Page 49 of Out of Sight

She nodded. “Thank you. I get the feeling I am about to be cold.”

He chuckled as they parted and cool air rushed between them.

There was a knock on the door, and a t-shirt appeared on his torso as he walked toward it. Lucia took a seat at the table, got a bowl of soup set to her taste, and ate slowly. The soup was good, and the sandwich was better. She had eaten the first quarter when he returned with a bag, opened it, and started snapping tags off the dark blue clothing inside. Everything was dark blue, from the suit to the fluffy socks and shoes.

“I will wash it quickly, and it will be fine to wear when we finish our snack.”

She nibbled the cheesy bread as the fabric items bundled together, wrapped in blue light, and the washing machine action occurred four feet in the air.

“Yorwell, can you show me how to do that?”

“Lucia, I will show you how to do anything you ask.”

She blushed and looked at the laundry that was now going through a rinse cycle. “Let’s start with laundry.”

He grinned, and they sat and ate while her clothing went through a tumble dry next to the table.

“So, you wear clothes to answer the door?”

He grinned. “Yes.”

“Good to know.”

She finished the last bite and analyzed how she felt. She felt sated but not full. “I think food is okay.”

He smiled. “Good. Your clothes are ready. Can you find the shower?”

She blushed. “Yes. Can I use your products?”

“Of course. When we head home from your appointment, we will stop to get you health and beauty items.”

Lucia frowned. “I don’t know if I will be up for shopping.”

“Then, we will order it online, watch a comedy, and cuddle on the couch.”

She exhaled. “I do love a backup plan.”

Yorwell smiled. “So do I. If you like, you can make a list, and I will go shopping during your appointment. No worries about me waiting in the waiting room. I will only be five minutes away.”

Lucia swallowed and collected her folded clothing. “Thank you for lunch. I will see you in ten minutes.”

She walked out of the kitchen and headed for the stairs. She knew his property well. She had spent time here when she was lonely, even if he wasn’t home. It always felt like she belonged here. Lucia wasn’t sure that she should tell him because she was pretty sure he already knew.

The shower felt like heaven, and the clothes were soft and comforting. She felt like she was wearing a stuffed animal. It was a warm layer between her and the world. She liked the feeling.

When she was downstairs with her hair in a thick braid, she held up her phone. “Is it time to go?”

Yorwell smiled and finished tucking in his blue button-down shirt. “It is. Are you feeling comfortable?”

“I am. Thank you.”

He smiled. “Do you mind riding in a truck?”

“No. That’s fine. I like trucks.”

He grinned and handed her a small object. “This is the key to the house so you always have somewhere to go. You have a home.”

She looked at the key and squeaked her thanks. He put his arm around her and kissed her forehead.