When it came to Rune, Astra intended to go down that road regardless of her parents’ opinion. But she did worry that Rune would decide their shenanigans and little tests were too much and run for his life.
And that thought put a hard knot in her stomach.
Astra took a deep breath and blew it out. She couldn’t think about it right now. She’d only been seeing Rune for a short time, and they’d slept together once. Things might fizzle out within another month or two. Not for her, but for him.
She doubted it, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t a possibility. One she truly hoped would never come to pass because she would be broken-hearted if he dumped her.
Either way, worrying about it right now wouldn’t change the outcome.
She wouldn’t rush things. She wanted time to get to know him. There was something special about him and she wanted to enjoy it without having to deal with any potential drama from her family. Or her parents’ interference.
The last guy Sirena dated had been on the receiving end of a literal polygraph test from her dad. That was the last time any of them had seen him. He’d ghosted Sirena immediately after, which Astra completely understood.
Today, she would focus on the present, and she would leave tomorrow’s troubles for tomorrow.
* * *
It was after lunch when her phone rang, Rune’s number on the screen.
Astra couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face. Though her energy was beginning to lag, she was still looking forward to seeing him later.
“Hey,” she said as she answered the phone. “How’s your day going?”
“Good. I fell asleep at my desk for a couple hours after you left, but I was really productive after that.”
She laughed. “That’s good. So, you’re not calling to cancel tonight?”
“Oh, hell no.”
Astra laughed again. “Okay, was there another reason you called?”
“Maybe I just wanted to hear your voice.”
“That’s really sweet, but I don’t think I believe you.”
He sighed. “You see right through me. I was calling to see if you were allergic to anything or if you don’t like certain foods. I just realized that I need to know this if I’m going to cook for you.”
“I’m not allergic to anything but I hate water chestnuts, sardines, and asparagus.” When he didn’t respond, she asked, “Are you still there?”
“Yep. Just writing this down so I don’t forget. Though I don’t usually eat the first two, asparagus does occasionally make its way into my plate.”
“You’re welcome to make it whenever you want as long as your feelings aren’t hurt if I don’t eat it.”
“Good to know.”
“What are you making me for dinner tonight?” she asked.
“Well, my plans for sardines with water chestnut sauce and steamed asparagus are out so I guess I’ll have to improvise.”
She couldn’t quite stifle her laugh, but she tried. The man made her crack up more than she had in years. Astra couldn’t remember the last time she enjoyed someone’s company this much. She loved her family, but they got annoying after a while.
“Be serious.”
He sighed heavily. “I was, but now I guess I’ll have to ply you with linguine carbonara, salad, garlic bread, and cannoli for dessert.”
“You’regoing to make all that?”
“You sound shocked.”
