"This arrangement is good for both of us."I'd gotten my friend back, and we enjoyed each other's company.I probably shouldn't have referred to it as an arrangement, but I couldn't come up with another word for it.
I turned on a comedy while Natasha stretched out her legs.I lifted her feet into my lap, giving me more room.About thirty minutes into the movie, I asked, "You want popcorn?"
Natasha moved her feet out of my lap."Of course."
I got up and went to the kitchen, pulling a machine out of my lower cabinet.
Natasha joined me in the kitchen."You have a popcorn popper?"
"I love freshly popped kernels, not that stuff that you put in the microwave."
I added kernels and oil.While we waited for it to pop, I asked over the noise, "You want butter or seasoning?"
"What do you have?"
I pulled out the flavorings and lined them up on the counter.
"Nacho cheese looks good."
I put the rest of the bottles in the cabinet, then grabbed a white ceramic bowl with the word Popcorn written on the side.
"You have quite the set up," Natasha observed.
"I love the movie-watching experience, and I can't always get to a movie theater."I added the seasoning and handed Natasha the bowl.
We settled on the couch, this time sitting next to each other, sharing the popcorn.I refilled the wine glasses, wondering if Natasha had drunk too much to drive home tonight.I wouldn't mind if she stayed.
I wanted more of what happened last night.I didn't think I'd ever get enough of grown-up Natasha.
When the popcorn was gone and the credits were rolling on the screen, I picked up the dropped kernels."I need a dog."
Natasha curled her legs underneath her."Have you always wanted one?"
"The house is quiet with just me, and he'd eat the crumbs I drop."
Natasha grabbed our empty glasses and carried them into the kitchen, setting them next to the sink."I can see you with a dog.A lab or a golden retriever."
"You should come with me to a shelter to pick one out," I said before I could think that one through.It sounded domestic, like something a girlfriend would do with her boyfriend.I didn't think she was ready for that.
"You're getting one soon?"Natasha leaned against the counter.
"I think I should."
"I'd love to go."Our social calendar was filling up, and I didn't feel stressed about it.I was looking forward to more time together.
I finished cleaning up the kernels, folding the blankets before I turned off the lights.I headed toward the stairs before remembering we hadn't discussed where she was staying tonight."You should stay."
Her lips quirked."I was hoping you'd say that."
I smiled, leading the way upstairs to my room."The bathroom is the second door on the right.Sorry I don't have an en suite at the moment."
"But your bathroom will be amazing when it's done," she said as she left the room.
I changed into a T-shirt and sweats, grabbing my paperback off the nightstand.I looked at the pages, not really seeing the words.
My fingers trembled as I turned a page, pretending to read.I wasn't sure what I was doing with Natasha or how much longer I'd survive this arrangement.I was the one who set the parameters, but I didn't feel in control anymore.
When Natasha returned, her gaze fixed on me.
