bad it won’t last. Nothing this good ever does. To be honest, I was surprised he came home and did what he did. I figured he’d go to the station, tell his boss what was going on here, and be forced to choose between me and his job. But I guess he was right. Everything was okay there.
Shaking off my negative thoughts, I smile as Gage eats a third portion of, well, everything. “You like it?” I want to laugh at my question because it’s obvious he does. He’s barely spoken since he took his first bite.
“Mmhmm,” he says, nodding. Shoveling a scoop of potatoes in his mouth, he closes his eyes and nods again. “Good.”
Oh, he said a word. I giggle to myself because it feels wonderful to do something for another person—one who appreciates the gesture.
I didn’t set out today to be Betty Crocker for Gage. No, I left right after he did and hopped on the bus en route to a phone store to replace the one I left on CyRide. This time, the phone’s inmyname, and I’m the only one who has access to it. I made sure to choose a different service provider, just in case.
After that, I walked to my favorite thrift store to shop for more clothing. The things I bought yesterday are fine, but I needed more since the weather is turning colder. I found several sweaters, a wool skirt, and a pair of retro-looking shoes, then moved on to another large chain store to buy more underwear and a black bra and some tights. As I passed the grocery section of the store, I decided I would cook Gage a good meal. It was the least I could do, you know other than sleep with him, since he was letting me stay at his place. But I didn’t sleep with him forhim. That was all for me.
Making meatloaf and mashed potatoes was a no-brainer—it was my mom’s favorite meal, and because she loved it, so did I. My attempt at homemade bread was all my idea, though. I didn’t ever recall her making bread, but how hard could it be, right?
It turns out it’s harder than it looks. Not even YouTube videos helped me.
Reaching out, I pick up my slice of bread with butter slathered on top and bite. “Mm,” I say aloud. “That’s not bad.”
“Good,” Gage grunts again, and I laugh.
“What?” he asks with his mouth full.
“Nothing.” I smile. “I’m glad you like it.”
I watch him swallow his bite. After drinking a sip of water, he smiles at me. “I do. It’s the best meal I’ve ever eaten.”
For some reason, his words make me blush.
“I’m happy to hear that.”
