“I take a medication called Wellbutrin; it doesn't pair well with caffeine. If I have more than a small cup of coffee, I can’t sit still and become the Energizer Bunnyfrom those old commercials, where I keep going and going.”
I blew out a breathy laugh. “So, no espresso for you. Noted.” She left the kitchen and roamed around the house. “Taking a self-guided tour?” I joked.
“I’m browsing. Why don’t you have any pictures on the walls?” She turned toward me, giving me a concerned expression.
“I haven’t gotten around to it.” I ran my fingers through my hair. The truth was, I hadn’t put any pictures up because I wasn't close to anyone anymore. I had a chest full of pictures; I hadn’t dared go through them all in years.
She made it over to my bookshelf. “You weren’t joking about reading romantic fantasy, were you?” She smirked.
I stood next to her. “I wasn’t. I love action, fight scenes, and war, but the love story as the world is falling apart around them is always so hopeful.”
“Do you have a favorite?” There was no judgment in her tone. I was a man who enjoyed a good romance, and I wasn't afraid to say it—especially to her.
We both sat on the love seat next to the bookshelf. “I don’t think I have an all-time favorite, give me dragons and love, and I’ll be having the best time.” I laughed at myself, and she joined me.
She scooted closer to me on the couch, our legs brushing against one another. “Have you read a fairytale retelling? It’s my new genre obsession,” she said enthusiastically.
My cheeks hurt from smiling with her. I should have been exhausted from being away from home and traveling all morning with little to no sleep.
“I thought of another date idea.” She cocked her head to the side, questioning. “It might sound cliche, but we go to a bookstore and pick out a book for each other to read—or we pick the same book to read together—and spend the rest of the night reading.”
Her smile grew the more I explained. “What a great idea,” she said. “Sounds perfect. Let’s plan it now.”
I put my arm around the back of the couch behind her. “I have another plan for date three already, but we’ll be sure to do it for date four.”
She settled into me. “Date four sounds like a good time todo it.”She emphasizeddo itin such a sensual way.
I pressed my tongue into my cheek, avoiding her gaze. She giggled. “What’s so funny?”
“Your face turned as red as a lobster.” She lightly pinched my cheek. “I hope it wasn't because of something I said…” She looked away, but her shoulders shook with laughter.
“We’re taking it slow, right?” I asked with lifted brows. She held the reins on the speed of our intimacy because if she asked me to kiss her, I wouldn’t even hesitate.
“Right,” she said, inching slightly away from me. “Should we put on a movie?” She looked back at me. “Cuddling on the couch watching a movie is moving slow, right?”
“Absolutely,” I said, wrapping my arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to me. I grabbed the remote from the side table. “What should we watch?”
“Something with dragons and love,” she said with a wink.
“I know the perfect movie.” I put onHow to Train Your Dragon.It was one of my favorite movies. I hoped she didn't think it was childish.
“I love this movie,” she said, molding herself to the side of my body and resting a hand on my chest. I brought my hand to her back and turned on the movie. I was content for the first time in a long time. I caught myself staring down at her because she had become the calm to my storm. We watched the movie wrapped up in each other.
“Can I tell you something?” I asked as the movie came to an end.
“Always,” she said, sitting up to look me in the eyes.
“I’m glad we’re taking it slow and really getting to know each other, but I can’t imagine spending time with anyone else as long as we’re doing this.” I stared right into her eyes to show my sincerity. “I wouldn’t be thrilled by the idea of you seeing anyone else, but I don’t want to pressure you.”
“I don’t want to see anyone else either.” She gave me such a genuine grin.I couldn’t wait to kiss those lips.“I should be getting home, though. Would you mind walking me to my car?” She unraveled from my embrace, gathering her things.
“Serenity, I will always walk you to your car and even watch you drive away until you’re out of sight. Then I’ll be waiting for your text that you made it home safely.” Her safety became one of my top priorities.
“You’re something special, Grant.” We walked together toward the door, and Gio happened to walk in.
“You’re back,” he exclaimed. “Who do we have here?” His attention turned to Serenity.
“This is Serenity. And Serenity, this is my roommate, Gio.” They extended a hand to each other.
